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Resolving air quality data gaps – are sensors the solution?
Citation:
Hagler, G. Resolving air quality data gaps – are sensors the solution? GE Symposium - Sensing Systems: Intelligence & Awareness, Niskayuna, New York, September 05, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
This is an invited presentation at a GE Global Research symposium on sensor technology. The presentation will provide some general background on air quality issues and then walk through the evolution of air sensor technology. The talk also raises up a number of emerging questions for discussion about this changing landscape of who, how, where, and when air pollution is measured now and in the future.
Description:
Over the past five years, a dramatic shift has taken place in how air pollution is measured, understood, and communicated. Until recently, air pollution was measured in fairly few places and conducted by highly trained specialists, with data reported to government databases. In the United States, a mid-sized city may have a handful of reference-level monitoring stations operated by state or local agencies. In many low and middle income countries (LMICs), reference-level air monitoring continues to be absent altogether. The introduction of low cost air sensor technology has stimulated worldwide interest and enthusiasm to fill air quality data gaps and provide much more granular information about air quality. This technology is undergoing rapid development and application worldwide, with participation from government institutions, nonprofits, universities, communities, and the private sector. However, many important issues need to be addressed, including – understanding and resolving data quality issues with low cost sensors, developing successful strategies to use these technologies, and ultimately, determining how these technologies can support improvements in public health. This presentation will provide an overview of EPA activities and perspectives related to air sensor technology, as well as pose some thought-provoking questions for discussion.