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2021 AirNow Sensor Data Pilot: Updates from ORD
Citation:
Johnson, K., A. Clements, AND A. Holder. 2021 AirNow Sensor Data Pilot: Updates from ORD. U.S. EPA: AirNow Fire & Smoke Map Status Webinar, NA, Virtual, April 28, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
Interest and concern about air quality has grown in recent years especially during wildfires. Simultaneously, growth in the popularity and use of air sensors across the US has also occurred. However, with so many sources of sensor and governmental data it can be challenging for users to interpret. In this presentation we will share ORDs upcoming update to the 2021 AirNow Fire and Smoke map, the correction for higher concentration data. It seeks to keep partner air monitoring agencies up to date. This abstract is part of a larger presentation in collaboration with OAQPS and the USFS to partner state, local and tribal air monitoring agencies on April 28th.
Description:
In 2020 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) jointly developed a pilot project that significantly revamped the Fire and Smoke Map available through the EPA’s AirNow website. A nationwide correction was developed by ORD so that sensors could be shown alongside conventional air monitors. During summer of 2020 concentrations experienced on the west coast exceeded those used to develop a nationwide correction of PurpleAir sensors. Sensors significantly underestimated concentrations ~>250 ug/m3 leading to the need for an improved correction. This presentation overviews the need for this new correction and the methods that are being used to develop it.