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A Brief Overview of Lessons Learned from Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs
Citation:
Clements, A., R. Duvall, R. Smoak, O. Ryder, S. Brown, S. Batka, R. Freed, AND I. Young. A Brief Overview of Lessons Learned from Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs. National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, August 22 - 25, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
With growing interest and awareness of air quality issues, there is a corresponding interest from the public in using sensors to make local measurements and to explore air pollution sources within their communities. To expand access and promote educational use of air sensors, a set of pilot air sensor loan programs were launched through partnerships between EPA’s Office of Research and Development, EPA Regional Offices, and several local partners. This presentation, made at the 2022 National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference will summarize some of the project outcomes, best practice suggestions, and resources developed to aid organizations interested in launching similar programs.
Description:
Air sensors make invisible air pollution visible. Sensors are often small, portable, and easy to use with digital displays, data visualizations, and/or crowdsourced maps. With growing interest and awareness of air quality issues, there is a corresponding interest from the public in using sensors to make local measurements and to explore air pollution sources within their communities. Many air sensors are referred to as “low-cost,” but they remain inaccessible to numerous potential users. Sensor loan programs provide an opportunity to increase access while also promoting education. This talk will discuss a set of pilot air sensor loan programs that were launched through partnerships between EPA’s Office of Research and Development, EPA Regional Offices, and several local partners. Recent efforts have summarized some of the project outcomes and best practice suggestions for gathering project teams, managing equipment loans, engaging partners, and offering appropriate hands-on activities and tutorials to promote use of the air sensors. Lastly, the presentation will highlight resources available to others interested in starting similar programs.