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Integrating satellite and sensor measurements to understand urban air quality: case study of PM2.5 in Asunción, Paraguay
Citation:
Baldauf, R., L. Prox, J. Kerekes, Y. Zhou, G. Pallarolas, AND M. Lang. Integrating satellite and sensor measurements to understand urban air quality: case study of PM2.5 in Asunción, Paraguay. EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, , NA, (2023).
Impact/Purpose:
Air pollution is a major public health concern, yet many countries and regions have no air pollution measurement capabilities. Methods exist to aid these locations in estimating PM2.5 concentrations and exposures. This paper describes the use of satellite and sensor measurements to estimate PM2.5 exposures, with a case study in Asuncion, Paraguay. This information is useful to governments, NGOs and the public in understanding their air pollution levels and public health impacts
Description:
Air pollution can be a major public health concern in many cities throughout the world, especially elevated concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Exposure to PM2.5 can increase risks for numerous adverse health effects including lung cancer, lower-respiratory infections, ischemic heart disease, adverse birth outcomes, and premature mortality [1,2]. Because of the health consequences from exposures to PM2.5, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that annual-average PM2.5 levels not exceed 5 μg/m3 and 24-hour averages not exceed 15 μg/m3 [3,4]. However, quantifying PM2.5 exposures and public health concerns can be challenging when a region lacks air quality monitoring, a common situation throughout the world. This article describes a collaborative approach to obtaining PM2.5 concentration estimates when no previous data exists, using a case study for Asunción, Paraguay.
