A Citizen Science and Government Collaboration: Developing Tools to Facilitate Community Air Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Air Quality Monitoring

Background:

• Citizen science initiatives are crucial for community engagement in environmental monitoring.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports community-led air pollution monitoring efforts.
• Existing resources for citizen air quality monitoring require evaluation and improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test the "Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists" in collaboration with community partners.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost air sensor technology for citizen-led air pollution measurement.
• To create a replicable template for communities to establish their own air pollution monitoring programs.

Main Methods:

• A Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) project involving EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) and EPA Region 2.
• Collaboration with the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) in Newark, New Jersey.
• Utilizing a customized, low-cost sensor pod designed and fabricated by the EPA for measuring gaseous and particulate air pollution.

Main Results:

• Successful deployment and testing of the Air Sensor Toolbox in a real-world community setting.
• Citizen scientists effectively measured local air pollution levels using EPA-provided sensors.
• Valuable data and lessons learned for improving EPA's community outreach and technical support.

Conclusions:

• The Air Sensor Toolbox serves as an effective template for community-driven air pollution monitoring.
• Direct collaboration between government agencies and community organizations enhances environmental protection efforts.
• Improved coordination and appropriate tools are essential for successful citizen science projects addressing environmental concerns.