Introduction to Air-Pollution Monitoring in Chicago
The city of Chicago has taken a significant step towards monitoring air pollution in its neighborhoods by completing the installation of 277 pollution sensors. These sensors will provide residents with detailed information about the air quality in their areas, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health and environment. The data collected from these sensors will be made publicly available early next year.
The Extent of the Monitoring Effort
The devices are strategically located throughout the city, with all 50 wards having at least one sensor. This effort is believed to be the largest of its kind in the U.S., prioritizing the concerns of residents who live in the most polluted areas of the city, including West Side and South Side communities. Past air-quality assessments have shown that areas with a lot of industry or heavy traffic are more polluted and have greater health risks than other parts of the city.
Types of Pollution Being Monitored
The devices, located on light poles, will measure levels of fine particle pollution, known as PM 2.5, as well as nitrogen dioxide, which is a gas that forms from the burning of fuel, such as diesel. Both types of pollution have a severe effect on respiratory systems and can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma, lung disease, and similar conditions, even leading to premature deaths. Analyzing the local conditions can help inform policies around health protections.
The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
According to Charlie Catlett, senior computer scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, "You can’t make decisions without data, and air quality is something that varies block to block." Catlett worked on Chicago’s first large-scale system of sophisticated air sensors over a decade ago. The sensors that the city recently installed are far more advanced than those used under that program.
Partnership and Implementation
For this latest effort, the city partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago to purchase the sensors and launch the monitoring effort. This is the first time that the city has taken the lead on the pollution monitoring. The new plan marks the third time that a pollution-monitoring network has been installed in Chicago.
Previous Efforts and Challenges
Following Array of Things, Microsoft installed more than 100 sensors on bus shelters, though that network left large areas of the city unmonitored. The placement on bus shelters raised questions about the accuracy of the air readings. The company ended its project after less than two years, saying it would invest in other programs. Chicago Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo Ige promised City Council members earlier this year that the sensors would be up and running before the end of summer.
Commitment to Community Health
"Installing air sensors across our city is imperative in assessing what risks there are and protecting our community members," Ige said in a statement. Until now, the Los Angeles school district had the largest network of air monitors in the country with more than 200. An air-pollution sensor network in London is the biggest in the world with more than 400.
Conclusion
The installation of 277 pollution sensors across Chicago marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing air pollution in the city’s neighborhoods. By making the collected data publicly available, the city aims to empower residents with the information they need to advocate for their health and environment. This effort demonstrates the city’s commitment to using data-driven approaches to inform policies and protect community health.
FAQs
- Q: How many pollution sensors has the city of Chicago installed?
A: The city has installed 277 pollution sensors. - Q: Where are the sensors located?
A: The sensors are located throughout the city, with all 50 wards having at least one sensor. - Q: What types of pollution do the sensors measure?
A: The sensors measure levels of fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) and nitrogen dioxide. - Q: Why is monitoring air pollution important?
A: Monitoring air pollution is important because it allows for the assessment of health risks and the implementation of policies to protect community health. - Q: When will the data collected from the sensors be made publicly available?
A: The data will be made publicly available early next year.
