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McCarron A, Semple S, Braban CF, Swanson V, Gillespie C, Price HD. Public engagement with air quality data: using health behaviour change theory to support exposure-minimising behaviours. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:321-331. [PMID: 35764891 PMCID: PMC10234807 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution prematurely kills 7 million people globally every year. Policy measures designed to reduce emissions of pollutants, improve ambient air and consequently reduce health impacts, can be effective, but are generally slow to generate change. Individual actions can therefore supplement policy measures and more immediately reduce people's exposure to air pollution. Air quality indices (AQI) are used globally (though not universally) to translate complex air quality data into a single unitless metric, which can be paired with advice to encourage behaviour change. Here we explore, with reference to health behaviour theories, why these are frequently insufficient to instigate individual change. We examine the health behaviour theoretical steps linking air quality data with reduced air pollution exposure and (consequently) improved public health, arguing that a combination of more 'personalised' air quality data and greater public engagement with these data will together better support individual action. Based on this, we present a novel framework, which, when used to shape air quality interventions, has the potential to yield more effective and sustainable interventions to reduce individual exposures and thus reduce the global public health burden of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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2
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Kureshi RR, Thakker D, Mishra BK, Barnes J. From Raising Awareness to a Behavioural Change: A Case Study of Indoor Air Quality Improvement Using IoT and COM-B Model. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3613. [PMID: 37050669 PMCID: PMC10098860 DOI: 10.3390/s23073613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The topic of indoor air pollution has yet to receive the same level of attention as ambient pollution. We spend considerable time indoors, and poorer indoor air quality affects most of us, particularly people with respiratory and other health conditions. There is a pressing need for methodological case studies focusing on informing households about the causes and harms of indoor air pollution and supporting changes in behaviour around different indoor activities that cause it. The use of indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor data to support behaviour change is the focus of our research in this paper. We have conducted two studies-first, to evaluate the effectiveness of the IAQ data visualisation as a trigger for the natural reflection capability of human beings to raise awareness. This study was performed without the scaffolding of a formal behaviour change model. In the second study, we showcase how a behaviour psychology model, COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour), can be operationalised as a means of digital intervention to support behaviour change. We have developed four digital interventions manifested through a digital platform. We have demonstrated that it is possible to change behaviour concerning indoor activities using the COM-B model. We have also observed a measurable change in indoor air quality. In addition, qualitative analysis has shown that the awareness level among occupants has improved due to our approach of utilising IoT sensor data with COM-B-based digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Raja Kureshi
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Dhavalkumar Thakker
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Bhupesh Kumar Mishra
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Jo Barnes
- Air Quality Management Resource Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK;
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3
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Santos MJS, Carlos V, Moreira AA. Building the Bridge to a Participatory Citizenship: Curricular Integration of Communal Environmental Issues in School Projects Supported by the Internet of Things. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3070. [PMID: 36991782 PMCID: PMC10058666 DOI: 10.3390/s23063070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Generally, there is much to praise about the rise in acknowledging the need for young citizens to exercise their rights and duties, but the belief remains that this is not yet entrenched in young citizens' overall democratic involvement. A lack of citizenship and engagement in community issues was revealed by a recent study conducted by the authors in a secondary school from the outskirts of Aveiro, Portugal, during the 2019/2020 school year. Under the umbrella of a Design-Based Research methodological framework, citizen science strategies were implemented in the context of teaching, learning, and assessment, and at the service of the educational project of the target school, in a STEAM approach, and under Domains of Curricular Autonomy activities. The study's findings suggest that to build the bridge for participatory citizenship, teachers should engage students in collecting and analyzing data regarding communal environmental issues in a Citizen Science approach supported by the Internet of Things. The new pedagogies addressing the lack of citizenship and engagement in community issues promoted students' involvement at school and in the community, contributed to inform municipal education policies, and promoted dialogue and communication between local actors.
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Vandenberg LN, Rayasam SDG, Axelrad DA, Bennett DH, Brown P, Carignan CC, Chartres N, Diamond ML, Joglekar R, Shamasunder B, Shrader-Frechette K, Subra WA, Zarker K, Woodruff TJ. Addressing systemic problems with exposure assessments to protect the public's health. Environ Health 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 36635700 PMCID: PMC9835264 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding, characterizing, and quantifying human exposures to environmental chemicals is critical to protect public health. Exposure assessments are key to determining risks to the general population and for specific subpopulations given that exposures differ between groups. Exposure data are also important for understanding where interventions, including public policies, should be targeted and the extent to which interventions have been successful. In this review, we aim to show how inadequacies in exposure assessments conducted by polluting industries or regulatory agencies have led to downplaying or disregarding exposure concerns raised by communities; that underestimates of exposure can lead regulatory agencies to conclude that unacceptable risks are, instead, acceptable, allowing pollutants to go unregulated; and that researchers, risk assessors, and policy makers need to better understand the issues that have affected exposure assessments and how appropriate use of exposure data can contribute to health-protective decisions. METHODS We describe current approaches used by regulatory agencies to estimate human exposures to environmental chemicals, including approaches to address limitations in exposure data. We then illustrate how some exposure assessments have been used to reach flawed conclusions about environmental chemicals and make recommendations for improvements. RESULTS Exposure data are important for communities, public health advocates, scientists, policy makers, and other groups to understand the extent of environmental exposures in diverse populations. We identify four areas where exposure assessments need to be improved due to systemic sources of error or uncertainty in exposure assessments and illustrate these areas with examples. These include: (1) an inability of regulatory agencies to keep pace with the increasing number of chemicals registered for use or assess their exposures, as well as complications added by use of 'confidential business information' which reduce available exposure data; (2) the failure to keep assessments up-to-date; (3) how inadequate assumptions about human behaviors and co-exposures contribute to underestimates of exposure; and (4) that insufficient models of toxicokinetics similarly affect exposure estimates. CONCLUSION We identified key issues that impact capacity to conduct scientifically robust exposure assessments. These issues must be addressed with scientific or policy approaches to improve estimates of exposure and protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | - Swati D G Rayasam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Deborah H Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Phil Brown
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas Chartres
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Joglekar
- Earthjustice, New York, NY, USA
- Earthjustice, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Department of Urban & Environmental Policy and Public Health, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Wilma A Subra
- Louisiana Environmental Action Network, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Ken Zarker
- Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Shatas A, Hubbell B. Using Low-Cost Sensor Networks: Considerations to Help Reveal Neighborhood-Level Exposure Disparities. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1693-1695. [PMID: 36383951 PMCID: PMC9670207 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angie Shatas
- Angie Shatas and Bryan Hubbell are with the Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Bryan Hubbell
- Angie Shatas and Bryan Hubbell are with the Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Woutersen A, de Ruiter H, Wesseling J, Hendricx W, Blokhuis C, van Ratingen S, Vegt K, Voogt M. Farmers and Local Residents Collaborate: Application of a Participatory Citizen Science Approach to Characterising Air Quality in a Rural Area in The Netherlands. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:8053. [PMID: 36298407 PMCID: PMC9610964 DOI: 10.3390/s22208053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In rural areas, livestock farming is a source of environmental concern. We describe a citizen science (CS) project in Venray, the Netherlands, where air quality was measured at livestock farms and surrounding residential premises. We used low-cost methods to measure air quality components and facilitated a dialogue between stakeholders about the results and solutions for cleaner air. PM2.5 and PM10 were measured using Nova Fitness SDS011 sensors, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3) using Palmes tubes and odour annoyance was reported. Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations were higher close to layer farms, but elevated concentrations were limited at other farms and residential locations. NO2 concentrations were elevated near busy roads, and higher NH3 values were measured near livestock farms. Reporting of odour annoyance was limited, yet during the dialogue residents indicated that this was their largest concern. While both farmers and residents agreed with the general conclusions, they still preferred opposing measures. We conclude that characterisation of air quality using low-cost methods is possible, but expert guidance is needed. Moreover, education, commitment of participants and involvement of independent parties are crucial to ensuring a productive dialogue between stakeholders. The insights gained by participants and resulting dialogue were the greatest benefits of this CS approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Woutersen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Henri de Ruiter
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Wesseling
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Hendricx
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christa Blokhuis
- Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd van Ratingen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Vegt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marita Voogt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Sun Y, Brimblecombe P, Wei P, Duan Y, Pan J, Liu Q, Fu Q, Peng Z, Xu S, Wang Y, Ning Z. High Resolution On-Road Air Pollution Using a Large Taxi-Based Mobile Sensor Network. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6005. [PMID: 36015765 PMCID: PMC9416088 DOI: 10.3390/s22166005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) was monitored using a mobile sensor network on 125 urban taxis in Shanghai (November 2019/December 2020), which provide real-time patterns of air pollution at high spatial resolution. Each device determined concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and PM2.5, which characterised spatial and temporal patterns of on-road pollutants. A total of 80% road coverage (motorways, trunk, primary, and secondary roads) required 80-100 taxis, but only 25 on trunk roads. Higher CO concentrations were observed in the urban centre, NO2 higher in motorway concentrations, and PM2.5 lower in the west away from the city centre. During the COVID-19 lockdown, concentrations of CO, NO2, and PM2.5 in Shanghai decreased by 32, 31 and 41%, compared with the previous period. Local contribution related to traffic emissions changed slightly before and after COVID-19 restrictions, while changing background contributions relate to seasonal variation. Mobile networks are a real-time tool for air quality monitoring, with high spatial resolution (~200 m) and robust against the loss of individual devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Sun
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter Brimblecombe
- Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
| | - Peng Wei
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yusen Duan
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qizhen Liu
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qingyan Fu
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhiguang Peng
- Shanghai Eureka Environmental Protection Hi-Tech Ltd., Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Shuhong Xu
- Shanghai Eureka Environmental Protection Hi-Tech Ltd., Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Sapiens Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhi Ning
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mullen C, Flores A, Grineski S, Collins T. Exploring the distributional environmental justice implications of an air quality monitoring network in Los Angeles County. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112612. [PMID: 34953883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-governmental air quality monitoring networks include low-cost, networked air pollution sensors hosted at homes and schools that display real-time pollutant concentration estimates on publicly accessible websites. Such networks can empower people to take health-protective actions, but their unplanned organization may produce an uneven spatial distribution of sensors. Barriers to acquiring sensors may disenfranchise particular social groups. To test this directly, we quantitatively examine if there are social inequalities in the distribution of sensors in a non-governmental air quality monitoring network (PurpleAir) in Los Angeles County, California. We paired sociodemographic data from the American Community Survey and estimates of PM2.5 concentrations from the USEPA's Downscaler model at the census tract level (n = 2203) with a sensors per capita (SPC) variable, which is based on population proximity to PurpleAir sensors (n = 696) in Los Angeles County. Findings from multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEEs) controlling for clustering by housing age and value reveal patterns of environmental injustice in the distribution of PurpleAir sensors across Los Angeles County census tracts. Tracts with higher percentages of Hispanic/Latino/a and Black residents and lower median household income had decreased SPC. There was a curvilinear (concave) relationship between the percentage of renter-occupants and SPC. Sensors were concentrated in tracts with greater percentages of adults and seniors (vs. children), higher occupied housing density, and higher PM2.5 pollution. Results reveal social inequalities in the self-organizing PurpleAir network, suggesting another layer of environmental injustice such that residents of low-income and minority neighborhoods have reduced access to information about local air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Mullen
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S 1530 E, Rm. 301, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, United States.
| | - Aaron Flores
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, 260 Central Campus Dr., Rm. 4625, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, United States
| | - Sara Grineski
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S 1530 E, Rm. 301, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, United States
| | - Timothy Collins
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, 260 Central Campus Dr., Rm. 4625, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, United States
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Towards the Development of a Sensor Educational Toolkit to Support Community and Citizen Science. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22072543. [PMID: 35408158 PMCID: PMC9003123 DOI: 10.3390/s22072543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
As air quality sensors increasingly become commercially available, a deeper consideration of their usability and usefulness is needed to ensure effective application by the public. Much of the research related to sensors has focused on data quality and potential applications. While this information is important, a greater understanding of users’ experience with sensors would provide complementary information. Under a U.S. EPA-funded Science to Achieve Results grant awarded to the South Coast Air Quality Management District in California, titled “Engage, Educate, and Empower California Communities on the Use and Applications of Low-Cost Air Monitoring Sensors”, approximately 400 air quality sensors were deployed with 14 California communities. These communities received sensors and training, and they participated in workshops. Widely varying levels of sensor installation and engagement were observed across the 14 communities. However, despite differences between communities (in terms of participation, demographics, and socioeconomic factors), many participants offered similar feedback on the barriers to sensor use and strategies leading to successful sensor use. Here, we assess sensor use and participant feedback, as well as discuss the development of an educational toolkit titled “Community in Action: A Comprehensive Toolkit on Air Quality Sensors”. This toolkit can be leveraged by future community and citizen science projects to develop networks designed to collect air quality information that can help reduce exposure to and the emissions of pollutants, leading to improved environmental and public health.
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10
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Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring - the Current State of the Technology and a Use Overview. CHEMISTRY-DIDACTICS-ECOLOGY-METROLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cdem-2021-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In recent years the monitoring of air quality using cheap sensors has become an interesting alternative to conventional analytical techniques. Apart from vast price differences conventional techniques need to be performed by the trained personnel of commercial or research laboratories. Sensors capable of measuring dust, ozone, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, or other air pollutants are relatively simple electronic devices, which are comparable in size to a mobile phone. They provide the general public with the possibility to monitor air quality which can contribute to various projects that differ in regional scale, commercial funding or community-base. In connection with the low price of sensors arises the question of the quality of measured data. This issue is addressed by a number of studies focused on comparing the sensor data with the data of reference measurements. Sensory measurement is influenced by the monitored analyte, type and design of the particular sensor, as well as by the measurement conditions. Currently sensor networks serve as an additional source of information to the network of air quality monitoring stations, where the density of the network provides concentration trends in the area that may exceed specific measured values of pollutant concentrations and low uncertainty of reference measurements. The constant development of all types of sensors is leading to improvements and the difference in data quality between sensors and conventional monitoring techniques may be reduced.
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Abstract
Low-cost sensors are revolutionizing air pollution monitoring by providing real-time, highly localized air quality information. The relatively low-cost nature of these devices has made them accessible to the broader public. Although there have been several fitness-of-purpose appraisals of the various sensors on the market, little is known about what drives sensor usage and how the public interpret the data from their sensors. This article attempts to answer these questions by analyzing the key themes discussed in the user reviews of low-cost sensors on Amazon. The themes and use cases identified have the potential to spur interventions to support communities of sensor users and inform the development of actionable data-visualization strategies with the measurements from such instruments, as well as drive appropriate ‘fitness-of-purpose’ appraisals of such devices.
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12
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Robinson JA, Novak R, Kanduč T, Maggos T, Pardali D, Stamatelopoulou A, Saraga D, Vienneau D, Flückiger B, Mikeš O, Degrendele C, Sáňka O, García Dos Santos-Alves S, Visave J, Gotti A, Persico MG, Chapizanis D, Petridis I, Karakitsios S, Sarigiannis DA, Kocman D. User-Centred Design of a Final Results Report for Participants in Multi-Sensor Personal Air Pollution Exposure Monitoring Campaigns. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12544. [PMID: 34886269 PMCID: PMC8656880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Using low-cost portable air quality (AQ) monitoring devices is a growing trend in personal exposure studies, enabling a higher spatio-temporal resolution and identifying acute exposure to high concentrations. Comprehension of the results by participants is not guaranteed in exposure studies. However, information on personal exposure is multiplex, which calls for participant involvement in information design to maximise communication output and comprehension. This study describes and proposes a model of a user-centred design (UCD) approach for preparing a final report for participants involved in a multi-sensor personal exposure monitoring study performed in seven cities within the EU Horizon 2020 ICARUS project. Using a combination of human-centred design (HCD), human-information interaction (HII) and design thinking approaches, we iteratively included participants in the framing and design of the final report. User needs were mapped using a survey (n = 82), and feedback on the draft report was obtained from a focus group (n = 5). User requirements were assessed and validated using a post-campaign survey (n = 31). The UCD research was conducted amongst participants in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the results report was distributed among the participating cities across Europe. The feedback made it clear that the final report was well-received and helped participants better understand the influence of individual behaviours on personal exposure to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.N.); (T.K.); (D.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Novak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.N.); (T.K.); (D.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.N.); (T.K.); (D.K.)
| | - Thomas Maggos
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Demetra Pardali
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Asimina Stamatelopoulou
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (D.V.); (B.F.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (D.V.); (B.F.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Céline Degrendele
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Environment, Aix Marseille University, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Saul García Dos Santos-Alves
- Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), National Environmental Health Centre, Department of Atmospheric Pollution, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jaideep Visave
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (J.V.); (M.G.P.); (D.A.S.)
| | - Alberto Gotti
- EUCENTRE, European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Marco Giovanni Persico
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (J.V.); (M.G.P.); (D.A.S.)
- EUCENTRE, European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Dimitris Chapizanis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.C.); (I.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Ioannis Petridis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.C.); (I.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.C.); (I.P.); (S.K.)
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (J.V.); (M.G.P.); (D.A.S.)
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.C.); (I.P.); (S.K.)
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.N.); (T.K.); (D.K.)
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Novak R, Petridis I, Kocman D, Robinson JA, Kanduč T, Chapizanis D, Karakitsios S, Flückiger B, Vienneau D, Mikeš O, Degrendele C, Sáňka O, García Dos Santos-Alves S, Maggos T, Pardali D, Stamatelopoulou A, Saraga D, Persico MG, Visave J, Gotti A, Sarigiannis D. Harmonization and Visualization of Data from a Transnational Multi-Sensor Personal Exposure Campaign. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11614. [PMID: 34770131 PMCID: PMC8583633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Use of a multi-sensor approach can provide citizens with holistic insights into the air quality of their immediate surroundings and their personal exposure to urban stressors. Our work, as part of the ICARUS H2020 project, which included over 600 participants from seven European cities, discusses the data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams to provide a comprehensive and understandable report for participants. Harmonizing the data streams identified issues with the sensor devices and protocols, such as non-uniform timestamps, data gaps, difficult data retrieval from commercial devices, and coarse activity data logging. Our process of data fusion and harmonization allowed us to automate visualizations and reports, and consequently provide each participant with a detailed individualized report. Results showed that a key solution was to streamline the code and speed up the process, which necessitated certain compromises in visualizing the data. A thought-out process of data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams considerably improved the quality and quantity of distilled data that a research participant received. Though automation considerably accelerated the production of the reports, manual and structured double checks are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Novak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ioannis Petridis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Dimitris Chapizanis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Céline Degrendele
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
- LCE, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Saul García Dos Santos-Alves
- Department of Atmospheric Pollution, National Environmental Health Centre, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Thomas Maggos
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Demetra Pardali
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Asimina Stamatelopoulou
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Marco Giovanni Persico
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Jaideep Visave
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alberto Gotti
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Dimosthenis Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
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Dardier G, Jabot F, Pouliquen F. Can Air Quality Citizen-Sensors Turn into Clean Air Ambassadors? Insights from a Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10046. [PMID: 34639347 PMCID: PMC8508063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While the figure of ambassador is being increasingly called upon in the field of environmental health, its scope remains fuzzy and its success factors have been little studied. This article presents the results of a qualitative study performed over three years on a French citizen-sensor scheme for air quality. The scheme draws on volunteer citizens to measure fine particles by means of micro-sensors. Volunteers are also tasked with raising awareness in their entourage about environmental issues with the aim of changing people's behaviour. We investigated this strategy and sought to identify the conditions that enable citizens to become effective clean air ambassadors. The scheme's intervention logic was first reconstructed and a literature review of similar projects was conducted. Then, three surveys were carried out with the scheme's volunteers. Each survey consisted of an observation of the volunteers' practices and individual interviews (70 in all) in order to understand these citizen-sensors motivations and experiences, and characterize how they fulfilled their role. We concluded that, for citizen sensing, the scope and role of ambassador should be reconsidered insofar as these citizens serve as peer leaders and mediators. In this respect, we try to define the success factors for citizen-sensing-based ambassadors programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilhem Dardier
- EHESP, F-35000 Rennes, France; (F.J.); (F.P.)
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES—UMR 6051, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Françoise Jabot
- EHESP, F-35000 Rennes, France; (F.J.); (F.P.)
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES—UMR 6051, F-35000 Rennes, France
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deSouza P, Kinney PL. On the distribution of low-cost PM 2.5 sensors in the US: demographic and air quality associations. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:514-524. [PMID: 33958706 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-cost sensors have the potential to democratize air pollution information and supplement regulatory networks. However, differentials in access to these sensors could exacerbate existing inequalities in the ability of different communities to respond to the threat of air pollution. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to analyze patterns of deployments of a commonly used low-cost sensor, as a function of demographics and pollutant concentrations. METHODS We used Wilcoxon rank sum tests to assess differences between socioeconomic characteristics and PM2.5 concentrations of locations with low-cost sensors and those with regulatory monitors. We used Kolomogorov-Smirnov tests to examine how representative census tracts with sensors were of the United States. We analyzed predictors of the presence, and number of, sensors in a tract using regressions. RESULTS Census tracts with low-cost sensors were higher income more White and more educated than the US as a whole and than tracts with regulatory monitors. For all states except for California they are in locations with lower annual-average PM2.5 concentrations than regulatory monitors. The existing presence of a regulatory monitor, the percentage of people living above the poverty line and PM2.5 concentrations were associated with the presence of low-cost sensors in a tract. SIGNIFICANCE Strategies to improve access to low-cost sensors in less-privileged communities are needed to democratize air pollution data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka deSouza
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patrick L Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Farquhar AK, Henshaw GS, Williams DE. Understanding and Correcting Unwanted Influences on the Signal from Electrochemical Gas Sensors. ACS Sens 2021; 6:1295-1304. [PMID: 33544583 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c02589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Humidity- and temperature-dependent errors in concentrations reported by electrochemical sensors for atmospheric nitrogen dioxide significantly limit the reliability of the data. A basic understanding of the source of these errors has been missing. Empirical, software-based corrections are of limited reliability. The sensors feature a 40 wt % (≈4 molal) sulfuric acid electrolyte, and carbon working and quasi-reference (QRE) electrodes. We show that the sensor behaves as a truncated transmission line with resistance and capacitance elements varying with humidity. High-amplitude current fluctuations are due to humidity fluctuations, and are charging currents in response to fluctuations in interfacial capacitance. Baseline currents are due to very small differences in the open-circuit electrode potential between working and reference electrodes. We deduce that acid concentration changes in the meniscus within the porous electrode structure, in response to changes in the ambient temperature and humidity, cause both the capacitance fluctuations and the baseline changes. The open-circuit potential differences driving the baseline current variations are in part due to a difference in the liquid junction potential between the QRE and working electrode, dependent on humidity and temperature and caused by a gradient of acid concentration, and in part due to temperature- and acid-concentration-dependent variations in the rate of the potential-determining reactions. Based on the understanding obtained, we demonstrate a simple hardware change that corrects these unwanted errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Farquhar
- Aeroqual Ltd, 460 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand
| | - Geoff S. Henshaw
- Aeroqual Ltd, 460 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand
| | - David E. Williams
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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17
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Heydon J, Chakraborty R. Can portable air quality monitors protect children from air pollution on the school run? An exploratory study. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:195. [PMID: 32086616 PMCID: PMC7035214 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
With air quality issues in urban areas garnering increasing media attention, concerned citizens are beginning to engage with the technology as a means of identifying and responding to the environmental risks posed. However, while much has been written about the accuracy of the units, little research has been conducted into its effects on users. As such, this research deploys coping theory to explore the specific ways in which portable air quality sensors influence user behaviour. This is done using a qualitative exploratory design, targeting parents and carers of children on the school run. Drawing from survey and interview responses, the article illustrates the decision-making pathways underpinning engagement with monitors and the ways in which they influence behaviour and disrupt misconceptions around air pollution. The study demonstrates that personal environmental monitors can play a role in protecting children from air pollution on the school run. They can raise awareness about air pollution and disrupt misconceptions about where does and does not occur. They can also encourage the public to change their behaviour in an attempt to mitigate and manage risks. However, the findings additionally reveal that sensor technology does not generate a simple binary response among users, of behavioural change or not. When attempts at behavioural change fail to reduce risk, resulting negative feelings can lead to inaction. Hence, the relationship between the technology and the individual is entwined with various social circumstances often beyond a parent or carer's control. Thus, top-down support aimed at tackling air pollution at source is essential if this bottom-up technology is to fulfil its full potential.
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18
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Community-Engaged Air Monitoring to Build Resilience Near the US-Mexico Border. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17031092. [PMID: 32050428 PMCID: PMC7037815 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17031092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Initiated in response to community concerns about high levels of air pollution and asthma, the Imperial County Community Air Monitoring Project was conducted as a collaboration between a community-based organization, a non-governmental environmental health program, and academic researchers. This community-engaged research project aimed to produce real-time, community-level air quality information through the establishment of a community air monitoring network (CAMN) of 40 low-cost particulate matter (PM) monitors in Imperial County, California. Methods used to involve the community partner organization and residents in the development, operation, and use of the CAMN included the following: (1) establishing equitable partnerships among the project collaborators; (2) forming a community steering committee to guide project activities; (3) engaging residents in data collection to determine monitor sites; (4) providing hands-on training to assemble and operate the air monitors; (5) conducting focus groups to guide display and dissemination of monitoring data; and (6) conducting trainings on community action planning. This robust community engagement in the project resulted in increased awareness, knowledge, capacity, infrastructure, and influence for the community partner organization and among community participants. Even after the conclusion of the original research grant funding for this project, the CAMN continues to be operated and sustained by the community partner, serving as a community resource used by residents, schools, researchers, and others to better understand and address air pollution and its impacts on community health, while strengthening the ability of the community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from harmful air pollution.
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Boso À, Álvarez B, Oltra C, Garrido J, Muñoz C, Hofflinger Á. Out of sight, out of mind: participatory sensing for monitoring indoor air quality. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:104. [PMID: 31915931 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-8058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In southern Chile, epidemiological studies have linked high levels of air pollution produced by the use of wood-burning stoves with the incidence of numerous diseases. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study explores the potential of participatory sensing strategies to transform experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and daily routine activities in 15 households equipped with wood-burning stoves in the city of Temuco, Chile. The results suggest that the experience of using a low-cost sensor improves household members' awareness levels of air pollution. However, the information provided by the sensors does not seem to improve the participants' self-efficacy to control air quality and protect themselves from pollution. The high degree of involvement with the participatory sensing experience indicates that the distribution of low-cost sensors could be a key element in the risk communication policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Boso
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Christian Oltra
- Department of Environment, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Garrido
- Department of Social Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carlos Muñoz
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Álvaro Hofflinger
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
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Johnston JE, Juarez Z, Navarro S, Hernandez A, Gutschow W. Youth Engaged Participatory Air Monitoring: A 'Day in the Life' in Urban Environmental Justice Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:E93. [PMID: 31877745 PMCID: PMC6981490 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution in Southern California does not impact all communities equally; communities of color are disproportionately burdened by poor air quality and more likely to live near industrial facilities and freeways. Government regulatory monitors do not have the spatial resolution to provide air quality information at the neighborhood or personal scale. We describe the A Day in the Life program, an approach to participatory air monitoring that engages youth in collecting data that they can then analyze and use to take action. Academics partnered with Los Angeles-based youth environmental justice organizations to combine personal air monitoring, participatory science, and digital storytelling to build capacity to address local air quality issues. Eighteen youth participants from four different neighborhoods wore portable personal PM2.5 (fine particles <2.5 µm in diameter) monitors for a day in each of their respective communities, documenting and mapping their exposure to PM2.5 during their daily routine. Air monitoring was coupled with photography and videos to document what they experienced over the course of their day. The PM2.5 exposure during the day for participants averaged 10.7 µg/m3, although the range stretched from <1 to 180 µg/m3. One-third of all measurements were taken <300 m from a freeway. Overall, we demonstrate a method to increase local youth-centered understanding of personal exposures, pollution sources, and vulnerability to air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Johnston
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Z.J.); (W.G.)
| | - Zully Juarez
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Z.J.); (W.G.)
| | | | - Ashley Hernandez
- Communities for a Better Environment, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Wendy Gutschow
- Division of Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Z.J.); (W.G.)
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21
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Maxwell K, Hubbell B, Eisenhauer E. Institutional insights on integrating social and environmental science for solutions-driven research. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2019; 101:97-105. [PMID: 32132877 PMCID: PMC7055515 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Solving complex environmental problems requires interdisciplinary research involving the social and environmental sciences. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working toward solutions-driven research and interdisciplinary integration within its Office of Research and Development. This article details the history of this process and discusses lessons learned from other federal agencies seeking to integrate social and biophysical research: finding the right combination of top down and bottom up approaches; balancing objectives of advancing science and/or supporting programmatic operations; using social science methods to inform the process; and engaging multiple stakeholders. Attention to the social context of scientific practice, including research processes and research use, fosters success. Three strategies for integrating social sciences to support solutions-driven environmental research are: weaving social science throughout the research process, strengthening social networks, and fostering interdisciplinary hubs. Integration into planning and carrying out research has greater transformative potential than integration into product development and distribution. This article provides insights into institutional considerations for advancing interdisciplinarity and the social context of scientific practice in government agencies. It illustrates the multiple decision contexts and inclusion of social science at the science-policy interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely Maxwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, 20460, United States
| | - Bryan Hubbell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Emily Eisenhauer
- ORISE participant at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460, United States
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22
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Badura M, Batog P, Drzeniecka-Osiadacz A, Modzel P. Regression methods in the calibration of low-cost sensors for ambient particulate matter measurements. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0630-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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23
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Qiu G, Song R, He S. The aggravation of urban air quality deterioration due to urbanization, transportation and economic development - Panel models with marginal effect analyses across China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1114-1125. [PMID: 30360243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, panel data models are established to examine the impacts of urban construction, transport facilities, and economic development on the urban air quality. Combined with data from different tiers of Chinese cities for two time series, 2010 and 2015, the variable-intercept model (VIM) is used to determine the parameters and significance of each independent variable. The marginal effects of different categories of independent variables (urbanization, transportation and economy) on the urban air quality are also studied with regard to the results of different VIMs. The results show that transportation factors (such as annual passenger trips, bus numbers and taxi numbers) have the most significant effects on the air quality for all the Chinese cities. Moreover, urbanized area and annual gross value of industrial output also have prominent impacts on the air quality across China. In addition, the marginal effects of the air quality index obtained via VIMs with classified local variables reflect that the influences of urbanization, transportation and economy on urban air quality are substantially different among different tiers of cities. Therefore, based on the findings, we propose measures to improve air quality for different tiers of cities, such as rational use of space resources, optimizing transport modes, and encouraging carpooling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Qiu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Urban Transportation Complex Systems Theory and Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Rui Song
- MOE Key Laboratory for Urban Transportation Complex Systems Theory and Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Shiwei He
- MOE Key Laboratory for Urban Transportation Complex Systems Theory and Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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24
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Ripoll A, Viana M, Padrosa M, Querol X, Minutolo A, Hou KM, Barcelo-Ordinas JM, Garcia-Vidal J. Testing the performance of sensors for ozone pollution monitoring in a citizen science approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1166-1179. [PMID: 30360248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is an environmental pollutant of growing concern, especially in suburban and rural areas where the density of air quality monitoring stations is not high. In this type of areas citizen science strategies can be useful tools for awareness raising, but sensor technologies must be validated before sensor data are communicated to the public. In this work, the performance under field conditions of two custom-made types of ozone sensing devices, based on metal-oxide and electrochemical sensors, was tested. A large array of 132 metal-oxide (Sensortech MICS 2614) and 11 electrochemical (Alphasense) ozone sensors, built into 44 sensing devices, was co-located at reference stations in Italy (4 stations) and Spain (5). Mean R2 between sensor and reference data was 0.88 (0.78-0.96) and 0.89 (0.73-0.96) for Captor (metal-oxide) and Raptor (electrochemical) nodes. The metal-oxide sensors showed an upper limit (approximately 170 μg/m3) implying that these sensors may be useful to communicate mean ozone concentrations but not peak episodes. The uncertainty of the nodes was 10% between 100 and 150 μg/m3 and 20% between 150 and 200 μg/m3, for Captors, and 10% for >100 μg/m3 for Raptors. Operating both types of nodes up to 5 months did not evidence any clear influence of drifts. The use of these sensors in citizen science can be a useful tool for awareness raising. However, significant data processing efforts are required to ensure high data quality, and thus machine learning strategies are advisable. Relative uncertainties should always be reported when communicating ozone concentration data from sensing nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ripoll
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Padrosa
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - K M Hou
- LIMOS Laboratory, UMR 6158, CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J M Barcelo-Ordinas
- Department of Computer Architecture, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Garcia-Vidal
- Department of Computer Architecture, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Scientific Landscape of Citizen Science Publications: Dynamics, Content and Presence in Social Media. PUBLICATIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/publications7010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Citizen science (CS) aims primarily to create a new scientific culture able to improve upon the triple interaction between science, society, and policy in the dual pursuit of more democratic research and decision-making informed by sound evidence. It is both an aim and an enabler of open science (OS), to which it contributes by involving citizens in research and encouraging participation in the generation of new knowledge. This study analyses scientific output on CS using bibliometric techniques and Web of Science (WoS) data. Co-occurrence maps are formulated to define subject clusters as background for an analysis of the impact of each on social media. Four clusters are identified: HEALTH, BIO, GEO and PUBLIC. The profiles for the four clusters are observed to be fairly similar, although BIO and HEALTH are mentioned more frequently in blogposts and tweets and BIO and PUBLIC in Facebook and newsfeeds. The findings also show that output in the area has grown since 2010, with a larger proportion of papers (66%) mentioned in social media than reported in other studies. The percentage of open access documents (30.7%) is likewise higher than the overall mean for all areas.
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Impact of Multi-Sensor Technology for Enhancing Global Security in Closed Environments Using Cloud-Based Resources. JOURNAL OF SENSOR AND ACTUATOR NETWORKS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/jsan8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
By nature, some jobs are always in closed environments and employees may stay for long periods. This is the case for many professional activities such as military watch tours of borders, civilian buildings and facilities that need efficient control processes. The role assigned to personnel in such environments is usually sensitive and of high importance, especially in terms of security and protection. With this in mind, we proposed in our research a novel approach using multi-sensor technology to monitor many safety and security parameters including the health status of indoor workers, such as those in watchtowers and at guard posts. In addition, the data gathered for those employees (heart rate, temperature, eye movement, human motion, etc.) combined with the room’s sensor data (temperature, oxygen ratio, toxic gases, air quality, etc.) were saved by appropriate cloud services, which ensured easy access to the data without ignoring the privacy protection aspect of such critical material. This information can be used later by specialists to monitor the evolution of the worker’s health status as well as its cost-effectiveness, which gives the possibility to improve productivity in the workplace and general employee health.
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Gillooly SE, Zhou Y, Vallarino J, Chu MT, Michanowicz DR, Levy JI, Adamkiewicz G. Development of an in-home, real-time air pollutant sensor platform and implications for community use. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:440-450. [PMID: 30359926 PMCID: PMC6250577 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution exposure characterization has been shaped by many constraints. These include technologies that lead to insufficient coverage across space and/or time in order to characterize individual or community-level exposures with sufficient accuracy and precision. However, there is now capacity for continuous monitoring of many air pollutants using comparatively inexpensive, real-time sensors. Crucial questions remain regarding whether or not these sensors perform adequately for various potential end uses and whether performance varies over time or across ambient conditions. Performance scrutiny of sensors via lab- and field-testing and calibration across their lifetime is necessary for interpretation of data, and has important implications for end users including cost effectiveness and ease of use. We developed a comparatively lower-cost, portable, in-home air sampling platform and a guiding development and maintenance workflow that achieved our goal of characterizing some key indoor pollutants with high sensitivity and reasonable accuracy. Here we describe the process of selecting, validating, calibrating, and maintaining our platform - the Environmental Multi-pollutant Monitoring Assembly (EMMA) - over the course of our study to-date. We highlight necessary resources and consider implications for communities or researchers interested in developing such platforms, focusing on PM2.5, NO, and NO2 sensors. Our findings emphasize that lower-cost sensors should be deployed with caution, given financial and resource costs that greatly exceed sensor costs, but that selected community objectives could be supported at lesser cost and community-based participatory research strategies could be used for more wide-ranging goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Gillooly
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yulun Zhou
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jose Vallarino
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - MyDzung T Chu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Drew R Michanowicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Robinson JA, Kocman D, Horvat M, Bartonova A. End-User Feedback on a Low-Cost Portable Air Quality Sensor System-Are We There Yet? SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 18:E3768. [PMID: 30400374 PMCID: PMC6263673 DOI: 10.3390/s18113768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Low-cost sensors are a current trend in citizen science projects that focus on air quality. Until now, devices incorporating such sensors have been tested primarily for their technical capabilities and limitations, whereas their usability and acceptability amongst the public rarely goes beyond proof of concept, leaving user experience (UX) unstudied. The authors argue that UX should be taken into account to make sure that products and services are fit for purpose. Nineteen volunteers tested and evaluated a prototype device and provided feedback through semi-structured interviews and during focus group sessions. Their UX was then coded using mixed coding methods regarding device functionality and recommendations for future product development. The results indicate that UX can identify potentially problematic design aspects while giving deeper insights into user needs. For example, UX recognized that one of the most important aspects of user involvement and motivation was successful data harvesting, which frequently failed. This study recommends that future developers of low-cost portable air quality sensor systems prioritize reliable data transmission to minimize data loss. This will ensure an efficient and positive UX that supports user engagement in citizen science based research where collecting sensor-based data is the primary objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Alena Bartonova
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
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