EPA’s scientists and engineers are pushing the scientific frontiers in low-cost and portable air sensor monitoring that is engaging communities to learn about their air quality. At the same time, they are inspiring young people to learn what science can do to protect the air we breathe. See what they have accomplished over the last five years (2012-2016).

1. Air Sensor Science and Education
Empowering Students, Citizen Scientists and Communities
2012-2016

2. The Intersection of Air Sensor Science and Education
EPA’s scientists and engineers are pushing the scientific frontiers in
low-cost and portable air sensor monitoring that is engaging
communities to learn about their air quality. At the same time, they
are inspiring young people to learn what science can do to protect the
air we breathe. See what they have accomplished over the last five
years.

3. Four Workshops Organized on Air Sensor Technology
• Following a workshop in 2012, EPA researchers developed an Air Sensors Roadmap to guide research.
• Hundreds participated in three more workshops to explore ways to improve data quality, technology performance and
community engagement.
EPA campus in Research Triangle Park, NC

4. EPA Partners with Developers to
Evaluate Commercial Air Sensors
• Nine developers submitted low-cost sensors for evaluation by EPA in 2012.
• Scientists continue to evaluate performance of other commercial air sensors.
• Reports and technical documents are published on EPA’s online Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists.
Testing air sensors in RTP, NC. Air sensor developers in RTP, NC.

5. Village Green Project
Putting Science in the Hands of Citizens
• EPA partners with public library in Durham, NC in 2013 to test innovative air monitoring system station.
• Teachers, students and the public use the streaming data to learn about air quality.
• Educational outreach using the station included 19 events and 785 participants.
Children at Air Fair in Durham, NC. Ribbon cutting at the Durham library.

6. Wearable Air Sensor Project
“My Air, My Health” Challenge Winner
• EPA and NIH’s design competition in 2013 sparks innovation in wearable sensor project proposals.
• Winning design uses open-source microcomputer, air sensor and stretchy yarn for prototype.
Wearable sensor prototype
Credit: Conscious Clothing.

7. DISCOVER-AQ Study Offers
Educational Outreach Opportunities
• DISCOVER-AQ study in Houston in 2013 and Denver in 2014 enables EPA to test new low-cost air sensors.
• Teachers, students and community members participate in project to test new sensors in Houston and Denver.
• EPA researchers take time out for educational outreach in local schools and at Denver museum.
Patti Tyler (left) and Rachelle Duvall, both of EPA, test sensor in
Denver.
EPA’s Russell Long installs sensors in Denver.

8. • EPA engineer Gayle Hagler creates an air sensor kit in 2014 to teach kids about air quality.
• Webinar on air quality and the sensor kit provided to the National Science Teachers Association.
• Kits used by teachers and at educational fairs and other events.
Air Sensor Kits Developed for the Classroom
“My favorite part was when we
built the sensor because it made
me feel like a scientist or
something, like an engineer!”
- 3rd grade student
Southwest Elementary School
Durham, NC

9. • Air Sensor Toolbox web page launched in June 2014 provides citizen scientists and others resources on air sensors.
• Air Sensor Guidebook is one of the most popular resources in the toolbox.
Online Resource
Air Sensor Toolbox for Citizen Scientists
https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox

10. • In 2014, researchers release a free web-based tool called RETIGO to help users learn more about their air quality
measurements.
• Ongoing training webinars provide information on how to use the interactive visualization tool.
RETIGO Tool Helps the Public Analyze Air Quality Data

11. Ironbound Community in Newark, NJ
Learns about Air Quality
• Researchers design and develop first of its kind air monitor for community science project.
• In 2015, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy participates in study announcement.
• Study results empowered residents to address air quality concerns with local officials.
Ironbound residents. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy with residents. Training for Ironbound residents.

12. Community Air Monitoring Training
• EPA hosts an air sensor training workshop and webinar in 2015 in North Carolina for more than 1,000 people.
• Videos of the training presentations are available online.
• Ron Williams presents webinar in 2016 on air quality monitoring and community science to state associations.
EPA’s Ron Williams (left) with
attendees.
Training participants.
EPA’s Marie O’Shea (right) and
participant.

13. Village Green Project
Expanding to More Cities
• EPA installs Village Green air monitoring stations in six more cities in 2015 and 2016 with state/local partners.
• EPA’s prototype AirMapper, a portable air monitor, is tested by a Chicago school hosting a Village Green station.
• Village Green Project receives national media attention, EPA Gold Medal Award and White House support.
“The Village Green project
enables researchers and citizens
to monitor and analyze local air
quality, unlocking a better
understanding of local variations
and air quality trends.”
- White House press release
Sept. 14, 2015
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at
National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
AirMapper demonstration in
Chicago, IL.

14. Public-Private Partnership:
Pushing the limits in air sensor technology
• EPA collaborates with ACLIMA, Inc. on air sensor technology development.
• EPA supports ACLIMA study in Denver in 2015 that used Google Street View cars to map pollutants at the street level.
“Our goal is to deploy large networks of sensors and give
citizens access to hyper-local data to empower them to
make decisions about their health and exposure every
day. For us, it’s about ensuring that citizens are receiving
reliable data. That’s where the EPA’s expertise has been
very valuable.”
- ACLIMA CEO
Davida Herzl
Google street view car with monitors.

15. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Outreach
• Amanda Kaufman and Joel Creswell of EPA demonstrated emerging air sensor technology research at a post State of
the Union Event at the White House in 2016.
• More than 150 students attended the event and built their own air pollution sensors.
“I was constantly impressed by the
enthusiasm exhibited by each of the
young people, which inspired me to
think of what future discoveries
they would bring.”
- Amanda Kaufman
EPA’s Amanda Kaufman with students in
Washington, D.C.

16. Air Pollution Monitoring for Communities Grants
• In 2016, EPA STAR grants are awarded to six universities and research institutions with expertise in air quality
monitoring and modeling.
• Researchers are partnering with communities to conduct air monitoring activities.
• Projects are assessing new sensor technology performance and how people use and understand the technology in
real-world conditions.

17. Ongoing Projects to Advance Air Sensor Technology
• EPA studies are testing air sensors and sensor networks in collaboration with communities.
• Commercial sensors are undergoing performance tests in the lab.
• Researchers are developing innovative sensor prototypes and data analysis tools.
Air sensor field testing.
Air sensor research in RTP lab.
Sensor testing in Memphis, TN.

18. Air Sensor Science: Vision for the Future
• EPA’s researchers continue their work to improve the accuracy and reliability of air
sensor technology and educate the public on its use.
• With technological advancements, more individuals and communities can easily access
affordable and reliable air monitors and use them to help protect air quality and public
health.

19. Thank you to all the researchers, engineers and supporting staff in EPA
who have been a part of this air sensor revolution that is providing new
air quality technologies and tools for use by citizen scientists and
communities across the nation.
Their work is demonstrating why science matters for clean air.
Thank you!