Scientists Say Public Monitoring of Pollution Could Lead to Cleaner Air

Published on: 24 Jan, 2024
Updated on: 26 Jan, 2024

Empowering the public to monitor pollution in their communities could lead to cleaner air, say research scientists from the University of Surrey.

The university reports that during a five-month study, scientists from its Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) worked with volunteers from Zero Carbon Guildford to create a new way of monitoring air quality in real-time.

The display screen at Zero Carbon Guildford that displayed pollution data live.

The data recorded made the public more aware of pollution levels, and now the university team hopes similar projects can empower communities to improve their air.

At Zero Carbon’s base, which it was then occupying a vacant shop unit in Guildford town centre, the team installed 10 low-cost sensors.

Visitors were able to view air pollution data live on a newly designed system in which emojis represented the levels of pollution, from “good” to “very high”.

The director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey, Professor Prasant Kumar, said: “Rather than study them from afar, we asked the local community what they wanted to know.

“We designed this research with them and helped them understand how to improve their air quality. We need more work like this. When scientists, public bodies and citizens come together, they can create a healthier environment for all.”

The research found large gatherings led to more dust in the air and more CO2, thanks to more people breathing it out. At peak times, high air pollution in the street outside led to a rise in smaller particles inside the building, too.

Visitors were also able to get tips on how to improve air quality through an interactive quiz.

Ben McCallan, who formerly chaired Zero Carbon Guildford and was the co-author of the study, said: “Polluted air causes around seven million premature deaths a year.

“This collaborative work is a leading example of how to help local communities understand the situation where they live and work. This empowers them to solve their own air quality challenges.

“Our approach does not cost much, but could transform public health for millions.”

On its website, Zero Carbon Guildford says “news on our new premises is imminent”.

The website gives details of plenty of activities taking place. Click here to view. 

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