Multi-Tiered Air Quality Monitoring and Air Toxics Sampling in East St. Louis, Illinois

East St. Louis, Illinois, is disproportionately impacted by air pollution. Sonoma Technology researchers are working with UCM, a local organization, to conduct comprehensive air pollution monitoring in East St. Louis communities. This work is funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving grant and is focused on documenting air pollution risks and hazards in East St. Louis. The comprehensive air monitoring program will include:</p>
<ul><li>An air quality sensor network for real-time access to air pollution levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the community.</li>
<li>Air sampling at a community supersite for intermittent monitoring of metals within PM₁₀-sized particles and VOCs.</li>
<li>Comprehensive source apportionment and health risk assessments.</li></ul>
Sonoma Technology researchers will also conduct air quality awareness campaigns in East St. Louis and will help implement education programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in local schools using the <a href="https://kidsmakingsense.org/" target="_blank">Kids Making Sense® program</a href>. Finally, Sonoma Technology researchers will work with UCM to establish an air sensor loan program in East St. Louis communities.