Using Real-Time Air Monitoring to Reduce Pollution Risk

Partnering with the University of Washington, Clean Water Action, and the Kern Environmental Enforcement Network, PHI’s California Environmental Health Tracking Program (now called Tracking California) piloted the use of low-cost air-monitors and canister samplers at residences in Lost Hills California, a low-income community in the Central Valley at the fenceline of oil and gas operations.

The project successfully deployed three monitors, which worked to detect levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds at each site. Participants at residences learned about the installation and operation of the low cost monitors, and the community at large learned about pollution measurement and about contaminants of concern. The pilot project also demonstrated the feasibility of deploying low-cost sensors near oil and gas operations, which can be used to display real-time information to help keep communities safe.