CALIFORNIA, USA — As wildfires run rampant during California summers and heating creates ozone issues, air quality management has been key in alerting the public.
Those with respiratory conditions, as well as those recreating, are at risk when harmful pollution fills the air. Long exposure to particulate matter, such as ash, smoke and debris, can cause health problems later in life.
Air monitoring stations record ozone measurements, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and nonmethane hydrocarbons, such as ethane and propane.
On Wednesday, the city of Folsom, along with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, celebrated the renovated monitoring station behind city hall. This location is one of eight in the Sacramento metropolitan area. It houses new equipment, as well as a work station for air quality employees.
Although eight stations do not seem to be enough to monitor a large area like Sacramento and it’s foothill locations, Alberto Ayala with Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality says these stations work in conjunction with nearly 4,400 other government stations across the U.S. to provide a large picture of air conditions.
Ayala also notes that the district works alongside other companies using their technology to tap into an even bigger network. Companies, such as Purple Air, sell private and portable monitoring stations. These are sold to businesses, government entities like Sac Metro Air, as well as private residents. Anyone who wishes to provide data to Purple Air can be part of these extensive networks.
“When you have stations together, you have this national network that is really the foundation to provide the evidence that not only the country, but the states and regions need to manage air quality and control air pollution” Ayala said.
The renovation also included updates to electrical and safety to meet building codes. Anyone wishing to see real time air quality reports in their area can do so by visiting their website Spare the air.
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