A cross-disciplinary conference focused on the latest information and innovation in air quality sensors.
More than 350 environmentalists, environment officials and sensor experts from across the nation and around the world attended the start of a two-day conference today sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to learn more about a technology revolution in low-cost, portable air quality monitors.
“We’ve shared our excitement over the potential of such sensors in helping local neighborhoods and communities spotlight potential air quality concerns,” said SCAQMD Board Chair William Burke, Ed.D. “I am proud that SCAQMD has taken a leadership role in this area. I believe that enhancing community air monitoring with these sensors is one of the most meaningful actions this agency is engaged in today.”
The conference, cosponsored by SCAQMD, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, brings together experts from government, academia, environmental and research organizations, community groups, and industry to learn and share the latest information on low-cost, portable air quality sensors.
Keynote speakers from Weather Underground and Microsoft will address the audience. Nearly 50 speakers from the University of California, Los Angeles, US Environmental Protection Agency, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Air Resources Board, Harvard University, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will discuss topics including: the history of air quality sensors, recent advances in technology, data interpretation and mapping and the use of air quality sensors with environmental justice communities.
Innovations in air quality sensor technology helps air quality professionals and communities capture more data to help clean the air in places like the South Coast Basin. The latest advancements allow for the placement of sensors in a myriad of locations such as backyards, fire stations, and city parks. The combined efforts will help provide a clearer picture of localized air quality for air quality policymakers and stakeholders.
Conference attendees represented approximately 170 organizations, from academia to government air quality and environmental agencies to community environmental groups to industry and sensor manufacturers and vendors.
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
