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Roughly one in five Americans reside in rural areas. While it may seem that these communities have great air quality compared to a city, the reality is different. Many harmful pollutants are released during various agricultural activities, challenging the notion of pure air in rural settings. Pollution sources from various agricultural activities create air pollutants, and one activity that can create large quantities of pollutants is agricultural burning. Photo Credit: Dominik Kiss Although agricultural burning can be effective for soil prep, it releases a significant amount of PM2.5, consisting of fine particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. While this agricultural practice will likely persist, you should stay informed about burning locations and times. A simple precautionary measure could be keeping home and vehicle windows closed when burning is planned. Monitoring air quality also allows for a better understanding of the impact that burning practices have on local air quality, and it allows you to make real-time decisions to protect yourself from poor air quality. “Some rural communities may be more prone to poor air quality from wildfire smoke due to their geographic locations, prevailing winds, and topography” – U.S. Government Accountability Office Another source of rural pollution is dust, which is often generated during agricultural, construction, gravel,  oil, gas, and mining activities, which affect the surrounding air quality. Dust from the soil typically contains silica, a mineral commonly found in sand, soil, rock, and gravel. Silica dust poses serious health risks because these dust particles become trapped in lung tissue causing inflammation and scarring. Photo credit: Julian Hochgesang In a technology assessment by the Government Accountability Office, it was found that some rural communities have utilized air quality sensors to make positive change. Examples include: Heavy Industries: In industries like fuel and mining sites, communities have leveraged air quality sensor data to advocate for improvements in air quality through dialogue with local government authorities, resulting in tangible enhancements to the environment.   Smoke: Whether from wildfires or wood stoves, smoke frequently contributes to pollution in rural regions. Local decision-makers have demonstrated the use of air quality sensors to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing local air quality. For instance, in Minnesota, a program was implemented to encourage residents to switch from wood-burning fireplaces to electric fireplaces. This initiative aimed to decrease the emission of harmful pollutants within residential homes. Photo credit: Cyrus Christensen Agriculture: According to the EPA, “Nearly 1.2 billion acres of the nation’s 2.3 billion acres are devoted to agriculture”. In these agricultural areas, pollution primarily stems from dust generated by tillage, livestock, field burning, and fuel combustion in agricultural equipment, producing “Coarse” particles (larger than 2.5 micrometers). Utilizing sensor data to monitor these pollutants could prove invaluable in identifying opportunities to enhance local air quality.   Education: Understanding the significance of air quality is an essential step in developing strategies to understand and address sources of poor air quality. Rural communities stand to gain significant value from utilizing air quality sensors to comprehend the quality of the air they breathe.   Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to deploy air quality sensors in rural areas because of the increased travel time for users to maintain, service, or troubleshoot them. Residents in remote communities could also encounter challenges in reliably powering and communicating with their sensors. Consequently, they may face limited options when selecting sensors suitable for their requirements. AirU Pro connected to a solar panel, battery, and wind sensor. However, companies like TELLUS now offer solutions to address challenges related to understanding rural air quality. With developments in solar power systems, LTE (cellular), and upcoming LoraWAN options, you can access your air quality measurements in remote areas with limited infrastructure. Rural communities can now access efficient and dependable air quality monitoring solutions, empowering them to make informed decisions for a healthier environment.

On average, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to Environmental Protection Agency research. While many of us love the simple pleasures in life such as lighting a cozy candle at night or for the aromatic scent, it can be linked to increasing indoor pollution and exposure to harmful byproducts. “Pollution contributes to millions of deaths every year from conditions such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer or pneumonia”, states Christa Hasenkopf, the director of clean air programs at University of Chicago. While there are many ways to limit exposure, here are two simple ways to reduce indoor air pollution. Unfortunately, candles & incense are common sources of pollutants Nothing sets a cozy mood more than a delicious-smelling candle or slow burning incense. Unfortunately, these simple pleasures can lead to increased levels of pollution in your living space because these combustion sources generate PM2.5, particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. Not only do candles release PM2.5 into the air, other dangerous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) are also released by burning candles. These pollutants contribute to indoor air pollution and may worsen respiratory issues, especially in toddlers and the elderly. PM2.5 – Particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. So…what can I do instead? There are several options for making your house smell good and feel cozy without those dangerous pollutants. These include using electric candles and stovetop potpourris. It’s important to note that while stovetop potpourris are certainly better than a candle or incense, you will likely have some VOC emissions. If you must burn a candle, understand what it’s made of to avoid harmful ingredients like petroleum, and rather opt for a more natural selection like beeswax. Also take into account that it will still produce PM2.5, so try opening a window if it’s a good air quality day. If you have central heating/cooling and a HEPA air filter you can also run your HVAC system on “fan only” mode a few minutes an hour. Opening windows on clean air days This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to open those windows every once in a while. According to the American Lung Association, “Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows for 10-15 minutes each day to bring in fresh, outdoor air to dilute the polluted indoor air”. However, it’s important to note that opening windows on bad air quality days can do more harm than good, so be sure to check your location beforehand. Overall, while candles can create a cozy atmosphere, it’s essential to use them cautiously and consider alternatives for ambient lighting like electric candles and to open the window 10-15 min a day on good air quality days to minimize potential risks to health. Some additional things to consider that impact indoor air quality: Regularly replacing your HVAC filter Cooking with gas appliances Burning wood (or other solids) in the fireplace Smoking indoors Vacuuming, as vacuums can kick up dust and other particles. Monitoring your indoor air quality allows you to understand the effects of your everyday activities and make informed decisions to adopt alternatives when necessary. Brighter days start with cleaner air!

The Air Quality Workgroup was a notable success story for the US Ignite Communities program in 2023. Building on a partnership that began in 2021 with five communities, the peer-learning group expanded to more than 100 individuals over the past year, including representatives from cities, research institutions, federal partners, nonprofits, and environmental quality organizations. The founding five communities – Salt Lake City, UT; Chattanooga, TN; Cleveland, OH; Kansas City, MO; and Springfield, MA – originally shared their experiences developing low-cost air quality monitoring networks using TELLUS Networked Sensor Solutions. That effort attracted other community leaders, who began to meet regularly to discuss their own air quality challenges, observations, and ideas for solutions. US Ignite published a blog series with key learnings and insights from the workgroup over the summer: How to improve air quality monitoring Strategies for safer air The next generation of air quality sensors Funding opportunities for air quality monitoring projects   Moreover, the workgroup launched an ongoing Air Quality ACTION Seminar Series. These sessions start with a short presentation from a field expert or practitioner, followed by a question and answer section, and closing with an engaging roundtable discussion and share-out. For the full report, read US Ignites’ Annual Impact Report 2023.

Source: Harvard Business Review article written by Joseph G. Allen The movement toward real-time air quality monitoring is gaining momentum, and for good reason. Recent incidents, such as the Canadian wildfire smoke reaching New York City and concerns about COVID-19 transmission in classrooms, highlight the importance of monitoring indoor air quality. At TELLUS, we understand the significance of providing actionable insights into air quality for organizations. Real-time air quality monitoring systems, like the ones we’ve helped deploy, offer numerous benefits. For instance, they provide timely information during crises, such as wildfires or disease outbreaks, allowing for informed decision-making. Additionally, these systems can identify areas within buildings where air quality may impact productivity, helping organizations optimize their environments for both health and performance. The proliferation of low-cost sensors is driving a paradigm shift in air quality monitoring. Rather than relying on costly, time-intensive assessments by professionals, organizations can now collect real-time data using portable sensors. This democratization of air quality monitoring empowers individuals and organizations to take proactive measures to protect health and well-being. Monitoring indoor air quality isn’t just about health and safety—it’s also a sustainability tool. By optimizing ventilation and filtration systems, organizations can reduce energy consumption while maintaining healthy indoor environments. This dual benefit supports both worker well-being and environmental goals. TELLUS is at the forefront of this movement, helping organizations implement real-time air quality monitoring solutions. With our expertise and innovative technology, we empower businesses to create healthier, safer, and more sustainable indoor environments. Join us in embracing the future of indoor air quality monitoring and ensuring the well-being of your workforce and the planet.

In June of last year, wildfires in Quebec caused a surge in dermatology visits in Boston due to higher-than-normal air pollution. Dermatologist Shadi Kourosh investigated the correlation between air pollution levels and skin conditions like eczema. Her team found a significant increase in visits for atopic dermatitis during periods of elevated air pollution. Similar links between air pollution and skin conditions have been found in other studies. Airborne pollutants can irritate and inflame the skin, leading to flare-ups of conditions like eczema. While air pollution is often associated with respiratory issues, its impact on skin health is substantial, affecting millions worldwide. To protect against pollution-related skin problems, experts recommend staying indoors during high-pollution events, wearing protective clothing, using air filters at home, and maintaining a good skincare routine. However, addressing the root cause of air pollution requires comprehensive government action to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. This is a summarization of an article from WIRED. To read the full article, visit: https://www.wired.com/story/air-pollution-is-ruining-your-skin/

SOURCE: https://kslnewsradio.com/2070022/university-of-utah-project-aims-to-protect-kids-from-bad-air/ BY ALLESSANDRA HARRIS KSLNewsRadio     SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is no stranger to bad air quality, leading to health concerns regarding kids and student-athletes. One University of Utah professor hopes to help parents and school officials make educated decisions on whether to send students outside. Kerry Kelly with the University of Utah’s College of Engineering came up with Project CREATE AQI. The plan is to install low-cost air quality monitoring equipment throughout the state. They would be placed both indoors and outdoors, specifically tracking larger air pollution particles like dust. The monitors provide more localized data, helping schools and parents know whether it’s safe for kids to be outside. Local dataIn an article published by the U, Kelly said, “There are a lot of lungs out there. We’re trying to help people make good decisions. If I can’t really see across the field, should I not be holding this event? Is it fog? Is it particle pollution? What’s going on?” By installing monitors at athletic fields, air quality and dust levels will be measured at the local level. The monitors will specifically look for levels of dust, also known as PM 10. The plan is to install up to 50 monitors on various athletic fields across Utah to provide localized data on air conditions and larger particle pollution. Kelly says this will help researchers better understand Utah’s dust problem and how local communities can protect themselves. Additionally, the systems are cheaper to build. According to the University of Utah, the devices cost $1,000 to $1,500 each to deploy and connect to the cloud. In contrast, the price tag to equip a regulatory-grade station is $40,000. The project is launching with help of a million-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation. Amie Schaeffer contributed to this report.

The pandemic and recent wildfires have shown how unhealthy indoor air can be. But scientific and governmental inertia have slowed the necessary remedies. By Apoorva Mandavilli | NY Times Published Nov. 20, 2023 Updated Dec. 11, 2023   In early 2020, the world scrubbed down surfaces, washed hands and sneezed into elbows, desperate to avoid infection with a new coronavirus. But the threat was not really lying on countertops and doorknobs. The virus was wafting through the air , set adrift in coughs and conversation, even in song. The pandemic raged for six months before global health authorities acknowledged that it was driven by an airborne pathogen. With that revelation came another: Had indoor air quality ever been a priority, the pandemic would have exacted a far lighter toll in the United States. More than three years later , little has changed. Most Americans are still squeezing into offices, classrooms, restaurants and shops with inadequate, often decrepit ventilation systems, often in buildings with windows sealed shut. Scientists agree that the next pandemic will almost certainly arise from another airborne virus. But improving air quality isn’t just about fighting infectious diseases: Indoor pollution can damage the heart, lungs and brain, shortening life spans and lowering cognition. And wildfires, outdoor air pollution and climate change will quickly preclude Band-Aid solutions, like simply opening windows or pumping in more air from outside. Instead, the nation will have to begin to think about the indoor air — in schools, restaurants, offices, trains, airports, movie theaters — as an environment that greatly influences human health. Improving it will require money, scientific guidance on how clean the air needs to be and, most crucially, political will to compel change. “The push for clean water is considered one of the 10 biggest public health advances of the last century, and air should be no different,” said Linsey Marr , an expert in airborne transmission of viruses at Virginia Tech. Federal and state laws govern the quality of water , food and outdoor pollution, but there are no regulations for indoor air quality overall, only scattershot limits on a few pollutants. Nor does any single federal agency or official champion the cause.

Source: Oizom Dust emissions are a silent yet pervasive environmental hazard, often overlooked in discussions about air pollution. These emissions are a byproduct of industrial activities and a consequence of natural and urban processes. Today, we will explore the gravity of this issue and how technological interventions are beneficial and necessary to mitigate the impacts of dust emissions. The Nature of Dust Emissions Dust emissions comprise fine particulate matter released into the atmosphere from various sources. These sources range from natural phenomena like wind erosion to human activities such as construction, mining, and agriculture. Urban areas contribute significantly through vehicle traffic and industrial processes. These particles, often microscopic, pose serious health risks. When inhaled, they can penetrate the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and other health concerns. Moreover, dust emissions contribute to poor air quality, reducing visibility and impacting ecosystems. Current Technologies in Dust Control Mechanical Solutions Mechanical solutions like dust suppression systems involve the use of physical barriers, filters, and vacuum systems to capture or redirect dust particles. These systems are often used in industrial settings, construction sites, and areas with heavy machinery. While effective in containing dust at the source, they require significant investment and regular maintenance. Oizom’s innovative technology provides an automated solution for dust suppression, streamlining the process significantly. By setting a predetermined threshold for dust levels, the system autonomously activates the suppression mechanisms when this limit is exceeded. This feature eliminates the need for constant monitoring and manual intervention, ensuring efficient and timely dust control. Such automation is particularly useful in environments where dust accumulation can be rapid and unpredictable, as it maintains optimal conditions without the need for continuous human oversight. Chemical Solutions Chemical suppressants, including foam agents and other binding compounds, create a cohesive layer over dust-prone surfaces. These chemicals can effectively prevent dust from becoming airborne, but their environmental impact, potential toxicity, and residual effects often raise concerns. Water-Based Solutions Water sprays and misting systems are among the most commonly used methods for dust control. They work by wetting the dust particles, making them too heavy to be carried by the wind. This method is effective and environmentally friendly but can be resource-intensive and less feasible in water-scarce regions. Importance of Monitoring Air Oizom’s contribution to dust control is primarily through advanced air quality monitoring. Their systems utilize high-precision sensors and sophisticated data analytics to track and analyze dust levels in real time. This information is crucial in understanding the extent of dust pollution and in devising targeted control strategies. Oizom’s products, with their IoT and AI integration, allow for a more dynamic response to dust control, adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring more efficient and effective dust management. Emerging and Innovative Technologies Smart Dust Control Systems Smart dust control systems represent the convergence of IoT, AI, and dust control technology. These systems can predict when and where dust emissions are likely to occur and automatically adjust suppression methods accordingly. This predictive approach is far more efficient than traditional reactive methods. Nanotechnology Nanotechnology in dust control involves using nanoparticles to either capture dust particles or change the surface properties of areas prone to dust emission. These technologies promise minimal environmental impact and high efficiency but are still in development. Biological Solutions Biological solutions, including bioengineering methods and natural dust-binding agents, offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemical suppressants. These methods use biological materials or processes to control dust, potentially reducing the ecological footprint significantly. Renewable Energy-Powered Solutions Solar or wind-powered dust control systems represent a sustainable approach to dust management. These systems harness renewable energy to operate dust control equipment, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing the carbon footprint of dust control activities. Assessing Emerging Technologies The potential of these emerging technologies is vast. They promise not just to mitigate dust emissions but to do so in a way that is sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. However, the scalability and practical application of these technologies in various settings remain areas for further exploration and development. Conclusion Mitigating dust emissions is complex, requiring a multifaceted approach that combines traditional methods with innovative technologies. The role of technology, especially in monitoring and smart control systems, is indispensable in this fight. Oizom’s pioneering air monitoring solutions exemplify this approach, offering a way not just to combat dust emissions but also to understand and manage them more effectively. In embracing these technologies, we take a crucial step towards ensuring better air quality and public health. It’s an investment in our environment and our future. Published by Oizom7,287 followersLearn about the latest dust control technology advancements shaping a healthier, more sustainable world. Explore innovative solutions ranging from smart monitoring systems to eco-friendly methods in our detailed guide on tackling air pollution effectively.