This is a citizen science project to monitor the air quality in the North York Moors

What is in air pollution?

Air pollution can take many forms. Some can be seen (e.g. smoke), others might not be (microscopic particles called "Particulate Matter"). We are monitoring Particulate Matter (PM)

Where does it come from?

Particulate matter comes from various sources including traffic, burning (wet) wood, burning coal and seasonal heather burning

How does it affect our health?

PM pollution affects health and DEFRA states "there is no safe threshold below which no adverse effects would be anticipated".

It causes respiratory and heart problems and if the source is from burning wet organic matter (like wet wood or burning heather) it will also contain cancer-causing chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

How Does It Work?

Particulate matter sensors are installed on outside walls. Air is drawn through the sensor every 3 minutes and the number of particles of size 2.5µm and 10µm are counted using using lasers.

The analysis is sent to Sensor.Community where anybody can view it.

What can I see here?

The dashboards show the current pollution levels at various locations, how it could be impacting on your life and how it has changed over time

The Kit

Installed