Network
August 5th 2021
Camden to receive world’s densest air quality sensor network
The world’s densest air quality sensor network will be installed in Camden this summer.
The network will be made up of 250 AirLabs AirNode sensors, they will provide at least 100 times more spatial resolution and refresh 60 times more regularly than the network of existing stations in the borough.
It is hoped that the data will contribute to decision making for all stakeholders interested in improving air quality across the borough.
The sensors will be installed over the coming months, once launched, the data generated can be used in multiple ways, enabling the public to map less polluted routes, feeding into local traffic management policy, and providing NHS Trusts and Schools with air quality information.
Camden Cllr Adam Harrison said: ‘Camden’s citizens have made clear that more must be done to tackle the air quality health crisis, and Camden Council has committed to the meeting the World Health Organization air quality standards as well as stepping up our pollution monitoring and efforts to raise public awareness about the health risks from exposure to air pollution.
‘This project will form an important part of our work to protect public health by building a more detailed understanding of the sources of air pollution throughout Camden and the actions we can all take to reduce pollution and our exposure to it.’
Marc Ottolini, CEO of AirLabs, added: ‘There’s no time to wait in tackling the air pollution crisis – we all contribute to air pollution, and we all suffer the health impacts that it causes. This new information system empowers us all to enact data-driven change and become part of the solution.
‘Camden Council understands the importance of empowering the community to tackle this vital issue head on. This network will serve as a blueprint for boroughs across London and cities around the world, using the power of data to inform meaningful action and protect populations from the invisible threat of air pollution.’
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante
What will the public do with this information? Will people reroute their travel to “less polluted” roads, thus moving their automobile exhaust to a different part of Camden borough or to a neighboring borough? Or will the data be used to improve public transportation routing? How about adding safer cycling routes?
I applaud having more air quality data, but even a data nerd like myself has to recognize that merely having more data does not necessarily enable the desired outcomes.
Absolutely agree with your comment Amy. We recognised that there were many places measuring air quality but very few solutions to improve the air quality. We all know its bad! I am very excited to be working on a project, supported by the University of Derby whereby we actually clean the air and reduce pollution in very small localised areas where high density of traffic and people mix. Using our prototype solution, we have reduced PM 2.5, which is Particulate Matter made up of vehicle brake and tyre dust in the air, by 40%. This is a combination of data and action, not just data! However, we are still in research and development testing phase, so very early days but very promising. We will be looking for organisations who want to improve air quality and invest in proving the concept of our solution in due course. Watch this space!