The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have recently taken a number of significant steps to reduce air pollution, including funding the largest network of air quality sensors outside London.
To make the information publicly available in real time, the authority have now launched an easily accessible portal at: cleanair.wmca.org.uk
The West Midlands has some of the highest air pollution levels in the country, responsible for more than 2,000 premature deaths every year.
The sensors, which have been installed by Earthsense outside homes, schools, businesses, hospitals and sports centres across the region, provide data on particulate matter from wood burners, vehicle tyres, building sites and factories as well as NO2 from roads and industrial sites.
The WMCA have also engaged residents in a citizen science project which has seen air quality monitoring take place in the homes of people with log burners.
In Walsall, some residents have been wearing backpacks containing sensors to monitor the air quality as they go about their daily business.
One of those was Charlotte Gough, who said: ‘I wanted to understand how air quality is impacting my daily life, and I was quite surprised by the results. The standout bit of data was the poor air quality I was exposed to when exercising – either due to lack of ventilation or being near busy roads.
‘It’s definitely inspired me to make some changes to my own routines, like travelling actively to visits or appointments locally rather than taking my car. But when I do need to use the car, I’m now checking the tyres regularly, keeping my windows closed and using air recirculation, and also turning the engine off if I’m parked or stuck in traffic for long periods of time.’
Pharmacists in the area will also be giving advice to people with health conditions that may be exacerbated by exposure to poor air quality.
Mayor Richard Parker said: ‘Too many people are suffering the effects of air pollution. That has to change and it’s going to take bold actions from everyone.
‘I’m already investing to make homes healthier, and businesses cleaner and greener. And we are innovating to move to a zero-emission public transport network.
‘Now we have one of the country’s largest air quality sensor networks. I’ve taken action to give people the information they need to react and provide a brighter, healthier future for everyone.’
Owen Gardner, chief operating officer at EarthSense, said: ‘We are proud to be delivering a hyperlocal network of advanced air quality monitoring sensors to WMCA, providing real-time pollution insights along with fully quality controlled and quality assured data outputs via the interactive public facing engagement portal.
‘The initiative aims to support data-driven decision-making for cleaner, healthier communities. This partnership reinforces EarthSense’s commitment to tackling air pollution with cutting-edge sensor technology and modelling.’
Picture: Mayor Richard Parker at the install of the air quality sensors with Tim Dexter from Asthma and Lung UK, and Owen Gardener from EarthSense