Using Personal Air Sensors to Understand Air Quality
Air sensors are lower-cost, portable devices that can estimate concentrations of some air pollutants. There are many sensors on the market that are available to anyone. Prices start around $200.
In the Spokane-area, the use of personal air quality sensors is growing. Private individuals, teachers, schools, libraries, sport associations, and other organizations are using sensors as a tool to better understand air quality conditions at their location(s). Although sensors may provide less accurate data than the data we provide from the regulatory monitors, we support and encourage the use of air quality sensors. We believe they can be a useful tool for residents, educators, and students to explore indoor and outdoor air quality. Learn more about sensor technologies at EPA Air Sensor Toolbox webpage.
Sensors at Schools
Air sensors are great tools for educators to engage with their students around the topic of air quality. With the assistance of a state grant and support from three local business sponsors, Spokane Clean Air implemented the Kids Making Sense® program in eight pilot schools during the 2022-23 school year. Read more in this pilot program report.
We just wrapped our Fall 2024 teacher training. If you are interested in future training opportunities, please contact us at 509-477-4727, ext 125. Training is for middle and high school teachers in Spokane County. By attending a training, you receive a stipend, an option for clock hours, and your school receives a KMS classroom kit valued at $2600.
Special thanks to the Washington State Department of Ecology for providing the grant funding to make this program possible. Thanks also to these participating organization and classroom sponsors:
- Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District
- Spokane Public Schools
- Cheney School District
- Medical Lake School District
- West Valley School District
- Avista
- Central Pre-Mix/Inland Asphalt
- Hotstart Thermal Management
Sensors at Libraries
With grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology, and in partnership with Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library, every library branch was provided with stationary PurpleAir® sensors. Data from these sensors, and from those located across the globe, are available for viewing here.
Hand-held Air Sensor kits are available for community members to check-out from the ‘Library of Things’ offered by Spokane Public Library. The hand-held AQgo air quality sensors are free to use with your library card. They provide a fun way to explore the air where you live and observe how air quality might vary from place to place and during different seasons. For more information, contact Central Library (509) 444-5300, or view the sensors online here.