The image depicts a lively classroom setting with a group of young school children gathered around a table. In the centre of the table is an air quality monitor, which is the focal point of the children's attention. They are intently looking at the device, some leaning in closely, indicating curiosity and interest. The classroom is brightly lit with large windows allowing natural light to flood in. The background shows more students sitting at desks, working on various activities, and the walls are adorned with educational posters and colourful decorations. The overall atmosphere is one of engagement and learning.

How measuring air quality can help us to build a healthier environment

A photo of the person.
A photo of the person.
A photo of the person.
Multiple authors
08/07/2024

The Public Map Platform project aims to create a comprehensive multi-layered map of Ynys Môn – providing data on the four pillars of well-being: social, cultural, economic, and environmental.

One of the features of our work is to identify, understand, and help improve the environment – in its broadest sense. Central to this effort is air quality, a vital element that profoundly affects our health and the development of our children. Mapping and monitoring air quality isn't just about data; it's about inspiring individuals to improve their living conditions and providing local authorities with the insights needed to reduce environmental stress.

What is air quality?

Air quality refers to the condition of the air within our environment, measured by the presence and levels of pollutants. These pollutants mainly include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are mostly invisible to the human eye. The main sources of them include a variety of human and natural activities:

  • Motor vehicles and industrial processes: Emit PM and NO₂.
  • Residential heating and combustion processes: Release PM and NO₂.
  • Construction and agricultural activities: Generate PM.
  • Solvent use in paints and cleaning products: Contribute to VOCs.

Health impacts of poor air quality

Breathing polluted air can cause a variety of health problems. PM can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. NO₂ can irritate the airways and exacerbate conditions like asthma. VOCs can form ozone (O₃), which inflames both the lungs and heart. Other health issues linked to poor air quality include impaired lung development in children, higher cancer risks, and weakened immune systems. Monitoring air quality helps identify pollution sources, understand their impact, and take measures to improve the environment we live in.

Why measure air quality in schools?

Measuring air quality in schools is particularly significant as children spend a considerable amount of time there during the weekdays. Children and young people are more vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems and higher breathing rates. Poor indoor air quality can affect pupils' health, concentration, and overall learning experience. Schools, being central to communities, are ideal places to start air quality projects. Changes made here can have a ripple effect, promoting environmental consciousness among pupils, staff, and parents.

The school-based air quality measurements will also contribute to a broader environmental mapping effort across Ynys Môn. By comparing data from various schools, we can establish a comprehensive baseline for air quality in different regions. This baseline will not only inform local authorities but also empower citizen scientists to monitor and improve air quality in their communities.

How to measure air quality?

To evaluate air quality in schools and the environments where children and young people spend their time, we plan to carry out two types of measurements: long-term fixed measurements in schools and personal mobile measurements for each child or young person.

Long-term fixed measurements involve installing stationary air quality sensors indoors and outdoors within the school premises. These sensors provide continuous data on various pollutants, including PM, VOCs, and NO₂. They also measure temperature, humidity, and CO₂ to assess the local climate, offering a comprehensive overview of air quality over time.

Personal mobile measurements involve using portable air quality sensors that children and young people can carry to different locations within the school and during their commutes between home and school. These portable sensors measure PM, air temperature, and humidity, providing flexibility and helping to identify pollution sources.

With the dedicated efforts of our colleague, Felicity Jayne Davies, our pilot study will be conducted at Ysgol Llanfechell this summer. The school is keen to participate in air quality measurements, allowing teachers, children, parents, and local authorities to gain a thorough understanding of local air quality and take effective actions to improve it. We will keep you updated in future blogs about how it progresses.

How to include it in learning?

Although measuring air pollutants is important, it’s even more crucial to make children and young people understand and act to enhance air quality based on their understanding. How can we make this process educational and enjoyable for children and young people?

  • Interactive learning: We will prepare teaching materials along with the air quality sensors. These sensors can display real-time data, making the concept of air quality tangible and immediate.
  • Hands-on activities: To solidify theoretical knowledge, we will involve pupils in setting up the equipment, taking measurements, recording data, analysing data, identifying sources of pollutants, and proposing solutions to enhance air quality.
  • Long-term interventions: Create opportunities for pupils to discuss their findings and brainstorm ideas for long-term interventions to improve air quality in their school and community.

We are continuously refining our engaged learning methods and actively collaborating with our colleagues, Thomas Smith and Matluba Khan, to develop learning materials for schools.

We hope that this provides a flavour of our work in this area. As the work progresses, we look forward to sharing more with you in future blogs. Together, we can help create a healthier, more informed future for our children.

Working towards a future that prioritises the wellbeing of people and planet.
Public Map Platform is being led by Cambridge, Cardiff and Wrexham Universities and is part of the Future Observatory - the Design Museum’s national research programme for the green transition. The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.