SWNPHD fields new air quality monitor network

New monitors are keeping track of air quality throughout Southwest Nebraska.

Courtesy photo

SWNPHD fields new air quality monitor system

McCOOK, Neb. — In a partnership with the Nebraska Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department has unveiled an initiative aimed at enhancing air quality surveillance across several communities.

The newly installed air quality sensor, known as a PurpleAir sensor, will enhance efforts in McCook, Ogallala, Benkelman, and Imperial, to provide data to empower residents to make informed health decisions.

Health effects of air quality

Regardless of location, individuals are continually exposed to various air pollutants, ranging from vehicle emissions and industrial effluents to pollen and dust. Among these pollutants, particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) poses a particularly insidious threat, being virtually invisible to the naked eye.

Inhalation of air containing PM2.5 particles can lead to a spectrum of health issues, spanning from immediate respiratory distress such as shortness of breath and coughing to more chronic conditions including heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at heightened risk, amplifying the urgency for robust air quality monitoring.

Sensors’ role

Operating on a ten-minute data collection cycle, the PurpleAir sensor will furnish SWNPHD with real-time insights into fluctuations in air quality, affording stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of seasonal and temporal variations. Diana Garcia, Program Manager for SWNPHD, emphasizes the role of air quality monitoring in safeguarding public health, underlining the accessibility of sensor data via the SWNPHD website.

Integrated into a broader network of sensors statewide, the PurpleAir sensor will contribute to the calculation of Air Quality Index (AQI) values, a standardized metric for assessing air quality levels. Ranging from ‘good’ to ‘hazardous,’ these indices offer a tangible gauge for residents to gauge their exposure to air pollution and take necessary precautions.

Access to information

Recognizing the paramount importance of proactive engagement, SWNPHD advocates for regular consultation of AQI updates, enabling individuals to adjust their activities accordingly on days of poor air quality. By disseminating pertinent information through multiple channels, including the SWNPHD website and social media platforms, the department seeks to foster a culture of health consciousness and community resilience.

Information collected from the sensor is also publicly available for you to view at www.swhealth.ne.gov by navigating to more resources at the bottom of the air quality page. You can view individual sensor readings on a map from these resources.

For further inquiries or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact SWNPHD directly or explore the wealth of resources available on their website.

Serving a diverse array of counties, including Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow, SWNPHD remains steadfast in its commitment to disease prevention and health promotion, leveraging innovation to ensure the well-being of all constituents.