Particulate Matter Indicator: Action
The PMI can tell us where ambient PM2.5 concentrations are highest. Analysts can utilize the PMI in conjunction with satellite imagery and meteorological data such as wind behavior to identify likely sources. Since PM2.5 in the atmosphere results from a range of natural and human-caused sources, actions to reduce exposure can include a mix of mitigation and adaptation approaches.
One substantial action could be working with local lawmakers to reduce traffic near sensitive locations like schools and parks, which can significantly reduce exposure to fossil fuel emissions, but also avoid brake dust, tire wear, and road erosion, which over time also causes increased PM2.5 levels and harmful exposure. Road-based PM2.5 can also be mitigated by physical barriers and increased street sweeping, ideally using vacuum-style equipment to avoid additional dust distribution.
Naturally-occuring PM2.5 shows up largely in the form of dust and is difficult to mitigate in hot, dry climates, which necessitates adaptation strategies to capture and manage exposure for at-risk populations. Dust caused by construction should be mitigated using best available practices and technologies. Actions to reduce exposure could include the distribution of portable indoor filtration devices and/or building retrofits where higher PM2.5 concentrations are measured, using Aclima’s hyperlocal air pollution data as evidence for increased access to state and regional incentive programs. Since air filtration systems often require more energy use than natural ventilation (e.g. opening windows), efforts should also be made to pair filtration incentives with financial support for solar energy at the home or building scale to reduce energy costs. BAAEC Community Partners and Implementation Team members like Clean Power Alliance, Community Electricity, GRID Alternatives, Pivot Energy, Quality Conservation, Sonnen, and The Energy Coalition could partner with HVAC companies and indoor air quality experts when working with residents and communities to improve access to solar energy and building retrofits, incorporating human health into the driving factors for improved efficiency and on-site power generation.
Actions to reduce PM pollution can take many forms, and Aclima’s hyperlocal air pollution platform helps identify and prioritize interventions for the vulnerable populations that need them most urgently. This could include using this PM Indicator to prioritize the placement of school-based air monitoring for additional limited-term assessments.
It should always be noted during discussions and permitting processes with local businesses, that the people who are typically most exposed to harmful and toxic air are those who work in and around sources of these pollutants. Truckers, delivery drivers, warehouse workers, bus drivers, and those who work in industrial facilities can face long-term health effects of being exposed to unhealthy air. With Aclima's data in hand, environmental justice leaders can support employees as they advocate for themselves and ensure their employers adopt best practices to protect their workers and the community.
See an air quality report for any address within Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community.
Use this form to submit general feedback or areas you are concerned about.
© 2024 Aclima, Inc.