From Schools to Satellites: Who Uses PurpleAir and Why

PurpleAir provides affordable air quality sensors and real-time data, empowering a wide range of people to make big and small steps towards advancing air quality knowledge. While the applications are diverse, some of the most common uses include creating detailed air quality maps, monitoring pollution levels across communities, and supporting scientific research. By making air quality data accessible to individuals, organizations, and researchers alike, PurpleAir plays a vital role in improving environmental awareness and driving informed decision-making. Below, we'll dive deeper into who some of these groups are, and what they do.

Real-Time Air Quality Maps

PurpleAir sensors contribute to real-time air quality mapping by integrating with platforms like the EPA’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s AQHI map. These maps help individuals and organizations track pollution levels and make informed decisions, particularly in areas affected by wildfires and other environmental hazards.

 

Community Monitoring and Action

PurpleAir helps communities track air pollution by providing easy-to-use air quality sensors. Schools and public agencies distribute these sensors, helping residents see real-time pollution levels near them. Cities like Minneapolis also support PurpleAir sensor lending programs, which give people sensors to host, increasing community awareness of air quality.

Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The Montana DEQ deploys PurpleAir sensors in high schools across the state, spreading air quality awareness to the community. This helps residents make data-driven heath decisions and officials track air pollution and take action.

Sandy City, Utah

Sandy City partnered with PurpleAir to install air quality sensors throughout the city. This initiative gives residents access to real-time air quality data, allowing them to make informed choices about outdoor activities. By supporting a community monitoring network, the city ensures that both government officials and local residents have reliable air quality insights.

Benicia Unified School District (BUSD)

BUSD integrates PurpleAir sensors into its decision-making processes to protect students, faculty, and staff. By monitoring air quality through both PurpleAir and the EPA’s AirNow system, school administrators can determine whether modified schedules or school closures are necessary. This proactive approach helps safeguard the well-being of the school community, particularly during periods of poor air quality.

CleanAIRE NC

CleanAIRE NC is a community-based organization that deploys PurpleAir sensors to empower local residents. One of its first major initiatives placed sensors in Charlotte, NC’s historic West End neighborhood, allowing residents to monitor pollution levels in their community. Through training and education, CleanAIRE NC continues to equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for cleaner air.

University of Minnesota Rochester

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, PurpleAir sensors play a key role in student-led air quality research. One notable project, launched by student Matthew Spiten, used these sensors to collect citywide air pollution data and develop predictive models. This research aimed to enhance the city's ability to respond to air quality issues and protect public health.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has embraced PurpleAir as part of its community-driven air monitoring efforts. In 2021, the city launched a project to identify areas of air quality concern. By 2022, they began deploying PurpleAir sensors in those areas. They now run a lending program, enabling residents to apply to host a sensor. This initiative has helped expand the city’s monitoring network while increasing public engagement and awareness of local air quality issues.

Air Quality Projects and Research

Academics and government agencies use PurpleAir data for many purposes, including research and large projects. For example, researchers use PurpleAir sensors to track and predict air pollution trends, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses them to help calibrate satellite pollution data. Read about a couple of these projects below.

Many more research articles and projects feature PurpleAir. If you're interested, learn about them here.