Monitoring Air Quality for Sustainable Development
Most home air quality monitors are limited in their abilities—as well as their reliability—so if you’re concerned about the air quality inside your home, the first thing we suggest you do is monitor the air outside, because outdoor conditions often determine indoor conditions.
There’s no simpler way to do that than to use the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow mobile app, available free on iOS and Android.
Outdoor Air Quality Monitoring with AirNow
Searchable by zip code or place name, and presented on a map, AirNow’s air quality readings come from direct measurements by hundreds of monitors around the US, offering an air quality forecast in addition to real-time data.
If you really want to know exactly what’s going on with the air in your home, we recommend two monitors that we trust to be accurate, reliable, and easy to interpret and respond to.
Our Top Recommendations for Indoor Air Quality Monitors
Our pick: EPA’s AirNow App
The EPA’s free AirNow app is easily searchable, delivers air quality readings in almost every corner of the US, and lets you know in advance of upcoming air quality problems.
We recommend using the AirNow app as your first step because outdoor conditions usually cause any indoor air quality issues you may experience. Although AirNow isn’t the only app of its kind, we found in our research that many other air quality apps simply repackage the data that the EPA stations gather, often without adding much clarity, new information, or interface improvements. Compared with AirNow, some apps make it harder to pinpoint your location, whereas others use a less complete network of monitoring stations to gather the data. AirNow offers you the simplest way to get the info and interpret what it means. And—unlike other apps we tested—it doesn’t bombard you with ads the whole time.
Also great: Airthings View Plus
The Airthings View Plus monitors more air-quality conditions than any other device we’ve tested: CO2, VOCs, PM2.5 (fine particles), radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. For information-at-a-glance, Its readings are displayed on a screen on the device itself, and any concerns are indicated via a green-yellow-red LED. The companion Airthings app is easy to set up and sync with the device. It lets you check your air quality when you’re away from home (or just in another room), and displays trend data via simple graphs, which can help pinpoint sources and patterns of air pollution (like rush-hour traffic, for example) so that you can take steps to mitigate chronic issues. The View Plus, unlike inexpensive monitors, uses high-quality sensors, like an NDIR (nondispersive infrared) CO2 sensor; reliable and robust, these have an expected lifespan of seven years.
Also great: SAF Aranet 4
The
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the importance of monitoring air quality both indoors and outdoors, which is directly related to the health and well-being of individuals (SDG 3). It also mentions the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app, which provides real-time air quality data from hundreds of monitors around the US, contributing to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Additionally, the article highlights the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) on indoor air quality, indicating a connection to climate action (SDG 13).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring air quality to reduce the risk of illnesses caused by air pollution, aligning with Target 3.9 under SDG 3. It also highlights the need to address air quality in cities to minimize environmental impact, which corresponds to Target 11.6 under SDG 11. Lastly, the article indirectly supports the integration of climate change measures by recognizing the impact of CO2 on indoor air quality, relating to Target 13.2 under SDG 13.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Real-time air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app
- Concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor spaces
The article mentions the AirNow app, which provides real-time air quality data from multiple monitors across the US. This data can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality (Target 3.9). Additionally, the article discusses the measurement of CO2 levels in indoor spaces using devices like the Airthings View Plus and SAF Aranet 4. Monitoring and managing CO2 levels can serve as an indicator of progress in addressing indoor air quality (Target 11.6).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Real-time air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Real-time air quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow app – Concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor spaces |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor spaces |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nytimes.com
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