Stamford's New Air Monitoring System Is Up And Running

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons announced this week that the city's new air monitoring system is up and running.

PurpleAir air monitoring sensors have been installed throughout Stamford based on the State Department of Public Health’s map of areas in the city with high asthma rates. Residents can go to the city of Stamford website to view live air quality information, which can help planning outdoor activities.

The air quality program has been established in cooperation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Air Management Bureau, utilizing advanced technology to measure airborne particulate matter.

"Ensuring our city’s environment and air quality is healthy and safe is one of my priorities," said Simmons in a news release. "Instituting this air monitoring program will allow my administration to formulate and implement strategies to improve Stamford’s air quality for all residents."

Outgoing Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski said the air sensors will bring awareness to residents.

"The cleaner the air, the less pollution, the better the outcome is for human health and the environment," he said in a news release.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particulate pollution exposure has been linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, non-fatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Airborne particulate matter consists of solid particles suspended in air, and can come from vehicle exhaust, dust, smoke and other organic and inorganic particles.

Information collected with the air sensors is aligned with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protections Bureau of Air Management and is represented on the PurpleAir map using color indicators for different pollutant levels. Graphs of averages over time and comparisons between sensors provide baselines about Stamford’s air quality.

The air quality program will be monitored by the Stamford Department of Health.

In March, Simmons outlined several initiatives with her climate council that the city will be undertaking to fight climate change.

Simmons mentioned implementing storm drainage upgrades and solarizing municipal and school buildings. She said at the time that once data comes back from the PurpleAir monitors, the city will launch a tree-planting initiative to improve air quality.