Outdoor Air Quality
Outdoor Air Quality
Air Sensor Stories
These materials and workshop were developed to help diverse audiences understand the potential of user-friendly air quality sensors to address communities’ questions and concerns about particle pollution. It provides a basic introduction to the sources, regulations, and health effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an overview of the many user-friendly models of sensors on the market, and an interactive “Action Plan” activity to help participants apply what they have learned to a real problem. Optional interactive activities are provided to help participants explore key concepts and how sensors work. The workshop is designed to take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how many hands-on activities are integrated.
DEC Community Air Monitoring
In 2022-2023, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation conducted a Community Air Monitoring initiative in 10 communities across NY state, including Rochester. The CEC is co-convening the effort to disseminate these results, identify new research questions, and inform solutions to air quality issues in Rochester.
Learn more about the Community Air Monitoring project
View a story map of Rochester’s data
Air and Health Education
In 2023, the Capacity Building Project program supported the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) to integrate environmental health into their school and public programming. CEC and RMSC staff jointly identified air and health as a topic of interest and worked to train museum staff on air sensors and install a PurpleAir sensor at RMSC, leading to the creation of a new science encounter using air sensors that is integrated into programming on weather and climate, air quality, and health. Learn more about the project.
Wildfire Smoke Activity Sheet
Following wildfire smoke events in our region in Summer 2023, local organizations in Rochester identified a need for kid-friendly information about wildfire smoke and its effects. “Why Should I Play Inside Today?”, is designed for elementary school-aged children to explain why they may have to stay indoors and how they can stay safe from wildfire smoke, even if the fire itself is hundreds of miles away. The accompanying Caregiver Guide, intended for parents, educators, healthcare providers and other caregivers, provides links to key background information and actions children and caregivers can take. Additional resources on wildfire smoke and children’s health are available for more information.
Note: The Activity Sheet is designed to be printed on 8.5x14 (legal size) paper. To print on 8.5x11 (standard letter) paper, choose “Fit” and unselect “Choose paper source by PDF page size” when printing to ensure no content is lost. Note that this may make the activities too small for some children.