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Innovation

Region 9: Best Practices Guide for Library Air Sensor Loan Programs

Region 9: Best Practices Guide for Library Air Sensor Loan Programs

The advancement of portable, low-cost air sensor technology allows citizen scientists to measure air quality in their neighborhoods and communities. EPA has established several air sensor loan programs working with community groups, schools, libraries and others to enable the public to learn about air quality in their communities.  However, there is currently a lack of publicly available materials, such as training curriculum and hands-on activities, on how to use low-cost air sensors in community settings. Using lessons learned from an EPA collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library system, a set of curricula and materials will be created that can be used by non-technical staff in a library, school or community setting on the role of air sensors in environmental science and public health. This “best practices” guide will help organizations that want to start their own air sensor loan program aimed at increasing communities’ understanding of air quality and improving the health of citizens.  Additionally, a “science fair” event will be organized to bring together participants from the Los Angeles Library loan program to share their experiences.