Smart Phones Can Monitor Pollution

Dec. 18, 2012 — Computer Geeks at the University of California, San Diego, have created portable pollution sensors that allow users to “monitor air quality in real time on their smart phones.” This is particularly useful to people who suffer from asthma.

“CitiSense is the only air-quality monitoring system capable of delivering real-time data to users' cell phones and home computers -- at any time. Data from the sensors can also be used to estimate air quality throughout the area where the devices are deployed, providing information to everyone -- not just those carrying sensors.”

Even only 100 sensors placed around large areas can create large amounts of data.

For example, San Diego County has 3.1 million residents, 4,000 square miles -- and only about 10 stations. ”We want to get more data and better data, which we can provide to the public, making the invisible visible."

The CitiSense sensors detect ozone, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, the most common pollutants emitted by cars and trucks. The user interface displays the sensor's readings on a smart phone by using a color-coded scale for air quality based on the EPA's air quality ratings, from green (good) to purple (hazardous).

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121218133156.htm