A unique collaboration to record and share data about air quality in York has discovered some ‘shocking’ pollution hotspots.
And the results go on show at an exhibition in the city this evening (Saturday, 12 August).
The York Air Map will be on show at Brew York, Walmgate, for one night only – and is sure to fuel the debate about the problem of particulates.
The York Air Map has been created by artist and lecturer Clare Nattress and atmospheric scientist Dr Daniel Bryant.
The project recruited 16 citizen scientists who have collected data during bicycle commutes of ambient air pollution around the city.
Over the course of June, sensor data has been uploaded in real time to to the York Air Map website of five air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter.
“The data is revealing hotspots across the city and high levels of nitrogen dioxide are showing,” Clare told YorkMix.
“I can’t say that I am surprised by the results, given the amount of data collection I have achieved myself over the past few years. However, I’m sure this data will be shocking for York residents and provide some form of evidence that air pollution is a problem in our city.
“There is an overall lack of knowledge and awareness of the dangers of air pollution so this interactive map will hopefully begin to disseminate that awareness in a digestible, accessible way that the public can understand and respond to.”
The exhibition goes beyond being a traditional art display by actively engaging the audience in environmental advocacy. Visitors are encouraged to handle air pollution sensors and examine the air in which they are breathing.
And although the exhibition is only on for one night, the work will go on.
“I hope Yorkairmap.org will become a resource that the residents of York use, and want to contribute to in order to ensure updated data,” Claire said.
“We are hoping to recruit more citizen scientists who cycle around the city to collect further data in the autumn.”
- York Air Map: An Arts Science Collaboration to reveal York’s air pollution is at Brew York, Unit 6, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York at 7.30pm-9pm tonight, Saturday 12 August. Entry is free but you need to register on Eventbrite
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Source: Ground-breaking new map of York air pollution reveals ‘shocking’ hotspots | YorkMix