Air pollution and the climate crisis pose significant threats to public health and the environment. However, solutions are within reach and can offer immediate benefits to our communities.
Terra Ay Ay aims to empower community members to engage with the scientific process by using PurpleAir sensors to monitor hyper-local air quality. This information gives individuals the tools to understand what’s in the air they breathe and take action to mitigate exposure to unhealthy air. When parents, administrators, and community members can see the levels of toxins in their air, they can take proactive steps to reduce exposure, such as altering habits or engaging in community-based advocacy to address pollution at its source.
By working together to understand health and environmental impacts, we can engage in dialogue and push to enact policies that protect all humans and living beings on St. Croix. Our health is our wealth, and we welcome you to join the Terra Ay Ay project to help foster positive changes for healthy air, water and soil on St. Croix.
PurpleAir Sensors
Terra Ay Ay has installed PurpleAir Flex sensors to measure air quality at the participating host’s residence. Hosts are expected to perform minimal maintenance measures.
The PurpleAir PA-II-FLEX sensor is an air quality monitoring device that provides real-time measurements of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations and environmental parameters such as temperature and relative humidity. Data can be accessed by the whole community and downloaded on the PurpleAir website.
We were particularly interested in finding hosts who have residences in the locations shaded in red on the map to the right. This map represents the neighborhoods most impacted by industrial pollution in 2021, based on the survey responses from 681 residents.*
Host sites must have:
- A secure, uncovered, outdoor location to mount the sensor; away from plants and other debris.
- A standard electrical outlet to plug in the sensor (note: you will not see a noticeable increase in your electricity bill – approx. $4/year)
- A reliable Wi-Fi signal to transmit the data
- Must be able to remove and secure the monitor inside for large storms and exterior housework that may interfere with the sensor (powerwashing, painting, weed wacking, etc..)
Read more about the PurpleAir Flex monitor here.
* source: https://www.bennington.edu/center-advancement-of-public-action/environment-and-public-action/environmental-justice-begins-st
Resources for Air Quality/PurpleAir:
Historical Hyper-Local Air Data:
Brochures
General Public
Students and Educators
