New air quality monitoring efforts underway at UAlbany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The City of Albany is stepping up efforts to improve air quality and reduce public health risks, particularly in its most underserved communities.

“Through these improved monitoring capabilities, we will be able to better respond to and reduce exposure to dangerous air pollutants," Congressman Paul Tonko said.

UAlbany received $1 Million in federal grant funding for two major projects; the first places air quality sensors in five schools across the Capital Region, including Giffen Elementary in Albany's South End. There will also be a mobile monitoring station that displays results in real time. The second project supports SUNY's efforts to monitor air quality across the state.

“It’s really going to be SUNY Albany working with the schools, working with communities, working with students and trying to get that data we need and the sampling we need to figure out the solutions to the problems," Lisa Garcia, Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, said.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the city has worked to find causes of poor air quality leading to adverse health effects, including increased rates of asthma within the South End.

“We have to be diligent in continuing to measure what’s happening with air quality, what the causations are," Sheehan said.

Sheehan said the root of pollution comes from truck traffic, diesel fuels and other pollutants.

“This is going to help," Sheehan said. "This is going to allow us to ensure we are reducing levels of asthma and other negative health outcomes that we’re seeing in this community.” 

Leaders hope the new data will lead to a direct impact on public health, particularly in younger children.

“We’re developing a blueprint, if you will, for cleaner air, safer air, and handing over to the next generation a safer bit of air quality," Tonko said.