SOBE Concerned Citizens has installed air monitors in the Youngstown area with the assistance of Physicians For Social Responsibility (PSR).
Scroll down for more info and to obtain one for yourself or your community.
Click map to view local sensors live on PurpleAir map
Help monitor air quality
PurpleAir air sensors are built on the ideals of sharing data and empowering individuals to institute real change. All public PurpleAir data is available to download under various licenses from private, not for profit, use, to educational and commercial use.
EXAMPLE of a reading: " On September 16th, 2024, 9:54:08 PM EDT
Six Hour Average US EPA PM2.5 AQI is now 52
51-100: Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people with 24 hours of exposure, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution."
From website: https://www2.purpleair.com/
By purchasing a sensor, you can join a worldwide network of people striving to better understand their air. You can contribute to that network by setting up your device. Doing so will empower the community with high-quality, real-time data.
Users who are concerned about privacy have the option to mark their devices as private during registration.
This article is meant to serve as a starting point for your journey with PurpleAir. In it, you’ll find information regarding:
-
Some basics of air quality
-
How to set up your sensor
-
How to view your sensor on the map
-
How to download raw sensor data
Monitoring Air Quality
PurpleAir sensors measure particulate matter (PM). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines PM as “a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope" (Particulate Matter (PM) Basics | US EPA ).
When discussing air quality, you may hear the term “PM2.5,” which refers to particles that are 2.5 microns (micrometers) in diameter and smaller. For comparison, a human hair is generally 50 to 70 microns in diameter (see image below).
People concerned about air quality related health issues often discuss PM2.5, as it has been found to be harmful to human health. The EPA discusses the damaging effects of PM2.5 here: Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM) | US EPA
 Youngstown City Health District February 22, 2012. Baghouse for air pollution control at V&M Star Steel in Youngstown, Ohio. Air is filtered into a baghouse unit with thousands of filters in the shape of bags and then recycled without ever escaping into the outside air. |
|---|
 "Data on wind speed and direction are an integral part of understanding the complete picture of air pollution. Wind can move air pollution away from its original source, both locally & on global scales, & accounts for historical patterns of air pollution disparities according to prevailing wind patterns. Understanding wind speed & direction can help pinpoint air pollution sources, allowing for more informed decisions to better protect human & environmental health." |
 Air Quality Measurements Series: Wind Speed and Direction - click image to read more |
Click local sensors to view live readings. View on larger PurpleAir map here
Air monitor installed by US EPA on campus of Youngstown State University
Click AirNow image above to view YSU EPA air reading live (select "Ozone AND PM" in "Monitors" box)