Breathing Easy in Rural Towns: A Look at PM2.5 Levels across Massachusetts

Presenter

Ariel Altamirano

Group Members

Andrew A. Arbouet

Campus

Worcester State University

Sponsor

Nabin Malakar, Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics, Worcester State University

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A46, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Air pollution, caused by suspended particles in the air, is not just a local problem. It requires careful worldwide study due to its potential to harm individual health and impact global climate systems. In our project, we collected air samples from various locations across Massachusetts to compare and analyze pollution levels. We focused on particulate matter (PM), particularly PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter).

We used a handheld sensor called Airbeam to gather air quality data from three Massachusetts towns/cities: Woburn, Sterling, and Worcester. Our analysis revealed that average PM2.5 concentrations in each area were slightly above the prescribed norm.

Several factors motivated our project. We learned a concerning correlation between higher PM readings and increased respiratory difficulties, leading to more lung-related issues and higher infection rates. Additionally, during our literature search, we noted that many minority groups residing in urban settings experience higher PM exposure, representing a form of environmental injustice due to limited access to better living conditions.

In conclusion, our findings suggest that rural towns like Sterling and Woburn have lower PM levels compared to Worcester. This better air quality may be related to factors like population density, vehicle usage, and land use patterns during our observation period. While a longer data analysis might reveal a decreasing trend in air pollution, providing hope for progress in the fight against it, further investigation is needed to confirm this trend.

Keywords

Air Pollution, Particulate Matter, Respiratory

Research Area

Environmental Science and Sustainability

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)