What is PM

Particulate matter or PM is a term that is used to describe the tiny “specks” that float throughout the air. These particles can be large and visible to the naked eye, while others are so small, you would not be able to realize that they are floating in front of you. Our project focuses on PM2.5, the 2.5 representing the diameter size of the particle, if it was a perfect sphere. The particles in the 2.5 µm measurements can be defined as fine particles. For reference, the particle is smaller than the width of a single strain of hair. These particles can easily bypass the body’s defense systems such as the lungs, leading to asthma and other health diseases that affect individuals who may live in areas of high particulate concentration. By being able to measure the PM2.5 in Portsmouth, VA, we can potentially see how extreme the PM levels are, and go forward in creating a means to stop the extensive pollution. 


 

About PurpleAir Senors

 PurpleAir sensors are affordable monitors designed to detect particulate matter up to PM10 (particles 10 μm in diameter and smaller), with a particular accuracy for PM2.5 and below, as PM10 particles may occasionally go undetected. The specific model used for this project is the PurpleAir Classic Air Quality Monitor (SD version), which enables data storage for later retrieval. These sensors measure particulate matter in real time, updating every two minutes, and use PMS-5003 Dual Laser Particle Counters for precise detection. Each laser alternates every five seconds to measure air particles. A fan pulls air past the laser, where particles reflect light onto a detector. The detector determines the size and count of particles based on these reflections. 

PurpleAir sensors are easy to install and can connect to a smartphone for data access. They can also link to the PurpleAir website for continuous data viewing. Reliable and user-friendly, these sensors work both indoors and outdoors for consistent data collection.

https://community.purpleair.com/t/what-do-purpleair-sensors-measure-and-how-do-they-work/3499

Traffic in Portsmouth, VA

Our main focus of our project is the pollution coming from transportation, especially automobiles. Victory Blvd and Interstate 264 in Portsmouth, VA, is known for its high traffic due to the transfer of materials to the ports. The issue surrounding this traffic is that the road locations are by neighborhoods, businesses, and schools, which has a negative impact on the community living there. Our main focus of our project is the pollution coming from transportation, especially automobiles. Victory Blvd and Interstate 264 in Portsmouth, VA, is known for its high traffic due to the transfer of materials to the ports. The issue surrounding this traffic is that the road locations are by neighborhoods, businesses, and schools, which has a negative impact on the community living there. From the EPA data, the percentile of people living in proximity to main roads and being someone of low income and of color is quite high, with the highest percentile being 95% and the lowest being 71% in the area. The percentile increases with increasing proximity to the ports. This raises concerns for the residents health and the increasing need to study the harm that is being done from vehicle exhaust. This raises concerns for the residents health and the increasing need to study the harm that is being done from vehicle exhaust.

https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/

Status on Project

Currently Installing PurpleAir Sensors and collecting data.