Street air pollution data tool

Air pollution caused by particulate matter (PM) is regarded as one of the world’s most significant environmental health risks today. Particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers (PM10) are especially harmful since they are small enough to penetrate deep into person’s lungs and can cause cardiovascular & respiratory diseases and lung cancer. In northern countries, one major source of PM10 air pollution in urban areas is street dust caused by the sanding materials used to prevent slippery conditions during winter and autumn. Dust accumulates on the street for months and becomes airborne in spring once the ice and snow melt and streets dry up. Cities have effective means to reduce levels of street dust pollution however they are cost prohibitive.

VisionAir is developing a software based tool to help city officials apply these means more effectively using real time spatial particulate air pollution data. By using this solution, cities will be able to reduce the levels of street dust air pollution during spring time with the same costs. As a result, inhabitants will enjoy better air quality and avoid the harmful effects.