Low-Cost Amperometric Ozone Monitor for Communities Affected by Wildfires

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Low-Cost Amperometric Ozone Monitor for Communities Affected by Wildfires The rising frequency and severity of wildfires in the United States produces considerable air pollution which represents a mounting environmental public health issue. Smoke produced during a wildfire can travel far downwind and exposes roughly 2/3 of Americans to pollutants which have known health concerns. Currently, a majority of research and healthcare efforts are focused on addressing the hazards of fine particulate matter (PM) exposure. However, oxidative wildfire byproducts, such as ozone, present unique cardiopulmonary dangers but are more challenging to monitor and protect against. Despite the negative health effects there are few tools available for monitoring ambient ozone concentrations and no low-cost handheld option. Current detection equipment is expensive, prone to interference, and sacrifices accuracy when made portable. Consequently, the public is left in the dark when trying to assess their own risk and officials don’t have a clear picture of the health impact caused by chronic ozone exposure. Recent advancements in electrochemical gas sensor technology make them an appealing low-cost option to monitor ambient air pollution. Developments in screen printed electrode fabrication and research into non- aqueous electrolytes have resulted in low-cost devices with performance comparable to bench top instruments. Additionally, electrochemical sensors are easily miniaturized and suitable for long-term autonomous monitoring applications which are both desirable for personal use applications. This program aims to develop a thick-film electrochemical sensor utilizing novel electrolytes for continuous monitoring of chronic ozone concentrations in communities affected by wildfires. The completed monitor device will be easily portable and incorporate an Internet of Things (IoT) approach, leveraging an open-source data aggregation platform to advance the understanding of ozone exposure risks. Successful execution of the proposed program will improve air quality data equitability and give all stakeholders an invaluable tool to combat air pollution epidemiology.