SWAMPSCOTT — The town has been awarded 10 new air quality sensors from Gov. Maura Healey and her administration and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Swampscott was one of 27 municipalities across the state to receive the total of 213 sensors through Mass DEP’S Particulate Matter Air Sensor Grant Program. The small, circular devices are manufactured by PurpleAir, a leading provider in the field. The air quality is determined by the measurement of fine particulate matter.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton expressed his satisfaction with Swampscott receiving the sensors, saying the access to accurate data is crucial to substantially improving public health.
“Nothing is more elemental than the air we breathe. Making sure it’s clean and safe requires constant monitoring,” State Rep. Jenny Armini said. “Real-time data from Swampscott’s ten new sensors will help the community reduce exposure, especially to vulnerable populations, and mitigate the impact of unhealthy air.”
The air quality sensors are able to test for pollutants in the atmosphere such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a press release the importance of monitoring air quality has only increased due to climate change.
