In Manheim, Pennsylvania, Stephen Haldeman monitors air quality daily using four apps, as both he and his partner, Susie Hame, have sensitivities to air pollution. A recent study from UC Berkeley revealed that over 20 million people live in U.S. urban areas termed “air quality blind spots,” where dangerous levels of soot pollution are not adequately monitored due to a lack of government sensors. Lancaster County, where Haldeman and Hame reside, has inadequate monitoring, with only two sensors and reported poor short-term particle exposure levels. Local officials and experts acknowledge the air pollution issue but existing sensors are insufficient to track pollution hotspots. Additionally, emerging technology, such as affordable community-run sensors like Purple Air, offer some data but lack the authority to affect governmental pollution regulations. Researchers urge for improved sensor coverage in these blind spots to accurately address and mitigate air quality concerns, particularly affecting low-income and minority communities. Haldeman regrets the reliance on government protection, feeling like the promise of progress from past environmental legislation remains unfulfilled.
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