Data Collection Methods

We’re using a combination of data (like pollution levels and health statistics) and stories from local residents (like you) to understand how things like air quality, neighborhood conditions, and local industries are affecting the health and wellbeing of Jamaica, Queens residents.

Through surveys, interviews, and environmental monitoring, we aim to get a clear picture of how environmental pollution might be contributing to issues like asthma, respiratory problems, mental health concerns, and more.

Health Inequities

The purpose of the survey is to capture information about the sources of pollution, health inequities, and residents' lived experiences, shedding light on the injustices that have impacted our community’s health and well-being.

Air Pollutants

Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

  • PM 2.5 refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width.

    • Cars & Trucks

    • Construction Equipment

    • Operations that involve the burning of fuels such as heating oil or coal

    • Natural sources such as forest and grass fires

  • PM can be so small that it can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as:

    • Premature death in people with heart or lung disease

    • Nonfatal heart attacks

    • Irregular heartbeat

    • Aggravated asthma

  • How will we measure Particulate Matter?

    • Mini-Vol: The filter-based sampler provides 24-hour accumulative PM 2.5 mass concentration measurements in ambient conditions.

    • FRM PM2.5: The filter-based Sequential Sampler provides 24-hour accumulative PM2.5 and/or PM10 mass concentration measurements in ambient conditions.

Black Carbon (BC)

  • Also known as “soot”, is a component of PM 2.5 and it’s created as a byproduct of burning fossil fuels. Black carbon is the second largest climate forcer as it absorb sunlight and suppresses the formation of clouds.

  • Black Carbon is released into the environment through these sources:

    • Fossil fuels

    • Burning of Biomass (wildfires, cookstoves)

  • Inhalation of black carbon is associated with health problems including:

    • Respiratory issues & asthma

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Birth Defects

  • How we’ll measure Black Carbon?

    microAeth® AE51

    Designed specifically for investigation of personal exposure to carbonaceous particles found in ambient air. The instrument provides high quality, short time resolved data essential for assessing the real-time concentration of Black Carbon aerosols in a micro-environment.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

  • VOCs are air pollutants that are released as gases during the manufacture or use of many common products.

  • Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are released into the environment through these sources:

    • Fossil fuels

    • Paint & paint strippers

    • Cleaners

    • Pesticides

    • Disinfectants

    • Adhesives

    • Building Materials

    • Aerosol Sprays

  • The health effects are dependent on the VOCs concentrations and, also, on the exposure time. Among the symptoms that people have experienced after exposure include:

    • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

    • Respiratory issues & asthma

    • Headaches, nausea, liver, kidney & nervous system damage

    • Some VOCs linked to cancer

  • How we’ll measure VOCs?

    Summa Canister

    A Summa canister is constructed of specially treated stainless steel designed for collecting a whole air sample. The VOCs are subsequently separated by gas chromatography (GC) and measured by mass-selective detector or multidetector techniques.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

  • Highly reactive gas (a part of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

    NO2 can react with other chemicals and form ozone and particulate matter.

  • Human-made sources, mainly from burning fossil fuels, creates NO2:

    • Emissions from cars, trucks, buses

    • Coal-fired power plants

    • Oil & gas production

    • Diesel-powered non-road equipment

    • Industrial boilers

  • While everyone is at risk from health impacts of nitrogen dioxide pollution, those who live near the emission sources are at higher risk. Exposure to NO2 can lead to:

    • Short-term exposure: Can aggravate respiratory diseases and increase respiratory symptoms.

    • Longer Exposures: Can increase risk of respiratory infections and can lead to getting asthma.

  • How we plan to measure (NO2)

    AQY Micro Air Quality Monitoring Station

    Real-time measurement of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM2.5, temperature, and relative humidity (RH).

Ground Level Ozone (O3)

  • Ozone is not released directly into the air. In the presence of sunlight and heat, ozone can be created from a chemical reaction between NOx and VOCs.

  • Pollutants emitted from these sources contribute to ground-level ozone:

    • Electric Utilities

    • Industrial Facilities

    • Vehicle Exhaust

    • Chemical Solvents

    • Gasoline Vapors

    • Power Plants

    • Refinery

    • Industrial Boilers

  • Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Exposure to ground-level ozone can lead to:

    • Sore/scratchy throat & coughing

    • Difficulty with breathing.

    • Damage or inflammation of the airways

    • Higher susceptibility to lung infections

    • Aggravates Asthma

  • how do we plan to measure Ground-level ozone (O₃)

    AQY Micro Air Quality Monitoring Station

    Real-time measurement of ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), PM2.5, temperature, and relative humidity (RH).

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

  • PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Many PFAS can accumulate in the environment, people and animals because they break down very slowly.

  • We are exposed to PFAS through multiple sources including:

    • Soil/water near waste sites

    • Contaminated drinking water

    • Food packaging

    • Household products & cookware

    • Personal care products

  • Small amounts of PFAS in the body can cause many serious health problems including:

    • Reproductive effects

    • Developmental effects or delays in children

    • Higher risk of some cancers

    • Weakened immune system

    • Can interfere with hormones, and lead to higher cholesterol levels

  • How will we measure (PFAS)?

    FM4 for PFAS

    Collects gas and particle phases of long-lasting harmful chemicals released into the air from a variety of consumer, commercial, and industrial products that break down very slowly.

Leaf Sampling

Tree leaves can collect dust or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that may accumulate over time. The tree leaves collected in the study area could serve as collectors for urban air pollutants.