Air Quality Monitoring Network

The Mountain West Hub, in collaboration with numerous community partners, is building an expansive air quality monitoring network across the San Luis Valley. This research initiative aims to mitigate exposure to air pollution and improve health outcomes through low-cost solutions.

Environmental stressors are on the rise. Wildfire smoke and dust storms commonly degrade the Valley’s air quality. These tiny pollutants, in the form of particulate matter (PM), can enter homes, worsening indoor air quality. Exposure is linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular and kidney disease, mental health concerns, and other negative outcomes.

Outdoor monitors will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Do-It-Yourself air filters (DIYaf) in Valley households. Over the course of two years, this research will collect data at participating households, scattered proportionally across all six counties. This infrastructure will also allow vulnerable communities to take action when pollution levels are high.

The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) is responsible for the initial outdoor infrastructure and educational outreach for this network. It features 12 new monitoring sites as well as preexisting weather stations, government monitors, and PurpleAir sensors. More sensors will be installed at 10 locations. Filter samples will be collected at 5 sites for physical dust analysis.