Community science, also known as “citizen science” or “participatory science,” is an expansive field where the public contributes to scientific knowledge and understanding. Ordinary people participate in projects, collect data, and share information to help better understand environmental concerns happening in their communities, such as soil contamination, microplastic pollution, and environmental justice issues. Sensors are one tool that community members can use for Staying Air Aware by monitoring the air quality in their area.

Be Air Smart

Air Central Texas provides FREE PurpleAir sensors through our Be Air Smart program to qualifying partners to help them better understand their air quality. These low-cost, easy-setup sensors contribute to PurpleAir's online map that provides real-tine PM concentrations data.

Our potential partners would be Government Agencies, Libraries, City Halls, Health Centers, Schools, Youth Education Organizations, Children’s Hospitals, Clinics, and Daycares/After-School Programs located within the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA (Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties). Request a sensor here!

Air Sensor Toolbox

The EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox also provides the latest science on the performance, operation, and use of air sensor monitoring systems for technology developers, air quality managers, community scientists and the public.

• Sensor use and study design - guiding users on best practices, current knowledge, and recommendations on using sensors
• Sensor performance and evaluation - resources and tools for examining how sensors perform compared to reference monitors
• Sensor collocation - comparing sensors and reference monitors to understand the accuracy of the data produced
• Understanding sensor data - resources to support managing, visualizing, and interpreting sensor data
• Research and reports - publications, collaborative agreements, and research funding and grants
• Outreach and resources - Frequently asked questions, educational resources, meeting summaries, sensor loan programs and news