Dearborn Launches City-Wide Air Quality Monitoring Program

DEARBORN, MI — In an effort to combat air pollution and improve public health, Dearborn officials installed ten air quality monitors throughout the city.

Residents can monitor air quality in real-time and subscribe for alerts when air quality reaches levels of concern. The monitors will also be available in Arabic.

"Dearborn families have suffered from poor air quality for decades. Our partnership with JustAir to place monitors throughout the city is just one way we are working to communicate with our residents, and to make strides in improving air quality in the region," Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud said.

The monitors will track three primary air pollutants of concern: particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 and nitrogen dioxide. Additionally, two of the ten monitors will measure ozone, according to officials.

Neighborhoods close to industrial areas, trucking routes, and heavily-used highways were prioritized for placement, because of their elevated exposure, according to officials.

"This intervention is about being accountable to our residents and communicating saliently to the public we serve. Our monitors have been collecting AQI information for months, and we’re excited to collaborate with partners in the community to improve the health and well-being of all," Chief Public Health Officer and Director of the Dearborn Department of Public Health Ali Abazeed said.

Air quality data is summarized using the Air Quality Index, or AQI–a scale that runs from 0 to 500 with six categories. While certain levels–above 151–are unhealthy for everybody, even an AQI between 51 and 150 can be unsafe during pregnancy, for individuals with conditions like cancer or obesity, or for the elderly.

Additionally, risk can vary based on how long individuals are outside and whether they are involved in strenuous activity.