FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 3/31/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Framingham Public Health Department Receives Grant to Enhance Air Quality Monitoring
FRAMINGHAM – The Framingham Public Health Department announced it has received a grant through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Particulate Matter Air Sensor Grant Program.
The grant supported the installation of five new air quality sensors throughout the city, significantly enhancing local air monitoring capabilities.
The sensors, manufactured by PurpleAir, are designed to measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a key air pollutant. PM2.5 consists of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Major sources of particulate matter include the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles and industrial processes.
In addition to the newly funded PurpleAir sensors, MassDEP has recently installed a more advanced air quality monitoring sensor at the Framingham Department of Public Works (DPW) facility. This new sensor is part of MassDEP’s statewide network, which now includes 24 ambient air quality monitoring locations. As a result, Framingham will see a substantial increase in its air quality monitoring coverage, from one sensor to a total of seven in the city.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which will significantly improve our city’s air quality monitoring efforts. The addition of five new PurpleAir sensors will provide us with valuable, real-time data on fine particulate matter, empowering our community to make informed decisions to protect their health. With the installation of this technology, alongside the new MassDEP sensor at our Department of Public Works facility, Framingham’s air quality monitoring network has expanded significantly. This initiative is an important step in our ongoing commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of all Framingham residents,” said Framingham Health Director William Murphy.
Data collected by both the PurpleAir sensors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sensors is made available in real-time on PurpleAir.com and the EPA’s Fire and Smoke interactive map on AirNow.gov. This information plays a critical role in enhancing public awareness and promoting informed decision-making regarding air quality.
Key uses of the air quality data include:
- EPA Fire and Smoke Map: Integrating PurpleAir sensor data, the EPA Fire and Smoke Map provides real-time air quality updates, particularly during wildfire events.
- Google: PurpleAir data is incorporated into Google’s mapping services, allowing users to access real-time air quality information.
- NASA Satellite Calibration: NASA uses PurpleAir sensor data to calibrate satellite-based air quality measurements.
- WeatherUnderground: Weather Underground uses PurpleAir data to offer detailed, hyper-local weather and air quality information.
The addition of affordable air quality sensors and the availability of real-time data empower individuals, organizations, and researchers alike. This data helps to make informed decisions aimed at reducing exposure to harmful air pollution and identifying areas in need of mitigation efforts to protect public health.
The Framingham Public Health Department is committed to improving air quality monitoring in the city and supporting public health initiatives that ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.
More information on the air monitoring programs can be found at the links below.
· Real-time Air Quality Monitoring by PurpleAir
· Air Monitoring in Massachusetts | Mass.gov
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