A new air quality monitoring station in Des Moines, Washington, will begin continuously measuring pollution from Sea-Tac Airport. The station tracks ultrafine particles, PM2.5, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Researchers from the University of Washington, the city, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will use the data to understand how airport operations and weather affect local air quality. The monitor builds on earlier mobile studies of ultrafine particles near the airport. Community advocates and local officials attended the ribbon cutting, including environmental justice advocates who have long pushed for better data. This station gives residents and researchers a permanent tool to track exposure levels and support future decisions on airport expansion and emission controls.
