A New Challenge for Sensors: 24 Million More Americans Breathing Unhealthy Air than Previously Thought

View on Environmental Defense Fund website

Date

Sept. 20, 2018

News Type

Media Highlight

Source

Environmental Defense Fund

"Beyond the eye-popping conclusions, RFF’s study demonstrates why new technology is needed to fill the gaps in data. One of the biggest opportunities here are nimble and increasingly affordable sensors that can transform how we measure and track pollution."

Topics

Related Content

Common Resources — Sep 12, 2018

New satellite data: Twice as many Americans live in counties not meeting fine particulate air quality standards as previously thought.

Resources for the Future (RFF) researchers have used new satellite data to show that 24.4 million more Americans than previously thought live in co...

Working Paper — Sep 12, 2018

Using Satellite Data to Fill the Gaps in the US Air Pollution Monitoring Network

This paper uses new satellite data to assess fine particulate matter concentrations and finds that 24.4 million more Americans than previously thought live in counties that do not meet the annual health standard set under the Clean Air Act.

On the Issues — Jun 6, 2025

On the Issues: Electric Vehicle Charging Costs, Repeals to Clean Energy Tax Credits, and More

A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: Electric vehicle charging costs, repeals to clean energy tax credits, and more.

Resources Radio — May 27, 2025

Seeing the Invisible: Responses to Indoor Air Pollution, with Robert D. Metcalfe

Robert D. Metcalfe discusses his recent study of indoor air pollution levels in homes and how people respond when made aware of their exposure.