JustAir Monitoring App in the US

An innovative technology recently launched in the United States is rapidly expanding its reach, and JustAir, the startup behind it, is quickly collecting awards and notoriety for its services. JustAir was founded by Darren Riley, a Detroit resident who started to explore air quality levels when he was diagnosed with adult-onset asthma. He began to wonder if emissions in the area had contributed to his diagnosis. JustAir releases low-cost air quality monitors into areas suspected of high emissions. This part of their strategy is something that has been done before. However, the technology that followed is first-of-its-kind: data from the air quality monitors gets sent to a platform that residents can access and use to check pollution levels throughout the day. Air quality alerts are then sent to residents through text messages when at dangerous levels.

The platform from JustAir (justair.app) is free, easy to use, and is something that people of all ages can explore. Data from the air quality monitors are hyperlocal and could eventually be used to influence policymakers’ actions. However, even though emissions levels are high in certain areas, as detected by the air quality monitors, it will take longitudinal data collection to prove to many policymakers the need to implement local change. Since the policy is affected by data and actions from locals, it is imperative to empower the locals with the use of the app and encourage the continued expansion of JustAir’s markets. JustAir’s app fills a necessary void in areas with significant emissions and needs to manifest change for public health purposes.

Despite its benefits, the platform does come with its downside. When alerts are sent out to residents about poor air quality, those living in communities with lower socioeconomic status and higher emissions are often alerted more frequently. The alerts can be emotionally difficult for residents in marginalized communities to process, particularly for the fact that many of them are unable to afford to live elsewhere. From a social justice standpoint, this is not the company’s intention, as JustAir wants to focus on empowering residents to seek action that will result in change.

There is a related project in metropolitan London called BreatheLondon, a series of air quality monitors being used to implement drastic change. It has gained significant momentum and support from numerous groups of people. Like JustAir, they use small air quality monitors. Although data from the monitors is not as accurate as a governmental monitor, which can be expensive, it is more local. Data generated from numerous of these small monitors can be used to influence policy and public health efforts.

JustAir has released air quality monitors in numerous locations across the United States. However, most of its monitors are located in Michigan. Air quality monitors have recently been launched in North Carolina, North Dakota, and Illinois. The company plans to expand into more states in the coming years and eventually into international territory. Though this company is small, its reach and purpose are mighty, a force to be reckoned with. JustAir promises to be a long-term player in the fight against pollution and improved emissions standards, and I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.

 

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard US Country Manager Abby Carlson.

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