Air Quality
We’re currently seeking the support of local businesses and residents to build a network of air quality devices in Kaikorai Valley, which AirGradient generously donated. If you’re interested in hosting a monitor, please contact us today to join this vital community effort.
Why is it important?
Air pollution includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Health impacts include premature deaths, hospitalisations, asthma, and restricted activity days, as well as the social costs from illness and deaths. Learn more.
New Zealand’s latest research, the Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand study, estimates that in 2016, the health outcomes attributable to human-generated air pollution resulted in
the premature deaths of more than 3,300 adult New Zealanders
more than 13,100 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiac illnesses
845 asthma hospitalisations for children
over 13,200 cases of childhood asthma
approximately 1.745 million restricted activity days - days on which people could not do the things they might otherwise have done if air pollution had not been present.
Why valleys are vulnerable to air pollution
In many cases, valleys can trap pollutants due to their geography, preventing them from dispersing. Temperature inversions, where warm air traps cooler air near the ground, can further worsen air quality by keeping pollutants concentrated.
To see an example of this effect, find out what's happening in the Po Valley in Italy, one of Europe’s most polluted areas: Air pollution fluctuations over the Po Valley.
Our air quality mission
Create a network of air quality devices throughout the valley.
Collect data on air quality to understand trends and identify areas for improvement.
Open data for anyone to use, data will be published to AirGradient, OpenAQ & IQAir.
Thank you to the project sponsors who made this possible:
