Citizen science is another name for public participation in environmental research.

It’s a cost-effective way of capturing more wide-spread data to extend a program’s focus area. Best of all, you don’t have to be a “scientist” to join our citizen science team!

Anyone can do it, and it is a great way to ensure communities across NB are included in air quality monitoring efforts.

Being a citizen scientist can also benefit you! If you (or people you know) have sensitivities such as asthma, COPD, or cardiac conditions, wood smoke exposure can be very dangerous. Knowing your local air quality can help with the daily management of these health conditions, and even give back a sense of control over these diseases.

Selected Citizen Scientists will install a small Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) sensor outside of their home. They’ll be able to see what the air quality looks like at their house, and they’ll see how those measurements change during air quality events such as residential wood burning or forest fires. We ask participants to provide NB-Lung with updates and simple reports, and participate in surveys throughout the year.

If you would like to become a citizen scientist, contact: leah.hemphill@nblung.ca

Follow our social media engagement for this project by using the #AQWatcher and #NBAQ hashtags.

See real-time New Brunswick Air Quality data

Resources:

• • • • Information Webinar for Air Quality Monitor Hosts
      • Understanding the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
      • How To Use The AQHI
      • Protect Your Indoor Air from Outdoor Pollutants
      • Wild Fire: Smoke & Health