Government-funded website launched to check West Midlands air quality - here's why
A groundbreaking new website has been launched aimed at helping West Midlands residents determine how clean the air they breathe is.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Near-live air quality data is being collected by hi-tech sensors, funded with Government cash secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The sensors have been installed outside homes, schools, businesses, hospitals and sports centres across the region with people able to access the information at cleanair.wmca.org.uk.
It gives vital information on levels of microscopic particles from wood burners, vehicle tyres, building sites and factories.
These tiny particulates can exacerbate long-term health conditions, including asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
The sensors are also tracking levels of nitrogen dioxide from roads and industrial sites.

A WMCA spokesperson said the West Midlands has some of the highest air pollution levels in the country, responsible for more than 2,000 premature deaths every year.
Mayor Richard Parker said: “Too many people are suffering the effects of air pollution. That has to change and it’s going to take bold actions from everyone
“I’m already investing to make homes healthier, and businesses cleaner and greener. And we are innovating to move to a zero-emission public transport network.
“Now we have one of the country’s largest air quality sensor networks. I’ve taken action to give people the information they need to react and provide a brighter, healthier future for everyone.”
Alongside the new sensors, residents, businesses and community services providers have been taking part in projects to help them understand how changes to their routines and working practices can improve their air quality.
Monitoring is taking place in homes with log burners and at construction sites, alongside work with pharmacists to help people with health conditions reduce their exposure to poor air quality and choose greener and more sustainable travel options.

A group of residents in Walsall have been wearing special backpacks with sensors to record the air quality they encounter during their normal daily lives.
Charlotte Gough, who took part in the trial, said: “I wanted to understand how air quality is impacting my daily life, and I was quite surprised by the results.
“The stand out bit of data was the poor air quality I was exposed to when exercising – either due to lack of ventilation or being near busy roads.
“It’s definitely inspired me to make some changes to my own routines, like travelling actively to visits or appointments locally rather than taking my car.
“But when I do need to use the car, I’m now checking the tyres regularly, keeping my windows closed and using air recirculation, and also turning the engine off if I’m parked or stuck in traffic for long periods of time.”
Owen Gardner, chief operating officer at EarthSense who have provided the air quality sensors, said: “We are proud to be delivering a hyperlocal network of advanced air quality monitoring sensors to WMCA, providing real-time pollution insights along with fully quality controlled and quality assured data outputs via the interactive public facing engagement portal.
“The initiative aims to support data-driven decision-making for cleaner, healthier communities.
“This partnership reinforces EarthSense’s commitment to tackling air pollution with cutting-edge sensor technology and modelling.”