West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has begun to make near real time data on air quality available through a new website.
It has launched the West Midlands Air Quality Data Platform to provide local readings from a network of EarthSense sensors and other relevant information for the region.
The sensors have been installed outside schools, businesses, hospitals and sports centres and in residential area. WMCA said they are providing some of the most accurate data so far on levels of microscopic particles from wood burners, vehicle tyres, building sites and factories.
The platform shows the location of sensors and makes it possible to obtain readings on PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 levels on an hourly basis, as well as making it possible to download data and obtain charts for seven and 30 days of readings.
Pollution insights
WMCA said this gives local people more insight into pollution hotspots so they can take steps to improve their health and quality of life.
Mayor Richard Parker said: “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."
The West Midlands has some of the highest air pollution levels in the country which are responsible for more than 2,000 premature deaths every year.
