Brussels, 20/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - At the beginning of August, the European Commission indicated that it is now possible to detect local pollution levels through a mobile app, AirProbe, combined with a small sensor box. The app was developed by partners from Belgium, Germany, Italy and the UK, who received co-funding to the tune of €2 million as part of the EU seventh framework programme for research and technological development.
The AirProbe app connects to your phone via Bluetooth and sends readings for the level of ozone, black carbon and other pollutants to a central server, which then sends around information about the town's polluted areas, as well as peak pollution times. Researchers and volunteers have currently tested over 28 million air quality points. A similar app, WideNoise helps test environmental noise pollution levels.
The Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, Neelie, Kroes explained that, “thanks to new technologies we are now firmly in the era of citizen science where everyone can create, collect and share data for the common good”. It is hoped that the app can help improve access to data on pollution for the public at large, as well as the local authorities and subsequently raise environmental awareness and change the way we approach this issue. (MD)