UCF researchers using sensors to track Orlando’s air quality: How you can help

ORLANDO, Fla. — A team of University of Central Florida researchers is helping people who live in downtown Orlando learn more about the air they’re breathing.

After waiting out a pandemic delay, the plan is underway to install 100 sensors in neighborhoods across downtown.

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It took less than 10 minutes for the team to install its most recent solar-powered sensor, one of three installed this week and the 17th so far for the study.

“We can make a lot of them so we can basically deploy a lot, and (at) a lot of locations, so we can take a look at the comparison among different places,” said UCF researcher Dr. Haofei Yu.

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The sensors are now compiling data, and by the end of the year they’ll be sending it to an app that gives residents direct access to the quality of the air where they live.

“Then we’ll be able to see, hopefully, some real differences in attitude, in values, and air quality in the city of Orlando,” said UCF researcher Dr. Thomas Bryer.

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The researchers are still looking for more people to host the sensors. If you live inside or just outside city limits and are interested, you can sign up to host one by clicking here.

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