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Chiamaka Iheanyi.

Each day, as we take a breath, an invisible storm of particles and molecules infiltrates our bodies, posing a threat not only to our lungs but also to our overall health and wellbeing. Yet, have you ever truly pondered the significance of clean air as an important determinant of your health and wellbeing? This question warrants a major consideration. 

Ninety-nine percent of people are exposed to air pollution levels higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization. Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical or particle (physical or biological agent) that alters the atmosphere’s inherent properties. Imagine yourself in the shoes of a doctor dealing with a child who regularly suffers from asthma episodes. 

As you commence on collecting the medical history, you realize that there might be more going on than meets the eye. Could air pollution be an underlying risk factor worth considering in your patient’s assessment? What additional questions would you pose? How would you work to reduce the risks? While health care workers cannot reduce the emissions of air pollution alone, the constant trust given to them and being at the front line of prevention and care, is a strong basis for providing guidance to individuals, patients and communities. 

Primary prevention and addressing root causes of ill-health remains crucial and needs to be strengthened as it is cost-effective; but often overlooked and under-funded by Federal Agencies. The health argument needs to be central to policy making in various sectors for a sustainable planet with healthy people. In addressing these issues, we cannot but emphasize the importance of awareness. 

Air pollution has long been an issue in Kazakhstan, with efforts to address it often being hindered by low public awareness, lack of available data and the limitations of traditional monitoring. Kazhydromet, the National Hydrometeorological Service, tracks the nation’s air quality through an extensive network of monitoring stations, accessible to the public via the AirKZ mobile app. While Kazhydromet offers a comprehensive view, the introduction of low-cost air quality sensors adds a new layer of monitoring, providing citizens with localized data on environmental and health risks. This dual approach—combining a national monitoring network with hyper-focused local sensors—enhances Kazakhstan’s capacity to better understand and tackle air quality issues, raising public awareness and promoting more effective environmental management.

Implementation of a low-cost air quality sensor network in Central Asia to improve air quality through capacity building and increased public awareness is the latest initiative by Nazarbayev University (NU), led by Professor Dhawal Shah of School of Engineering and Digital Sciences.

The project, guided by Professor Mike Bergin of Duke University, uses TSI® Bluesky and AirAssure sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor air quality across Kazakhstan. Professor Bergin’s expertise in air quality research, particularly in countries like India, China, and Uzbekistan, is critical to the project’s success. 

NU provides local resources, expertise, and data analytics, targeted to gain insights into the sources and effects of air pollution through a more accessible and reliable air quality tracking. By collecting real-time PM2.5 data, the initiative seeks to raise public awareness and build capacity for addressing air quality issues in the region. 

PM is a common proxy indicator for air pollution. Its major components include sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water. Strong evidence exists for the negative health impacts associated with exposure to this pollutant. 

PM sensing is operated using light scattering principles whereas gas concentrations are measured using electrochemical sensors. The range of PM measurements are 0-1000 ug/m3 with an accuracy of within 10%. Real-time data from these sensors is readily accessible to the public through www.tsilink.com. To keep abreast with the live air quality data, be encouraged to browse the link.

The university team, with the active support of citizens across Kazakhstan, has strategically deployed low-cost TSI® Bluesky and AirAssure sensors in key locations, including Astana, Atyrau, Almaty, Taraz, Shymkent, Kosshy, and Semei. Bluesky and Air Assure are light-weight sensors manufactured by TSI Company, and measure various air quality data, specifically concentrations of pollutant gasses, particular matter (PM), temperature, and relative humidity. Additionally, the team is taking several measures to raise awareness among future generations by actively engaging with high schools across the country. 

NU has taken a proactive approach to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the TSI sensors. In response to the lack of standardized performance specifications for these sensors, the university’s team has implemented a comprehensive calibration program. By addressing the challenges associated with TSI sensor performance, the university is contributing to the advancement of environmental monitoring and scientific understanding. With each progress in this project, a healthier environment is possible. Together, we can breathe healthier again.

The author is Chiamaka Iheanyi, a graduate student at the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Astana Times. 

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