City of Bloomington Publishes Results from an Air Quality Study, a Climate Projections Extreme Heat Report, and a Story Map

The City of Bloomington conducted an air quality study in collaboration with CAPA Strategies to measure the distribution of particulate matter across the City. The study was conducted during the heat mapping campaign that took place on August 4, 2024. Volunteers placed particulate matter sensors on their cars and drove along five predetermined routes throughout the city at 6 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7p.m. The particulate matter sensors were then placed at stationary locations across the city for 21 days.  

Particulate matter (PM) are tiny air particles made of many different chemicals and are often produced through combustion processes of automobiles, construction equipment, agricultural processes, industrial plants, and wildfires. PM particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, known as PM 2.5 , can be especially harmful to human health when breathed in elevated concentrations. ​

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when PM2.5 measurements reach a 24-hour average between 12-35 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter), there may be some risk to people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. During the study, all sensors located across the city had at least one day with a daily average over 12 μg/m3 with one sensor having six days. At these levels, unusually sensitive people should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense or wearing an N-95 HEPA filter air mask while outdoors. Unusually sensitive populations include children, older adults, people with pre-existing heart or lung diseases (like asthma or COPD), pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, and those who exercise heavily outdoors as their bodies inhale more air and particles when physically active. Residents are encouraged to monitor Bloomington’s real-time air quality by visiting the website AirNow.

The results from the air quality study are available on the City of Bloomington’s Sustainable Bloomington website. Residents are invited to read CAPA Strategies’ summary report, which provides key highlights from the study and details the methodologies used to create the distribution maps. 

A Climate Projections Extreme Heat Report was also completed by CAPA Strategies. The report provides information about how high temperatures are expected to be in Bloomington by 2050 and 2100 based on two greenhouse gas emission scenarios. This report allows the City to understand future impacts of climate change and informs climate adaptation and mitigation strategies based on the projected changes. 

A story map has been created by CAPA Strategies where residents can see a compilation of all of their work for the City of Bloomington including the HeatWatch Campaign, Air Quality Study, and Climate Projections. The story map allows residents to view key highlights from the data as well as explore the hottest and coolest areas of the city, and see areas with the highest concentrations of particulate matter. 

“The City is grateful to everyone who participated in the air quality study," said Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability. “The data collected helps to inform our community about the quality of the air we breathe. The climate projections for Bloomington provide us with a tool to understand the forecasted impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and where targeted heat mitigation strategies are needed the most. The results of these studies further demonstrates the need for all of us to increase investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in our homes, businesses, organizations, and municipally owned buildings. Stay informed about IRA tax credits and upcoming city and state rebates available soon for these investments by visiting the City of Bloomington’s Sustainable Bloomington website and subscribing to the ESD Instagram account.” 

For more information about the City’s ongoing sustainability and climate efforts, please visit the City of Bloomington’s Climate Action Dashboard or contact [email protected].