The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $400,000 Project Grant under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) to develop a network of portable chemical sensors that can continuously monitor outdoor air quality for specific carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. The team at UC Davis will test sensor packaging to ensure the devices can withstand harsh outdoor conditions long-term and develop wireless communication capabilities to relay the sensor data to a cloud platform for processing. The project will involve testing the sensor network under controlled conditions and during actual wildfire events to track the real-time distribution of cancer-causing VOCs within affected communities. This award aims to provide Americans with a more comprehensive understanding of air quality in their regions, enabling them to take appropriate actions to protect their health.
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