Addressing air quality concerns requires tools that are both accessible and effective in identifying pollution sources. Black Carbon (BC), a critical pollutant tied to combustion, poses unique health and climate risks but is often under-monitored due to limited affordable measurement equipment. This presentation focuses on how tribal air quality programs can leverage Clarity’s innovative Black Carbon Module integrated into a low-cost sensor platform. Field studies conducted in California, Colorado, and Florida show the high accuracy (R² > 0.8) compared to research-grade instruments. A recent deployment in Perth, Australia further demonstrates how BC monitoring supplements PM2.5 data, highlighting variability linked to fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning. For tribal stakeholders, this dual approach provides actionable insights into local pollution sources, including traffic and wildfires, enabling more targeted and effective air quality management. By adopting BC monitoring, tribal programs can gain deeper insights into pollution trends and protect community health and resources.
