In 2020, an analysis by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission found that people in Morningside and West Side live 10-12 years less than those living in Southeast Pittsfield.
How can we fix that?
We know that air quality and pollution have something to do with it. Numerous studies have found undeniable links between poor air quality and impacted health results such as premature death, premature birth, development of and increased symptoms of heart and lung diseases, hospitalizations, missed days from school and work, and more.
From 2023 to March 2026, we’re running an ambient air quality monitoring network. After being calibrated with regulation monitors, our low-cost sensors will be deployed in locations throughout Morningside and West Side including schools, city hall, the fire department, and more. We’re looking for sources of pollution that can be discussed with our community and reduced for better air quality and better health for the people living in Central Pittsfield.
An air quality monitoring project through the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and No Fracked Gas in Mass.
This is the first air study in Pittsfield, so locations of air pollution are unknown. We are trying to find sources of pollution in Pittsfield so that we can see if site-specific air pollution levels correlate with life expectancy in Pittsfield. With the data we gather and share, we can work with the community to help identify, eliminate, and mitigate sources of pollution. If you have an area of concern, please fill out the form on our homepage or contact BEAT.
Our project uses both stationary devices and a crew of mobile monitors who use handheld devices.
What are possible sources of air pollution?
- Traffic
- Industrial emissions
- Aging infrastructure emissions
- Wildfires and other types of natural disasters, both local and global
- Construction and demolition
What can affect air quality?
- Sources of pollution
- High temperatures
- High humidity
- Wind speed
- Air pressure
- Rain
- Sunshine