Chandigarh gets Mobile Air Quality Laboratory, PU VC launched the vehicle

Chandigarh, October 27, 2016: Chandigarh city today got first of its kind continuous air quality Laboratory on Wheels for monitoring air pollutants. Panjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor, Prof.Arun Kumar Grover and Scientist-G, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr.Gufran Beig inaugurated the facility, which would use state of the art technology.
Prof.Grover congratulated Coordinator, Centre for Public Health, Panjab University Dr.Suman Mor for taking the initiative of national importance. He stressed that more such collaborative steps should be taken to address issues that affect the public
health.
Dr. Gufran Beig, Scientist-G, IITM, Pune mentioned that air quality data generated using the mobile van can be used to create awareness in general public about the air pollution. Further, it can also be used to better understand the relationship between
the air pollution and health risks.
Coordinator, CRICK Prof. S.K . Mehta appreciated the joint efforts put by PU and PGI together with NPL and IITM.
The air quality laboratory on wheels would conduct weekly measurements in Chandigarh.
Dr. Suman Mor, Coordinator, Center for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh and Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor of Environment Health, School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh together with NPL, New Delhi and IITM, Pune are jointly organizing this monitoring. The monitoring would be conducted in seven cities of Haryana and Punjab including Chandigarh.
Mobile Air Quality Laboratory on Wheels: The laboratory on wheel is a part of SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) observational network of Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). Air Quality indicators are monitored at about 3 m height from the ground with online sophisticated instruments. These instruments are operated round the clock and data is recorded and stored at every 5 minute interval for quality check and further analysis.
Pollutants Monitored: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO, NOx (NO, NO2), SO2, BC, Methane (CH4), Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), VOC’s, Benzene, Mercury.
Monitored Meteorological Parameters: UV Radiation, Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind speed, Wind direction, solar radiation.
Mobile Van is first of its kind, which continuously monitors all the above parameters and maintain data base with robust quality control and quality assurance. Data generated will also be used in future to develop air and weather forecast system for Chandigarh.
This activity was a part of a 4-day training programme on the ‘Air Quality and Health’ started from 26th October at School of Public Health, PGIMER and being financially supported by Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi.
Few Interesting Facts about Air Quality Campaign:
• It is first time that air quality data for every 5 minute will be generated in Chandigarh. This will help to identify the daily hours, when the pollution load is highest in Chandigarh.
• Air quality campaign will also provide the pre, during and post Diwali in Chandigarh
• Campaign will provide detailed data of over 10 pollutants including the meteorological parameters
• It is first time that ultrafine particle (PM1) and ultraviolet (UV) measurement will be conducted.
• Air Quality Laboratory on wheels is placed at Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh and residents of Chandigarh can also visit.