Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring in Lao PDR: Deployment of 160 AirGradient Monitors Marks Significant Advancement of Nationwide Air Quality Information

Air pollution represents a critical environmental health challenge globally, particularly in rapidly developing nations. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), the escalating levels of air pollution necessitate robust monitoring and mitigation strategies to safeguard public health, especially that of vulnerable populations such as children. Historically, access to real-time air quality data in Lao PDR has been severely limited.

From 1 Monitor to 80 Monitors in One Month

To illustrate the magnitude of recent progress, consider the paradigm shift in data availability. Previously, publicly accessible air quality information for Lao PDR was exceedingly sparse. On OpenAQ, the largest repository of air quality monitors worldwide, only one station was available for the whole of Lao, the one from the US Embassy in Vientiane (which now unfortunately went dark). Needless to say that this single source provided a highly incomplete representation of nationwide air quality conditions.

In the last few weeks 80 air quality monitors (as part of 160 in total) have come online as part of a UNICEF project using AirGradient monitors. This substantial increase in monitoring capacity represents a significant leap forward in our ability to understand and address air pollution challenges throughout the country.

You can check out the AirGradient Map to see these new air quality monitors firsthand.

Addressing a Critical Data Gap

The implications of this expanded monitoring network are profound. Lao PDR, situated within Southeast Asia, faces considerable air pollution challenges. Data from UNICEF indicates that air pollution contributes to the loss of over 100 children under the age of five daily across the East Asia and Pacific region. The non-existence of localized air quality data in Lao PDR has historically hindered effective intervention and preventative measures.

This critical project, spearheaded by UNICEF Lao PDR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), UNICEF East Asia Pacific’s Frontier Data Network, and with the support of Arm Holdings through the UNICEF Office of Innovation, directly addresses this data deficit. The initiative’s core strategy involves deploying AirGradient sensors across 150 schools nationwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage in every district of Lao PDR.

The deployment of AirGradient sensors offers several key advantages:

• Enhanced Data Resolution: The network provides localized, real-time data on air pollutants, enabling district-level and even neighborhood-level assessments of air quality.
• Proactive Risk Management: The data empowers school administrators and local authorities to identify elevated pollution levels promptly. This facilitates the implementation of timely precautionary measures, such as temporary school closures, mirroring effective strategies employed in neighboring countries like Thailand based on reliable air quality data.
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: The availability of robust, real-time data supports informed policy decisions regarding air pollution mitigation and long-term strategies for cleaner air and enhanced climate resilience.
• Data for Enhanced Forecasting Models: UNICEF’s data scientists are using the data to develop AI driven forecasting models tailored for the South East Asia’s environment to better predict hazardous air pollution with the ultimate objective to better protect children.
• Community Engagement and Education: Beyond immediate health benefits, the project fosters community engagement. Educational components for teachers and students are integrated into the program, promoting understanding of air quality science and empowering communities to respond proactively to pollution risks.

Capacity Building and Regional Collaboration for Sustainability

Recognizing the importance of local ownership and long-term sustainability, the project incorporates comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. The installation of the sensor network is accompanied by hands-on training programs for educators, students, and local officials. These programs encompass sensor assembly and maintenance, data interpretation, and the utilization of AI-powered forecasting tools.

Furthermore, to ensure best practices and technical expertise, key Lao partners, including Maker Box Lao and Lao Telecom, participated in specialized workshops conducted by AirGradient in Thailand. These workshops, enriched by contributions from the Thailand Clean Air Network and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, focused on accurate sensor calibration, data analysis methodologies, and AI-driven predictive modeling. This regional collaboration strengthens the technical foundation of the Lao PDR monitoring network.

A Model for National-Scale Air Quality Monitoring

The AirGradient deployment in Lao PDR represents a significant advancement in environmental monitoring within the nation. This project not only addresses the immediate need for enhanced air quality data but also establishes a scalable and replicable model for other countries facing similar data scarcity and pollution challenges. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and data accessibility, this initiative offers a pathway towards a healthier future for the children of Lao PDR and serves as an exemplary framework for national-level air quality monitoring programs globally. Continued support and expansion of such initiatives are crucial to effectively address the widespread issue of air pollution and its detrimental impacts on public health.