UNICEF x AirGradient: Two-Day Workshop on Air Quality Monitoring

On January 28-29, we hosted a two-day workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand, bringing together participants from UNICEF Lao PDR, the Lao Ministry of Education and Sport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Maker Box Lao, and Lao Telecom. The workshop aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in air quality monitoring, data interpretation, and capacity building. It was organized in connection with the deployment of 160 AirGradient air quality monitors at schools throughout Lao PDR.

Day 1:

The first day set the tone for discussions on air quality challenges, monitoring, and solutions. AirGradient Founder & CEO, Achim Haug, and UNICEF Lao PDR Technology for Development Officer, Soheib Abdalla, welcomed participants. Achim then introduced the company, its mission, and its open-source air quality monitoring technology.

Guest speaker Weenarin Lulitanonda, co-founder of the Thailand Clean Air Network, gave an insightful talk on the Citizen Driven Clean Air Act Legislative Approach, an initiative aimed at establishing the right to clean air as a fundamental human right, thus obligating the state to protect its citizens from air pollution. She called for public engagement and awareness to recognize the impact of air pollution.

Anthony Mockler, Data Scientist at UNICEF discussed leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate air quality in the country. His presentation showcased the role of emerging technologies in improving air quality forecasts, particularly in regions with limited monitoring infrastructure.

The first day concluded with a visit to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) where Dr. Ronald Macatangay from the Atmospheric Research Unit gave a tour of the facilities and shared insights on atmospheric research and their ongoing air quality forecasting model project.

Day 2

The second day of the workshop started with a tour of our factory in Mae Rim. This was followed by a workshop on how to assemble the open-source air quality monitors and how they integrate with the AirGradient and OpenAQ dashboards, which were facilitated by AirGradient Co-Founder & CTO, Dominik Schraner.

Participants then visited Prem International School where they gained insights into best practices for school air quality monitoring and managing the challenges of air pollution.

Although a planned visit to The Mud House by Chiang Mai Grow-operative couldn’t take place due to time constraints, Achim shared to the participants a video that he shot at the Mud House’s on a previous visit highlighting their low-cost air filtration system. This highlighted the potential of accessible, cost-effective solutions for improving air quality.

The day concluded with a calibration and accuracy session led by Dr. Anika Krause, AirGradient’s Scientific Director. This session emphasized the importance of data precision in air quality monitoring and provided best practices for ensuring reliable readings.

To close the workshop, participants engaged in a discussion focusing on next steps, and how to use their new knowledge in the deployment of air quality monitors in Lao PDR.

From all of us at AirGradient, we hope this session sparked valuable insights and collaborations toward cleaner air and healthier communities and thank all participants for their valuable contributions!