Home / Environment / South Memphis Air Quality: Data Dispute Erupts
South Memphis Air Quality: Data Dispute Erupts
23 Jun
Summary
- Community monitors detected unhealthy air pollution levels.
- Health department questions integrity of unofficial monitor data.
- Lack of government monitoring sites led to community project.
Community air monitoring in South Memphis has sparked a data dispute, with local organizations reporting elevated fine particulate matter. CEEJH INC and Memphis Community Against Air Pollution conducted a project due to a decade-long absence of government air monitoring sites in the area.
Their findings indicated that average fine particulate matter concentrations at three South Memphis sites exceeded the EPA's annual standard. These monitors measured particles linked to heart and lung issues.
However, the Shelby County Health Department expressed doubts about the data's reliability. They stated that the PurpleAir monitors used are not EPA-approved for regulatory purposes and can be influenced by weather conditions.
Researchers countered that they followed EPA guidelines for calibration. The health department plans to reopen a monitoring site in South Memphis this month, aiming for greater accuracy and transparency.
