New Station to Monitor Air Pollution Launched

The impact of air pollution on human health will be the focus of a new research station which opens in Leicester city onFriday 25th October.

The air quality monitoring station, based at the University of Leicester, hosts a range of state-of-the-art equipment for measuring both gaseous and aerosol air pollutants, combining statutory and research measurements, which will enhance the capacity for measuring the impact of small particles on human health.

Professor Paul Monks, Principal Investigator from the University of Leicester’s Department of Chemistry, says: “Air quality remains a critical problem to human health. At the University of Leicester, we are undertaking research to aid our understanding of air pollution and to work towards solutions to reduce the harmful effects.

“This new air quality monitoring station will provide unheralded insights for our researchers, particularly into small particles and their effects on human health.”

The AURN station is part of a collaboration between the University of Leicester, the City Council, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and international partners funded as part of the JOAQUIN project by the INTERREG IV-B investment programme. The official opening will take place on Friday 25 October at 4.15pm in the University’s Council Chamber by local MP Jon Ashworth.

Jon adds: “The monitoring opportunities offered by this station will enhance the research at the University of Leicester, adding to the quality of education offered in Leicester and making us a world class university city.”