North Pole Schools Launch Air Quality Testing Initiative

North Pole and Wood River Elementary Schools in Alaska are set to implement a pioneering air quality testing initiative in collaboration with AirVitalize, a company focused on capturing and purifying air pollution. The project is slated to commence in early 2024, following a demonstration by AirVitalize’s founder and CEO, Serena Allen, on December 18, 2023. During her visit to North Pole Elementary, Allen engaged students with a large, five-foot-tall air monitoring device, sparking curiosity and excitement among the children.

As students entered the assembly, they were captivated by the unfamiliar equipment. Questions flew around the gym, with one child humorously suggesting it was a time machine, while another speculated it could catch lobsters. Allen took the opportunity to clarify that the device measures and purifies air quality, and while a cookie-making machine would be delightful, this technology serves a more critical purpose.

“What we’re doing in this machine is creating the same effect as when you rub a balloon on your head; it clumps together pollution and collects it,” Allen explained. She illustrated her point with a demonstration involving static electricity, which captivated the young audience.

Pollution is a significant concern in Fairbanks, particularly during the winter months when temperature inversions can trap harmful pollutants close to the ground. Allen noted that air quality in the region often deteriorates, with pollution levels reaching alarming heights. “Our pollution is trapped from anywhere to 200 feet down to 10 feet, which is really compact, and that’s why our pollution gets so bad,” she stated.

The health implications of poor air quality are profound. Breathing polluted air contributes to increased rates of asthma and respiratory infections. According to Allen, over one billion people globally live in areas where air pollution poses serious health risks. AirVitalize aims to mitigate this issue by creating accessible, healthy outdoor environments within a 15-minute walk for everyone.

Despite the challenges posed by diverse pollution sources, Allen is optimistic. “Because it’s from so many different sources, it’s hard to stop it quickly and affordably. That’s why we hope AirVitalize can be a solution,” she added. Currently, the company is in the testing phase, examining potential partnerships with the federal government to expand the use of their technology.

Funding from the federal government has already facilitated the installation of three air monitors in Fairbanks. Allen aims to develop a portable solution suitable for extreme temperatures, as current devices like PurpleAir monitors become unreliable at temperatures below -20°F. The harsh conditions in North Pole provide an ideal environment for her team to refine their technology.

Support for Allen’s initiative extends beyond the educational institutions involved. Rep. Mike Prax, a Republican representative from North Pole, has been following her progress. He attended the demonstration, encouraging students to persevere through setbacks, much like Allen has done in her journey to develop the air monitoring device.

The current model took over a month to adapt for extreme cold, and Allen’s team has identified numerous improvements for future iterations. With North Pole designated as the primary testing site, the collaboration is expected to yield valuable insights for subsequent phases of the project.

BeadedCloud, a local company, is sponsoring the deployment of the monitoring devices, and Allen is actively seeking additional sponsors to support air quality monitoring at significant events like the Yukon Quest and World Ice Art Championship.

During the assembly, student engagement was high, with many eager to ask questions about the technology and its applications. Allen’s passion for invention resonated with the young audience, many of whom raised their hands when she inquired if there were any budding inventors among them.

As the presentation concluded, students eagerly lined up to interact with the air monitoring device, emphasizing the excitement this project has generated. Allen reminded them to treat the equipment with care, as it would soon be deployed for its intended purpose.

This initiative at North Pole and Wood River Elementary Schools represents a significant step toward addressing air quality concerns in Fairbanks and beyond, with potential implications for public health and environmental awareness in future generations.