Population Health
February 15, 2017
Citizen-science research looks at wood smoke pollution
The fine particle pollution generated by wood smoke can have a number of negative effects on human health. Within Pierce County, Washington, a number of efforts are underway to reduce wood smoke pollution in areas that have been designate as a smoke reduction zone.
Dr. Robin Evans-Agnew, assistant professor of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership at University of Washington Tacoma, engaged a group of 10 middle and high school students from the area to track both indoor and outdoor air pollution to gauge the impact of smoke reduction efforts. Their findings, which had some surprises, were presented to the public during a Wood Smoke Photovoice Gallery Event at the Grace Moore Library in Tacoma.