A pilot research project will study the health effects of air pollution in West Eugene.
A new technology will be deployed to track West Eugene residents' exposure to air pollutants. Participants will wear a wristband that takes air samples, use a cell phone app to transmit data and a spirometer to test lung function. Oregon State University Environmental Health Sciences Center is running the study. They've been working closely with Lisa Arkin of Beyond Toxics.
Arkin: "99% of all industrial air pollution in the City of Eugene is emitted in the 97402 zip code area."
This includes the River Road, Bethel and Trainsong neighborhoods. After the pilot project, researchers will seek grant funding to do a larger, long-term study.
Two meetings are scheduled to describe the research and find participants. The first is for English speakers Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30-8:15 p.m. at Fairfield Elementary School gymnasium at 3455 Royal Ave., Eugene. The Tuesday, Nov. 19 meeting from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Echo Hollow Pool Community Room at 1655 Echo Hollow Road is for Spanish speakers.