Background
CALM (Clean Air Living Map) brings together art, science, engineering, and citizen participation to make invisible air pollution visible.
Using portable black carbon sensors, participatory mapping, and public artworks, CALM creates a living map of pollution as it is experienced across everyday environments.
By transforming individual measurements into shared environmental knowledge, the project supports public awareness, scientific research, creative expression, and collective action toward healthier communities.
What is Black Carbon?
Black carbon is a fine particulate pollutant produced by incomplete combustion from sources such as vehicle exhaust, wildfires, and industrial emissions.
Because it is largely invisible yet harmful to human health and the climate, measuring black carbon helps reveal pollution exposure, identify local pollution hotspots, and support evidence-based environmental decision-making.
Our Goals
Measure
Develop portable sensors that measure black carbon accurately in real time.
Map
Create a living community map revealing localized pollution exposure.
Empower
Inspire informed public action through art, science, and open data.