Making the invisible visible.
CALM 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.
Meet the Sensing Platform
A portable black carbon sensor that takes measurements out of the lab and into everyday environments.
Our Goals
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Measure
Develop portable sensors that measure black carbon accurately in real time.
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Map
Create a living community map revealing localized pollution exposure.
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Empower
Inspire informed public action through art, science, and open data.
What Is Black Carbon?
Black carbon is a component of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) that comes from the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, wood, and biomass. It is made of tiny, light-absorbing particles that impact our health, climate, and environment.
It is 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.
Small enough to be inhaled deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream, affecting heart and lung health.
Measuring black carbon helps us understand pollution hotspots, protect public health, and build cleaner, more resilient communities.
Why Black Carbon?