by Samantha Dvorin, Archie Williams High School
Michael Flagg is a principal air quality specialist at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) in the Ambient Air Quality Analysis Office Section. Prior to working at BAAQMD, Flagg worked at the EPA’s Region 9 Air Quality Analysis for 10 years where he was a national expert on air monitoring, quality assurance and control, and data analysis regarding federal policy decisions. He has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Flagg presented “Understanding Air Quality Data in the Bay Area" at the Marin Science Seminar. We asked him some questions about what he does.
1. How does air quality monitoring using professional high-tech equipment differ from monitoring with air sensors that any person can purchase?
The main difference is the purpose of the monitoring. The high-tech equipment the Air District uses in its air monitoring sites is used to track air quality over time, ensure compliance with health-based air quality standards, and provide accurate information to the public. Air sensors are typically used for collecting air quality data in lots of different places. Community groups use these networks to determine where air quality may be higher and use that information to advocate for a reduction in emissions. Also, the high-tech equipment is very expensive and takes full-time employees to run every day, while sensors are relatively cheaper and easier to operate.
2. What does a day at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District look like for you?
A typical day starts with checking my email for any new incoming requests for data analysis, input on different projects, or answering questions about air quality and air monitoring. Generally, I try to look a the most recent air quality data every day to stay informed about what is happening in the Bay Area. Most of my time is working on specific projects, like data analysis, working with community groups on air monitoring, or reviewing documents.
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| Image from Flagg's San Francisco Chronicle Article |
3. Why do you think air quality and pollution management are so important?
Breathing clean air is a basic human right and the Air District's mission is to reduce air pollution for all Bay Area residents. This is especially important in communities of color that have experienced decades of environmental racism and are exposed to higher levels of pollution than other groups.
4. How has the world of air quality management changed since the emergence of new air monitoring technology?
It really has made collecting air quality data easier, which empowers people to understand the air quality in their neighborhoods and advocate for changes.
5. How is air pollution not only an environmental problem but also a social/equality issue?
Through policies like redlining, communities of color live in close proximity to more sources of air pollution than other groups. These communities experience disproportionate levels of exposure to poor air quality and as an agency need to work toward reducing air quality in the Bay Area in an equitable way - meaning we should be working to reduce air pollution in the worst areas first.
6. How can people get involved with improving air pollution and advocating for a cleaner world?
Engaging with all levels of government and advocating for clean air or working with community-based organizations to raise awareness about air quality and how to get local improvements are a few examples.
7. What advice would you give to a young person interested in environmental protection and air quality work?
Learn about air quality in your area and connect with like-minded people that are passionate about environmental protection, whether that be a group of friends or a local organization.
8. Are there any projects you are working on right now?
I am working on quite a few different projects, but right now I am working on a program called the Bay Air Center that provides technical support on air monitoring and air quality to local community groups that are interested in collecting data with air sensors or advocating for cleaner air in their community.
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