Abstract Image

Three Simple Steps

  1. Silicone wristbands are used to measure chemicals from the surrounding environment over time. 

  2. The chemicals are extracted and identified by our researchers. 

  3. Researchers compare chemical data to the spirometer readings or geographic locations of the mobile phones.

 The wristbands can absorb volatile and semi-volatile compounds directly from the air (from the vapor phase), and do not measure compounds from particulate matter. These wristbands enable researchers to correlate location or lung function with air pollutants. One of the challenges of quantifying personal exposure is measuring the pollutants in an accurate and time dependent way.  Recent research has been published on the wristbands supporting temporal (time-sensitive) and spatial (where you are) sensitivity of these passive samplers.

Steven G. O'Connell, lead author on the article published in Environmental Science & Technology

See article

Compounds that can be absorbed by the wristbands:

  • Flame retardants
  • Polybrominated compounds
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Pesticides

For a complete list, please visit the Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship website.

 

| Back to Phase Two of the Air Pollution Project |

The passive wristband samplers are small, lightweight wristbands that can monitor our personal exposure to air pollution by absorbing chemicals found in the air.

These passive wristband samplers are called 'passive' because they do not require any maintenance or power to work. Simply slide it on your wrist, and go about your day as usual! 

Watch the videos below for more information about the passive wristband sampler, or check out some of our frequently asked questions to learn more. 

The passive wristband sampler is currently being used in several community-based research project. Read more about these projects...

What is a passive wristband sampler?

 

Behind the Scenes: Analyzing the passive wristband sampler in the Anderson Laboratory