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 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.
Black carbon 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.
Health
Small enough to be inhaled deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream, affecting heart and lung health.
Climate
A powerful climate forcer that warms the atmosphere and accelerates glacier and sea ice melt.
Communities
Often higher in urban and industrial areas, contributing to air quality inequality and environmental justice concerns.
Measuring black carbon helps us understand pollution hotspots, protect public health, and build cleaner, more resilient communities.


