EPA Smoke Sense 3.3.6

The Smoke Sense mobile app is a valuable tool for participating in a citizen science study that investigates the effects of wildfire smoke on our health. By using this app, citizen scientists can not only expand their knowledge about wildland fires and the associated health risks in their specific area, but also report any health symptoms they experience and take measures to improve their condition or reduce their exposure.

Engaging with the Smoke Sense app offers additional benefits in the form of earning badges for consistent participation on a weekly basis. These badges acknowledge and reward users for their active involvement in the study.

In terms of its significance, the data collected through Smoke Sense will provide crucial insights for EPA researchers and communities alike. By analyzing this data, researchers and public health officials can better understand how smoke impacts our overall health and productivity. This knowledge will contribute to the development of effective health risk communication methods, particularly on days when smoke from wildland fires poses a significant concern.

All findings resulting from this study will undergo thorough peer review to ensure their scientific validity. Once accepted, these findings will be published on the official EPA website, making them accessible to public health officials and air quality managers. Armed with this information, these professionals can design strategies to safeguard public health against the harmful effects of wildland fire smoke.

The pilot phase of the study will run until the conclusion of the 2017 wildland fire season, ending in October. Following the study, the Smoke Sense app will temporarily go offline for updates. It is important to note that user identities within the app will remain anonymous and non-identifiable, prioritizing privacy throughout the entire process.

To download the Smoke Sense app and discover more about its features, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-sense