We asked real people across Southampton and the surrounding area to send us their dust!
One of the most important types of air pollution is called “Particulate Matter” - this is just microscopic airborne dust. This dust is really diverse, and is affected by human behaviour, weather, temperature and wind.
To showcase how diverse this dust is we looked at your samples under an electron microscope!
Scroll the story on the left to move between samples, or switch on the contribution layer to compare sites across the map.
If you haven’t already, take a look at the tree bark samples – this is all looking at how diverse outdoor air pollution is! This is much harder to make changes – as an individual you can travel on less polluted routes, some of us can avoid rush hour or use a different mode of transport. For reducing outdoor pollution collective action is key – there are big changes that need action from whole communities, businesses and governments – we want you to tell us who you think should be doing more!
Do you feel like you know a bit more about airborne dust? Can you think of ways you could change your dust? We have a lot more control about what goes on in our own homes. Can you think of a pledge for today?