Łódź Voivodeship and its air quality challenges

Łódź Voivodeship has faced persistent air quality issues caused by historic infrastructure, outdated heating systems, and increased traffic. These factors contribute heavily to smog, resulting in the lowest life expectancy in Poland. In 2020, the region partnered with Airly and installed 110 air quality sensors in schools, offices, hospitals, and voluntary fire departments. Between 2019 and 2024, the total number of sensors in the region increased from 192 to 358.

 

Challenges

Before the introduction of Airly’s solutions, the region struggled with:

• Insufficient data: Only 9 air quality monitoring stations operated across the entire region.
• Air pollution: Primarily caused by coal furnaces, outdated boilers, and vehicle emissions.
• Low public awareness: Limited understanding of the health risks linked to air pollution.

 

Partnership overview

Initial cooperation

The partnership’s origin lies with the Air Protection Programme and the 2017 Anti-Smog Resolution, which regulated heating systems and banned low-quality fuels.

Testing and expansion

• An initial network of 10 sensors was deployed in Łódź to provide accurate, real-time data.
• The network was then expanded to 110 sensors at strategic locations like schools, hospitals, and local offices.

Airly Data Platform

The Airly Platform streamlined data management, enabled real-time action planning, and generated alerts and detailed reports for decision-makers.

Education

The collected data was used to educate students and foster ecological awareness across the region.

 

Results

Quantifiable results

• 110 sensors installed in key locations across the region.
• Threefold improvement in air quality between 2022 and 2024.
• The number of days in which daily WHO standards for PM10 were exceeded decreased from 153 days in 2019 to 28 days in 2024. For PM2.5, the number of days fell from 264 to 182 over the same period.
• 27,407 clicks on sensor data by residents in 2024 alone.

Qualitative results

• Regional leadership: Łódź gained recognition as a pioneer in environmental protection.
• Increased public awareness: Residents began switching to eco-friendly heating solutions compliant with the Anti-Smog Resolution.
• Better decision-making: Local authorities used reliable data to develop more targeted and effective policies.

 

Testimonial

• “Airly’s sensors have played a key role in significantly raising residents’ awareness. Their ease of installation and durability are major advantages.”
  

  SEE RESULTS IN DETAIL