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Identifying & Tracking Pollution with Technology

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Innovations have made technology for detecting pollution more effective, affordable, and accessible than ever before. Identifying the cause of environmental pollution and holding responsible parties accountable is increasingly achievable. As many businesses move toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices, they must understand all the ways this new technology may help avoid costly and catastrophic pollution losses.

An example of this new technology: a research team at MIT has shared the specifications and directions to make a low-cost, mobile pollution detector. It is constructed using cheaply sourced parts or printing on a 3D printer. And the city of Kalamazoo, MI, recently announced its plans to install eight new air quality sensors in neighborhoods to detect pollution. These sensors can detect the following chemicals:

  • Ground-level ozone
  • Particulate matter such as PM2.5 and PM10
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Nitrogen dioxide

Education and access to this type of information can drive change concerning how and when to address environmental pollution. When the public has access to real-time data about pollution, their awareness of the issue in their local environment increases. As more Americans become informed about pollution issues and how toxic chemicals adversely affect the environment and human health, public support for better measures to protect the environment grows, as well as holding businesses to a higher standard when it comes to operating responsibly.

There is more pressure to make businesses that pollute the environment responsible for cleaning up and paying for damages. This has resulted in increased legislation at the state and federal levels to force companies to correct problems promptly and thoroughly. It has also prompted more specific insurance requirements that would respond in the event of a pollution release. Better technology and more scrutiny mean that companies should anticipate being found responsible for and held accountable for any pollution incidents their organization causes. Working with an environmental specialist to secure pollution insurance, discussing possible exposures, and instituting health & safety measures are all part of a good risk management strategy.

For more information about environmental insurance, contact us today.