Q: Isn’t the production of this tank top contributing to environmental problems, even in a small way?

A: Yes! Though the all-cotton tank top is produced using natural material and sustainable practices, the sensors and electronics are not. I did use RoHS and lead-free components when possible. The sensors and electronics are sourced from a variety of countries. Some, such as the Lilypad Arduino (buy here), are produced in an environmentally sensitive manner. Others are produced under conditions with minimal environmental protection.

Q: How can I get my own pollution sensing tank top?

A: When finalized, the pollution sensing tank top design will be released under an open-source license. Some sewing required, but you can use an existing tank top. Or make a different article of pollution sensing clothing!

Q: What pollutants does the tank top detect?

A: The pollution sensing tank top measures:

• 10-1,000 ppm CO
• 10 ppb – 2 ppm O3
• 10 – 300 ppm NH3, 10 – 1000 ppm Benzene
• -40°C to +125°C

Q: How does the tank top facilitate political action?

A: If you wear it, the political awareness of you and those around you will be raised. The optional camera module leverages the power of the internet to organize people around a common cause, and create new connections.

Q: What projects inspired the pollution sensing tank top?

A: I first came up with the idea of a pollution-detecting clothing during a class brainstorming session for Environmental Interventions, taught at Cornell University by Phoebe Sengers in the Fall of 2007. I was inspired by Preemptive Media’s AIR project, ‘a public, social experiment in which people are invited to use Preemptive Media’s portable air monitoring devices to explore their neighborhoods and urban environments for pollution and fossil fuel burning hotspots’. In early Fall 2008, I learned of the Lilypad Arduino, developed by Sparkfun and Leah Buechley. This revived my interest in the wearable pollution sensor, and gave me a way to realize it.

Q: Is the tank top washable?

A: Yes! Remove batteries, pollution sensors, camera and speaker and hand-wash with a mild detergent.