Current Air Quality Monitor Locations in
New Mexico
ABOUT CLARO
Right now, air quality monitors in New Mexico are concentrated in major metro areas like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces. This leaves rural and tribal communities relying on inaccurate regional models instead of real-time local data.
Without local monitoring, communities can't accurately assess their air quality, identify pollution sources, or make informed decisions to protect their health.
Launched in January 2026, the CLARO Project aims to change that by deploying over 50 monitors across the state, with a focus on underserved communities that need this data most.
Why Air Quality Matters
1
Better Air Quality is Linked to
Better Health Outcomes
Poor air quality is a serious public health concern. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—tiny particles smaller than a human hair—can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Exposure to poor air quality has been linked to:
• Heart disease and stroke
• Asthma attacks and respiratory
illness
• Low birth weight and adverse
pregnancy outcomes
• Early death
Children, older adults, and people with existing heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable. Having accurate, local data helps everyone make informed decisions about when to limit outdoor activities.
2
Knowledge is Power
Oftentimes, we can't tell what our local air quality is just by looking outside, so we have to rely on local air quality monitoring technology.
By knowing your local air quality, individuals and communities can be empowered to protect their health through simple behavior changes like:
-
Avoiding exercise
-
Wearing an N95 mask
-
Turning on an air purifier or
-
Closing your windows
These actions reduce exposure to harmful particulates. Unfortunately, there are many gaps is knowing when to do it based on your local air quality. The CLARO project aims to close the gaps.
3
What the CLARO Monitors Track
Each CLARO monitor is an AirGradient Open Air model —a compact, weatherproof device designed for outdoor use. It continuously measures:
• PM2.5 – Fine particulate matter
• CO2 – Carbon dioxide levels
• TVOCs – Volatile organic
compounds
• NOx – Nitrogen oxides
• Temperature and
• Humidity
The monitors are open-source.
This means communities own their data, people interested in studying local air quality can access it, and the monitors will support initiatives to provide air quality info to everyone.
Interested in hosting a monitor?
