Interlink Electronics, Inc. announced that its Gas and Environmental Solutions division has received a $175,000 SBIR award from NOAA for development of low-cost, low-power sensor nodes for monitoring air quality impacted by wildfire smoke. As a result of climate change, the number and severity of wildfires have been increasing substantially, as contemplated by the recent tragic events in Maui. In addition to the loss of life of both residents and firefighters, the indirect effects of wildfires can impact human health even if people are living hundreds of miles away from the fire.

estimates of deaths attributable to wildfire smoke globally are 300,000 to 400,000, especially among elderly people, children and people with preexisting respiratory conditions.