What it does
Chem Watch makes the invisible visible. It alerts people to nearby chemical spills using live data, weather overlays, and localized health guidance before harm spreads.
Your inspiration
Chemical spills happen every two days in the U.S.—yet many residents never hear about them. After the Ohio Derailment chemical spill tragedy, I was shocked to learn that 131 million residents live near hazardous sites, with little to no warning when a spill occurs. In Europe, over 17,000 sites are already contaminated by ‘forever chemicals.’ This project started with one question: Why weren’t people being told? Chem Watch is my attempt to answer that—with transparency, design, and care.
How it works
Chem Watch collects real-time spill data from public reporting databases and overlays it with live weather data and population exposure zones. Users receive alerts based on location, spill severity, and wind direction—delivered via mobile, desktop, or SMS. Maps shift to reveal both local exposure and global contamination patterns. The system supports multiple languages and simplifies scientific data into clear, actionable guidance for communities and first responders.
Design process
I started by investigating how chemical spills are reported—and discovered how hard it is for the public to access that information. I mapped data on forever chemicals and interviewed community members and experts. My early prototypes tested live map overlays, location-based alerts, and health guidelines based on spill type. Feedback helped me shift the design language from alarming to composed—muted earth tones, layered visuals, and elegant type. Every iteration focused on clarity, urgency, and empathy. Chem Watch was built to inform, but more importantly—to protect.
How it is different
Most spill data is delayed, difficult to access, or hidden behind technical language. Chem Watch is one of the few chemical spill alert systems designed for the public. It combines verified spill data, weather impact filters, and geographic mapping, Chem Watch brings spill alerts into the open—turning risk into clarity.
Future plans
I plan to partner with local environmental health organizations to pilot Chem Watch in high-risk regions. Increase data source integration, and expand language support. Long term, I want to build a public-facing dashboard and release an open-source toolkit so vulnerable communities underserved by policy can launch localized Chem Watch systems.
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