Bronte Wells
Air pollution is a pressing issue that significantly affects climate change and has a tremendous impact on human health and well-being. It is caused by a variety of sources, including human-caused emissions from vehicles, construction sites, refineries, power plants, and cooking, as well as natural sources such as dust storms, wildfires, and volcanoes. To address the air pollution crisis, it is crucial to measure and monitor air quality. This can be done through various methods, including ground-based instruments and satellites that collect information about the particles and gases present in the air. For example, satellites like the GOES-R Series and JPSS can provide particle pollution measurements and detect the movement of aerosols. Additionally, air quality monitors are equipped with sensors, lasers, and satellite imaging technology to detect specific pollutants and measure their density. These measurements are then communicated through Air Quality Index (AQI) values, which are categorized by colors to indicate the level of health concern. By understanding and monitoring air pollution levels, governments and organizations can take targeted action to protect public health and improve environmental well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Monitors | Sensors designed to detect specific pollutants, some use lasers to scan particulate matter density in a cubic meter of air, while others rely on satellite imaging to measure energy reflected or emitted by the Earth. |
| Pollutants | PM2.5, PM10, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | A numerical system that measures the level of air pollution in a given region. The higher the number, the worse the air quality. |
| AQI Categories | Green (0-50) – Good; Yellow (51-100) – Moderate; Orange – Unhealthy for sensitive groups; Red and Purple – Unhealthy for everyone; Maroon – Health warning of emergency conditions |
| Ambient Air Quality Monitoring | Measures ambient air pollutant samples to determine how the current atmosphere compares with historical information and clean air standards |
| Stationary Source Emissions Monitoring | Measures emissions data at individual stationary emissions sources |
| Satellite Monitoring | GOES-R and JPSS satellites provide particle pollution measurements and can observe the movement of aerosols |
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What You'll Learn
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Air pollution is a critical issue threatening human health and contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. According to the World Health Organization, 99% of the global population breathes unclean air, and air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually.
Air quality is reported using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health and is based on the measurement of several key pollutants:
- Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Ozone (O3)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, poses the greatest health risk. When inhaled, PM2.5 is absorbed into the bloodstream and has been linked to serious illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.
The AQI has six color-coded categories that indicate the level of health concern. Green and yellow indicate that the air is generally safe for everyone, while orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart and lung diseases. Red and purple indicate that the air is unhealthy for everyone, and maroon is a warning of emergency conditions.
AQI values provide additional context to the color-coded categories. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. Values at or below 100 are generally considered satisfactory. When AQI values exceed 100, the air quality is unhealthy, initially for sensitive groups and then for everyone as values increase.
AQI data is collected through various methods, including ground-based instruments and satellite technology. Low-cost air quality monitors have made it more accessible to deploy sensors in areas lacking government-operated stations and remote regions. Satellites like the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and the GOES-R series collect information on particles in the air, such as smoke from wildfires, dust from storms, urban and industrial pollution, and volcanic ash.
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Air quality monitors
Some air quality monitors also provide additional measurements, such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. These parameters can influence human comfort and health, so monitoring them can provide a more comprehensive understanding of indoor or outdoor environments.
When choosing an air quality monitor, it is essential to consider factors such as ease of use, the number of air quality metrics analysed, the presence of an overall air quality score, and the usefulness of the display for viewing readings. While some monitors might only measure one or a few parameters, more comprehensive options, like the Airthings View Plus, can measure multiple factors and provide detailed insights.
In addition to stationary monitors, there are also personal air quality monitors designed to be carried on keychains or necklaces. However, these portable devices have received mixed reviews due to issues with apps, connectivity, and accuracy. Instead, individuals can use AQI apps on their phones or wear N95 respirator masks to protect themselves from particulate pollutants when outdoors.
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Satellite imaging
The data collected by satellites can be used to develop effective strategies for pollution reduction and environmental health improvement. For example, the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Science Team (HAQAST) developed satellite-based air quality and climate indicators to address the world's progress toward mitigating the health impacts of pollution and climate change. Another example is the Air Quality Network (AQNet), a multi-modal AI model that fuses ground measurements and satellite data to create an "air-quality index" for comparing air quality over different regions.
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Ambient air quality monitoring
The locations for monitoring stations depend on the purpose of the monitoring. Most air quality monitoring networks are designed to support human health objectives, and monitoring stations are established in population centers. They may be near busy roads, in city centers, or at locations of particular concern (e.g. a school or hospital). Monitoring stations may also be established to determine background pollution levels, away from urban areas and emissions sources.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI), is a numerical system that measures the level of air pollution in a area. The higher the number, the worse the air quality. The index is split into six different categories that correspond to a different numerical value, colour and level of concern. For example, a reading of 0-50 is considered 'good' and presents little to no risk.
Air quality monitors are outfitted with sensors designed to detect specific pollutants. Some use lasers to scan particulate matter density in a cubic metre of air, while others rely on satellite imaging to measure energy reflected or emitted by the Earth. Pollutants tied to human and environmental health impacts include PM2.5, PM10, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
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Stationary source emissions monitoring
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the emissions of pollutants from stationary sources through the Clean Air Act (CAA). Under the CAA, stationary source testing, also known as stack testing or source emissions testing, is performed to help operators understand the composition of their emissions and ensure that control systems are functioning properly. Testing provides evidence that emissions meet permitted levels.
There are different types of continuous monitoring systems (CMS) used for stationary source emissions monitoring. These include Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), which directly measure the pollutant of concern, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) or carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations. Another type is Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems (COMS), which measure the opacity or light-absorbing capacity of the emissions. Additionally, Continuous Parametric Monitoring Systems (CPMS) are used to monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, which can be used to calculate emissions levels.
The frequency of monitoring can vary depending on the specific requirements and can be periodic or continuous. For example, monitoring may be conducted at least four times per hour for CEMS or CPMS, at least every 10 seconds for COMS, or at least once per operating day, week, or month for CPMS, work practice, or design inspections. The averaging time, or the period over which data is averaged, is also an important consideration in stationary source emissions monitoring. Examples of averaging times include a 3-hour average, a 30-day rolling average, or an instantaneous alarm.
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Frequently asked questions
The AQI is a numerical system that measures the level of air pollution in a given region. The higher the number, the worse the air quality. The index is split into six categories, each with a different colour, value and level of concern. For example, green means the air is generally safe for everyone, whereas red means the air is unhealthy for everyone.
PM2.5 and PM10 refer to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, and 10 micrometres or less, respectively. These particles are often the result of human-caused emissions, such as fossil fuel use, and natural sources, such as dust storms. PM2.5 is considered one of the most harmful air pollutants and poses the greatest health threat as it is absorbed into the bloodstream when inhaled.
Air pollution is measured using ground-based instruments and satellites orbiting the Earth. Satellites, such as the GOES-R Series, can provide particle pollution measurements approximately every five minutes. Air quality monitors are also used, which are outfitted with sensors designed to detect specific pollutants. Some use lasers to scan particulate matter density in a given volume of air.
