Monitoring Outdoor Air Quality: Testing Tips And Tricks

There are many ways to test the air quality outside. You can use an air quality test kit, such as the Aeroqual Outdoor Air Quality Test Kit, which is used by researchers and air quality professionals to conduct outdoor air quality assessments. These kits feature portable monitors with interchangeable sensor heads that can measure pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Alternatively, you can use mobile apps such as AirNow or Filtrete Smart App, which provide real-time air quality data for your location. Websites like AirNow.gov and EPA.gov also offer tools to access recent and historical air quality data, with interactive maps and daily trackers. Some small, sleek, and inexpensive devices can be installed at home or carried around to measure hyperlocal air quality, such as the Atmotube, PlumeLab’s Flow, and PurpleAir. These devices can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Portable air quality test kits

There are several portable air quality test kits available on the market. One such option is the Aeroqual Outdoor Air Quality Test Kit (Starter), which includes the Aeroqual Series 500 portable monitor with interchangeable sensor heads. This kit measures key pollutants commonly found in urban environments, such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). It also includes a combined temperature and relative humidity sensor. The Series 500 monitor features a real-time data logger and a long-life lithium battery, making it easy to use and delivering highly accurate results.

Another option is the Indoor Air Quality Test Kit (Starter) by Aeroqual, which is designed to measure common indoor pollutants. This kit also features the Series 500 portable monitor with interchangeable sensor heads, measuring particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon dioxide (CO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sensor heads can be easily swapped out depending on the pollutant you wish to monitor. This kit is suitable for indoor air quality assessments, personal exposure checks, and for ensuring workplace and residential health and safety compliance.

For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, the Indoor Air Quality Test Kit (Pro) by Aeroqual offers additional sensor heads for measuring CO and VOCs. This kit is ideal for those who need a full set of tools to monitor indoor air quality and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

In addition to these portable test kits, there are also online tools and mobile applications available for monitoring outdoor air quality. For example, the Filtrete Smart App allows users to track outdoor air quality for multiple locations and receive updates about their local air. Similarly, AirNow.gov provides current and historical air quality data, with specific information during fire events available on the Fire and Smoke map. These digital resources can be helpful for individuals looking for convenient ways to stay informed about the air quality in their area.

Air quality monitoring apps

There are several air quality monitoring apps available that can provide you with data and forecasts about the air quality in your area and around the world. Here is some information about a few of them:

AirNow Mobile App

The AirNow Mobile App is provided by the EPA and offers a simple interface for quickly checking current and forecast air quality information. The app includes the AirNow Fire and Smoke map, produced in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, which provides comprehensive information about wildfire smoke and air quality. The interactive map includes data for PM 2.5, PM 10, and ozone monitors in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

IQAir AirVisual

IQAir AirVisual is a popular and trusted global air quality app that covers over 500,000 locations in 100+ countries. It provides real-time air pollution data, allowing users to track live concentrations of key pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The app also offers health recommendations, weather information, pollen counts, and alerts for wildfires and air quality events worldwide. It is recommended for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

Plume Labs: Air Quality App

Plume Labs provides real-time pollution levels and street-by-street pollution maps for major urban areas worldwide. It also offers detailed 72-hour forecasts, similar to a weather forecast. However, some users have noted that the app's accuracy has decreased following a redesign, and it now serves more as a sales platform.

Air Matters

Air Matters provides comprehensive AQI readings with a modern and helpful user interface. It breaks down individual pollutant concentrations and offers mitigation suggestions.

AirLief

AirLief is an app that provides personalized AQI recommendations based on your age, smoking habits, and other health conditions.

Haze: Air Quality & Weather

Haze is an app that combines air quality monitoring with weather information.

Air quality monitoring websites

There are several websites that can help you monitor and assess the air quality outside. These websites provide data and tools to help you stay informed about the air quality in your local area and beyond. Here are some of the popular air quality monitoring websites:

• AirNow.gov: AirNow is a comprehensive source for air quality data, offering information at the local, state, national, and international levels. It provides a map-based interface with colour-coded indicators to show the current air quality in different regions. You can use the Fire and Smoke Map during fire events to get specific information. The website also has a daily air quality tracker that allows you to compare recent Air Quality Index (AQI) values with historical data.
• Filtrete: Filtrete offers a smart app that enables you to monitor outdoor air quality. With the app, you can track the air quality for multiple locations in the United States and receive updates and alerts about your local air.
• World Air Quality Index (WAQI): WAQI provides a real-time air quality map that covers over 10,000 stations worldwide, spanning more than 80 countries. The map displays data on particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. The GAIA air quality monitor used by WAQI employs laser particle sensors to measure these pollutants, providing detailed insights into air quality.
• IQAir: IQAir is another website that provides air quality data and ranks cities based on their pollution levels. It offers information on air monitors, air purifiers, and face masks to help improve air quality and protect individuals from harmful pollutants.

These websites can be valuable tools to help you stay informed about the air quality in your area, allowing you to take necessary precautions to protect your health and the environment.

Air quality sensors

There are many air quality sensors available on the market, with a range of features and price points. Some sensors are more accurate and durable than others, and it can be challenging to find independent reviews of their performance. One way to assess the accuracy of a sensor is to check reviews from unaffiliated websites, such as Smart Air Filters, which conducts tests on air pollution monitors and compares them to reference monitors.

The Airthings View Plus monitors more air-quality conditions than any other device on the market. It monitors CO2, VOCs, PM2.5 (fine particles), radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The readings are displayed on a screen on the device itself, with a green-yellow-red LED to indicate any concerns. The companion Airthings app is easy to sync with the device and allows you to check your air quality remotely. The sensors are expected to last seven years.

The Govee Smart is another popular air quality sensor that is small and affordable. It has a digital clock display and an air quality indicator color bar, with green indicating good air quality and red indicating bad air quality.

For outdoor air quality monitoring, the Model X is a good option with its SPS30 sensor. It connects to your WiFi 2.4ghz network and provides data to a web portal.

In addition to these devices, there are also apps and websites that can provide information about outdoor air quality, such as the Filtrete™ Smart App, AirNow.gov, and Fire and Smoke Map.

Air quality monitoring systems

There are several ways to monitor outdoor air quality. One simple method is to use a mobile application, such as AirNow, which is available for free on iOS and Android devices. AirNow provides real-time air quality data and forecasts for locations across the United States. The app sources its information from hundreds of monitors across the country, offering an easy-to-use map interface and search functionality based on zip codes or place names. During fire events, AirNow also provides a Fire and Smoke Map for reference.

For those seeking more localized and detailed information, companies like PurpleAir offer real-time air quality monitoring solutions. PurpleAir sensors measure particulate pollution (PM2.5), temperature, humidity, and pressure. These sensors are easy to install, requiring only a power outlet and WiFi connection. The data from PurpleAir sensors can be accessed through their API and web portal, where users can view hyper-local air quality maps and historical data.

Another option for monitoring outdoor air quality is through government websites, such as Air Data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This website provides access to recent and historical air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the US. It offers tools like the daily air quality tracker, which allows users to compare current and past Air Quality Index (AQI) values.

By leveraging these air quality monitoring systems, individuals can make informed decisions to protect their health and well-being, especially for those vulnerable to air pollution, such as individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions. Additionally, this information can guide communities and policymakers in implementing measures to improve air quality and mitigate the impact of harmful pollutants.

Frequently asked questions