Air Pollution Monitors: Which Devices Should You Trust?

Air pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. With the increasing levels of pollution worldwide, it has become crucial to monitor the quality of the air we breathe. Air quality monitors are devices that help track and measure various pollutants and environmental factors, such as particulate matter, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. These monitors can be used indoors or outdoors to provide real-time data on the air we breathe. When choosing an air quality monitor, it is important to consider factors such as accuracy, additional sensors for harmful pollutants like radon and carbon monoxide, and the ability to notify you when pollutant concentrations become harmful. Reviews from unaffiliated websites and official accuracy testing can also help guide your decision. This paragraph introduces the topic of air pollution monitors, highlighting their importance, functionality, and factors to consider when selecting one.

Low-cost air pollution monitors

These monitors are a relatively new technology, providing an affordable alternative to traditional air quality monitors, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars and require significant infrastructure and trained personnel to operate. In contrast, low-cost sensors may only cost a few hundred dollars. They are increasingly popular with citizen scientists and community groups, as well as individuals, due to their accessibility and ease of use.

It is important to note that low-cost air pollution monitors have some limitations. They only detect contaminants or environmental factors for which they are designed, so they do not provide a complete representation of indoor air quality. For example, a monitor that only measures PM would not alert you to the presence of other potentially harmful pollutants like radon or carbon monoxide. Additionally, there is currently limited information on how well some low-cost air pollution monitors detect pollutants indoors.

Despite these limitations, low-cost air pollution monitors can be useful in assessing indoor air quality and identifying when to take action to improve it. They can also play a role in tracking air quality in communities that do not have access to traditional regulatory monitors. For example, the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District received a grant to deploy a network of Purple Air low-cost sensors in several counties to provide particulate matter (PM) data during wildfire season.

There are several options available for low-cost air pollution monitors, such as the PurpleAir Zen Air, Govee's Smart Air Quality Monitor, the Ikea Vindstyrka, and the AirVisual, which measures PM 2.5 and CO2 and has an easy-to-read dashboard on its app. Additionally, Clarity Movement Co. offers a low-cost, reliable air quality monitoring system that has been deployed in more than 85 countries and provides flexibility and expandability with its modular ecosystem.

Apps and tools for reliable air quality information

Air pollution is a serious issue, with a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) report stating that 99% of the world's population is breathing air that exceeds recommended pollution guidelines. There are various apps and tools available to help you monitor and improve the air quality around you.

Apps

Air Quality Index (AQI) apps are the most easily accessible way to check your local air quality. However, it's worth noting that air quality can vary significantly even between streets, so these apps may not be entirely precise. Some recommended AQI apps include:

• AirVisual: This app has no advertisements and provides all the essential data in a clean, modern look. It also has the most data sources and integrates with AirVisual Air Quality Monitors.
• Plume Labs: Air Quality App: This app has a modern look and provides complete data for most cities. It also offers additional features like a pollution hotspot map for some cities.
• Air Matters: This app provides one of the most comprehensive AQI readings and has a modern, user-friendly interface.
• Haze: Air Quality & Weather: While not the most detailed app, Haze is easy to understand and provides an excellent overview of the current AQI.
• IQAir: This free app connects to smart home devices and shares data from its monitors in the same way as PurpleAir. It also offers an even better overview of the pollution situation on its website.
• BreezoMeter: A recent Google acquisition, BreezoMeter collects information from government ground monitors and satellites, then uses machine learning to produce live air-quality conditions for a given area. It also provides health recommendations based on current air quality and lets you track your exposure to pollutants over time.
• CARROT Weather: A powerful weather app for iOS and Android that also provides news about air quality and the environment.

Tools

In addition to apps, there are also physical air quality monitoring tools available, such as:

• PurpleAir's Zen Air: An outdoor air quality monitor that uses the same EPA AQI color scale as the government's AirNow website.
• Govee's Smart Air Quality Monitor: An indoor air quality monitor.
• The Ikea Vindstyrka: An indoor air quality monitor.
• Air purifiers: These can help improve your indoor air quality by reducing particulate pollutants from outdoors, such as smoke, pollen, or exhaust.
• HVAC filters: Using medium-MERV HVAC filters and running the system frequently can help improve indoor air quality.
• CO alarms: These devices are designed to warn you of any unusual build-up of carbon monoxide (CO) in your home, which can be life-threatening at high levels.

Radon and carbon monoxide sensors

Radon and carbon monoxide (CO) are both colourless, odourless gases that can be harmful to human health. Radon is a radioactive gas produced by decaying elements found underground. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. CO can cause serious illness and even death in high concentrations. As such, it is important to monitor the levels of these gases in your home.

Radon detectors can identify the presence of radon gas and other environmental issues, including air quality, carbon dioxide, VOCs, humidity, temperature, air pressure, and pollen. Radon test kits, such as the Radon Eye RD200, AirThings 2960 View Plus, and AirThings Corentium, provide instant and long-term readings of radon concentration in your home. The AirThings Corentium is a small, battery-operated device that can be placed anywhere in the house for quick readings. Similarly, the First Alert radon detector offers an affordable and easy setup with fast analysis, delivering test results and an action plan within five to seven days.

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to detect any unusual build-up of CO in your home. These alarms should be certified to the most current Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standard 2034 or the International Approval Services (IAS) 6-96 standard. While low-cost air pollution monitors can also detect carbon monoxide levels, they are designed to detect specific pollutants and may not provide a complete representation of indoor air quality.

In addition to dedicated radon and carbon monoxide detectors, there are also comprehensive air quality monitors that can measure multiple factors, including CO2, PM2.5, VOCs, and radon levels. For example, the Airthings View Plus and the AirVisual monitor offer measurements of various air quality factors and provide visual and app-based displays. These monitors can help you stay informed about the indoor and outdoor air quality and take appropriate actions, such as opening a window or using an air purifier, to improve the air you breathe.

Air purifiers and HVAC filters

Air Purifiers:

Air purifiers, also known as air cleaners or air sanitizers, are designed to filter the air in a single room or area. They can effectively reduce indoor air pollution, but it's important to note that they cannot eliminate all pollutants. When choosing an air purifier, consider factors such as room size, the type of pollutants you want to target, and additional features like noise level and energy efficiency. Some recommended air purifiers include:

• Coway Mighty: A capable machine that can keep the air clean in a large space without drawing excessive electricity.
• HealthMate HM400: Features a large, 15-pound adsorbent filter composed of activated carbon and zeolites, which efficiently capture gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde. However, it has high upfront and replacement costs, is energy-inefficient, bulky, and noisy.
• Atem X: Made by IQAir, it has an easy-to-read 5-inch LCD display that shows indoor and outdoor air quality readings.

HVAC Filters:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) filters are designed to filter the air throughout your home. They work in conjunction with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality. Upgrading to a higher-efficiency HVAC filter, such as a MERV 13 or higher, can be beneficial. Some options include:

• Woosh Smart Air Filter System: This system includes a Bluetooth-enabled pressure differential sensor that monitors the filter's performance and your HVAC system's performance. It can be paired with a smart air quality monitor or smart thermostat to help manage indoor air quality.
• Honeywell FPR 9 filter: A 20-by-20-inch filter that can be taped to a box fan to create a DIY air purifier. In a test, it cut the initial particulate load by 87% over 30 minutes on medium settings.

It's important to remember that while air purifiers and HVAC filters are helpful, the best way to improve indoor air quality is to reduce or remove pollutant sources and ensure proper ventilation with clean outdoor air. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of these devices are crucial for optimal performance.

Real-time air pollution maps

One popular option is the World Air Quality Index project, which provides a real-time air pollution map for over 10,000 stations worldwide. The map uses a colour-coded system to indicate the air quality, with green representing good air, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy for sensitive groups, red for unhealthy, purple for very unhealthy, and deep violet or maroon for hazardous air quality. By hovering over the flags on the map, you can access the historical data for specific cities, including measurements of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions.

Another well-known platform is BreezoMeter, which offers live and forecast pollution maps. BreezoMeter's maps provide real-time traffic and direction information for various modes of transportation. In addition to air quality data, BreezoMeter also offers insights into pollen levels, solar panel array designs, and geospatial datasets, making it a versatile tool for individuals and businesses alike.

For a more interactive experience, the GAIA air quality monitor is a great option. This monitor uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution levels in real-time. With a simple setup requiring only a WiFi access point and a USB power supply, users can instantly access real-time air pollution levels on detailed maps. The GAIA monitor also comes with mounting equipment and an optional solar panel, making it a convenient and eco-friendly choice.

These real-time air pollution maps and monitors can be invaluable tools for individuals who want to stay informed about the air quality in their area. By utilising these resources, people can take proactive measures to protect their health, such as limiting outdoor activities or using respirator masks when necessary. Additionally, this information can guide decisions about ventilation, filtration systems, and other measures to improve indoor air quality.

Frequently asked questions