Exploring Air Quality Monitoring
Monitoring air quality plays a vital role in understanding the environments we live and work in. From the city streets to construction sites, having accurate data on pollutants and particulates helps inform decisions about health, planning and environmental management.
Why Air Quality Monitoring Matters
Poor air quality can have serious health and environmental effects. Measuring air quality helps identify pollutant sources, monitor compliance with regulations, and guide interventions that protect the public’s health. It’s particularly important in urban areas, near transport hubs, and in sectors like construction and manufacturing where emissions can be higher than average. Air pollution has now outpaced smoking and high blood pressure as the number 1 global health risk (WHO).
What’s Involved in Monitoring the Air Quality?
Air quality monitoring is the process of measuring the concentrations of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM₂.₅ & PM₁₀), and other airborne substances. This can be done in real time or over longer periods using both fixed and portable systems. The type of air quality monitoring device used will depend on the application and environment.
Tools & Technologies Most Commonly Used
There are many types of equipment used to gather important air quality data. A typical air quality monitor might use sensors to measure particulate levels, gas concentrations, humidity and temperatures. These kinds of devices can range from outdoor air quality meters to personal wearable monitors. For larger or more long-term studies, outdoor quality monitors and air quality monitoring systems are commonly used across the UK.
We supply a broad range of air quality measurement devices; many of them are used in academic studies, by local authorities, in environmental impact assessments and in industrial site management projects. These include both portable units and permanent systems for the more long-term use cases.
Applications Across Sectors
Air quality monitoring is relevant to a broad range of users. Local councils may use it to assess something like the pollution levels around schools or areas that experience a lot of congestion. Construction sites might rely on air quality sensors to monitor the dust and emissions from machinery.
Options range from simple air quality meters to full monitoring networks with cloud connectivity and real-time reporting features.
View our full air quality monitoring equipment range.
