You are here:
Advanced Topics in Using Sensors to Measure Air Quality
Citation:
Ryder, O., H. Minor, S. Brown, R. Duvall, A. Clements, AND R. Freed. Advanced Topics in Using Sensors to Measure Air Quality. Air Sensor Loan Programs, NA, December 18, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
To determine ambient air quality conditions around the U.S., criteria air pollutants are measured at a limited number of sites using expensive, regulatory-grade instruments. New, lower-cost air sensors have become available to the public who are using the devices to learn more about air quality in their communities. As part of a Regional, State, Tribal Research Project with EPA Region 9, an air sensor loan program was developed in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library system. As part of the program, air sensors can be checked out by library patrons similar to checking out a book. This research project advances our knowledge of air sensors and promotes citizen science/community involvement in research while simultaneously advancing EPA’s goals of collaborating with impacted stakeholders and providing ways for the public to engage in research studies. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this research include public libraries, museums, schools, communities, state/local/tribal air agencies, EPA Regional Offices, and other federal agencies.
Description:
As part of a Regional, State, Tribal Research Project with EPA Region 9, an air sensor loan program was developed in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library system. As part of the program, air sensors can be checked out by library patrons similar to checking out a book. This resource was developed to assist librarians, patrons, and/or loanees in going beyond the basics to learn about how to use air sensors to measure air quality. These slides cover the differences between air sensors and regulatory monitors, interpretation of sensor evaluation results, purpose of collocating sensors with regulatory monitors, considerations for setting up sensors to monitor air quality, and data quality control and analysis suggestions.