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U.S. EPA Progress on Developing Performance Testing Protocols and Targets for Particulate Matter Air Sensors
Citation:
Duvall, R., A. Clements, K. Barkjohn, AND S. Frederick. U.S. EPA Progress on Developing Performance Testing Protocols and Targets for Particulate Matter Air Sensors. AAAR 40th Annual Conference, Raleigh, NC, October 03 - 07, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
The use of air sensors has grown exponentially for a variety of applications. There is still significant variability in data quality from air sensors and understanding sensor performance is important. The U.S. EPA developed a report outlining testing protocols, metrics, and target values to evaluate the performance of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air sensors for use in non-regulatory supplemental and informational monitoring applications. A similar report is being developed for PM10 (inhalable particles with diameters less than 10 micrometers) This work is important as it will provide a consistent approach for sensor performance evaluations, help increase confidence in data quality, help stimulate improvements and development in the marketplace, and help consumers choose sensors appropriate for applications of interest. Groups that would be interested or could apply the results from this work include state/local/tribal agencies, EPA Regional Offices, other Federal agencies and departments, international organizations, academia, sensor manufacturers, sensor testing organizations, and the general public.
Description:
Air sensors measuring particulate matter (PM) continue to undergo rapid expansion and use. However, data quality is highly variable which can reduce confidence in the accuracy of the data. Understanding how PM sensors perform and how technologies compare to each other remains a challenge. To help support users and manufacturers of air sensor technologies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) released a report in 2021 outlining recommended testing protocols, metrics, and target values to evaluate the performance of fine PM (PM2.5) air sensors for non-regulatory supplemental and informational monitoring applications. As a supplement to the PM2.5 report, the U.S. EPA is developing similar guidance for sensors measuring PM with diameters of 10 microns or less (PM10). The goal of this work is to provide a consistent approach for evaluating sensor performance and reporting results to give users more confidence in the data and help them in selecting sensors that meet their application of interest. Additionally, this work is intended to encourage technology improvements and further development in the marketplace. This presentation will summarize the U.S. EPA’s progress on developing guidance for evaluating the performance of PM2.5 and PM10 air sensors in field and laboratory settings.