Air Pollution Sensors: Types, Applications, and Manufacturers

This page covers the fundamentals of air pollution sensors, including different types, applications, and a list of manufacturers.

Introduction

An air pollution sensor is used to detect and monitor the presence of pollutants in the surrounding environment, both indoors and outdoors.

• These sensors monitor components like ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), and particulate matter (PM).
• The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has identified these pollutants as “criteria pollutants” due to their impact on public health and the environment.
• Technological advancements have made these sensors more affordable.
• They help control environmental issues, such as verifying vehicle emission levels against standard limits.
• Affordable sensor-mounted devices allow individuals to monitor indoor air quality.
• Sensors are used and monitored with mobile apps using wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Air Pollution Sensor Applications

Here are some common applications:

• Research: Scientific studies to gather new information about air pollution.
• Personal Exposure Monitoring: Monitoring the air quality individuals are exposed to during their daily activities.
• Supplementing Existing Monitoring Data: Deploying sensors outdoors for continuous monitoring.
• Source Identification and Characterization: Identifying potential emission sources by monitoring near suspected areas.
• Education: Science and math lessons.
• Information/Awareness: Raising informal air quality awareness.

Air Pollution Sensor Types

Here are some common types of air pollution sensors:

• PM Sensors: Detect particulate matter with diameters ranging between 2.5 and 10 µm (PM10) and less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5). Popular among hobbyists.
• Ozone (O3) Sensor: Monitors ozone levels. Breathing ozone can cause health issues like chest pain, throat irritation, and coughing.
• Lead (Pb) Sensor: Lead can damage the nervous system, leading to IQ loss and learning difficulties in children, as well as cardiovascular and renal effects and anemia in adults. Pb sensors help monitor lead levels.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Sensor: SO2 contributes to soil and surface water acidification and damages vegetation. SO2 sensors monitor SO2 levels.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Sensor: Monitors NO2 levels.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensor: Monitors CO levels. CO reduces the amount of oxygen reaching organs and tissues and contributes to the formation of CO2 and ozone.
• Volatile Organic Compounds Sensor: Monitors toxic air pollutants that can cause cancer and other serious health issues.
• Mercury (Hg) Sensor: Monitors Hg levels. Hg is deposited onto soil and into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
• Other toxic air pollutants measuring sensors such as Benzene.

Air Pollution Sensor Manufacturers

Here’s a list of popular air pollution sensor manufacturers: