Air quality sensor - what particles can it detect?

Our consciousness over the air pollution problem is continuously growing. The apps that allow monitoring the air quality have become widely available, providing us with access to real-time data. It is possible thanks to the air quality sensors. What kind of pollution can they detect?

The emissions we've been worrying about the most in recent years are obviously tied to the climate crisis. Even though in recent years the renewable sources of energy have started being more popular and veganism has become a worldwide trend, the emissions of carbon dioxide are continuing to grow.

The air pollution with toxic particulate matter and gases is a distinct problem from the CO2 accumulation in the atmosphere. However, the solutions implemented in order to stop the progression of climate changes can also help to improve the air quality too. The reason is simple - they share some of their sources, such as coal-bu ing and exhaust fumes.

Smog is a common problem in big cities and industrial regions around the globe. However, until the second decade of the new millennium, the debate on the issue hasn't been much present in the media. That has changed lately. The introduction of apps that allow the monitoring of real-time data on air pollution has elevated the overall consciousness of the problem and enabled taking appropriate steps to protect ourselves.

How do the air quality maps work?

Through the usage of mobile or web apps such as Airly.org, you can access real-time data in various locations in Europe and outside it. It's possible thanks to the connection to the air quality sensor. It's a device that collects data on pollution and sends it to the server, providing the user with real-time information on the air composition. It can detect:

• carbon oxide
• sulfur dioxide
• nitrogen dioxide
• ozone
• particular matter (PM5, PM10)

Aside from these markers, the air quality sensor can also detect the humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure.

Why are the apps so important?

Air pollution is often an invisible enemy. Sometimes, we can sense the toxic gases - for example, sulfur dioxide is easy to detect because of its particular, unpleasant odor, even though it's colorless. But not in every case we can rely on our senses. Some particles are impossible to see or smell.

That's why the importance of the apps providing us with the updated data on the air quality shouldn't be overlooked. The consciousness of air pollution levels is fundamental to our health as it enables taking appropriate protective measures.

Even the smog, easily visible, can be confused with a regular fog. Verifying the conditions before leaving the house has already become a custom of many inhabitants of cities. The informative panels have been recently appearing in the centers of agglomerations, but only monitoring through the app enables such a high level of control. This way, the user knows when to avoid leaving the house and when to turn on the air purifier at home, not to mention wearing the antismog mask.