Particulate matter pollution is an enormous problem across the world. An estimated 91% of the world’s population lives in areas where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. Particulate matter sensors measure the quantity and size of (fine) dust particles, with both parameters influencing air quality. The NextPM particulate matter sensor now available from ION, was recently tested by AQ-SPEC at South Coast AQMD in the USA. The NextPM sensors showed strong to very strong correlations for both PM1.0 and PM2.5 with reference instruments costing several hundred times the cost of the sensors. It features advanced technical innovations that enable ultra-precise measurements to be obtained, even in extreme climatic conditions. Including direct measurement of PM1, PM2.5 in both µg/m3 and pcs/L, compared with most alternatives that only measure one fraction, and smart sample conditioning to remove humidity effects.

Volatile organic compounds have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are typically higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors and the easiest way to manage VOCs inside of buildings is a ventilation system.

Monitoring VOCs, both indoor and outdoor is essential, to ensure that harmful levels are not reached, the ION PID sensor variants most suitable for air quality monitoring are:

MiniPID 2 PPB Sensor is optimised to low-end ppb sensitivity while offering a wide dynamic range and is perfect for measuring indoor and outdoor air quality over a wide range of environments.

MiniPID 2 HS Sensor is the most sensitive VOC sensor on the market designed for high-sensitivity applications, allowing sub ppb measurement.

MiniPID 2 10.0 eV sensor is a good choice for spaces that require selective measurement of highly toxic VOCs such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.

ION Science’s PID technology is ideal for air quality and emissions monitoring purposes, thanks to the patented fence electrode technology found in all ION Science MiniPID sensors, this helps to eliminate false positives, delivering reliable results.

Using the two gas sensing technologies, MiniPID sensors and the NextPM particulate sensor in combination is an effective way to monitor air quality and emissions for the safeguarding of human and environmental health.