3 Types of Air Pollution Sensors. Which One Should You Choose?

Key Points

• Different types of air pollution sensors allow you to tailor monitoring to specific needs, covering particulates (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) or gases (NO₂, O₃, SO₂, CO), as well as temperature and humidity.
• Choosing the right sensor is important for measurement precision and data usefulness, especially if you live near a busy road or an industrial facility.
• With these sensors, you can react promptly: avoiding outdoor activity or adjusting ventilation. Regularly monitoring air quality promotes better health and increases ecological awareness.

Are you wondering how to monitor the quality of air around you? Would you like to discover various types of air pollution sensors? Check our entry and select solutions tailored to your needs! Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet village, staying informed about air quality is crucial. 

Table of Contents

• Different types of air pollution sensors
• Smog – what is it?
• Air pollution’s impact on health – why are air quality sensors important?
• Types of air pollution sensors offered by Airly
• Types of air quality monitoring and sensors used in these systems
• Types of air quality monitoring – The takeaway

Different types of air pollution sensors

Different types of air pollution sensors are presented in this article, varying in scope and application. Available devices can measure only particulate matter concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) or monitor gases such as NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and CO. Some models are further extended to measure temperature, humidity and pressure, which increases the accuracy of data interpretation. This diverse offering allows users to tailor the sensor to their specific needs, whether for residential use, near a busy street, or close to an industrial facility.

Smog – what is it?

The term smog is derived from the combination of the words smoke and fog. Although it creates a kind of layer that protects us against harmful UV radiation, it can be extremely dangerous for health.

Some people associate smog only with plants and industrial areas, however, today it’s present everywhere, especially during winter and autumn months when the car traffic increases drastically, and we use various materials to heat our homes. Burning wood or coal in domestic stoves can release harmful particles that contribute to poor air quality in your personal space. Even in rural areas, outdated heating systems and agricultural burning can produce significant levels of pollution. Weather conditions, such as the lack of wind and temperature inversion, can trap pollutants near the ground, making the air even more harmful.

Air pollution’s impact on health – why are air quality sensors important?

As mentioned above, smog can have a tremendous impact on our health, as it contributes to the development of serious conditions such as:

• respiratory and circulatory problems,
• asthma,
• allergies,
• nausea,
• difficulties with concentration,
• heart attacks,
• miscarriages,
• problems with concentration,
• allergies,
• nausea,
• cancer,
• or even death.

Long-term exposure to air pollution not only contributes to the development of those conditions but also shortens life expectancy. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Therefore, it’s worth using special sensors that allow us to make informed decisions and minimise our exposure to harmful substances. Real-time air quality monitoring enables individuals and communities to take preventive measures much earlier, such as wearing masks, limiting outdoor activity, or using indoor air purifiers. Additionally, schools and businesses can utilize air quality monitoring data to schedule outdoor activities more safely and inform public health initiatives.

Read more about: 8 Benefits of an Air Purifier – Why Should You Have One?

Types of air pollution sensors offered by Airly

Airly offers three types of air pollution sensors that will help you monitor selected air parameters:

1. Airly PM – it measures PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10 parameters as well as temperature, humidity, and pressure.
2. Airly PM+GAS type 1 – it measures PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10, NO2, O3, pressure, humidity, and temperature.
3. Airly PM+GAS type 2 – it measures PM 1, PM 2.5, PM 10, SO2, CO, humidity, pressure, and temperature.

As you can see, available variants differ in terms of monitored parameters, therefore, to make the right decision, analyse your surroundings, and decide if given functionalities come in handy in your case. If you live near a busy road, a sensor detecting NO2 may be ideal. If you live in an area with high industrial activity, sensors for SO2 and CO may be more suitable. All types of air quality monitoring sensors are integrated with the Airly Data Platform or the Airly mobile app, providing users with access to local, national, and even global air quality maps for enhanced awareness and understanding.

Types of air quality monitoring and sensors used in these systems

In practice, there are various air pollution sensors types available, which allow for the measurement of pollutants depending on the user’s conditions and expectations. These sensors are elements of larger systems, referred to as types of air quality monitoring, which encompass real-time measurements, trend analysis and integration with mobile applications. More advanced solutions also utilize sensors for air quality monitoring that can register both particulate matter and gases (this is especially essential in areas with high pollutant variability).

Types of air quality monitoring – The takeaway

Smog can be extremely dangerous for health. For this reason, it’s worth using available solutions such as air quality app, maps, and sensors to analyse the situation, and avoid outdoor activities when the air quality isn’t satisfactory. By equipping yourself with those tools, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Monitoring air quality daily can help build healthier habits and encourage more sustainable practices in the long run.

Want to explore the subject in detail? Check out our article Particulate matter: what is PM10 and what is PM2.5? Atmospheric aerosols to learn more!