# Air Quality Monitor: Understanding Dangers, How to Use It

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/air-quality-monitor-understanding-dangers-how-to-use-it/
- Published: 2021-10-29T10:04:07-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Air Quality Monitor

Various factors contribute to air quality [degradation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/border-air-epa-district-pollution-monitor-us-mexico-border-crossing/),
including industrialization, population growth, and the increased consumption of
fossil fuels for energy production. These factors are exacerbated by climate change
which makes them even more difficult to combat.

As air quality continues to decline, the effects on human [health](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/bi-partisan-environmental-senators-unite-to-combat-air-pollution/)
will become more and more evident. Poor air quality is already responsible for 1
in 8 deaths worldwide per year. The World Health Organization (WHO) is [particularly concerned](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/bi-partisan-environmental-senators-unite-to-combat-air-pollution/)
with the effects of exposure to particulate matter, a major component in air pollution
found in both indoor and [outdoor environments](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/border-air-pollution-protecting-communities-and-health/).

### Install Indoor Air Quality Monitors

It is vital to install an indoor air quality monitor to [measure](https://www.davisinstruments.com/products/airlink-professional-air-quality-monitor)
the total amount of pollution in the home. This pollution may come from radon or
formaldehyde released from building materials or furnishings.

![Air quality monitor](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/
10/photoholgic-wZTiKB6rQYY-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

## **What Is Particulate Matter?**

The most harmful source of particulates is from combustion engines, power plants,
and industrial processes. When you inhale [particulates](https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics),
they can constrict your airways and decrease lung function.

A study conducted by the WHO concluded that most people chronically exposed to high
levels of particulate matter are at increased risk for respiratory infections, including
pneumonia and influenza. Other harmful effects include:

 1. Increased cardiovascular risk
 2. Neurological problems, such as dementia and Alzheimer disease
 3. Reproductive issues
 4. Decreased lung function in children
 5. Asthma exacerbations
 6. Cancer (of the respiratory system)

### Indoor Air Quality Monitors Remove Pollutants

Some pollutants remain aloft for long periods while others fall quickly to the ground.

Each year there is an uptick in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases caused by
poor indoor and outdoor air quality.

**How to Measure Air Quality**

With the latest advancements in technology, it is now much easier than ever to measure
contaminants in the atmosphere around you. An air quality monitor can measure and
track a wide range of air pollutants, including particulate matter.

The monitor has a smartphone app that quickly uploads your data to a central server
for monitoring and alerting. Using this device in tandem with others will allow 
you access to the most accurate picture of pollutant levels in real-time.

#### **Benefits of Air Quality Monitors**

Access to air quality information can help prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths
caused by poor air quality. You can also use this device to monitor the outdoor 
air quality in your neighborhood or community.

The monitor uses sensors mounted on an active sampling arm or passive sampling arm
to collect gas samples. They are then analyzed using laboratory-grade instrumentation.
The results are displayed on the monitor’s LCD screen for easy reference.

Air quality monitoring devices are especially useful for asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular conditions, and other respiratory illnesses.

Monitors can also be used by policymakers who wish to reduce pollution to protect
public health and the environment. This technology allows users to easily access
information about daily air quality conditions, health effects of poor air quality,
and weather conditions.

##### **How to Choose a Sensible Air Quality Monitor**

The best way to [monitor air quality](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/12/home-depot-lamp-recycling-the-bright-way-to-go-green/)
in your home, at work, and in your community is with a professional-grade device.
It can monitor gaseous contaminants such as carbon dioxide ([CO2](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/ocean-acidification-co2-understanding-the-crisis/)),
ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and sulfur
dioxide (SO2).

Here are the factors you should consider while choosing them:

### **Price: **

Depending on the monitor’s type, the price ranges from $100 to $1,000 per device.
A professional-grade monitor is more expensive than a regular one because of its
rugged design and features that allow you to collect data about air contaminants.
Before purchasing an air quality monitor, it is important to know your budget and
stick to it.

### **Monitor Coverage: **

An active monitor uses a pump to suck in air and then push it into the lab for analysis,
while a passive monitor has no such mechanism and only records the concentration
of those chemicals that may be drifting through its environment. You can use several
monitors at home, work, or school to read pollutant levels accurately.

### **Compatibility: **

The monitor should be compatible with your PC or smartphone to simplify uploading,
downloading, and analyzing data.

### **Use an Air Quality Monitor to Protect Yourself from Pollutants**

According to the World Health Organization, more than 80 percent of people live 
in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. This affects around 7 million people
annually, leading to heart disease, respiratory problems, and other health conditions.

Having an [air quality monitor](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/08/decorative-plants-help-clean-your-air-home-eco-tested/)
will allow you to remain informed about your home or workplace’s indoor and outdoor
air quality. Plug it into a wall outlet directly inside your room–it should not 
be mounted on walls or ceilings. It will provide real-time data on the concentration
of pollutants in your environment.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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