Air quality has become a major financial and public health issue across the globe: not one country is excluded from the detrimental effects that air pollution can create. Because of this increased concern over air quality, demand for higher quality measurement and monitoring networks have risen. These air quality monitors provide data that are useful not only for the public but also for fundamental scientific research. The data may be used by scientists, engineers, and interested members of local communities to implement plans that will hopefully reduce pollution levels and educate the public about the harmful effects of particulate matter and other toxic pollutants in the air. The AriSense air monitors are an up and coming network that are low cost and low maintenance. Union College has implemented the UAIR Network: a system of 5 AriSense sensors that collect and monitor air quality across campus. These sensors monitor four gaseous chemicals (NO, NO2, Ox and CO) as well as particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns. These sensors have been placed in a variety of locations around campus, include indoor atria, kitchens, outdoor locations, office spaces, and central campus hubs. By comparing these locations and contrasting indoor/outdoor, kitchen areas/non-kitchen areas, the UAIR Network can be used to assess trends and make predictions of potential sources of particulate matter. Analyzing these trends allows for better education and awareness of how the public’s everyday actions influence the air around us and, therefore, human health.
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