When a university campus faced air quality concerns due to a catastrophic fire from 600 tons of ammonium nitrate at a nearby fertilizer plant, it became clear that their reliance on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data alone wasn't sufficient. Equipped with simple handheld devices that couldn’t capture a wide range of pollutants, and EPA data that was 48 hours old, the Environmental Health and Safety office was left struggling to get an accurate reading of air quality during these critical moments.
The outdoor air quality surrounding Wake Forest University posed unique challenges. Initial EPA notifications characterized the smoke as a potential irritant, but when the true air quality data was provided by the EPA, it had indicated a potential need for evacuation. The University quickly realized the need for faster, more reliable data. This led the campus to adopt a more self-reliant approach by placing two
TSI BlueSky™ Environmental Monitors outside their facilities, one on the north-end and one on the south-end for real-time air quality data reporting.
Since then, the University has made outdoor and indoor air quality a priority, allowing them to identify events that could impact the campus's air quality index (AQI). With the help of TSI BlueSky™ Environmental Monitors, the University was also able to successfully detect smoke from US Forestry controlled burns, which led to a decline in AQI. This real-time monitoring enabled the University to issue timely warnings to protect the campus community.
During major sporting events and concerts at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Wake Forest University utilizes pyrotechnics to enhance the excitement and atmosphere. However, pyrotechnics, while visually spectacular, can release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other emissions into the air, potentially affecting indoor air quality. To mitigate this, the University installed six TSI AirAssure™ Continuous Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitors throughout the Coliseum. These monitors track real-time air quality data, which can rise quickly due to pyrotechnic displays. The
TSI AirAssure™ IAQ monitors provide critical alerts to the maintenance staff when CO2 or other pollutant levels approach unsafe thresholds, allowing them to take immediate action, such as opening dampers to increase ventilation and ensure the space remains safe for spectators and staff alike.
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The goal is to provide peace of mind through real-time alerts for significant air quality issues.” - Stephen Fisenne, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety.
Additionally, this focus on air quality extends beyond just the Coliseum. Wake Forest also equipped its daycare facility with these monitors, offering round-the-clock air quality assessments. This proactive approach not only ensures a safer environment for attendees of university events but also provides peace of mind to parents and staff at the daycare, knowing that the air quality is being continuously managed and maintained at safe levels.
With real-time data from
TSI Link™ Software connected directly to their TSI BlueSky™ and AirAssure™ Continuous Air Quality Monitors now at their fingertips, the campus began to collaborate with sustainability and engineering departments, using air quality data for both immediate decisions and long-term research. "
Real-time data has enhanced collaboration between our sustainability and engineering departments, especially for research. We’ve been able to use data from events like fires for immediate, informed decision-making," says Stephen Fisenne. When alarms were triggered, they could quickly assess if an evacuation was warranted, or if adjustments to ventilation were needed. The data has become integral to their emergency preparedness, providing a vital layer of safety for students, staff, and visitors.
Committing to safety with accurate monitoring, today, the campus employs a variety of safety measures, including monitors in labs, alerting personnel to the presence of asphyxiating or other hazardous gases. Wake Forest University has successfully navigated the complexities of air quality monitoring, ensuring that everyone on campus can breathe a little easier.
Through their journey, Wake Forest University has utilized numerous TSI AirAssure™ Continuous IAQ Monitors and TSI BlueSky™ Environmental Monitors around their campus, inside and out, transforming its approach to air quality monitoring, shifting from a dependence on external data to a robust, self-sufficient system that delivers peace of mind and timely alerts during critical events.
