Application

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Air pollution affects everyone, influencing health, climate, and policy decisions worldwide. Monitoring air quality requires understanding not just what types of pollutants are present, but also how much, how many, and how big they are. TSI’s advanced measurement solutions provide real-time, high-resolution data on fine and ultrafine particles. This enables researchers, regulatory agencies, and environmental professionals to track air quality trends, assess pollution sources, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Air quality monitoring at streets
Air quality monitoring at streets
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Regulatory & Environmental Monitoring

Governments and environmental agencies worldwide use air quality networks to measure pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2, CO, and O3. These networks ensure compliance with global standards like the WHO guidelines and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI), supporting policies that protect public health.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Urban & Industrial Pollution Tracking

Air quality monitoring plays a critical role in urban centers and industrial zones by assessing emissions from traffic, energy production, and manufacturing facilities. High-time-resolution data provides valuable insights into when and where pollution levels peak, supporting long-term strategies such as traffic regulation schedules, zoning decisions, or emissions control policies. While not used for real-time reactionary measures, this data is essential for protecting public health and shaping smarter urban planning and environmental regulation over time.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Research & Long-Range Transport Studies

Scientists and researchers use advanced measurement techniques to track pollution movement across regions and continents. These studies help quantify background pollution levels, identify transboundary pollution sources, and assess the long-term effects of air pollution on human health and climate change.

Particle Measurement Parameters

Mass-Based Measurements (PM10, PM2.5)

Mass-based measurements express air pollution in micrograms per cubic meter and focus on larger particles that contribute significantly to total particulate matter. As the foundation for air quality regulations in many countries, this method remains the primary lens through which most of the world assesses particulate pollution, making it essential for compliance and understanding broad health impacts.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is ambient air quality monitoring important?

Ambient air quality monitoring helps assess pollution levels, track sources, and evaluate health and environmental impacts. It supports regulatory compliance and informs policies to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Q. What pollutants are commonly measured in ambient air?

Key pollutants include particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), ultrafine particles, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Q. How does particle number concentration differ from mass concentration?

Mass concentration (PM) measures the total weight of airborne particles, while particle number concentration (PNC) counts individual particles regardless of size. PNC provides insights into sources of ultrafine particles, which may not be fully represented in mass-based measurements.

Q. How does air pollution impact human health?

Exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung function impairment, and long-term conditions such as asthma. Ultrafine particles can enter the bloodstream, posing additional health risks.

Q. What are the main sources of air pollution?

Common sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants, wildfires, agricultural activities, and natural sources like dust storms and volcanic eruptions.

Q. How can real-time monitoring help reduce air pollution?

High-time-resolution data helps identify pollution trends and spikes, supporting informed decisions around long-term planning, exposure reduction strategies, and evaluation of existing environmental policies.

Q. What standards regulate ambient air quality?

Various organizations set air quality standards, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the European Environment Agency (EEA), which define limits for different pollutants.