• Augmenting Air Quality Monitoring Networks

The PurpleAir is a small, inexpensive device for monitoring atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter. In addition, EPA-approved monitors require regular maintenance and calibration to operate and usually need to be housed in a climate-controlled shelter. The PurpleAir is a self-contained unit that requires only access to line power and a WiFi network in order to operate. The PurpleAir measures particulate matter, which is comprised of very small particles and liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere. Human exposure to particulate matter is associated with difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, coughing, heart attacks, and other health effects.

The PurpleAir measures particulate matter, which is comprised of very small particles and liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere. Human exposure to particulate matter is associated with difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, coughing, heart attacks, and other health effects. Monitors approved by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for determining whether the particulate matter is exceeding health standards are expensive to purchase and operate. The purpose of this evaluation was to see whether the PurpleAir monitor might be helpful in determining whether air quality is of concern in parks that do not have a particulate monitor in or near the park. Human activities result in the emissions of a wide array of pollutants that affect the environment in many ways. Particulate matter, which is comprised of extremely small particles suspended in the atmosphere, is harmful to human health and causes atmospheric haze that impairs visibility.