Ambient air

Protecting the air we breathe through targeted, accurate measurement of pollutants

The ability to breathe clean, unpolluted air is a basic human right — which we often take for granted. Yet for so many people around the world, it is a privilege and one that is constantly under threat as a result of natural and man-made pollution. Accurate and vigilant air quality monitoring is critical to ensuring the health and quality of life of populations and the very survival of our planet. 

Discover our range of air quality monitoring equipment

Air particulate monitors

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Nephelometers

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Aerosol monitoring

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Greenhouse gas monitors

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Air quality gas analyzers

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Data loggers and software

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Why we monitor air quality

At Acoem, designing and manufacturing the highest quality air quality monitoring equipment is at the core of our mission to balance progress with preservation and underpins our commitment to create environments of possibility. 

At the most basic level, monitoring air quality is about safeguarding lives and protecting you from harmful gases, greenhouse and trace gases, particulates, dust and smoke that can have an adverse effect on your health, wellbeing, quality of life and longevity.

Monitoring is the only way to truly understand what elements exist in the air we breathe and in what quantities so we can implement mitigation tactics or change human behaviour to improve the purity and cleanliness of our most precious resource.

Another significant reason why we perform air quality monitoring is to ensure that individuals, businesses and industries comply with mandated local, state, national and international air quality standards.

How we monitor air quality

Government authorities, researchers, industries and individuals choose to monitor air quality using various methodologies and technologies based on the size and location of the desired monitoring area, their budget for sensors and equipment, the need for indicative or reference grade measurements and the requirement for time-sensitive data.

Acoem air quality monitoring equipment made up of sensors and analysers collects air samples to measure specific concentration of particles and gases at a point in time, or continuously. 

What are we monitoring?

Particulate monitors are an essential component of air quality monitoring.

Particulate Matter (PM) is a combination of solid microscopic particles and liquid droplets found in the atmosphere. They are formed as a result of man-made emissions from vehicles, industries and other combustion processes as well as naturally through fires and storms. Most are so small that they can be inhaled and impact major organs and cause serious health problems. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) can penetrate your lungs and get into your bloodstream, while particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, (PM2.5) pose the greatest risk to health.

Exposure can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory system diseases and prenatal exposure has been linked to developmental delays, behavioural and psychological problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression.

We offer a comprehensive line of ambient particulate monitors and samplers including:

Handheld transportable devices

Beta Mass Attenuation (BAM)

Samplers

Ambient particulate monitors sample, measure and log the concentration of ambient particulate matter (TSP, PM10, PM2.5, or PM10-2.5). Our ambient particulate samplers sample and deposit ambient particulate matter onto pre-weighed filters for later gravimetric or speciation analysis in a laboratory (TSP, PM10, PM2.5, or PM10-2.5).

Gas monitors

Gas monitors are likewise vital when it comes to conducting accurate air quality investigations. Atmospheric concentrations of both natural and man-made gases have been steadily rising since the industrial revolution. As global populations grow, so does our reliance on gas emitting fossil fuels (such as oil, coal and natural gas) — many of which are toxic in high concentrations. 

Elevated atmospheric gas levels have a detrimental impact on human and animal health, as well as vegetation at a cellular level. Global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other manufactured greenhouse gases have all dramatically increased over the last few hundred years and have been identified as a direct cause of climate change and ozone depletion.

At Acoem, we specialise in air quality monitoring equipment that accurately covers a wide variety of gases from background/trace levels, through ambient and up to stack levels. We also manufacture instruments to monitor hydrocarbons, greenhouse gases, gas isotopes and gases within process environments.

Learn more about Acoem gas monitors

Holistic reference grade fixed monitoring stations

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (AQMS) are fully integrated reference quality monitoring stations that feature a tailored selection of Acoem and non-Acoem branded analysers, instruments and components for real-time multi-parameter particulate and gas monitoring, depending on their location and customers’ needs.

Also known as Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (or CAAQMS) they adhere to multiple international standards and can be supplied and installed in your choice of weather-resistant shelter. 

Predominantly used by academia and for regulation compliance purposes, they are designed, manufactured, installed, operated and maintained by our team of specialised engineers and technicians, and are the air quality monitoring stations of choice, trusted by environmental protection agencies, government authorities and atmospheric researchers worldwide.

We currently operate more than 3000 Acoem AQMS stations globally in 80+ countries.

Small sensor air quality monitoring 

Micro sensors are more portable, lower cost measurement devices for monitoring air pollution at a hyperlocal level. They help identify pollution hotspots and inform the design and assessment of mitigation measures. Micro sensors also provide local information that enables citizens to participate in their own pollution reduction initiatives and make informed decisions such as if, when and where to drive, take public transport, walk, cycle, play and reside.

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