Air quality sensors also known as air pollution sensors can detect and monitor air contaminants in the air around us. These sensors can be used inside to detect indoor air pollution and outside to monitor toxins and pollution in the air. They are able to detect dangerous gases which are toxic to humans and animals and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

These sensors are small and portable and provide data in near-real-time at low cost and using low amounts of power. Sensor-based measurement devices are becoming more popular as people are more aware of harmful gases and pollutants and the health impacts this has on individuals and the environment.

The sensor measures and monitors the concentration of certain hazardous gases that are found in the air. If the gases detected are above a certain level which the sensor is set, the device or instrument will then trigger an alarm to warn people to leave the area.

These low-cost pollution sensors are used to gather data about the effects of traffic and factory work on air quality. They can also be used to help keep home environments safe and clean by monitoring indoor air quality levels of airborne particulates, humidity and temperature making you aware of areas with low ventilation.

What do air quality sensors measure?

They are used to detect, measure and monitor relative humidity, ambient temperature and/or levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde (HCHO), freon and other refrigerants (CFC / HFC), phosphine (PH3), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxygen (O2), ozone (O3) and other flammable, hazardous or toxic gases.