Computer Hardware & Technology blog

The air we breathe is what keeps us alive. That is why in recent years, more people and businesses are investing in an air quality sensor to ensure that the air we breathe poses no threat. In 2009, Australia experienced the worst dust storm in nearly 70 years. Plumes of red and orange dust engulfed most of New South Wales and Queensland, impacting key cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. Flights were cancelled, establishments were closed, and affected areas lay in stasis. In 2020, the eastern states of Australia from Queensland to Victoria suffered from a massively destructive bushfire season that lasted for months. Aside from damages dealt with properties, lives, and wildlife, it has also caused severe health hazards due to poor air quality.

With dust storms and bush fires getting more and more dangerous every year, not to mention the intensifying effects of drought, therefore, having an air quality monitor in Australia is quickly becoming a necessity. In fact, Australian health authorities have already confirmed the hazards of being exposed to smoke and dust particles based on size. A good and reliable air quality sensor can detect particles as big as PM10 to the more dangerous PM2.5. PM stands for a particulate matter which is measured in micrometers. Both particles pose a significant threat to human health. Those who are most at risk are the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or heart disease. SBS News even reports that “increased short-term exposure to both PM10 and PM2.5 particles has been linked to increased death and hospitalization rates.”

These particles are also present in highly urbanized cities. An air quality monitor can pick up the same particles in air pollution emitted by vehicles and factory chimneys. In these cases, the threat to air quality is more localized and can be more lethal if exposure is continuous. These particles can reach your lungs and cause very ill effects to your body. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, palpitations, and in worst-case scenarios, heart disease, and stroke.

The immediate protection against poor air quality is to wear a face mask. The recommendation is usually an N95 mask that can filter out most particles including viruses and PM2.5. There are also the N99 masks that can filter for smaller particles. But bad air quality can also be an invisible enemy. So investing in a good air quality sensor is the best way to prepare.