Criteria Air Pollutants

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pinpointed a number of key contaminants that significantly impact air quality.  Six of those contaminants are considered criteria air pollutants:  carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead (Pb), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ground-level ozone (O3). 

These pollutants can affect the brain, the respiratory system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system resulting in mental developmental disabilities, lung function deficiencies, heart attacks and other ailments or even death.

The EPA maintains a database of air quality data collected at outdoor monitors across the US. An interactive map allows anyone access to this data.  

One air quality monitor that can collect the needed data is the RAMP.  It is an easily deployable, low-cost monitoring platform that is capable of detecting up to five gaseous chemical pollutants, temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and meteorological conditions.

Using air quality monitors like the RAMP will continue to assist in the future reduction of pollutants and contaminants in the air for a healthier and cleaner environment.