Low cost air quality monitors to evaluate nanosized particulate matter. A pilot study

Abstract

Particulate matter is defined as a mixture of airborne solid particles and liquid droplets that can be inhaled and may cause serious health problems. Such elements are currently measured utilizing air quality monitoring devices that provide information on PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels giving information on pollution levels. However, many difficulties are encountered in the determination of nanosized ultra fine particles (UFPs) due to their reduced dimensions. The present paper highlights the ability of low cost air quality monitors to estimate UFPs concentration through a correlation based on the measures of PM 10 and PM 2.5.