Cost effective particle sensor for aerosol monitoring

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Airborne particulate matter is one of the main components of smog. Most environmental agencies (including the BC Ministry of the Environment) routinely monitor this air pollution indicators to assess overall ambient air quality. Exposure to airborne particles increases human mortality and morbidity from respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases. While particles as small as 2.5 µm are now monitored in many BC locations, currently no system is in place to quantify much smaller particulates. Nanoparticles (diameters <100 nm) are increasingly utilized in such diverse fields as semiconductor devices and drug delivery systems. It is evident that nanoparticles exhibit higher toxicity than micron size particles of identical substances. Our proposed particle sensor is designed to fill the current gap in existing air monitoring and management systems. Its affordable price enables easy extension of this system for high local resolution, and allows nanoparticle assessment for current or revised pollution management programs.