2022-07-01 15:36:54
A practice in clear expansion
In recent years, sensor systems, commonly called micro-sensors, have experienced rapid expansion. They are used by individuals as well as by communities or associations who use it to raise awareness among populations regarding the issues of air pollution.
Deployed indoors, outdoors or directly worn by individuals, these tools are mainly used to measure particles (PM10 or PM2.5), carbon monoxide or volatile organic compounds. Since the pandemic, they have also been used to know the level of carbon dioxide in establishments open to the public, in order to detect when air renewal actions are necessary: aeration, increased ventilation, etc.
Interesting awareness-raising measures if accompanied
These micro-sensors make it possible toidentify possible sources of pollution or measure pollutant concentration levels to which an individual is exposed at home, at work or while traveling, for example.
The information displayed by numerous micro-sensors, in the form of a color code for example, is however based on poorly documented and heterogeneous criteria. Furthermore, most micro-sensors, often called “air quality micro-sensors” actually measure only one pollutant. They therefore offer a partial vision of the quality of the air we breathe.
« Sensor systems are an asset in terms of knowledge regarding pollution and good practices to adopt. Their use must nevertheless be supported to lead to lasting behavioral changes., such as changing travel habits or taking action on certain sources of indoor pollution (cooking, fireplaces, etc.) and ventilation. In addition, the data obtained via these tools must be correctly interpreted: they do not reflect a possible risk for the health of the individual but rather levels of exposure to certain pollutants present in the air. » specifies Emmanuelle Durand, coordinator of this expertise at the Agency.
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