From Dust to Data: Mastering Air Particle Measurement Units

Air particles can be measured using different units depending on the purpose of the measurement and the instruments used. Two standard units for measuring air particles are micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and parts per litre (ppl).

µg/m³

Micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) is a unit of mass concentration, which measures the amount of a substance per unit volume of air. This unit is commonly used to measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter. This measurement is important because PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause a variety of health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer.

In addition to PM2.5, PM10 and PM1 are widely used measurements for particulate matter.

PPL

Parts per litre (ppl) is a unit of volume concentration, which measures the number of particles per unit volume of air. This unit is commonly used to measure the number of particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, and other allergens. This measurement is important because these particles can cause respiratory problems like allergies and asthma.

Both units are essential for measuring air particles but are used for different purposes. Measuring PM2.5 in µg/m³ is important for assessing the health effects of fine particulate matter while measuring particles in ppl is important for assessing the overall particle concentration in the air.

Different industries and applications use different units to measure air particles based on their specific requirements and regulations. Here are some examples:

Industries or applications that measure air particles in µg/m³

• Environmental Monitoring: Air quality monitoring agencies measure PM2.5 in µg/m³ to assess the level of air pollution and its health effects.
• Occupational Health: Industries like warehouse and logistics, mining, construction, and manufacturing measure PM2.5 in µg/m³ to monitor employee exposure to harmful particles and comply with occupational health and safety regulations.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and medical research centres measure PM2.5 in µg/m³ to study the health effects of air pollution on patients and identify potential health risks.

Industries or applications that measure air particles in ppl

• HVAC Systems: Building owners and facility managers measure particles in ppl to assess the performance of HVAC systems and ensure indoor air quality.
• Cleanrooms: The semiconductor and electronics industries measure particles in ppl to maintain cleanroom standards and prevent contamination during manufacturing.
• Research & Development: Although µg/m³ is used, scientists and researchers may also use particle counters to measure particles in ppl to study aerosol properties, airflow, and other properties that can impact air quality.

Essentially, the choice of unit to measure air particles depends on the industry or application and the specific goals of the measurement.

“Wood’s ProMore system measures and reports in both (µg/m³) and (ppl) to accommodate several industries and applications.”

A graph within Wood’s ProMore

As awareness of the importance of indoor air quality continues to grow, both private and public facilities are increasingly prioritising monitoring and reporting of indoor air quality conditions. Whether driven by internal initiatives or regulatory requirements, more and more organisations recognise the crucial role indoor air quality plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and the public.

ProMore, our cutting-edge air quality monitoring solution, empowers businesses to safeguard their indoor environments proactively. It provides real-time data and actionable insights to optimise air quality management practices. With a rising trend towards accountability and transparency in environmental health, the demand for solutions like ProMore is only expected to escalate.

Why measure various air quality parameters?

• Each monitored variant is a crucial indicator of indoor air quality. It impacts human health and well-being and potentially causes absenteeism, decreased productivity, and heightened illness or injury rates.
• These parameters can significantly affect product quality and workplace productivity.
• Air quality issues stem from diverse causes and are influenced by various factors; particle contamination is just one facet.
• ProMore, our professional air quality monitoring system offers a comprehensive evaluation of indoor and outdoor air quality, pinpointing health risks and facilitating effective strategies to mitigate exposure to harmful pollutants.

Importance of comprehensive coverage

Particulate matter can compromise sensitive electronics, impairing performance and reliability. Elevated VOC levels can alter the chemical makeup of pharmaceuticals or food, leading to spoilage or diminished effectiveness. Studies show that excessive carbon dioxide is known to impair employees’ cognitive function, reducing productivity and quality control.

Addressing air quality concerns is not just about avoiding risks but also about enhancing public facilities, employee health and safety, mitigating product quality risks, and ultimately boosting productivity and profitability. It’s a step towards a brighter and more successful future for businesses.