A Step Closer to Cleaner Air

With concern for the environment growing with every passing year, never before has there been a greater demand for cleaner air. Environmentalists and the general public alike are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the air we breathe, so it’s no surprise that interest in the levels of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air is higher than ever.

Traditionally, the government and local authorities have measured for PM10 and, if particulates have exceeded the recommended levels, have taken action to reduce emissions by the relevant means, such as traffic calming measures or restrictions. But lately, there has been a directive from the European parliament in Brussels which has led a move towards the measurement of even lower levels of particulate matter. Measurement of PM2.5 is quickly becoming the norm and, as such, local authorities are looking for air quality monitoring equipment that can measure for this particulate level effectively.

Air quality monitoring experts Enviro Technology have a range of both PM10 and PM2.5 systems designed to accurately measure levels in ambient air. Two PM2.5 analyser manufacturers have now successfully completed the UK equivalent PM2.5 summer trials, making them valuable additions to ET’s impressive armoury. Enviro Technology (UK) is the sole representative in the UK for both Met One, which produces the BAM1020, and FAI, makers of the SWAM 5A.

FAI also completed the PM10 trials, and with three previous data sets from the German TuV, the analyser is now fully approved under MCERTS for PM2.5. The BAM1020 analyser, one of the best-selling monitors in the country, already has PM10 approval in the UK. Enviro Technology’s technical director Mike Webley said: “ET has always supported DEFRA equivalence programmes. We look forward to receiving orders from both DEFRA and from local authorities as both of these analysers are already in manufacture with no changes planned which would affect these approvals.”