Primer on Air Pollution Monitoring

This 101-style graphic primer on air pollution monitoring covers frequently asked questions and scientific jargon. As the saying goes, “we cannot manage what we cannot measure”. Having access to monitoring data is important for air quality management via (a) preparing action plans, (b) supporting public awareness activities, and (c) keeping track of progress in air quality (or lack thereof). Air pollution monitoring is a diagnostic exercise to measure air pollution levels in an area or at a source. This data over a long-term allows us to tease out diurnal, seasonal, and spatial patterns that support pollution studies and formulate action plans for a city.