Development and Supply of PAS4023 Document for Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality

Award outcome

Description

This PAS is intended to allow the use of low-cost sensors for AQ monitoring irrespective of type, for measuring ambient pollutants. The approach taken is based upon an understanding of the user's needs, including ensuring data quality is demonstrated for the intended applications. In the case of establishing uncertainty, this PAS may be used to derive methods to establish this in various ways dependent on application, but generally requires access to reference monitors and involves numerical analysis. The basic definition of a low-cost sensor is taken to be a cost and time effective alternative to the reference methods, irrespective of the analytical method, that responds to the target pollutant. The strengths and weaknesses of these devices need to be understood in order to determine if they meet the user's requirements. Although data quality from these devices may not be as high as from reference devices, it is important to note that certain applications of low-cost sensors (e.g., in networks) may be able to provide information that was hitherto difficult to obtain using reference methods. This is a new requirement. Currently there is no standardisation or accreditation around this technology. As there is currently no standardised document in use for low-cost monitors in the UK, every manufacturer is using their own method of calibration and equipment methodology which is resulting in data inconsistencies. Due to new technologies entering the market around low-cost sensors, and with the development of this technology and methodology around its use, there are a lot of research and development projects coming to fruition around this area, which is driving this work to develop standardisation. As technology has advanced and new methods have been developed this will be the first standardised document for low-cost sensors in the UK. Once developed this will be a Publicly Available Specification (PAS). Eventually sensors could be used in the national monitoring network. This PAS will improve the skills of the end users of low-cost monitors, its guidance is intended to raise awareness, promote a better use of the low-cost sensors, and promote a better understanding of pollution sources and ways to mitigate impact on the environment. This PAS will also provide a guide for manufacturers of low-cost sensors to follow and assist in the development of their products to meet the requirements of the PAS. This will improve buyer confidence of these products and fuel the UK economy.

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