Only I remember when, until recently, air quality monitoring stations were heavy cabinets positioned a bit like this in cities and providing data very slowly? Today this is generally no longer the case, but it can be done even better, and someone has thought about it.
For example, there is no easy way to monitor air quality for cyclists. This is why I find this interesting SODAQ Air. Air mounts to the handlebars of a bike and measures pollution levels as you pedal, recording them on an app. Thus users can be aware of the quality of the air they breathe at all times. Even (and above all) while pedaling through the asphyxiating cities.
In 2015, the Dutch tech company SODAQ built the first prototype of Air. Two years later it was used in a data-rich project to map harmful emissions from cars and monitor pollution levels from other vehicles on nearby roads. A nice plan from the public health department and the Utrecht environmental institute to assess air quality using nothing but bicycles equipped with Wi-Fi. Starting with just 10 riders equipped, the project was so successful that it expanded their number to more than 500.
SODAQ Air revised and corrected: air quality everywhere
In 2019 SODAQ introduced a new and improved Air technology. The latest model, smaller and easier to assemble / disassemble, is also "smarter". Using sensors to measure air quality, fine dust concentration, temperature and humidity once every 10 seconds helps you stay safe at all times. A good idea also for those who want to use the sensor at home, perhaps to understand if they have to wear a mask during renovations.
Air, however, as mentioned, does its best "on the move". The new system not only lets you know if there are changing environmental conditions in your area, but also provides information on how to organize your bike ride to increase well-being and reduce smog. You can check up-to-date data for PM2.5-sized particles throughout the city in real time. Consider it a kind of “Google Maps” of air quality.
In summary: whether it is toxic agents, smog or smoke from fires (not so much in Europe as in the USA this gadget can be really useful, especially after seeing what the climate change even in summer), Air provides instant results and allows you to keep personal health under control.
