Monitoring today for cleaner air tomorrow

Poor air quality continues to be a major public health issue and new research is highlighting just how serious it is. In the UK alone, it is estimated that air pollution contributes to as many as 30,000 deaths each year. This alarming figure underscores what experts have long emphasised: there is no safe level of exposure to many airborne pollutants.

The conversation, however, is shifting from simply recognising the risks posed, to exploring a more proactive solution. We are now seeing how data-driven monitoring can better equip organisations, councils and local communities to manage the challenges presented by air and dust pollution.

Pollution in our everyday world

We often think of air pollution as a problem that exists only outside, on busy roads or near factories. However, the air inside our homes can be just as important to our health and quality of life. Dust and fine particles are a major concern indoors, and they can come from a variety of sources, both outside and inside the home.

• Construction and redevelopment projects can generate hazardous dust that sometimes contains dangerous, older contaminants.
• Traffic and industrial operations remain major contributors to urban air pollution, releasing particulates and nitrogen oxides that affect densely populated areas on a daily basis.
• Residential activities such as cooking and using a wood-burning stove can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
• Modern buildings that are sealed tight for energy efficiency can make things worse by trapping pollutants inside our homes and workplaces, making heath concerns more serious.

Given how widespread this exposure is, air quality is not just a regulatory issue, it is a societal challenge that affects individuals, business and communities alike.

From measurement to impact

The risks are clear, and we have significant opportunity to act. The tools we have to measure air and dust pollution are now much more advanced, portable and accessible than ever before. When we use this technology effectively, monitoring becomes more than just a box to check for compliance, it becomes a way to make more proactive decisions.

• Real-time data allows organisations to respond to emerging risks immediately.
• Transparent monitoring practices build trust with local communities near sensitive sites.
• Using insights based on solid evidence helps ensure that you are compliant with environmental standards and supports your long-term sustainability goals.
• Thanks to the portability and usability of modern devices, you can now monitor air quality in a wide range of settings, including construction sites, schools and homes.

Put simply, monitoring provides evidence that helps us manage risks and demonstrate our commitment to safety.

Using technology to make better choices

At Ashtead Technology, we work with councils, contractors and businesses to make advanced air quality and dust monitoring both practical and effective. Our equipment delivers accurate, real-time data, giving decision-makers the confidence to act early and responsibly.

We provide a range of air quality and dust monitors available for short or long-term rental, as well as for purchase. Our extensive fleet and sales range cover applications from personal and indoor monitoring to large-scale projects, measuring key parameters such as:

• PM10, PM2.5, PM1 (dust & particulates)
• Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)
• Respirable Particles (PM4, PM5)
• Temperature, Humidity, Air Velocity
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

The immense scale of air pollution presents an undeniable challenge. However, the tools available are more powerful than ever. By embracing a proactive approach to monitoring, we can shift our focus from crisis management to prevention, ensuring healthier environments for both current and future generations.

For more information on Monitoring today for cleaner air tomorrow talk to Ashtead Technology Ltd