U.S. EPA Progress on Developing Performance Testing Protocols and Targets for Particulate Matter Air Sensors
RACHELLE DUVALL, Andrea Clements, Karoline Barkjohn, Samuel Frederick,
US EPA Abstract Number: 289
Working Group: Urban Aerosols
AbstractAir sensors measuring particulate matter (PM) continue to undergo rapid expansion and use. However, data quality is highly variable which can reduce confidence in the accuracy of the data. Understanding how PM sensors perform and how sensor technologies compare to each other remains a challenge. To support users and manufacturers of air sensor technologies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) released a report in 2021 outlining recommended testing protocols, metrics, and target values to evaluate the performance of fine PM (PM
2.5) air sensors for non-regulatory supplemental and informational monitoring applications. As a complement to the PM
2.5 report, the U.S. EPA is developing similar guidance for sensors measuring PM with diameters of 10 micrometers or less (PM
10). The goal of this work is to provide a consistent approach for evaluating sensor performance and reporting results to provide users with more confidence in the data and help them select sensors that meet their application needs. Additionally, this work is intended to encourage technology improvements and further development in the marketplace. This presentation will summarize the U.S. EPA’s progress on building guidance for evaluating the performance of PM
2.5 and PM
10 air sensors in field and laboratory settings.
Disclaimer: Although this abstract was reviewed by EPA and approved for presentation, it may not necessarily reflect official Agency policy.