The Impact of urban development on air quality
Monitoring particulate matter in construction
Rapid urban development, a defining process of modern society, comes with a host of negative consequences for the environment and public health, often overlooked in terms of importance. Air pollution is one of these consequences of transforming cities into metropolises capable of accommodating an increasing number of inhabitants, with a major role played by particulate matter, especially those generated by construction activities.
With a continuous increase in the urban population, cities are rapidly expanding to meet the need for housing, infrastructure, and employment, and this expansion brings with it intensified construction activities, responsible for a significant proportion of atmospheric pollution. The release of particles during demolitions, construction work, and landscaping is a major factor in degrading air quality.
Particulate matter, also known as PM, is a complex mixture of very small particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These can vary in size and composition, and the smallest particles, with diameters below 2.5 microns (PM2.5), pose the greatest health risks. Mixing concrete, cutting and grinding materials, and excavation are the processes that generate the most particulate matter.
Exposure to this type of pollution not only causes discomfort but can also have serious consequences for human health. Inhalation can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung conditions, and fine particles can even enter the bloodstream, exacerbating cardiovascular conditions. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of dust pollution.
Oizom’s Dustroid Solution
To understand and manage the impact of dust pollution in urban areas, precise air quality monitoring systems have been developed. Modern technologies allow continuous monitoring of particle concentrations in the air and provide real-time data, facilitating the assessment of health risks and timely decision-making.
The Dustroid solution, developed by Oizom, is a real time particulate matter monitoring system designed to measure dust particle concentrations in the atmosphere. Based on high-performance technologies, the system has the ability to monitor particles of various sizes, ranging from 1 micron to 100 microns. Optical particle counting is performed using an extremely precise laser beam, as well as a patented active sampling method (electronic breathing technology) for the aspiration and evacuation process to collect and monitor air samples in a controlled environment. Thus, isolating the effect of the external environment on the measurements brings a 13% higher precision than industry standards.
In the version dedicated to installation in urban areas, Dustroid monitors PM1, PM2.5, PM10, PM100 particles, as well as temperature and humidity. Additionally, for a more comprehensive picture, modules can be installed to monitor wind speed and direction, precipitation quantity, and noise level. Beyond the benefits for strict air quality control in cities, especially in construction site areas, Dustroid can also be used to monitor particles released into the atmosphere from mining activities, metallurgical processes, port operations, and more.
Continuous monitoring of particulate matter levels has become essential for the quality of life in urban areas, thus, the installation of state-of-the-art systems is the first step in reducing the negative impact of construction activities on air quality.