Air Quality – Measurement Industry Opportunities:
The Sky is the Limit

On December 31, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed into law the Clean Air Act intended to “foster the growth of a strong American economy and industry while improving human health and the environment.” In the 40 years plus since, the EPA has been working to improve air quality across the nation. While significant improvement has been made in many of our cities and communities, there remains much more to be done, and opportunity abounds. Read on…

Even before the passing of the Clean Air Act, the government introduced the AQI (Air Quality Index). The AQI is a measurement of how clean or polluted the air is, along with any potential health impacts, based on these five major air pollutants:

• ground-level ozone,
• particle pollution
  / particulate matter
• carbon monoxide
• sulfur dioxide
• nitrogen dioxide

In the dog days of summer, for those living in areas particularly susceptible to poor air quality, daily air quality index warnings are broadcast through the media and along heavily traveled thoroughfares. Electronic signs encourage residents to drive less, carpool if possible, and reduce overall energy consumption. Daily AQI ratings and forecasts for over 300 cities, can be found here on the EPA’s AirNow website. Links to more detailed state and local air quality data are provided as well.

What does all this have to do with business opportunities? We’re glad you asked… “Next Generation Air Measuring,” that’s what! Traditionally, measuring air quality has required complex and expensive equipment. However, the EPA states, “…as air quality management problems become more complex, there is a need for enhanced air quality and exposure monitoring capabilities.”

Monitoring personal air quality in community settings is of growing interest to the EPA. The door to innovation is wide open. The EPA is collaborating with not only other government agencies and academic groups, but also with community groups and innovative do-it-yourselfers. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get in on the ground floor to develop and market the next cutting edge technology solution company.

Entrepreneurs with an interest in developing affordable air sensors, as well as creative ways for the public to interact with the equipment, are in demand. From cell phone apps to wearable sensors to mobile sensor platforms, such as this solar-powered, air-monitoring bench at a library in Durham, NC, and beyond, the “sky is the limit.” Innovation and entrepreneurship in air quality measurement tools will benefit the health and wealth of our nation, and further the achievement of the goals of the Clean Air Act set nearly a half century ago.

Particular areas of interest in air sensor research at the EPA include:

For any current or prospective entrepreneurs interested in the air quality measurement industry, GeoMetrx can provide an in-depth site location analysis including an understanding of the competitive landscape. Call us at 1.888.848.4436 or visit us on the web to request a demo today.