These monitors produce PM 2.5 data that is usually less accurate than data collected by other types of particle monitor. Portable air monitors – these use sensitive, light-scattering sensors to detect particles. BAMs meet the Australian National Standard (AS 3580.9.12–2013).Ģ4-hour rolling average data collected by BAMs is used to automatically trigger cautionary health advice on EPA AirWatch.īAMs are currently used to measure PM 2.5 at the following stations: Alphington Footscray Geelong South Morwell South Morwell East Traralgon Moe and Churchill. From this, the concentration of airborne particles is calculated. This monitor works by collecting particles on a filter tape and measuring the reduction in beta rays travelling through the particles. For monitoring small particles – PM 2.5īAM – a standard beta attenuation monitor automatically measures and records airborne particles. TEOMs are standard across EPA’s network and meet the Australian National Standard (AS 3580.9.8–2008). It does this by collecting and weighing the particles using a very sensitive balance. TEOM – a tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor continually measures the concentration of airborne particles. Air monitoring equipment that produces data for EPA’s website For monitoring small particles – PM 10 Data collected by some incident air monitors is also shown on EPA AirWatch.

They give us immediate data about the impacts of a pollution event and are used to make decisions about what EPA and other agencies do next. These monitors are set up to respond rapidly to a major and specific pollution event. They are placed in communities where there is a specific pollution concern. These tell us about local air quality and pollution issues. They are strategically placed around the state and they form the foundation of EPA’s monitoring network. These provide us with information on general air quality and pollution happening over a large area – they give us the ‘big picture’ about air quality. EPA's air monitoring equipment classifications General condition monitors

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