(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- Thanks to the development of inexpensive sensors, several products claiming to test air quality have hit the market in recent years. Flow ($179), developed by Paris-based Plume Labs SAS, is a portable pollution sensor that’s encased in aluminum punched with a pattern of asymmetric holes for “360 air intake.” The device uses a tiny fan to suck in air as a combination of lasers and membranes detects what’s in it. An app introduced with the device in September breaks the measurements down into particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in real time.
The Competition
· The white-plastic casing of the $249 Airbeam2, shaped like a cartoon ghost, houses PM, humidity, and temperature sensors and works with an Android-only app. At about 5 by 4 inches, it’s designed for on-the-go use but is much larger than other devices.
· Another wearable device, the $99 Atmotube Plus, is about the size and shape of a lipstick container. It also works with an app to monitor VOCs, along with air pressure, temperature, and humidity. A more robust model due in May will include a laser for PM measurements.
· Pico (from $99) measures PM, VOCs, ozone, temperature, humidity, UV, and CO2eq—or carbon-dioxide equivalent, a unit for measuring the global-warming potential of different greenhouse gases. That’s all in a device less than 2 square inches. The downside: It requires an external power supply such as a smartphone or wall outlet to function. Pico will be available in the U.S. in June.
The Case
Many first-time users of Flow are surprised to realize how polluted the air in their house is, especially if they’re cooking without proper ventilation. But the device can be handy in other scenarios, too. As the only consumer product that measures NO2 emissions that result from combustion and traffic, it detects one of the most widespread pollutants that contribute to asthma and bronchitis. A map crowdsourced from users is color-coded to provide an at-a-glance picture of the air pollution in your area, whether you’re planning a bike commute, taking your kids to school, or going for a downtown run while on a business trip. Plume Labs’ award-winning system comes with an easy-to-read interface, an air-quality index, and an elegant design that gives you a clearer view of the invisible stuff in the air. $179; plumelabs.com
To contact the author of this story: Ami Kealoha in New York at amikealoha@gmail.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Gaddy at jgaddy@bloomberg.net
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