Portable Air Pollution Monitor Available at Low Cost

MIT researchers have developed an open-source, low-cost, mobile pollution detector called Flatburn that can be made by 3D printing or by ordering inexpensive parts. The detector can measure concentrations of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, and can be used to track air quality more widely. The researchers have tested and calibrated it in relation to existing state-of-the-art machines and are publicly releasing all the information about it. The goal is for community groups or individual citizens anywhere to be able to measure local air pollution, identify its sources, and create feedback loops with officials and stakeholders to create cleaner conditions.