Air environment is an important factor in maintaining life and stabilizing the ecosystem. However, industrialization and urbanization have increased pollution, directly affecting human health and the environment. In this situation, monitoring and controlling air quality plays a key role in protecting the environment, limiting negative impacts and moving towards sustainable development.
What is the air environment?
Air environment includes the entire atmosphere surrounding the Earth, playing a role in maintaining life and regulating biological processes and climate. Air is an essential component for humans and living things, helping to maintain ecosystems and creating conditions for the development of life. Air quality directly affects health, the environment and ecological balance, therefore, protecting clean air is an important factor in sustainable development.
Why monitor ambient air quality?
Air quality monitoring plays an important role in protecting human health, maintaining ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Air pollution is the cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduces the quality of life. At the same time, it also affects the natural environment, degrades ecosystems and accelerates climate change.
In addition, monitoring the air environment helps management agencies develop effective pollution control policies, while promoting research and development of emission reduction technologies. Maintaining clean air not only ensures health but also contributes to sustainable economic development.
What air quality indicators need to be monitored?
To accurately assess the quality of the air environment, it is necessary to monitor compounds and dust particles that have a direct impact on human health as well as the environment. Important indicators include:
Particulate matter
- PM2.5 fine dust: Dust particles with diameter ≤ 2.5 µm, penetrate deep into the lungs and blood.
- PM10 dust: Dust particles ≤ 10 µm, cause respiratory irritation.
Toxic gases
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂): Causes pneumonia, forms photochemical smog.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂): Creates acid rain, causes respiratory irritation.
- Carbon monoxide (CO): Reduces oxygen in the blood, causing suffocation.
- Ground-level ozone (O₃): Causes pneumonia, reduces lung function.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Emissions from industry, affect the nervous system.
Heavy metals and other toxic substances
- Lead (Pb): Causes nerve damage, affects development in young children.
- Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As): Causes cancer, liver and kidney damage.
- Ammonia (NH₃), Methane (CH₄): Contribute to climate change.
Measuring and monitoring these indicators helps to issue timely warnings, protect public health and support the development of effective air pollution control policies.
What standards should air monitoring systems meet?
According Circular No. 10/2021/TT-BTNMT, automatic, continuous air monitoring systems must comply with strict technical standards to ensure data quality and environmental monitoring effectiveness. Key requirements include:
Mandatory and optional monitoring parameters
- Mandatory parameter group: PM2.5, O3 and one of three parameters NO2, SO2, CO.
- Extended parameter group (optional): TSP, PM10, PM1, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, methane,…
Technical requirements for measuring equipment
- Automatic monitoring equipment must have at least one measuring range ≥ 3 times the limit value according to National Technical Regulations.
- Measuring devices (except temperature, pressure, PM dust) must be periodically calibrated with standard gas according to the manufacturer's recommendations, at least once a month.
- The standard gas concentration for testing the equipment must be within 10 – 70% of the measuring range of each equipment, CO in particular is 30 – 50% of the maximum allowable threshold.
Requirements for data transmission system
- Monitoring data must be transmitted via FTP, FTPs or sFTP to a server managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
- Internet connection minimum 30 Mb/s.
- The data logger system must have its own, sealed administrative account and provide access to the management agency.
- Data from surveillance cameras must be transmitted via RTSP and stored for at least 3 months.
Regulations on operation and maintenance
- Equipment must be inspected and calibrated according to measurement regulations.
- The operating unit must have personnel properly trained in operation, maintenance and occupational safety.
- When the system is down for more than 48 hours, the enterprise must perform manual monitoring at least 1 time/2 days (for PM dust parameters, it is 1 time/week).
Application period and upgrade requirements
- Monitoring stations operating before August 16, 2021 but not yet meeting the new standards have 24 months to upgrade or replace appropriate equipment.
Air monitoring systems must meet the above standards to ensure accuracy, consistency and transparency in environmental data management.
Conclusion
Air quality monitoring not only helps assess pollution levels but also provides a basis for developing effective control solutions. Compliance with strict monitoring standards will help improve air quality, protect public health and minimize the effects of climate change. Investing in advanced monitoring technology is a necessary step towards building a healthy and sustainable living environment.
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