Purple Air Data Sensor
PurpleAir sensors provide an economical indication of air quality, specifically the approximate level of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) present in ambient air. They are relatively easy to deploy and simple to operate.
PAMZ & ECCC (Environment & Climate Change Canada)
In PAMZ, these sensors are currently operated as a partnership between PAMZ and Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC). These sensors have been deployed across Canada and are especially useful during periods of poor air quality such as cold weather inversions or wildfire smoke.
Data collected by these sensors can easily be viewed in real-time by the public using a free online user-friendly map interface developed by the University of Northern British Columbia.
This interactive map also displays PM2.5 data collected by PAMZ and others’ continuous monitoring stations. These stations utilize federal equivalent method monitors that are significantly more accurate than Purple Air sensors, but much more sophisticated and expensive to operate and maintain.