AirSense Report
(December 2024-March 2025)
Key Findings from Monitoring PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs
Below is a summary of key findings from the first quarterly report on data collected from five Aeroqual AQM-65 air monitors in Beaver County, PA from December 2024 through March 2025. The Environmental Health Project (EHP) collected this data with the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC) as a part of the AirSense Community Monitoring Project funded by Shell penalty dollars from the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund.1 These results reflect a 91 day monitoring period of air quality in Beaver County.
General Findings for All Pollutants Monitored (PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs)
- Modest levels of air pollution in Beaver County with short-term spikes.
- The data collected points to regional sources of primary pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, and VOCs).
- Ozone formation seen across the region via secondary formation during the day from the primary pollutants.
- The pollutant levels measured may produce health effects in adults, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups to differing degrees.
Fine Particulate Matter Findings (PM2.5)
- During this monitoring period all monitors met the 24-hour EPA Standard of 35 µg/m3
- Most monitors showed repeated but infrequent high short-term exposures lasting for 15-minutes or more that could induce health effects in sensitive groups
Nitrogen Dioxide Findings (NO2)
- Nitrogen dioxide reading levels were well below the EPA Standard (100 ppb) – with highest Daily Max 1-Hour Reading being 36 ppb.
- Monitors in more urban areas of the county showed higher levels of NO2 at lower speeds pointing to localized pollution like vehicles and other combustion activities.
Ozone Findings (O3)
- Ozone readings during this monitoring period were lower than EPA Standards (70 ppb) for the Highest 8-Hour Daily Maximum.
- Trends in the movement of ozone appeared consistent with its secondary formation origins with higher levels during higher winds times (likely during the day)
Volatile Organic Compound Findings (VOCs)
- Total VOC levels appeared similar across the monitoring network with spikes being reflected by most monitors when they occurred.
- This consistency of spikes across monitors along with higher levels of VOCs at low wind speeds points to regional sources of VOCs