AirSense Report
(March 2025-June 2025)
Key Findings from Monitoring PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs
Below is a summary of key findings from the second quarterly report on data collected from five Aeroqual AQM-65 air monitors in Beaver County, PA from March 2025 through June 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. 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 of PM2.5 and VOCs
- Regional sources of the PM2.5 and NO2 and more localized sources of VOCs
- An increase in ozone formation across the region via secondary formation from primary pollutants reacting with sunlight
- Some spikes reached levels that could produce health effects in adults, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups
Fine Particulate Matter Findings (PM2.5)
- All monitors met the 24-hour EPA Standard for PM2.5 (35 µg/m3)
- High, but infrequent, short-term exposures (spikes) lasting for 15 or more minutes that could induce health effects in sensitive groups
- Source analyses indicated regional sources of PM2.5 in the direction of the City of Pittsburgh
Figure 1: 24-Hour Average PM₂.₅ levels from March 2025 to June 2025. The 35 µg/m³ EPA Daily Air Quality Standard and AQI Levels show that 24-hour averages tended to stay below the EPA daily standard.
Nitrogen Dioxide Findings (NO2)
- NO2 readings were well below the EPA Standard (100 ppb), with highest Daily Max 1-Hour Reading being 39 ppb
- The highest NO2 readings were at monitors in more urban areas during calm winds, indicating local pollution sources like vehicles or industrial facilities
Ozone Findings (O3)
- Ozone levels increased since the last monitoring period, but met the EPA Standard (70 ppb) for the Highest 8-Hour Average Daily Maximum
- Increased levels in ozone are consistent with seasonal changes in ozone formation, which increases on sunnier days
Volatile Organic Compound Findings (VOCs)
- Total VOC levels were generally low across the monitoring network with several high, short-term spikes
- The highest levels of VOCs were recorded during low winds, indicating local sources