AirSense Report
(June 2025-September 2025)
Key Findings from Monitoring PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs
Below is a summary of key findings from the third quarterly report on data collected from five Aeroqual AQM-65 air monitors in Beaver County, PA from June 2, 2025 through September 2, 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, which is funded by Shell penalty dollars from the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund. These results reflect a 92-day monitoring period of air quality in Beaver County.
General Findings for All Pollutants Monitored (PM2.5, NO2, Ozone, and VOCs)
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Elevated levels of PM2.5 and ozone pollution in Beaver County, with readings above the EPA standards.
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Modest levels of NO2 and VOC pollution in Beaver County.
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Regional and local sources of the PM2.5, NO2 and VOCs.
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A continued increase in ozone formation across the region via secondary formation from primary pollutants reacting with sunlight.
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Some spikes that reached levels that could produce health effects in adults, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
Fine Particulate Matter Findings (PM2.5)
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Most monitors did not meet the 24-hour (35 μg/m³) or annual (9 μg/m³) EPA standards.
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High, but infrequent, short-term exposures (spikes) lasting for 15 or more minutes that could induce health effects in sensitive groups.
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Regional and local sources in the direction of the Canadian wildfires and pollution events at local facilities, respectively.
Table 1: Comparisons of monitor readings to PM₂.₅ EPA standards 6.2.25 - 9.2.25
Nitrogen Dioxide Findings (NO2)
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Readings below the EPA standard (100 ppb), with some spikes high enough to increase health risks.
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Regional and local sources east of the monitoring network and in the Center Township area, respectively.
Ozone Findings (O3)
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Increased levels since the last monitoring period, exceeding the EPA standard (70 ppb) for the Highest 8-Hour Average Daily Maximum.
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Changes in ozone that were consistent with seasonal changes in ozone formation, which increases on sunnier days.
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Potential regional sources of ozone precursors west and southeast of Beaver County.
Volatile Organic Compound Findings (VOCs)
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Generally low across the monitoring network with several high, short-term spikes.
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Local sources in the communities of Monaca, Rochester, Center Township, Pine Run, and Conway.