PerkinElmer Launches Novel Real-Time Air Quality Sensor Network

PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and the environment, has announced the launch of Elm™, an innovative air monitoring service providing local air quality analysis for individuals, smart cities and sustainable communities. The Elm service enables the visualization and understanding of relevant real-time air quality detail, providing data that can be immediately accessed, both online and on mobile devices.

"We are very excited to introduce our innovative Elm solution which leverages PerkinElmer's detection capabilities and expertise in environmental monitoring to transform how air quality is understood and explained," said Jon DiVincenzo, President, Environmental Health, PerkinElmer. "Using a novel approach, the Elm network is designed to create better awareness, empowering all of us to connect our understanding about the quality of our environment with its long-term impact on our health - helping cities and their populations make smarter, more informed decisions."

The Elm network contains devices with multiple air monitoring sensors. The units are placed outdoors where individuals can benefit from real-time air quality information, such as in industrial areas, neighborhoods, parks and schools. The sensors measure patterns of seven air quality indicators, including ozone, particulates (soil or dust materials) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Each device connects to the secure Elm data network to send readings from the sensors every 20 seconds, enabling viewing of up-to-the-minute air quality conditions.

Standard air monitoring solutions generally rely on data generated by a limited number of geographically dispersed regulatory lab monitoring stations. The Elm service provides customers an important perspective of their air quality by offering access to relevant and localized data. This approach provides insights on air quality patterns and pollution trends, complementing current conventional monitoring methods.

"As the world continues to face increasing airborne pollutants, we believe that Elm's data service approach will be a valuable tool as cities seek to create healthier neighborhoods, from helping residents make wellness choices about where to live and when to spend their time outside, to carefully examining pollution trends, and even implementing more effective urban planning initiatives," said Andrea Jackson, Vice President-Strategic Marketing, Environmental Health, PerkinElmer.

PerkinElmer's recently established Elm network in the Boston metro area gathers data in 25 discrete locations near schools, parks, roads and neighborhoods. This pilot network is already illustrating how increasing the density of data coverage can improve the relevancy and availability of air quality information.

PerkinElmer continues to expand its network of more than 200 sensor locations in 10 countries and anticipates generating revenues from Elm in 2015. Please click on the company website link below to visit Elm's global map to view current air quality levels 24 hours a day.

Elm will also be featured at the following EPA events:
The EPA's "Air Sensors 2014" in North Carolina: June 9-11
National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) in Washington, D.C.: August 4-8