Testing Your Property’s Outdoor Air Quality

For most of the U.S., summer means hot temperatures, increased humidity, and hazy skies – all of which can impact outdoor air quality. Add to that worsening wildfire seasons on the West Coast and in Canada, and it makes sense that you’d want to monitor pollution on your land and ensure the air you’re breathing is safe. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial air quality monitors available, many of which can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars. You can also access free data regarding local air quality courtesy of the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI). 

Here’s a quick guide to testing outdoor indoor quality on your property, including why you should do it and what you might want to test for. 

Why Test Outdoor Air Quality?

There are so many great perks to being a landowner. But if you can’t safely enjoy your property, it’s hard to make the most of all of those benefits. 

The quality of the air on your land is directly correlated to your health since you’re going to be breathing in any lingering pollutants. Outdoor air also travels indoors, so if you’re living on your land, you’re at an increased risk of health problems related to outdoor pollution. This could include coughing, asthma, and other respiratory problems, as well as heart problems and even strokes. 

What Should You Test For?

Different air quality monitors test for different pollutants. What pollutants you need to track depends largely on the location of your property; in particular, its climate, its history, and potential nearby hazards. 

General pollutants that most of us are exposed to every day in varying amounts include:

• Ground-level ozone pollution - mostly emitted from cars, industrial boilers, chemical and power plants
• Sulfur dioxide - produced by burning fossil fuels (oils and coal)
• Nitrogen dioxide - combustion of fossil fuels (gas, coal and oils)
• Carbon monoxide - generally vehicles, smoke, and natural gases in coal mines
• Particle pollution, including PM2.5 and PM10 - combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, and wood

The greater the level of one or more of these pollutants, the poorer the air quality on your land. Beyond these basics, you’ll also want to test for other pollutants that may be present based on prior or current land use and/or proximity to hazardous sites like certain types of industrial plants. 

Also notable is your proximity to heavy traffic sites such as a highway. In addition to increased levels of the pollutants above, cars and trucks also release additional harmful pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. 

How to Test Outdoor Air Quality

Your two best options for quickly and easily monitoring air quality on your property are:

• Commercial air quality monitors
• The Air Quality Index (AQI)

Commercial air quality monitors: These may be the way to go if you are worried about certain pollutants or if you have risk factors such as asthma or other respiratory problems. Just be sure to do your research and choose a monitor that is designated for outdoor use and capable of tracking the pollutants you are most concerned about. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides real-time information on air quality in your area. It’s more general than an on-site monitor, but a good place to start if you just want a broad overview of outdoor air pollution in your locality. Head to AirNow.gov to take a look. 

Do you see any concerning trends? Be sure to invest in an indoor air purifying system if needed, and consider talking to an air quality specialist about other possible solutions. 

Taking Actions To Improve Outdoor Air Quality

While air purifiers help to improve indoor air quality, there are several things to take in improving outdoor air quality on your property and your community.

Reduce Your Contribution To Air Pollution

Avoid burning any type of waste in your yard, since the released smoke is harmful to your health and nature. Whenever you can, opt for electric or push mowers, instead of using gas-powered ones. Another practice with a high contribution to reducing air pollution is minimizing the use of vehicles. Whether it’s a shared ride, public transport, or even bicycle riding and walking - try to not use a vehicle whenever possible.

Plant Trees

Although we hear this everywhere, planting trees has a huge impact on the outdoor air quality, especially the ones planted on your property. Trees are natural air filters - they remove pollutants from the air and improve the overall air quality. So when the season comes, choose your favorite trees and plant them around your property. Not only you but your neighborhood and community will be grateful too.

Advocate For Local Air Quality

It’s not enough if only several households practice activities to improve the outdoor air quality. Raising awareness in your community will have a greater impact on achieving it, especially if it’s followed by testing and researching the air quality, consulting scientists and professionals, and educating on the importance of improving it. Another action that might help is including the local government or its representatives - there don’t have to be any strict regulations, but simple activities such as having a ‘Plant A Tree Day’ or picking two or three days in the week when riding vehicles would not be allowed can make a big impact! 

Final Words

Besides the health and well-being benefits from ensuring good air quality, the value of your property also gets higher. By testing your outdoor air quality and taking the right action for its improvement, you’re ensuring your and your family’s health is taken care of, and your environment is safe and healthy.