First Filipino-made air quality monitoring system, soon to arrive at Enverga U

 

The Health and Safety Office collaborated with Project ROAM for the conduct of air quality studies in the University. ROAM or the Robust Optical Aerosol Monitor is the first locally-made air quality monitor developed by the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). It is the first locally-made optical aerosol monitor capable of reading particulate matter concentration in air up to PM2.5. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air (US EPA, 2023). PM 2.5 are fine inhalable particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers and smaller. Exposure to high concentrations of PM 2.5 can reduce visibility in an area and can even cause health problems for humans.

 

Moreover, the members of Project ROAM allowed the University to borrow the instrument for 6 months and collect air quality data in the city. The office in collaboration with the Pollution Control Office and College of Arts and Sciences will use the data to conduct research that aims to analyze its possible impacts on human health. The outputs of the research can be used to create IEC materials to promote environmental awareness among the residents of Lucena City.