Starting at the beginning of air quality awareness week on May 6, 2025, residents will be able to check out handheld air quality monitors from the Anythink Brighton location, offering a simple and accessible way to learn more about local air quality conditions and promote environmental awareness.

Through this partnership, community members can borrow a Temtop M10+ Air Quality Monitor, compact and user-friendly devices designed to provide real-time data on several key air quality metrics. These monitors measure PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels, as well as providing a general Air Quality Index (AQI) rating. Review the section below to gain a better understanding of your results and what you can do to mitigate high readings in and around your home. 

Results and Next Steps

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter <2.5um)

1. Green - good
2. Yellow - moderate
3. Red – poor

Particles/Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10, dust, allergens, bioaerosols) – Particulate matter (also known as aerosols) is any kind of liquid or solid that is suspended in the air. There are many types and sources of particulate pollution in your home.

Cooking – One of the largest sources of particulate matter in a home is from cooking, such as using your stove, oven, toaster etc.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

1. Green - good
2. Yellow - moderate
3. Red – poor

CO₂ – You may have heard that carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas, but did you know that it is a major indoor air pollutant in many homes? CO₂ is released from combustion processes—in your home this includes cooking, heating with a furnace, lighting candles, and anything else that burns. A major source of CO₂ inside of a building are the people within it. You breathe out carbon dioxide all day long, so if your house does not have good ventilation, CO₂ can accumulate indoors. Increased CO₂ can cause drowsiness and lack of focus. Higher levels of CO₂ are associated with headaches, sleepiness, poor concentration, and stagnant, stale, stuffy air.

Have you ever had a hard time waking up in the morning? Try sleeping with your bedroom door open as CO₂ can build up significantly in your bedroom at night, which can lead to a drowsy feeling in the morning when you are trying to get ready for the day.

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

1. Green - good
2. Yellow - moderate
3. Red – poor

There are many different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in indoor environments caused by many different sources – VOCs are most often higher in concentration indoors compared to outdoors. Some of the sources of VOCs, include cleaning products, glues/adhesives, pesticides, air fresheners, hair spray, paints, smoking, vaping, and personal care/beauty products. Specifically avoid products that contain phthalates or ‘fragrances’ if you notice that you or a family member has sensitivities near smelly products. Phthalates are often added to consumer products or personal care products to add scents; however, many people are sensitive to these chemicals, causing brain fog, rashes, and headaches. Because air pollutants can build up in a room, people can be extra sensitive to these scents indoors.

Reducing Exposure

Use an indoor air cleaner to reduce particulate matter– HEPA air cleaners are recommended to decrease indoor particulate matter pollution. Some HEPA air cleaners also have carbon filters, which can reduce VOC concentrations as well. Ozone generators are not recommended because being exposed to ozone concentrations can cause health issues.

Use an air cleaner when cooking, lighting candles, there is wildfire smoke outside, running a fireplace