Microsensors for air pollutant measurements: Evolution or upheaval?

In France, monitoring of air quality is performed by approved organizations which use both measurements and modelisation. In addition to this standardized metrology, cheaper stationary apparatus that can be deployed in a variety of sites and mobile microsensors which can be used by the general public have been marketed. These will induce questions, especially for health professionals. The latter remain inadequately trained for this issue. This topic of increasing interest provides a large number of publications. In order to deal with the large volume and the diversity of sensors, metrology and reliable comprehensive data are paramount. Recently, Airparif has evaluated about one hundred microsensors in the lab and in real life conditions. This evaluation has turned on qualitative data such as energy source, reliability, changeability and usability and quantitative data such as measurement variability and systematic errors. Structuring and mostly use of corresponding databases have yet to be properly evaluated. Besides these technical considerations, the question about possible behavioral changes induced by knowledge of air pollution data arises. This topic has been studied by ADEME in a 2017 report. Its conclusion is that knowing air pollution levels and attached health impact does not by itself induce sustained behavioral changes. Those changes can only occur if they are easy to implement and if they are shared with other people. Health professionals have a central role to play. In the field of epidemiological research, microsensors will allow a more precise evaluation of individual exposure to air pollution. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of l'Academie nationale de medecine.