'Dust Alert’ System Developed To Warn Of Pollution

[jayanthi mandhalapu]

The researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new sensor 'Dust Alert' to warn of pollution. The unique technology is the first-of-its-kind tool to monitor the quality of the air.

The sensor was developed by the professors, Eyal Ben-Dor and Dr Sandra Chudnovsky from the Department of Geography and it can measure even the small fraction of contaminants in the air. The small tool works like an ozone gas or carbon monoxide meter.

"It works just like an ozone meter would. You put it in your home or office for three weeks, and it can give you real-time contamination levels in terms of dust, pollen and toxins," said Ben-Dor.

The device works like a small chemistry lab, which can precisely measure the toxicity of our environment, say hometowns, offices etc. Accordingly, the researchers can find the quick remedy for the affected area.

The instrument is fitted with a chemical analyzer, called spectrophotometer to collect the data of the environment. Then after a certain period the data is analyzed in the lab to measure the quality of the air.

The "Dust Alert" fills an important need as polluted air, breathed in for weeks, months and sometimes years, can have fatal consequences, leading to asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer.

According to Ben-Dor, the device will be very much helpful for the place where there is more possibility of pollution like factories, mines etc.

With findings from Ben-Dor's invention, urban planners can provide better solutions and mitigate risks. The device also finds importance during chemical fires, heavy dust storms and hurricanes.

Ben-Dor expressed that, based on the 'dust maps' from the analyzer in the Dust Alert, detailed environmental information about streets and neighbourhoods can be had prompting the urban planners and authorities to take necessary action.

"Until now, people have had to grin and bear the polluted air they breathe. The Dust Alert could provide crucial reliable evidence of pollution, so that society at large can breathe easier. We can see the dust on the furniture and on the windows, but most of us can''t see the dust we breathe. For the first time, we are able to detect it and measure its more dangerous components," commented Ben-Dor.

This finding has been published in a science journal recently.

[pradeep prem]

this is nice information
with our house or office we have this dust alert to warm of pollution
this device will help where more pollution has occur like factories,mines,etc.