Particulate Matter (PM)
The sensors can detect particulate matter, which is a mixture of solid particles and liquids droplets found in the air. Particles of different sizes are detected by the sensors:
- PM10 are particles with diameter of 10 micrometres and smaller. Examples of PM10: pollen, dust (settling dust, cement dust) and mold spores.
- PM2.5 are particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres and smaller (human hair is approximately 70 micrometres in diameter). Example of PM2.5: house dust, animal dander, bacteria, cooking oil smoke/grease, smog, fly ash and settling dust.
- PM1 are particles with a diameter of 1 micrometre and smaller. Example of PM1 (from 0.3 to 1 micrometre): Bacteria, suspended dust, house dust, animal dander, smog, tobacco smoke and soot.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases and odors emitted from different chemicals. VOCs can be found in the air in your home and are released by cleaning products, cosmetics, carpeting, furniture, air fresheners and many other consumer products. The sensors in the air purifier calculate the Total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOC), which is the total concentration of all VOCs in the air. It is used to give an indication of the VOC levels.
Common VOCs sources:
- Gasoline, industrial chemicals (Benzene).
- Solvents (Toluene, xylene and perchloroethylene).
- Burning fuel, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas.
- Paints, glues.