In 2022, Mexico City’s Environmental Secretariat (SEDEMA) and UNAM’s Institute of Atmospheric Sciences conducted a field evaluation of low-cost air quality sensors. The study assessed the performance of various commercial and prototype devices, including Kunak AIR Pro, Envea Cairnet, PurpleAir PA-II-SD, and others, in measuring PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
The results showed that Kunak AIR Pro stood out for its accuracy, reliability, and data consistency, closely aligning with reference-grade monitors. Some sensors, like PurpleAir, tended to overestimate pollutant levels, while others struggled with temperature and humidity variations. The study concluded that while low-cost sensors are useful for supplementary monitoring, they require calibration and validation to ensure accurate data for air quality assessments in urban environments.
