How We Track Airborne Particles at Enviropak: Simple, Clear & Effective

Air surrounds usall the time. We breathe it in, and every tiny speck floating in it affects our health, our comfort, and the environment. At Enviropak, we believe in making air quality visible, understandable, and actionable. This article explains how airborne particles are monitored, why it matters and how we bring clarity to something invisible.

1. What are airborne particles and why do they matter?

Airborne particles (often called particulate matter) are tiny bits of solid or liquid suspended in the air. They range from visible dust to microscopic particles you can’t see with the naked eye. Some common types:

• Larger particles: dust, pollen, skin flakes

• Fine or ultrafine particles: soot, combustion residues, fine PM2.5 and PM10

• Non-viable vs viable particles: non-living matter like dust and fibers, and living matter like bacteria or mould spores. (Allied Cleanrooms)

Why do they matter? Because they influence health (especially lung, heart and allergy conditions), affect indoor air quality, and can reveal how good our filtration or ventilation systems are.

2. How do we monitor them at Enviropak?

At Enviropak we use a mix of methods and tools both continuous and spot-checks to monitor airborne particles. Below is a breakdown of the process:

a) Sampling the air

We draw in air from selected locations (for example, a workspace, a clean-room, or an indoor environment) to capture particulates.

b) Counting and sizing particles

One of the most common techniques: optical particle counters. These devices use a light source (often a laser) to detect particles as they pass through an air stream the light deflects (scatters) when it hits a particle, and the device measures how many particles there are and how large they are. (Go Lighthouse)

c) Distinguishing types (non-viable vs viable)

In environments where living contaminants matter (e.g., cleanrooms, pharma, food-processing), we may monitor for viable particles (microorganisms) as well as non-viable. Viable monitoring uses methods like air sampling plus culture or modern fluorescence detection. (tsi.com)

d) Real-time vs periodic monitoring

• Real-time monitoring gives continuous data (think of a gauge you watch). It is useful when you need immediate feedback (for example to detect a sudden particle surge).

• Periodic/spot monitoring is done at set intervals or specific events. It’s less expensive, but doesn’t catch everything in the moment.

e) Data interpretation & action

Counting particles is one thing. Interpreting what the numbers mean is another. At Enviropak we compare the data to relevant standards (industry, local, international) and to your specific environment, then determine if the situation is under control or if intervention (cleaning, improved filtration, system review) is needed.

3. Typical technologies & what they do

Here are a few of the technologies behind monitoring with simple explanations:

• Optical Particle Counters (OPCs): Use a laser beam; when a particle passes, it scatters light. The amount of scattered light correlates with the size of the particle. From that, the counter tallies counts of particles in various size ranges. (Go Lighthouse)

• Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs): These can detect extremely small (nanometer-scale) particles by condensing a vapour onto them to make them detectable. Useful when very fine particles matter. (Particle Measuring Systems)

• Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAMs): In outdoor air monitoring, a common method to measure mass of particles like PM2.5/PM10. Air is drawn through a filter and the attenuation of beta radiation is measured to estimate the mass of particles collected. (Wikipedia)

• Laser Induced Fluorescence for Viable Particles: Some instruments detect living particles (microorganisms) by shining a laser and detecting fluorescence from those particles as they pass. This gives real-time viable particle counts. (tsi.com)

4. How Enviropak makes it relevant to your space

Here’s how we apply the monitoring process in real life:

• Initial survey: We pick representative locations (for example, where people work, near sensitive equipment, at air returns/discharge) and measure baseline particle levels.

• Set thresholds: Based on your environment (office, manufacturing, cleanroom, clinic) we set target levels or acceptable limits.

• Deploy monitoring equipment: Either install continuous monitors, or bring handheld/portable counters for periodic checks.

• Analyse patterns: We look for spikes, trends, correlations (for example: a particular machine causes a surge; door openings cause influx; poor filtration shows up in particle size shifts).

• Recommend action: If counts exceed thresholds, we may recommend improved filtration, increased cleaning frequency, reducing sources of particles (dust control, people movement), better airflow design.

• Follow-up: We re-monitor after changes to verify improvement.

5. Why this matters for you (and your people)

• Health protection: Lower particle levels mean cleaner air fewer respiratory issues, fewer allergy triggers, improved comfort.

• Operational efficiency: In manufacturing or sensitive environments, airborne particles can damage processes or products (electronics, pharmaceuticals, optics). Monitoring helps protect quality.

• Regulatory & compliance peace of mind: In sectors where air quality is regulated, monitoring is often required.

• Data-driven decisions: Rather than guesswork (e.g., “let’s clean more”), you act based on real data saving cost and improving outcomes.

6. How Enviropak helps you along the journey

At Enviropak we combine:

• Experience in selecting the right monitoring strategy for your space.

• Access to the right equipment and technology.

• Clear reports that explain what’s happening — in simple, human-friendly language (no heavy jargon).

• Practical recommendations you can implement (cleaning, HVAC/filtration, operational practices).

• Follow-up support to make sure improvements actually happen.

Airborne particles may be invisible, but their impact isn’t. Whether you're protecting people, products, or processes, understanding the air you share is key. With Enviropak by your side, you get not just data — but clarity, actionable insight, and peace of mind.

If you’d like to explore how we can monitor airborne particles in your facility and help you establish a plan that’s both effective and affordable, let’s connect. Clean air isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a smart investment.

Dedicated to clear air, clear insights, and clear action.