Air Quality Monitoring & NO2 Diffusion Tube Surveys
Air quality monitoring gives you real, site specific data on the pollution levels around your development the evidence planning officers and regulators want to see. At FreshBreeze Environmental, we carry out air quality monitoring surveys across London, Birmingham, and Manchester, using NO2 diffusion tubes and ambient monitoring to establish an accurate baseline for your site. Our surveys follow IAQM and DEFRA guidance, so the data holds up in planning applications and permit submissions.
What is air quality monitoring?
Air quality monitoring is the process of measuring pollutant concentrations at a specific location over a set period. It captures real world data on pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), rather than relying on estimates alone. This baseline data is often needed to support an air quality assessment, verify a dispersion model, or demonstrate compliance with air quality objectives.
When do you need an air quality monitoring survey?
You’ll typically need monitoring in these situations:
- Establishing baseline pollution levels before a development goes ahead
- Providing local data where a nearby automatic monitoring station isn’t available
- Verifying the results of a dispersion modelling assessment
- Supporting a planning application in or near an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)
- Demonstrating compliance with an environmental permit or planning condition
If you’re unsure whether your project needs monitoring, we can advise before any equipment goes on site.
NO2 diffusion tube monitoring
Diffusion tubes are a proven, cost effective way to measure ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over a period of weeks or months. We install tubes at carefully chosen locations around your site, following DEFRA siting criteria, then send them to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. We apply bias adjustment to the results so the data is robust and defensible. This method is especially useful where installing an automatic analyser isn’t practical, and it’s widely accepted by local planning authorities.
Ambient air quality monitoring
For projects that need continuous or higher-precision data, we arrange ambient air quality monitoring for a wider range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Alongside pollutant data, we can capture local weather conditions such as wind speed and direction, which help explain how pollution disperses around your site.
How our monitoring surveys work
Step 1 — Survey design
We plan the survey around your site and the pollutants of concern, choosing monitoring locations that reflect sensitive receptors such as homes, schools, and hospitals.
Step 2 — On site monitoring
We install the monitoring equipment and run the survey for the period needed typically several weeks for diffusion tubes, or longer for continuous monitoring following recognised standards throughout.
Step 3 — Analysis and reporting
We analyse the results, apply any necessary corrections such as bias adjustment and annualisation, and present the findings in a clear report that’s ready to support your planning application or permit.
Which pollutants do we monitor?
Our surveys focus on the pollutants that matter most for UK planning and compliance: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and coarse particulate matter (PM10). Where a project requires it, we also monitor sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). All results are assessed against the national air quality objectives in the UK Air Quality Strategy.
Why choose FreshBreeze for air quality monitoring?
- Accurate, defensible data — surveys designed and reported to IAQM and DEFRA standards
- Planning and permit ready — results your planning officer or the Environment Agency will accept
- Local coverage — monitoring across London, Birmingham, Manchester, and nationwide
- Full-service support — we handle survey design, installation, lab analysis, and reporting so you don’t have to
Frequently asked questions
How long does an air quality monitoring survey take?
Diffusion tube surveys usually run over a period of weeks to months to capture a representative average often three to twelve months for a full baseline. Shorter surveys are possible for specific purposes. We’ll recommend the right duration for your project.
How much does air quality monitoring cost?
Cost depends on the number of monitoring locations, the pollutants measured, and the survey length. Diffusion tube surveys are the most cost-effective option; continuous ambient monitoring costs more. Contact us for a fixed quote.
What are NO2 diffusion tubes?
They’re small samplers that absorb nitrogen dioxide from the air over time. After the exposure period, a laboratory analyses them to work out the average NO2 concentration at each location. They’re a reliable, low-cost way to measure real air quality.
Why is bias adjustment important?
Diffusion tubes can slightly over or under read compared to reference monitors. Bias adjustment corrects for this using a national or local factor, making the results accurate and acceptable to regulators.
Do I need monitoring as well as dispersion modelling?
Often, yes. Monitoring provides real baseline data that can verify and strengthen a dispersion model, giving your assessment more credibility with the planning authority.
Arrange your air quality monitoring survey
Need reliable air quality data for your development? Contact FreshBreeze Environmental for NO2 diffusion tube surveys and ambient air quality monitoring across London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Call 01218272737 or email info@freshbreezeeltd.co.uk for a fixed quote.
