Smiley Box PM 2.5
In California, wildfires happen more frequently as the year goes on due to climate change and other factors. It is important to know and understand the air you breathe in/out and adjust the air quality with appropriate action.
OVerview of smiley box pm 2.5
Smiley box PM 2.5 only needs about 0.7W power. Any USB port rated ~1A current can power the device.
Your laptop USB port, or most of the power banks work with Smiley box.
Measure PM 2.5 along with temperature and humidity by the flip of a power switch.
With a flip of a switch, you will know how well is your air right now!
Smiley box pm 2.5 in action
five level of indicaters
Green - PM 2.5 < 50 Air Great
Yellow - PM 2.5 51 - 100 AIR SO SO
Orange- PM2.5 101 - 150 AIR UNHEALTHY
Red - PM2.5 151 - 199 AIR DANGEROUS
Blue - PM 2.5 >200 SEEK SHELTER
Clear air
There is no need for action, enjoy the air!
Moderate air
It is probably a good time to turn on the air purifier.
Hazardous air
Time to go inside the house, shut all of the windows, and turn on the air purifier!
What is PM 2.5?
From the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), “Particulate matter, or PM2.5, is very small particles in air that are 2.5 micrometers (about 1 ten-thousandth of an inch) or less in diameter. This is less than the thickness of a human hair. Particulate matter, one of six U.S. EPA criteria air pollutants, is a mixture that can include organic chemicals, dust, soot and metals. These particles can come from cars and trucks, factories, wood burning, and other activities.”
"The smaller the particles, the deeper they can move into the lungs when we breathe."
"Fine particle pollution has been shown to cause many serious health effects, including heart and lung disease."
"Exposure to PM2.5 contributes to deaths across California."
"Children, the elderly, and people suffering from heart or lung disease, asthma, or chronic illness are most sensitive to the effects of PM2.5 exposure."
Airnow Pro and con
The services like Airnow.gov give you the general, accurate PM 2.5 data in your area. Although they are free and convenient ( you can access the info by asking googlenow or siri about the air quality), they only give you average data in your zip code, and update every several hours. That is good if you plan to do some outdoor activities. If you are wondering how effective your air purifier is, or when is the best time to open a window, services like Airnow.gov might not be helpful.
About the R&D
This device is designed and assembled in California. The PCB board is fabricated in the Netherlands. This project is at the final stage of development before moving forward to mass production. If you are interested in getting a prototype / first edition ( Fully functional and finished ) or want to support a local business, please contact me.