The AQ-SPEC program is launching a Sensor Library Program to provide sensor loans at no cost to people in the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction which includes large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. These loans will increase education and awareness of air quality issues and sensor technology, as well as build connections between community members and scientists. The Sensor Library Program will not only increase the accessibility of sensors, but also the usability of these sensors by offering additional support and resources.

Note: Inclusion of a product in the Sensor Library Program does not constitute South Coast AQMD endorsement or recommendation for use.

Sensors are available for loan to people within the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction with priority given for people in AB 617 communities. All potential borrowers must submit a completed Sensor Loan Form to AQ-SPEC staff to borrow a sensor. Borrowers must submit 3 photos of the proposed deployment site to show the surrounding area and the location of the power outlet relative to the sensor. Borrowers must also confirm the Wi-Fi signal strength is not weak at the proposed installation location for sensors requiring a Wi-Fi connection.

The Sensor Library was first piloted with 51 sensors loaned to K-12 teachers. These initial sensors were donated by various sensor vendors:

AQ-SPEC later received a grant from the U.S. EPA in 2023 to expand the Sensor Library Program by purchasing 56 sensor systems and loaning them to four communities for monitoring and development of Community Action Plans. Read more about our currently in-progress U.S. EPA Grant titled “Empowering Community-based Air Quality Monitoring through the South Coast AQMD Sensor Library Program.”

In parallel to the U.S. EPA grant, the Sensor Library Program is open for people in the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction to borrow a PurpleAir PA-II sensor (which measures PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀).

Loaned equipment is to be used for environmental educational/informational purposes only. Loans do not constitute the endorsement of a commercial product by South Coast AQMD. This equipment is not intended or approved for source identification, regulatory, commercial, or legal purposes.