Instant analysis of the composition of air particulates especially vital in an air quality emergency is possible with the Aerosol Plasma Spectrometer. Conventional methods used for air monitoring require samples to be taken from a site to a laboratory for analysis, taking anywhere from hours to days before the particulate matter makeup can be determined. The APSPEC, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher Mengdawn Cheng, is a high-speed aerosol instrument that measures highly variable properties of airborne particles and immediately provides scientists data regarding the composition of the air particulates. The instrument provides more accurate and concise readings than conventional monitors and can be utilized either on the ground or aboard aircraft. Testing has taken place at the Navy Aviation Depot in San Diego.
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