Gas variable and ozone

Data
1

Hello everyone. I would like to ask what the Gas variable in the PurpleAir data represents and what its unit is. Also, I would like to ask, does PurpleAir have ozone data? If so, what are the variable names

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2

Hi @sisi

If you’re referring to the gas data found on SD cards, that is the experimental VOC data output by a sensor’s BME688 from Bosch. For more information on VOC data from PurpleAir sensors, look here: What Do PurpleAir Sensors Measure and How Do They Work?

Secondly, PurpleAir sensors do not measure Ozone. We did some initial testing with Ozone sensors in 2018, which is why there is an Ozone layer on the map, but concluded that it was not realistic to offer an Ozone option. Information regarding that testing can be found here: The Ozone Data Layer on the PurpleAir Map

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Hi@Kieran Thank you very much for your patient answers. Your answer is of great help to me.

---- Replied Message ----

From | Kieran Berryman via PurpleAir Communitynotifications@purpleair.discoursemail.com |

  • | - |
    Date | 05/07/2025 01:55 |
    To | 18260862857@163.com |
    Cc | |
    Subject | [PurpleAir Community] [Data] Gas variable and ozone |

| Kieran Kieran Berryman Staff
May 6 |

  • | - |

Hi @sisi

If you’re referring to the gas data found on SD cards, that is the experimental VOC data output by a sensor’s BME688 from Bosch. For more information on VOC data from PurpleAir sensors, look here: What Do PurpleAir Sensors Measure and How Do They Work?

Secondly, PurpleAir sensors do not measure Ozone. We did some initial testing with Ozone sensors in 2018, which is why there is an Ozone layer on the map, but concluded that it was not realistic to offer an Ozone option. Information regarding that testing can be found here: The Ozone Data Layer on the PurpleAir Map

4

Hi there,

I’ve just been looking at your map, which is very interesting. Could I ask if this is displaying only Purple Air monitors, or other monitors by partner brands? You have an incredible spread geographically.

Many thanks,
Tim

5

Hi @Timothy

The PurpleAir map only displays PurpleAir sensors at this time. Although, PurpleAir data can be found on many other air quality maps form other companies if you’re looking for that.

6

Hi Kieran, thanks for your reply. Just so I understand, is this via your API that people can download on their devices for free? I presume a Utah based startup wouldn’t be selling hundreds of physical monitors to customers in every corner of the globe from Addis Ababa to Cape Verde, Mulchen to Bandong?

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7

Hi Tim,

I’m not sure I fully understand your question. Every dot you see on the map is a physical PurpleAir sensor that someone purchased and installed at that location. The data from those sensors is then made available through the API.

8

Why couldn’t they ship the units across the globe? The Internet and international shipping are amazing things. The sensors run on USB power and you can get power adapters for any power system.

PurpleAir’s been around for almost a decade now, I think we can stop calling them a “startup.”