We have been closely following the dump fires and the resulting air pollution with Wynd, a PM2.5 particle sensor. However, we wanted more information about the air we breathe, and Flow by Plume Labs appears to be the perfect personal AQI monitor.
We have had the Flow since November 2018, giving us some time to review it. Ironically, the dump activity has been relatively quiet in the time since. Still, with Sahara dust, traffic, and Irma reconstruction we have had plenty to measure!
Flow combines PM2.5, PM10, VOC and NO2 sensors into a sleek key ring, not much bigger than a lighter. It pairs with a phone app to give measurements and their locations with startling accuracy. Results are displayed beautifully on a chart and on an interactive map.
A full charge lasts about 24 hours, with the Flow taking measurements automatically every minute.
Flow has a built in memory, so it does not need to be constantly paired with a phone to take measurements. However, the map features make pairing worth the reduced phone battery life!
Our review: Flow by Plume Labs
Packaging is compact and neat – no extra bulk to add to the shipping costs.
Flow is small and portable, so it is easy to carry around. The down side to this is you might pop it in your handbag or pocket without realizing, therefore missing out on measurements!
The leather effect strap looks great, but it can be impractical for attaching flow to a handbag or belt loop as you can’t change the angle flow faces.
The unit charges within a reasonable amount of time, but sometimes gets abnormal NO2 readings if left plugged in once charged.
Readings are taken every minute, and then the ten minute average is shown in the graphical representation. This means you can drive through the plume of dump smoke and possibly get an almost normal reading. You can’t export the data from within the phone app, but you can email Plume Labs tech support to request a csv file.
Update June 2019: Flow now allows csv export right from the app using V1.2.0 (iOS) / V1.3.00 (Android) or later. The csv file shows NO2 and VOC’s in both ppb (parts per billion) and using the Plume AQI (air quality index) and PM10 and PM2.5 in ug/m3 ( Micrograms per Cubic Meter of Air) and Plume AQI.
The csv export is a game changer because it gives you the measurement units, not just the AQI. This helps as AQI is measured differently around the world.
Tech support are prompt, polite, and thorough. They really make the effort to help you get the best out of your Flow.
The readings do appear accurate: PM2.5 and PM10 increases in dusty conditions., VOC’s increase while cooking or cleaning and NO2 increases while sitting in traffic. Sahara dust plumes (which we get often in the Caribbean) show clearly in the data – and the results coincide with the regional monitoring stations.
Flow’s advertised accuracy is 90-95% (you can read more about that here). It is a consumer level monitor and priced accordingly.
Flow was designed with commuters and cyclists in mind, so it is no surprise that its most useful and rich data is while on the move. Take it on your runs or cycles to learn which routes provide the cleanest air.
Flow has confirmed, the island’s traffic does more than just make us late and stressed out. Some of the highest AQI readings have been sitting in the Cole Bay or Simpson Bay traffic. While the dump should take precedence, we should all be more aware of the effect vehicle emissions have on our environment.
Reduce emissions by running errands at off peak times and planning trips in the most efficient way possible. Even better, car pool, walk, cycle, or take public transportation whenever possible!
Conclusions:
Personal AQI monitors are not a replacement for proper professional monitoring, but they do help you identify, and therefore avoid, your air pollution hot spots. While a great tool for raising awareness, the cost (environmental and monetary) should limit their widespread use.
This review is based on our unbiased opinion: we have not been compensated by Flow or Plume Labs. Should you wish to purchase Flow by Plume Labs AND support further reviews or consumer air quality tests, please follow our Amazon affiliate link:
We have also been using Wynd, a small portable air purifier and PM2.5 sensor. While we prefer the Flow for monitoring, the Wynd purifier works well in small spaces. (The current version, while less expensive, does not have the PM2.5 sensor.)
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How is the unit calibrated? Does it use an air pump to sample the air, or does it rely on diffusion? Is it intrinsically safe? How long do the measurement cells last?
Your best bet would be to contact Plume Labs directly! They are usually very responsive to questions.