Air quality sensors are electronic devices that measure the quality of the air by analyzing air contaminants and environmental factors. They measure the quantity of harmful particulates and gases in the air as well as analyze environmental conditions. Air quality sensors convert these measurements into electrical or digital data which can be displayed or stored or used by automated control systems.

Air quality sensors utilize multiple sensor technologies: electrochemical sensors, optical sensors, MOS sensors, and infrared sensor technologies. Examples of contaminants measured by air quality sensors include: measuring harmful particles found in the air (e.g., PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), ozone (O3) and other dangerous gases.

More modern air quality sensors are designed to provide enhanced levels of precision, and incorporate temperature and humidity sensing. Air quality sensors have the ability to operate efficiently in real-time and be integrated with IoT platforms and cloud-based monitoring systems.

Air quality sensors are used for a variety of applications including academic research, smart building projects, industrial use, health care, urban monitoring and as part of environmental monitoring for improving the management of air quality, air flow and, ultimately, provide for a healthier environment within a community.