The Arctic might conjure images of pristine wilderness, but the reality can be startlingly different. In Fairbanks, Alaska, winter air pollution reaches levels that make it, at times, the most polluted city in the United States.

Understanding Arctic Air Quality Challenges

During the long Arctic winter, Fairbanks faces unique air quality challenges. The extremely cold conditions create temperature inversions that trap emissions from wood-burning stoves, traffic, and power stations at ground level. This leads to dangerous concentrations of pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and Carbon Monoxide, exceeding Clean Air Act limits.

Proven Performance in Extreme Conditions

Following EMSOL’s acquisition of South Coast Science’s advanced monitoring technology, our capabilities now include validated performance in some of the world’s most challenging environments. A notable example comes from a research project in Fairbanks, where our monitoring devices operated flawlessly throughout the Arctic winter, even at temperatures as low as -40°C.

The research team, led by scientists from CNRS France research laboratories and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, relied on our technology to:

• Deliver high-resolution air quality data in real-time
• Monitor CO, NO, NO2, Ozone, and size-resolved particles
• Maintain reliable operation in extreme Arctic conditions
• Support automated, continuous monitoring

Why This Matters for Urban Air Quality

While most organisations don’t face Arctic conditions, this extreme testing demonstrates the robustness of EMSOL’s monitoring technology. For our clients in construction, healthcare, and urban environments, this proven reliability translates to dependable performance in any weather conditions.

The Fairbanks deployment shows how precise monitoring can inform effective action on air quality. When the American Lung Association identified Fairbanks as the most polluted US city for year-round particle pollution in 2018, it highlighted the importance of reliable data in addressing air quality challenges.

Supporting Evidence-Based Action

This Arctic case study demonstrates EMSOL’s commitment to precise, reliable air quality monitoring. Whether supporting research in extreme conditions or helping organisations meet their environmental obligations, our technology delivers accurate data to drive meaningful improvements in air quality. To find out how EMSOL can support your environmental monitoring, speak to the team.

*The research forms part of a wider international effort on Arctic wintertime atmospheric chemistry, contributing to the ALPACA (Alaskan Layered Pollution And Chemical Analysis) project.