Invisible threats on the factory floor: How air quality sensors support safer, cleaner electronics production environments
- jillaineuk
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Clean indoor air isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s critical for health, productivity, and compliance, especially in facilities that handle precision tasks like electronics manufacturing.
In a few selected factories subcontracting electronic production, AKKR8 gateways and HibouAir air quality sensors have been deployed to ensure the air stays free from harmful pollutants. The goal? To maintain a controlled environment where both people and processes can thrive.
Why clean air matters in production settings
While outdoor pollution gets most of the attention, the air we breathe indoors can often be worse. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some indoor air pollutants can reach levels 2 to 5 times higher than outside air. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes poor indoor air quality as a driver of health issues ranging from respiratory diseases to cardiovascular complications.
In production environments, air quality has a direct impact on workers’ long-term well-being—and on the quality of the products being manufactured. Dust, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and even elevated CO₂ levels can lead to irritation, fatigue, and increased sick leave. The smallest particles, PM1.0 and PM2.5, are particularly dangerous: they penetrate deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream.
This is where smart monitoring makes the difference.
Real time insights
The AKKR8 gateway is used as a central hub, equipped with built-in sensors for general air quality guidance, or connected via BLE to external high-precision sensors like those from HibouAir. These devices continuously measure levels of CO₂, PM (particulate matter), IAQ (Indoor Air Quality index), temperature, and humidity.
Sensor data is sent securely to the cloud via mobile networks, enabling real-time dashboards, historical data analysis, and automated alerts if thresholds are exceeded. In critical areas of production, the system can even trigger ventilation systems automatically via built-in relay outputs.
The setup ensures full coverage and quick deployment without intrusive wiring—ideal for sensitive environments.
From particles to prevention
Let’s break down what’s actually being measured and why it matters:
PM1.0 / PM2.5 / PM10: These represent particle sizes in micrometers. PM1.0 is ultrafine and can bypass the body’s natural defenses. PM2.5 is linked to asthma, heart disease, and reduced cognitive function. PM10 includes larger particles such as dust and pollen that can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate conditions like allergies or bronchitis.
CO₂: An indicator of human presence and ventilation efficiency. Elevated levels (>1000 ppm) signal the need for improved air exchange.
TVOC and bVOCeq: These metrics reflect the concentration of harmful gases emitted by cleaning agents, electronics, furniture, and adhesives—especially relevant in factory environments where chemicals are often in use.
IAQ / sIAQ: Composite indexes derived from sensor data that provide a clear, stable picture of overall air quality, helping identify poor ventilation or pollutant buildup over time.
Smarter sensors, healthier workplaces
Whether used as a guidance tool during spot checks or for continuous surveillance, the combination of AKKR8 gateways and HibouAir sensors provides a scalable, affordable solution for indoor air quality control. Sensor readings are aligned with WHO, EPA, and EU standards, making compliance easier and ensuring transparency for internal reporting or inspections.
The benefits are clear:
Reduced exposure to harmful particles
Improved comfort and productivity
Automated alerts for proactive action
Better working conditions that support staff retention and well-being
Detecting danger in every breath
Deploying air quality sensors isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box—it’s about creating resilient workplaces where people and production can operate at their best. As regulations tighten and awareness grows, factory operators that invest in environmental monitoring now will stay ahead of compliance while protecting what matters most: people and precision.
Whether you're measuring a baseline or maintaining continuous oversight, these sensors provide the insights you need to act before the problem becomes visible. And on a factory floor where even microscopic particles can lead to costly mistakes, that's a capability you can't afford to skip.
