Air quality is vital to human and environmental health and is commonly assessed using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which reflects concentrations of air pollutants such as PM2.5, CO2, TVOC, CO, SO2, and O3. This study aimed to evaluate indoor and outdoor air quality on the UW-Eau Claire (UWEC) lower campus and compare findings to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in order to ensure the efficacy of campus HVAC systems and the protection of student and faculty health. Using the Temtop and TSI AirAssure air quality monitoring devices calibrated with Wisconsin DNR data, pollutant levels were recorded at multiple high-traffic locations in almost every lower campus building. The devices were placed at breathing level and monitored air quality for ten minutes per site. Pollutant levels remained within recommended safety standards for the duration of the study, with some fluctuations due to weather, vehicle emissions, and construction activity. Overall, findings indicate that current campus air quality systems are effective in maintaining safe work and living conditions. Future research should expand air quality monitoring to upper campus residential and dining facilities and incorporate more advanced equipment for comprehensive pollutant analysis.
