At Boulder Air, we bring high-quality, continuous air monitoring to communities and research initiatives. Using advanced stationary sites and specialized monitoring towers, we conduct direct air sampling that delivers highly accurate, minute-by-minute data resolution.
Our state-of-the-art facilities utilize automated Gas Chromatography (GC) to measure Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), alongside precision instrumentation to track radioactivity, meteorology, ozone, NOx species, sulfur species, greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) depending on needs.
Because the science of air quality is always advancing, we are continually expanding analytical offerings to meet new environmental challenges. We have proudly partnered with numerous municipalities and primary researchers to implement these robust, continuous monitoring programs, delivering the transparent and reliable data needed to inform and protect public health and direct policy.
Reach out today to discuss building a monitoring program tailored to your goals.
We design and operate permanent air monitoring sites across the Front Range and beyond, offering continuous, 24/7 measurement of a comprehensive suite of atmospheric pollutants and trace gases.
Boulder Air frequently partners with academic institutions, municipalities, and nonprofits to drive primary research and advanced air quality monitoring. Our past collaborations include work with Texas A&M, the University of Toronto, the University of Alaska, Boulder County, the City and County of Broomfield, the City of Longmont, the Town of Erie, and Earthjustice, covering diverse critical topics such as oil and gas emission, airborne radioactivity, and the impact of vegetation on ozone pollution.
We are always looking to expand our research network; if you are seeking an experienced partner for an upcoming grant or project, please reach out to discuss how we can support your goals.
We partner with non-profits, businesses, universities, and local governments to co-author grants and lead primary air quality research.
Boulder Air's pod-based sampling platform bridges the gap between expensive fixed monitoring stations and simple canister grab sampling. Compact, self-powered pods can be rapidly deployed across a neighborhood, fence line, or facility perimeter to create a dense spatial picture of pollutant concentrations.
Why choose pod sampling?
Spatial Coverage: Deploy multiple pods simultaneously to map pollutant gradients across a wide area — something a single station simply cannot do.
Flexible Duration: Pods can run for days to months, capturing both short-term events and longer-term trends with time-stamped, continuous data.
Rapid Deployment: Lightweight and low-power, pods can be installed on fences, utility poles, or rooftops with minimal permitting — getting science in the field fast.
We deploy networks of compact, self-powered sampling pods to map air quality across neighborhoods, facility perimeters, and corridors — delivering high spatial resolution at a fraction of a fixed station monitoring costs.
Not every project requires a permanent monitoring station. For clients seeking a flexible, cost-effective alternative, Boulder Air offers targeted sampling using Summa canisters. These are specially treated, vacuum-sealed stainless steel vessels for the collection of air samples without the need for power or heavy equipment.
Why choose canister sampling?
Cost-Effective: A fraction of the cost of a stationary site, perfect for grant-funded projects or preliminary studies.
Mobile & Discrete: Canisters can be deployed anywhere—from a backyard to a remote oil and gas site—allowing to capture data exactly where you need it.
Versatile: Canisters can be configured for "grab sampling" (an instant snapshot of the air during an odor event) or "integrated samples" (slowly sipping air over a few hours to five days to get a concentration average).
We offer targeted, portable air canister sampling and analyses deployable across Colorado — ideal for investigating specific emission events, permit compliance, or community air quality concerns. Canister air analyses for methane and a suite of 30+ volatile organic compounds by gas chromatography - flame ionization detection + mass spectrometry is available.
Boulder AIR offers a variety of services tailored to air quality needs.
Design and deploy comprehensive atmospheric monitoring networks across Colorado
Particulate matter concentration plots with field webcam imagery — animated data from the Erie Community Center monitoring station
Our network of monitoring stations provides continuous atmospheric measurements across Colorado and beyond.
Access our interactive tools and real-time data visualization platforms.
Explore all monitoring locations on an interactive Google Maps interface with detailed site information.
IDAT allows you to explore, filter, and visualize our atmospheric monitoring data in real-time.
View combined real-time data plots from all our Northern Colorado Front Range monitoring sites.
Finalized datasets which have undergone rigorous quality control, made available for public dissemination on the following archives:
Boulder AIR and team peer-reviewed publications
News coverage of Boulder AIR's work
Read Por Jaijongkit's reporting on Boulder residents advocating for independent air monitoring as Xcel Energy prepares to excavate toxic coal ash at the Valmont Power Station.
Explore Ed Williams and Montoya Bryan's reporting on how New Mexico's oil and gas boom is impacting student health and academic performance, as illustrated by air quality studies such as the one conducted by Boulder AIR in the region.
Read Rachael Krause's article on the abrupt termination of Boulder AIR's monitoring program after eight years and the impact on air pollution science and policy in Boulder County.
Read Por Jaijongkit's article on the termination of the air monitoring program at the Boulder Reservoir and its impacts on air pollution science and the community.
Read and watch Angelika Albaladejo's reporting on a new study finding radioactive emissions downwind of the Suncor oil refinery in Commerce City, Colorado.
Read Jerry Redfern's reporting on unexpectedly high pollution readings in Loving, New Mexico, discovered in a collaborative project between Boulder AIR and scientists from UCLA, USC, Texas A&M, and the University of Toronto.
View Elle Naef's reporting on air pollution in Commerce City, air monitoring of the local Suncor refinery, and community-led efforts to improve air quality.
Read Corbett Stevenson's reporting on discussions around air pollution modeling conducted by Boulder AIR.
Read Noelle Phillip's reporting on the Suncor refinery in Denver, concerns around pollution including radiation, and the work of nonprofit groups to protect the local community.
Read Mark Jaffe's reporting on the debate over the quantity of oil and natural gas related emissions in the Front Range and their health effects.
Have questions about our research or interested in collaboration? We'd love to hear from you.
