Our latest addition to the air quality monitoring network!

What's up, Forsyth??


Forsyth County's air quality monitoring network has a new and unique addition! 

    On August 30, 2023, a RadNet air monitor was established at our Hattie Avenue air quality monitoring site (Figure 1). There are approximately 140 RadNet air monitors in operation across the United States, operating continuously to send near real-time measurements of gamma radiation to EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL). RadNet monitors pull ambient air through the system and collect airborne particulates on filters placed inside the hood. The air filters are collected weekly and are then sent off to EPA’s NAREL for testing. NAREL staff test the results of the collected filter and calculate the concentrations of radionuclides to detect trends in airborne radiation.

    In radiological emergencies, the EPA may deploy teams to conduct air monitoring and environmental sampling. However, RadNet air filter inquiries are typically not responses to known radiological emergencies and are initiated when there is a potential for release of radioactive materials in the air that could result in the presence of airborne radionuclides at low concentrations in the US or elsewhere.

    Forsyth County's partnership with NAREL allows us to dedicate minimal time with routine operation of the RadNet air monitor, as NAREL is fully responsible for the maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment in case of operation issues.

    To learn more about RadNet, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/radnet




Fig. 1. RadNet air monitor, located at Hattie Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC


    To view near-real time air data from our RadNet monitor, visit: https://www.epa.gov/radnet/radnet-near-real-time-air-data-greensboro-nc. 

An example of the data collected by the RadNet air monitor is provided below (Figure 2):


Fig. 2. Gamma gross count rate graph, at Hattie Avenue in Winston-Salem, NC





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