Manufacturing has endured continuous evolution since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. New sciences, technological innovations, and manufacturing techniques have expanded the limits of human engineering. While these advancements have taken mankind to previously unattainable heights, they weren't without consequences.

As Industry has grown, humanity has wrestled with the ongoing balance between safety and innovation. Chemistry advances lead to new compounds and polymers but also produce hazardous waste. New energy sources are developed but have a damaging impact on groundwater. Massive planes and ships circumnavigate the globe but pump tons of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and leave pools of oil floating in the oceans.

Before the creation of governmental agencies to monitor pollution, it seemed the early solution for industrial pollution was to worry about it later. Fortunately, our understanding of our potential for harming the environment has also evolved. Many governments have regulatory guidelines for how much pollution may released. But how does the government ensure that companies adhere to the regulations?

Regulatory agencies worldwide have implemented a network of pollution monitoring equipment. This equipment monitors pollution levels and tracks any increases or decreases in potentially harmful particulates. One such segment of environmental monitoring is Air Monitoring.

Air quality monitors draw ambient air from multiple collection points. The ambient air passes through filtration media that collects pollutants. Particulate samples arrive in a laboratory where they are examined. If the pollution levels are within the governmental standards, manufacturing may continue. However, if the pollution exceeds acceptable levels, the responsible party may be liable for any resulting cleanup costs or damage to public health and could be subjected to massive fines.

The evolution of manufacturing has been a double-edged sword, driving innovation while presenting significant environmental challenges. Throught effective environmenal monitoring and holding companies accountable for their environmental impact, technological progress and ecological responsibility will finally exist in harmony.