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Air quality

Pollen, ozone & co.: What's in our air in summer

Our air changes in summer - both outside and inside. In addition to dust and particulates , pollen and ground-level ozone in particular increase noticeably. This article sheds light on the types of pollution that occur, how we can measure them - for example with smart sensors - and what we can actively do to combat poor summer air quality.

Author:

Lena Bremstahler

Date:

18.6.2025

Why is it worth taking a closer look at the summer air?

  • ‍Healthin focus: allergy sufferers suffer from increased hay fever due to pollen. But ozone, particulates (currently often caused by Saharan dust) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can also be unpleasant for everyone else in summer - including headaches, respiratory irritation and fatigue.
  • More time outdoors: In summer temperatures, we spend more time outside - by the water, in the park, on our bikes. Exposure to ozone and pollen has a direct impact on our well-being.
  • Smart measuring devices are helpful: smart sensors detect pollen, ozoneparticulates, CO₂ & co. in real time - as an app warning, LED display or part of a smart home system.

Which "summer building blocks" can be found in the air?

a) Pollen

  • In early summer, grass and birch pollen dominate, followed later by mugwort or ragweed.
  • Allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes or shortness of breath occur mainly at night or in warm, dry weather.

b) Ozone (O₃)

  • Generated close to the ground: sunlight meets nitrogen oxides and VOCs - ozone is formed.
  • Hot, dry days in particular favor high concentrations - with headaches, coughing or tiredness.

c) particulates (PM₂.₅/PM₁₀)

  • Source spectrum in summer: barbecue activity, pollen, open surfaces (Sahara or construction dust).
  • Especially indoors: ventilation can help, but pollen enters together with particulates .

d) VOCs

  • Summer indoor air can contain higher levels of VOCs (e.g. from paints, cleaners, clothing or pesticides). These affect the indoor climate - a good measurement is worthwhile.

How do smart sensors measure summer air?

Smart home sensors such as the air-Q measure several parameters:

  • ‍Pollen& particulates (PM₂.₅/PM₁₀)
  • Ozone, CO₂ & VOCs
  • Temperature & humidity
    They provide real-time data, alarms and automated responses such as window timers, air purifiers or ventilation systems.
Measuring pollen with the air-Q

Integration in smart home & automation

  • ‍HomeAssistant, Homematic & Co.: sensors can be easily integrated - for example for automation in the event of a high ozone index (switch on air purifier) or high pollen levels (close windows).
  • ‍Alarm& notification systems: Users receive a warning via app, LED or smart loudspeaker when critical values are reached - e.g. "Ozone alarm - better get out of the open".

Concrete strategies for clean summer air

Situation Recommendation
Pollen allergy Ventilate in the evening or early in the morning (low pollen count), use pollen filters, change clothes outside
Ozone days Move activities indoors at lunchtime, use air purifiers, keep windows closed.
particulates through dust/Sahara Switch on air purifiers, place mats at entrances, air out rooms in the afternoon - not at midday.
Elevated VOC values Switch to natural cleaning agents, limit chemical vapors over time, smart sensor as a control.

Conclusion: Summer air is complex - smart monitoring helps

Our summer air is more than just pollen: Ozone, particulates and VOCs often occur together. Smart measuring devices provide a real-time overview and enable targeted responses - such as automation via smart homes. With smart measurements and simple measures, we ensure better air - both indoors and outdoors - and protect health and well-being.

Check indoor air yourself with our smart air-Q
Measure for yourself with our air measuring device with 14 sensors from Germany

Summary

How do I know if sensory monitoring is useful?
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If you suffer from allergies, live in a large city or close to traffic, or simply want more control over your indoor air, then an air measuring device is worthwhile.
Why is the air quality often worse in summer?
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In summer, higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine increase the formation of ground-level ozone. At the same time, dry conditions lead to increased pollen count and dust turbulence - all of which have a negative impact on air quality.
What is the difference between ozone in the stratosphere and ground-level ozone?
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Ozone in the stratosphere protects us from UV radiation - this is the "good ozone". Ozone near the ground is produced by sunlight and air pollutants and has an irritating effect on the respiratory tract - this is the "bad ozone".
Can smart sensors really measure pollen?
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Measuring pollen directly is technically complex. However, good air sensors detect the particle concentration (PM10), which indirectly indicates pollen count. Together with weather data, the exposure can be estimated well.
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