Air Quality Control Specialist
An air quality control specialist is someone who is trained to research, inspect and investigate levels of air pollution, and to take the necessary steps to ensure good air quality to address public health concerns.
An air quality control specialist performs duties such as the sampling and testing of air quality, investigating public complaints and working with individuals and families to address indoor air pollution issues such as toxic mould and particulate matter in the air.
Air quality control specialists may work in indoor environments to determine the air quality in homes, businesses and government offices. They can work for companies that serve private citizens, or for government agencies that monitor conditions in the work place.
Those who work outdoors typically work for government agencies to monitor compliance with air quality regulations. They may use specialised equipment to measure air pollution, determine whether businesses are in compliance with local, municipal and government air quality regulations, and issue warnings to companies that do not comply.
Although air pollution control specialists can be found in all parts of the country, most work in urban areas where industry and traffic are heaviest.
An air quality control specialist plays an important part in ensuring healthy clean air to minimise public health risks. Air pollution can also have detrimental effects on natural ecology and wildlife. Air quality control specialists therefore play a key role in evaluating and reducing the impact of air pollution on people and ecological systems.
Satisfying Aspects
- playing an important role in preventing health problems that result from air pollution
- providing a useful service
- knowing that your work protects people’s health
Demanding aspects
- being unable to solve some problems
- dealing with uncooperative individuals or companies
Requirements
- be responsible, organised and dedicated
- be able to communicate effectively
- have good hand-eye coordination
- be ethical, reliable and trustworthy
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course, where appropriate.
Each institution has its own entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Jobs in air quality typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, environmental science or related areas. On-the-job training is sometimes available for those who have not completed undergraduate studies in one of these disciplines. In many cases, hands-on experience in air quality testing and control can substitute for educational requirements for jobs in both the private and public sector.
Employer
- government and state departments
- laboratories, research institutions
- tertiary institutions such as universities
- non-profit organisations engaged in combating or preventing pollution
- self-employed, as a consultant
Contact
National Association for Clean Air (NACA)
Air Quality - Southern Africa Environment Project
www.oneworld.org/saep/subject/air_climate/air.html
Press releases, articles and links to related air quality, climate change, El Nino, and desertification sites.
The Air Quality Information System (AQIS)
www.csir.co.za/environmentek/aqis/index.html
Supports Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) carries out projects involving atmospheric pollutants. Focuses on air quality. Useful and it is difficult to find information on industrial and vehicle emissions, the impact of specific emissions, sources of air pollution data, and meteorological information for atmospheric modelling.
www.oneworld.org/saep/subject/air_climate/air.html