MESA PHOTONICS LLC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: Ammonia gas that is emitted from agriculture can create health problems for workers and, s

Description

Ammonia gas that is emitted from agriculture can create health problems for workers and, surprisingly, for people far from the agricultural operation. Once released into the air, the ammonia undergoes a series of chemical reactions that lead to small particles (known as PM2.5) that are inhaled deep into people's lungs. Those particles can trigger asthma and are linked to increased risk of heart attacks. It is important, therefore, to keep track of ammonia emissions. But, existing ammonia measurement methods are expensive and often do not work well at agricultural sites that are often very dusty. Mesa Photonics plans to develop reliable and inexpensive ammonia analyzers that are suitable for use in agriculture.