Personal real-time air pollution exposure assessment methods promoted by information technological advances

This review article discusses the current status of personal real-time air pollution exposure assessment methods promoted by recent development in information technologies. Relevant information technologies are mobile positioning technology, mobile wireless communication technology, Web 2.0 technology, and volunteered geographic information technology. Two groups of personal real-time air pollution exposure assessment methods are reviewed, namely the genuine integrated methods and the pseudo integrated methods. The genuine methods monitor personal exposure directly and are individual-based approaches. The pseudo methods monitor personal exposure indirectly, and they are hybrid approaches of individual-based assessment and place-based assessment. We conclude this article by suggesting promoting public participation and government input for individual-based air pollution exposure measures. More specifically, efforts should be focused on applying new technologies and research methods, developing a cost-effective and quick-responding ‘grassroots volunteer network' for air pollution exposure assessment, and enhancing public awareness and end-user experience.