Canary Islands Pioneers in Air Quality Monitoring
The Canary Islands have made history as the first Spanish region to receive accreditation from the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) for its air quality measurement laboratory. This milestone certifies that the archipelago’s monitoring network meets the strict international standards of UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025, positioning the islands at the forefront of environmental surveillance in Spain.
Unmatched Environmental Standards
The regional Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy announced that this accreditation allows the Canary Islands not only to collect air quality data but also to analyze it in detail, producing reliable results with international validity. The network comprises 18 fixed stations and a mobile unit, meticulously tracking atmospheric pollutant levels across the islands in compliance with current legislation.
A Commitment to Reliable Data
Mariano Zapata, Minister of Ecological Transition, emphasized that this achievement makes the Canary Islands the first autonomous community in Spain to earn recognition for comprehensive air quality data management. The ENAC accreditation confirms that the network operates with controlled methods, qualified personnel, and adequate resources to ensure accuracy. Rigorous internal and external audits further guarantee the reliability of the results.
What ENAC Accreditation Means
ENAC, Spain’s national accreditation body appointed by the government, evaluates the technical competence of laboratories and certification entities. For the Canary Islands, this accreditation validates that the regional laboratory follows technically controlled methods, conducts tests correctly, and maintains the necessary human and material resources for precise environmental monitoring. This ensures the highest standards of quality and reliability for the archipelago’s air quality assessments.
