Abstract: An obscuration type optical smoke monitor is provided for use particularly in dusty and dirty environments. The smoke monitor comprises a housing enclosing a smoke monitoring chamber; two access ports located opposite each other on the housing; a shunt air flow path located between said two access ports; means to conduct air from said access ports through an optical chamber; a light emitting diode at the first end of said optical chamber, which light emitting diode produces a light beam axially through the center of said optical chamber; a photo transistor at the second end of said optical chamber to receive the light bean and issue an electrical signal proportional to the received light intensity; and an electronic module which provides variable electronic output, generating an analog output essentially proportional of the optical obscuration caused by the smoke.