Systems and methods for detection of airborne impurities in confined spaces are disclosed. In one embodiment, a detection system to detect impurities in a confined chamber comprises an emitter to emit radiation, at least one channel positioned proximate the emitter to receive radiation from the emitter at a first end of the channel, and a receiver positioned proximate a second end of the channel to receive radiation from the emitter, and generate a first signal in response to the radiation received from the emitter. Other embodiments may be described.