In the aftermath of the pandemic, concerns about indoor air quality have surged across various sectors, including workplaces, restaurants, educational institutions, public buildings, and homes. For this reason, air quality monitoring has gained importance.The European Commission and the World Health Organization have conducted extensive research on indoor air quality, offering comprehensive guidelines on how to combat indoor air pollution and enhance air quality. A striking statistic presented by the European Commission indicates that ‘Europeans spend 90% of their time indoors.’ (1) The World Health Organization underscores the significance of indoor air quality by stating that ‘Problems of indoor air quality are recognized as important risk factors for human health in both low- and middle- and high-income countries. Indoor air is also important because people spend a substantial proportion of their time in buildings.’ (2) Despite spending a substantial portion of our lives indoors, we often overlook the quality of the air we breathe.
Indoor air quality, often invisible to the naked eye, remains a hidden concern. Poor indoor air quality can lead to health problems such as allergies, headaches, and fatigue while also hampering productivity. Have you ever left a meeting with a throbbing headache? This could be attributed to poor indoor air quality in the meeting room. Clean, pure air not only boosts energy levels and mental focus but also promotes lung health and overall well-being. Notably, children and older adults are more vulnerable to the effects of low indoor air quality, making it essential to address indoor air quality in offices and educational institutions.
Which parameters are measured for air quality in buildings?
Poor indoor air quality can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. Indoor air quality hinges on various parameters, including carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, humidity, temperature, dust levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and more. Breathing in these pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, and other health problems.
Did you know that indoor air quality can sometimes be worse than outdoor air quality? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ‘Air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.’ (3)
Which are the solutions?
One way to improve indoor air quality is by using air quality sensors. These sensors measure the levels of various pollutants in the air and provide real-time data on the air quality. They can detect high levels of allergens, gases, or particulate matter and alert the occupants to take necessary actions.
Another effective way to improve indoor air quality is by using air purifiers. Air purifiers are devices that remove pollutants from the air, improving its quality. They work by using filters or other technologies to capture and trap airborne contaminants.
When certain pollutant levels become hazardous, air quality sensors issue warnings, allowing you to take immediate action and create a healthier indoor environment. Continuous air quality monitoring is a proactive step in preventing many potential health issues, as breathing clean air is paramount for overall well-being.
Explore Next Industries’ comprehensive range of wired and wireless solutions designed for air quality monitoring in homes, capable of transmitting data over long distances and in challenging environmental conditions. These sensors provide critical information about your indoor environment.
In conclusion, monitoring and improving indoor air quality with air quality sensors and air purifiers are essential steps in maintaining a healthy and safe indoor environment. Don’t wait for the invisible pollutants to take a toll on your well-being—take action to ensure the air you breathe is of the highest quality.
References:
(1)European Commission 2003, Indoor air pollution: new EU research reveals higher risks than previously thought, IP/03/1278, Brussels, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_03_1278
(2) World Health Organization 2010, WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants, https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/260127/9789289002134-eng.pdf?sequence=1
(3) Environmental Protection Agency 2022, Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Schools, https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools