Do you know indoor air pollution has caused many deaths? Data from the WHO shows that an estimated 3.2 million deaths recorded in 2020. And the main cause of these fatalities is indoor air pollution. Moreover, it also stated that indoor air pollution leads to many non-communicable diseases. Such as lung cancer, stroke, Ischaemic heart disease COPD and many more. Hence healthy and fresh air quality is necessary. For this, smart air quality monitoring can help.
Let us know more in detail about smart air quality monitoring and its benefits for a healthier home!
Why it is crucial to maintain air quality in homes?
Indoor air quality is very problematic for people with certain diseases. We have children, pregnant ladies, the elderly and other individuals with some diseases. Home is a safe and secure place for everyone. But what if it is contained with various pollutants and toxic air? Hence, it can highly trigger people with asthma or other respiratory problems. With it, less ventilation and tight building structures cause many issues. Moreover, it can also affect other devices in your home.
How it affects and sources?
Ventilation:
Poor ventilation stores the air pollutants and prevents diluting. As a result, it can cause sick-building syndrome. And because of it, individuals can face fatigue, poor sleep and discomfort.
Wooden furniture:
The wooden furniture in the house releases various pollutants. Since it has the coating of pesticides and other topcoats. Thus, it releases formaldehyde and other VOCs at high levels. These toxic gases can worsen the condition of asthma patients. Besides, you can have the sick building syndrome at a high level.
Indoor smoking:
Smoking releases pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, CO, NOX, VOCs and others. It can cause headaches, allergies, eye irritation, COPD and other problems. Furthermore, The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that smoking highly affects children’s health.
Cleaning products and pet dander:
These release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. Likewise, it irritates eyes, skin, lungs and other respiratory problems. With it, pet danders release PM2.5 and other pollutants. It leads to allergies and other issues.
Other appliances:
Do you know your home appliances also release air pollution? Yes, heaters and air conditioners can release ozone. Or TVOCs can damage your other devices. With it, it also holds mold bacteria etc. It can lead to respiratory problems. With it, the humidifiers also release airborne allergens in the air.
Outdoor sources:
High levels of outdoor pollution can increase indoor pollution due to ventilation. It can also capture the bad odour inside with various pollutants.
What is Smart Air Quality Monitoring?
Smart Air Quality Monitoring includes the latest technologies in connectivity. As the data can be collected on other devices. It means you can access data anytime anywhere without carrying the device. Through it, you can make an informed decision and save yourself from exposure. With it, the advanced indoor air quality monitors are the best.
What are the benefits of smart Air quality monitoring?
IAQ can improve with air quality monitoring. As it is stated in a study published in Environmental Science and Technology. It found that homes with smart air quality monitoring devices have fewer indoor pollutants. Moreover, it also exclaimed that it has helped in improving respiratory-related problems.
-
-
Pollution detection:
You can detect indoor air pollution at an early stage. It helps in knowing which pollutant is increasing and their peak level.
-
-
Better health:
Through air monitors, you can detect various pollutants. Such as PM, VOCs, CO2, CO and others. Because these cause allergies, respiratory issues and other conditions. With it, it helps in maintaining a better environment for everyone.
-
-
Increasing comfort:
Better humidity levels and less odour provide better comfort. Since, it can cause problems for children, pregnant women and people with sensitivities.
-
-
Helps in performance:
A research paper shows that air pollution lowers cognitive functions. It is a problem that can affect the performance of your child in school. Students in high pollution zones have scored lower marks.Source: Cognitive and Behaviou Neurology Link Text
-
-
Decision making:
You can easily decide whether to step out or not to save yourself from the exposure. The devices also show the outdoor air quality. It will also provide peace of mind by knowing what you are breathing.
-
-
Prevent SBS and provide long-term benefits:
Smart Air quality monitoring can provide long-term health benefits. As it prevents the sick building syndrome. It helps in managing the high humidity, ventilation level and other factors. With it, it also increases sleep quality and overall well-being.
What are the features of Smart Air Quality Monitoring?
1. Real-time data tracking:
These advanced air quality monitors track highly accurate and real-time data. Smart air quality monitoring provides the latest trends, graphical representation and comparison data.
2. Rapid Alerts:
The devices have features of alerts. It can alert you whenever the set limit increases. Thus, you can take the action to control the exposure.
3. Connectivity:
Smart air quality monitoring become easy with diverse connectivity. These devices can support, GSM, Wifi, GPRS, LORA, IoT LTE and other wireless connections. With it, wired connectivity can support Modbus, RS-485, Ethernet etc.
4. Data accessibility:
These monitors can connect with other devices in your home. It includes smartphones, TVs, Laptops, Tablets etc.
5. Informed decision:
You can make an informed decision as per the air pollution level in your home. The air quality data can help in taking the steps to mitigate the level. With it, you can also save yourself from the exposure.
Improving Indoor Air Quality: A Case Study on Smart Air Quality Monitoring in Home
Prana Air is a leading provider of air quality solutions. They deployed an advanced air quality monitoring system for a client in Ashok Vihar Phase-1, Delhi, on August 12, 2023. So the client’s house is situated in North West Delhi. Hence, outdoor pollution is also a concern. Moreover, Delhi experienced high humidity levels in August. It increases the chances of pollution trapping in the atmosphere.
This case study examines how the implementation of smart air quality monitoring technology. Since they have addressed various health issues. With it, it has improved the overall well-being of the family residing in the home.
Issues:
The family residing in Ashok Vihar faced multiple health challenges. Including members with diabetes, asthma, and allergies. Additionally, the children experienced difficulties in concentration and performance at home. The household frequently encountered colds, coughs, headaches, and other health issues. During the installation process, the Prana Air team identified mould growth. They have measured the high humidity levels as reaching 55%. Since it is the main reason for mould and spores in homes.
Solution:
Prana Air provided a comprehensive solution. As by installing a Fresh Air machine along with the CAIR+ air quality monitor. The Fresh Air machine effectively removes pollutants from the indoor environment. Furthermore, it has promoted cleaner and healthier air for the residents.
The CAIR+ monitor offers real-time monitoring of various pollutants. Including AQI, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, TVOC, HCHO, temperature, and humidity. This all-in-one monitoring system allows the family to track data trends. Besides, graphical representations offers valuable insights into their indoor air quality.
Results:
Upon the initial installation, the CAIR+ monitor recorded an AQI level exceeding 85. It indicating poor air quality within the home. The humidity level also exceeding from 55%.
However, within just two days of installing the air quality monitoring system and Fresh Air machine, significant improvements. The AQI level dropped to 28, signifying a transition to the “good” air quality range. Furthermore, the humidity level decreased, mitigating mould growth. Likewise, creating a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment for the family.
