Author: Sotirios Papathanasiou

WELL Building Institute Air Advisor. Indoor Air Quality is the value that reassures the well-being of occupants. #AirPollution #AirQuality #ClimateChange

Why Lung Cancer Is on the Rise in Non-Smokers

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Still a mystery, but here is what we have found so far. While the overall rate of lung cancer has been declining, a notable trend has emerged: lung cancer in people who have never smoked is increasing. This poses a challenge to the traditional understanding of the disease, which is heavily associated with tobacco use. Research suggests that for some, lung cancer in non-smokers is a distinct disease from that in smokers, driven by different factors and presenting in a different form.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

A major contributing factor to lung cancer in non-smokers is exposure to environmental carcinogens.

Genetic Mutations

Genetic factors are also a key component in the rise of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Overcoming Stigma

The stigma associated with lung cancer as a “smoker’s disease” can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment [https://www.lung.org/blog/making-lung-cancer-stigma-past]. It is important to remember that anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, regardless of their smoking history [https://www.dana-farber.org/health-library/cancer-mythbusters-smoking-lung-cancer]. Overcoming this stigma is crucial for ensuring that all patients receive timely and appropriate care.

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Review: AirGradient Open Air

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Having had the opportunity to get the AirGradient Open Air (Model O-1PST) at the ASIC 2025 conference in Thailand, complete with its unique engraving, I’ve spent some time with this device, and it’s clear that AirGradient is pushing the boundaries of accessible and reliable outdoor air quality monitoring. This device presents a compelling alternative to existing solutions, particularly for those seeking transparency and robust performance.

Technical Specifications O-1PST

  • WiFi 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n-compliant
  • Bluetooth LE: Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth mesh
  • Status LED
  • Plantower PMS5003T for PM2.5 + ENS210 for T/RH
  • SenseAir S8/S88 CO2 NDIR Sensor
  • Sensirion SGP41 TVOC/NOX Module
  • Enclosure: ASA Plastic, UV Resistant and Weather Proof
  • Mounting Options: Wall or pole mounting options
  • 4m USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • USB-C Power Connector 2A/5V
  • Certifications: CE, RoHS, REACH, FCC

Sensor Selection: A Thoughtful Approach

The Open Air features a well-considered suite of sensors designed for accurate and insightful data. For PM2.5 measurements, it utilizes the Plantower PMS5003T, a sensor known for its reliability and found in other popular monitors like the PurpleAir (though it’s important to note the PMS5003T is a similar but not identical variant).

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Spectroscopy: The Next Step for Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors

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The landscape of ambient air quality monitoring is evolving, driven by the increasing availability of low-cost sensors. While current low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors, which rely on light scattering, provide valuable data on particle size and number, they lack the ability to determine a particle’s composition. This limitation is a significant hurdle in understanding the true nature and origin of air pollution. The future of affordable PM sensors lies in spectroscopy, a technique that will allow for a more detailed analysis of airborne particles.

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The One Health Approach and the Treaty of Lisbon’s Competences

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The Treaty of Lisbon frames the European Union’s ability to act, creating a structural conflict between its strict division of competences and the comprehensive, borderless nature of the One Health (OH) approach required for effective pandemic proactiveness.

The One Health Approach and the Treaty of Lisbon’s Competences

The European Union’s implementation of its proactive pandemic strategy through the One Health (OH) approach must navigate the Treaty of Lisbon’s (ToL) division of powers, primarily relying on two categories:

  1. Shared Competence (Article 4 TFEU): The OH strategy will be most robustly implemented by leveraging the EU’s power in Environmental policy. Since the OH model focuses on tackling environmental disruptors (like climate change and deforestation) that increase zoonotic risk, the EU can adopt binding, harmonizing acts in the environmental sphere. Similarly, its role in supporting the European Research Area and funding research into health threats falls under the shared competence of research, technological development, and space.
  2. Supporting Competence (Article 6 TFEU): The direct impact on human health protection and improvement is constrained by this category. The EU can only support, coordinate, or supplement Member State actions. While it can coordinate responses via bodies like Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HERA), it cannot adopt legal acts that enforce a common, harmonized EU standard for healthcare practices or general public health laws across the bloc.
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Elemental Carbon (EC) vs. Black Carbon (BC): A Distinction in Measurement and Terminology

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The terms Elemental Carbon (EC) and Black Carbon (BC) are both used to describe the product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and biofuels, which is a significant component of aerosols (airborne particulate matter). While often used interchangeably in general discussion, they represent distinct concepts primarily tied to their respective measurement methodologies. Understanding this difference is crucial in air quality monitoring, climate science, and health studies.

Elemental Carbon (EC): The Reference Method

Elemental Carbon (EC) is the term associated with the reference method for measuring this specific fraction of carbonaceous aerosol.

  • Measurement Method: EC is quantified using thermal-optical analysis. This technique relies on the sequential heating of a filter sample to different temperatures in different atmospheres (non-oxidizing and oxidizing) to distinguish carbon fractions.
  • Standard Protocol: The EN 16909 standard is a prominent European standard for the determination of EC (and Organic Carbon, OC) in ambient air, often employing the thermal-optical reference technique.
  • Specific Protocol: The EUSAAR_2 thermal protocol is a common, specific thermal-optical protocol used to define the temperature steps and atmospheres for the measurement.
  • Charring Correction: A critical part of the thermal-optical method is the charring correction, typically based on the transmittance (or reflectance) of a laser beam through the filter. This corrects for the formation of “pyrolyzed” or “charred” organic carbon during the heating process, which can otherwise be misclassified as EC.
  • Definition: Conceptually, EC represents the carbon in its pure, elemental form—the refractory, graphitic, or amorphous carbon that is the most stable at high temperatures.
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aranet: Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring for a Healthier Home

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In an era where indoor air quality and environmental safety are of a high importance, aranet has emerged as one of the leaders in providing reliable and intuitive monitoring solutions. See The Air has thoroughly reviewed several of aranet’s innovative products, each designed to empower individuals with crucial insights into their living spaces. From carbon dioxide levels to radon gas and even radiation, aranet offers peace of mind through precise and accessible data.

Most aranet monitors stand out by providing a holistic view of your environment, often including temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure alongside their primary measurements. This multi-parameter approach helps users understand the interplay of various factors affecting their indoor comfort and health.

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The CO2 Debate: A Parallel to the Egg Dilemma

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The discussion around carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor air quality (IAQ) often brings up a fascinating parallel to another long-standing debate: the health effects of eggs.

The Indisputable Value (Eggs & CO2 as Proxies):

Just as eggs are widely recognized for their nutritional value – a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals – CO2 in IAQ assessment holds an undeniable, practical value. We know that CO2 levels are incredibly useful as a proxy. They effectively signal ventilation rates, which in turn are crucial indicators for the potential airborne transmission of diseases and the presence of odors indoors. In this sense, CO2 is a vital tool for understanding and managing our indoor environments, much like eggs are a staple in many healthy diets.

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The EU’s New EPBD: Why Indoor Air Quality Needs a Unified Standard

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The recently updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a pivotal legislative framework aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings across the European Union. While its primary focus remains on energy savings and decarbonization, the revised EPBD now formally recognizes the crucial link between energy performance and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). This update requires member states to address IEQ in their national legislation, ensuring that energy-efficient buildings also support the health, comfort, and well-being of their occupants.

A Framework for IEQ, Not a Rigid Standard

A significant aspect of the updated EPBD is its approach to IEQ. Rather than imposing a single, rigid set of Europe-wide limit values for all IEQ parameters, the directive establishes a flexible framework. This approach acknowledges the vast diversity in climate zones, building types, and occupant needs across the EU. The consensus is that a one-size-fits-all model would be counterproductive, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes and hindering innovation.

The new EPBD defines IEQ as a comprehensive concept that includes several key domains:

  • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Addressing contaminants and ventilation.
  • Thermal Comfort: Pertaining to temperature and humidity.
  • Lighting: Considering both natural and artificial light.
  • Acoustics: Controlling internal and external noise.
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The Unseen Air Inside Classrooms

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

In the modern classroom, the focus is often on technology, curriculum, and engagement. However, a critical element that directly impacts student health and learning often goes overlooked: the air they breathe. In many schools, especially older buildings, ventilation systems are inadequate or non-existent. This can lead to a buildup of pollutants and, most critically, an increased risk of airborne infections.

The importance of good air quality cannot be overstated. A well-ventilated space keeps the concentration of airborne particles at bay, including viruses and bacteria. When traditional ventilation falls short, supplementary solutions become essential. This is where air purifiers, both commercial and do-it-yourself (DIY), offer a viable and often more affordable solution.

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AirDummies: A Breath of Fresh Air for Indoor Environment Simulation

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AirDummies emerges as a highly intuitive and powerful Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, purpose-built to demystify the complex world of indoor air dynamics. Designed with a clear focus on accessibility, it caters to a broad spectrum of users, offering invaluable insights into air patterns within diverse indoor environments, including school classrooms, offices, and domestic settings. Its ability to simulate everything from CO2 concentrations, particle contaminants, and temperature gradients to air velocity makes it an indispensable tool for optimizing comfort, health, and energy efficiency.

AirDummies is built upon the OpenFOAM open-source library. This foundational relationship means AirDummies leverages OpenFOAM’s extensive capabilities for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. By utilizing OpenFOAM, AirDummies benefits from a robust, well-validated, and continuously developed CFD engine, providing users with a powerful and flexible platform for their simulation needs.

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