Category: air quality

Exciting News! “Nicholas and his Incredible Eyesight” Now Available in Farsi! 🇮🇷

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Calling all Farsi readers! I am thrilled to announce that the beloved “Nicholas and his Incredible Eyesight” book series is now translated into Farsi (modern Persian). Since Farsi language printed books aren’t currently supported by Amazon, I’ve decided to make the digital format of my book available for free to everyone. This way, readers can still enjoy the work regardless of the limitations on print formats.

This exciting adventure awaits anyone who wants to join Nicholas on his amazing journeys. With his incredible eyesight, Nicholas sees the world in a whole new way, encountering challenges and surprises along the path.

A special thanks to Solmaz Ahadi, Air Quality Specialist, for her invaluable help in bringing this translation to life!

Want your FREE digital copy? It’s easy! Simply leave a comment below this announcement or contact me and I will send it straight to you.

Let’s celebrate the magic of storytelling and the power of Nicholas incredible eyesight – in Farsi! 

#FarsiBooks #FreeBooks #ChildrensBooks #NicholasAndHisIncredibleEyesight #AirQuality

Can an Air Expert Escape Air Pollution? A 2-Month, 6-Month, and Year-Long Experiment in Personal Air Quality

Sotirios Papathanasiou3 Comments

Air pollution is an invisible threat, silently impacting our health. But what if you knew exactly where it lurked, both indoors and outdoors? Could an air quality expert, armed with this knowledge and personal equipment, achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines for extended periods?

This is the question I, Sotirios Papathanasiou, an air quality expert,  will try to figure out over the next year. Starting July 1st, 2024, I embarked on a unique experiment, tracking my personal air quality for a full year. I am monitoring two key air quality metrics: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter). However, PM2.5 data will be excluded when relative humidity surpasses 70% because the limitations of low-cost sensors. I will be carrying an Atmotube Pro and an AIRVALENT everywhere I go.

I am your human guinea pig, carrying these portable air quality monitors everywhere – from my bedroom to my gym, from my kitchen while cooking to the beach on a weekend getaway. This comprehensive data will allow us to see if, despite my expertise in pollution sources and protective measures, I can consistently meet the WHO’s air quality guidelines.

Read More »

Don’t Be Fooled by Mass: Why Counting Particles Is One Way Street for Sub-micron Air Quality Monitoring

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

While monitoring air quality, scientists traditionally relied on mass concentration to measure particulate matter (PM). This metric tells you the total mass of particles per unit volume of air. But for sub-micron particles – those less than one micrometer in diameter – mass concentration falls short. Here’s why measuring particle number by size distribution is a superior approach.

The Small Matter of Small Particles

Sub-micron particles are incredibly tiny. Imagine a human hair – typically around 70 microns thick. A sub-micron particle is hundreds to thousands of times smaller! Due to their miniscule mass, even large numbers of sub-micron particles can register a low mass concentration. This can be misleading, as the health risks they pose aren’t dependent solely on weight.

Penetrating Deep: Size Matters More

Sub-micron particles, especially those in the ultrafine range (less than 100 nanometers), are deeply concerning. Their small size allows them to bypass the body’s natural defenses and infiltrate deep into the lungs. These particles can even enter the bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Read More »

Review: airCoda – Pocket CO2 Monitor

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Looking for a way to monitor CO2 levels on the go? The airCoda pocket CO2 monitor might be your breath of fresh air. This compact device features a photoacoustic NDIR CO2 sensors, a technology known for its small size and accuracy in measuring CO2 concentrations in any environment.

Why the airCoda?

  • Pocket-Sized Portability: Unlike bulkier CO2 monitors, airCoda’s small size allows you to easily carry it anywhere. Whether you’re checking CO2 levels in your office, classroom, or even your car, airCoda gives you the freedom to monitor air quality wherever you go.
  • Sensor Accuracy: Thanks to the integrated sensor, you can trust airCoda to provide reliable CO2 readings. This is crucial for making informed decisions about ventilation and maintaining healthy air quality.
Read More »

Masked and Misunderstood: The Silent Struggle of Chronically Ill in a Challenging World

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

For many, face masks became a symbol of the pandemic – a temporary inconvenience in the fight against COVID-19. But for those with chronic illnesses, masks are a lifeline, a shield against a world teeming with invisible threats. These individuals wage a silent battle, one breath at a time, often unseen and misunderstood.

Imagine living with a compromised respiratory system, a weakened immune response, or a condition that makes you extra susceptible to infections. Every outing becomes a calculated risk. A simple cough from a stranger or a waft of car exhaust can trigger a flare-up, landing you in the hospital. Face masks, then, aren’t just a recommendation; they’re a necessity.

Read More »

Taiwan Tightens PM2.5 Standards to Protect Public Health

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

Taiwan is taking a significant step towards cleaner air by tightening its regulations on PM2.5, a dangerous air pollutant linked to lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. The new standard will set the maximum permissible concentration of PM2.5 at 12 μg/m3, a reduction from the current limit of 15 μg/m3.

This policy change is backed by an eight-year research study conducted by the National Health Research Institutes. The study’s findings confirm the negative health impacts of PM2.5 exposure, highlighting the urgency to curb air pollution levels.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These tiny particles can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and aggravating respiratory problems. Air pollution sources include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and other human-made factors.

Read More »

Over-the-Range Hood Microwaves: Addressing Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

Over-the-range hood microwaves offer the convenience of a combined microwave and “ventilation” system. However, a common misconception is that they effectively remove cooking fumes and pollutants from the kitchen. While they do have a fan system, it’s crucial to understand their limitations.

Recirculation vs. True Ventilation:

Unlike range hoods that vent exhaust outdoors, most over-the-range microwaves utilize a recirculation system. This means they draw in cooking fumes, grease, and moisture through a metallic mesh filter with holes bigger than a Swiss cheese, then release the “treated” air back into the kitchen.

Read More »

Elevating the Topic of Healthy Air | The Air Exchange S2 E1

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

H&V’s Air Exchange host, Bruce Lorange, kicks off Season 2 by sitting down with IAQ “Influencer”, Sotirios Papathanasiou of the weblog @ Seetheair.org to discuss the importance of healthy air.

Sotirios discusses the importance of air quality, clean air initiatives, and healthy buildings as he shares his background and passion for merging technology and the environment. Sotirios and Bruce also discuss the need for education and legislation to improve indoor air quality.

Read More »

Review: AIR-1 Air Quality For Home Assistant

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

Breathe Easy and Tinker Freely: A Review of the AIR-1 Air Quality Sensor for Home Assistant

For the privacy-conscious and perfectionist homeowners who crave customization, the AIR-1 Air Quality Sensor by Apollo Automation is a breath of fresh air (literally). This sensor goes beyond simply monitoring air quality; it empowers you to take control of your indoor environment.

A little background about Home Assistant: Home Assistant is an open-source home automation that puts local control and privacy first. Powered by a worldwide community of DIY enthusiasts. Think of it as Apple’s HomeKit with the ability for endless customizations.

Specifications

  • Particulate Sensor
  • CO2 Photoacoustic NDIR Sensor (Optional)
  • Gas Sensor MOS Package (CO, NO2, C2H5OH, H2, NH3, and CH4) (Optional)
  • TVOC Sensor
  • Temperature and Humidity Sensor
  • Barometric Pressure
  • 3 RGB LEDs
  • USB-C
  • WiFi 2.4 GHz
  • Bluetooth 5

All the specifications and sensor manufactures are listed here.

Built for the DIY Enthusiast

Unlike many smart home devices, the AIR-1 doesn’t lock you into a proprietary ecosystem. It leverages the open-source power of Home Assistant, giving you complete control over your data and how it’s used. This is perfect for those who want to tinker and integrate the AIR-1 into their existing smart home setup.

Read More »

Beyond the Pleasant Smell: The Hidden Dangers of Air Fresheners in Your Home

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

We all like our homes to smell fresh (not possible) and inviting. But that seemingly harmless air freshener, scented candle, or electric perfume dispenser might be doing more harm than good. In fact they do and you will understand in detail below. These common household items can release a surprising number of chemicals that negatively impact indoor air quality and potentially our health.

The Culprit: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

All air fresheners, regardless of form (spray, plug-in, candle), rely on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to create their signature scents. VOCs are chemicals that easily become gases at room temperature. While some VOCs occur naturally, those found in air fresheners are often synthetic and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Read More »