Category: air

GO AQS and ASIC 2025 on Technology & Air Quality (Join Us in Thailand!)

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

For too long, the focus on air quality has primarily been on the outdoor environment. But the truth is, we spend the vast majority of our time indoors – in our homes, offices, and schools. That’s why the arrival of the Global Open Air Quality Standards (GO AQS) marks a monumental shift. This initiative is the first of its kind to establish a set of limits specifically for indoor air quality, with the primary goal of safeguarding human health. We’re excited to announce that GO AQS will be presenting our work at the ASIC 2025 conference in Thailand, and we invite tech companies and air quality experts to join us there to learn more.

GO AQS recognizes that the air we breathe within our buildings has a direct and significant impact on our well-being, productivity, and even our long-term health. But how can buildings effectively monitor and manage their indoor air to meet these new standards? The answer lies in the advancements of air quality technology, particularly the rise of low-cost monitors (LCMs).

Historically, the gold standard for air quality measurement has been reference-grade instruments. While incredibly accurate, these devices come with a hefty price tag, making widespread deployment within buildings economically prohibitive. Furthermore, they are often bulky, noisy, and energy-intensive, rendering them impractical for continuous monitoring in occupied spaces like bedrooms, offices, or classrooms. Crucially, these sophisticated instruments are typically not designed to integrate with building automation systems (BAS), hindering real-time control and response to air quality issues.

Read More »

From Rest to Rigor: How Our Air Needs Change with Activity

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

How much air do we breathe in a day?

We breathe without even thinking about it, but have you ever stopped to consider just how much air we actually inhale and exhale each day? The amount might surprise you. And what’s even more astonishing is the difference in air consumption between someone at rest and an athlete engaged in strenuous exercise.

At-Rest Breath

According to a paper 1, at rest, a typical adult male breathes in about 0.5 liters of air per breath and breathes 12 times per minute. This translates to roughly 6 liters of air per minute. This is because our body’s oxygen needs are lower when we are resting, so we take shallower breaths at a slower rate.

Read More »

Unlock the Power of Data Narratives in Our “Storytelling with Data” Webinar

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Are you ready to transform complex data into compelling stories that resonate and drive impact? Join us for our insightful webinar, “Storytelling with Data,” on April 10th at 11:30 AM EDT on LinkedIn Live.

In today’s information-rich world, simply presenting data isn’t enough. True understanding and engagement come from weaving data into compelling narratives. This webinar delves into the art and science of Information Design, demonstrating that it’s far more than just creating charts and graphs. It’s about strategically transforming raw data into meaningful stories that captivate audiences and inspire action.

Our upcoming session brings together a panel of global experts (Gabrielle Merite, Florent Lavergne, Sotirios Papathanasiou, Nicole Lachenmeier, & Maggie Shi ) at the forefront of information design. We’ll explore how mission-driven marketers and environmentally conscious data visualization professionals can leverage the power of storytelling to amplify their message and create lasting impact.

Read More »

Review: aranetRn+ – A Deep Dive into Radon Awareness

Sotirios Papathanasiou4 Comments

Impact-Site-Verification: 38646f42-1d76-4186-a86f-324bc14aa675

Aranet has carved a niche for itself in the air quality monitoring space, establishing a distinct design language that prioritizes clarity and functionality. The aranet4, their popular CO2 monitor, set the stage with its minimalist aesthetic and intuitive e-ink display. The aranetRn+ builds upon this foundation, tackling the complex issue of radon monitoring while staying true to aranet’s core principles.

The aranetRn+ maintains the familiar clean lines and robust build quality associated with aranet products. However, the nature of radon detection necessitates a deeper profile. The device houses a α-decay event detection using ionization chamber, which contributes to its increased depth. While slightly bulkier, the aranetRn+ remains a discreet and unobtrusive addition to any home.

Read More »

Filtration Hour – Air Quality Governance

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

I am pleased to announce the World Filtration Institute (WFI) upcoming event, “Air Quality Governance,” a crucial discussion focused on the intersection of policy, technology, and public health.

This event will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore and discuss the latest advancements and strategies in air quality management.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Policy and Regulation: Examining current and future regulatory frameworks for air quality.
  • Technological Innovations: Showcasing cutting-edge filtration technologies and monitoring systems.
  • Public Health Impact: Analyzing the direct correlation between air quality and community well-being.
  • Sustainable Solutions: Promoting environmentally responsible practices in air filtration and management.

This event is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, aiming to drive impactful solutions for cleaner, healthier air globally. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with prominent figures in the air quality sector.
  • Gain insights into the latest research and best practices.
  • Network with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Distinguished Speakers:

  • Sotirios Papathanasiou, Air Quality Expert, GO AQS (Spain)
  • R. Vijayakumar, PhD, Founder AERFIL, USA.
  • Andrew Guido​​​​Vice President, Sustainability & Innovation, Canada.
  • Stephanie Taylor, MD, CEO and Founder, Building4Health, USA
  • Thomas Peters, PhD, Director, Peters Consulting, Germany
  • 🌍Join Us at Filtration Hour!
  • 📅 Date: April 17, 2025
  • ⏰ Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM EST
  • 🎤 Topic: Air Quality Governance
  • 🔗 Register Now for Free.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.wfius.org/post/airqualitygovernance

About the World Filtration Institute (WFI):

The World Filtration Institute is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of filtration and separation solutions. WFI fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional development to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.

Tools for Navigating Global Air Quality Standards, and the Push for Universal Equity

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The air we breathe is fundamental to life, yet the quality of that air varies drastically across the globe. Understanding the complexities of air quality standards (AQS) is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and concerned citizens alike. Thankfully, several invaluable tools exist to navigate this complex landscape.   

Two prominent resources stand out: the WHO’s Air Quality Standards tool and the STC34’s IEQ Guidelines platform.

The WHO’s Interactive Tool: A Global Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a powerful interactive tool, accessible at https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/Air_Quality_Standards_V2_1/, that allows users to explore ambient AQS from countries worldwide. This platform provides a user-friendly interface to compare standards for key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Users can filter by country, pollutant, and averaging time, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse regulatory approaches adopted globally.   

Read More »

The Attention Crisis: Why We Can’t See the Air We Breathe

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

We are living in a deep crisis of attention, a diagnosis offered by social experts that has profound implications for our ability to solve the complex problems facing society today. This crisis stems from a confluence of factors – fear, loneliness, hyperstimulation, and constant distractions – all of which cripple our prefrontal cortex, the very part of the brain responsible for critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. Essentially, we’re so caught up in the noise that we can’t focus on the signal.

This attention deficit isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a societal one. Consider, for example, the pervasive issue of air pollution. While the scientific evidence of its detrimental effects on health and the environment is overwhelming, meaningful action remains frustratingly slow. Why? Because addressing air pollution requires precisely the kind of sustained, important thinking that our attention-deficit society struggles with.

Read More »

A DIY Ventilation Solution for Renters

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

Renting an apartment often means limited control over modifications, especially when it comes to essential systems like ventilation. Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact health and well-being, but drilling holes for traditional ventilation systems is usually out of the question. This article presents a simple, affordable DIY project using a standard air purifier to bring fresh, filtered air into your rented space without any permanent alterations.

The Problem: Stale Indoor Air and Renting Restrictions

Old apartments but also modern, energy-efficient apartments can sometimes suffer from poor ventilation, leading to a buildup of indoor pollutants like CO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter. While opening windows is a simple solution, it’s not always practical due to weather, noise, or outdoor air pollution. Renters often face the added challenge of not being allowed to make structural changes, ruling out traditional ventilation installations.   

The DIY Solution: Air Purifier Ventilation

This project uses a standard standalone air purifier in a novel way to introduce fresh, filtered outdoor air. The key components are:

  • A Standard Air Purifier: Choose one with a HEPA filter for particulate matter and a carbon filter for gases. Programmable models are highly recommended for automation.
  • Flexible Tubing and Window Adapter: These connect the air purifier’s intake to a slightly opened window. You can find suitable tubing and adapters at most hardware stores for around €15.
Read More »

Join the Global Open Air Quality Standards Initiative

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The air we breathe is fundamental to our health and well-being, yet air quality, particularly indoors, remains a complex and often overlooked issue. Communicating this complexity to the public, ensuring consistent industry practices, and guaranteeing equitable access to clean air for everyone are critical challenges. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to join the Global Open Air Quality Standards (GO AQS) initiative.   

GO AQS is a collaborative effort aimed at developing and promoting universally recognized standards for indoor air quality. This open invitation extends to researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone passionate about ensuring healthy air for all. We believe that by working together, we can create a world where clean air is not a privilege, but a fundamental right.   

Why is Academia’s Support Crucial?

The academic community plays a vital role in the success of GO AQS. Your expertise and research are essential for establishing robust, science-backed standards. Here’s why your involvement is so important:

Read More »

Heart Month: Understanding the Link Between Air Pollution and Heart Disease

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment


February is American Heart Month and Saint Valentine’s Day, a good time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. While many factors contribute to heart disease, air pollution is a significant and often overlooked risk factor.

The Link Between Air Pollution and Heart Disease

Air pollution is a complex mixture of gases and particulate matter, some of which are particularly harmful to human health. When we breathe in polluted air, these particles can enter our bloodstream and trigger a cascade of negative effects on the cardiovascular system.   

  • Inflammation: Air pollution can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which can lead to plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries.   
  • Blood Clots: Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.   
  • Arrhythmias: Air pollution can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats.   
  • Heart Failure: Long-term exposure to air pollution can weaken the heart muscle and contribute to heart failure.
Read More »