Category: air

Book Review: “Indoor Air Quality in Buildings for Well-being: Practical Application Strategies”

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A 2023 published book in Spanish, “Calidad del aire interior en los edificios para el bienestar: estrategias de aplicación práctica” (Indoor Air Quality in Buildings for Well-being: Practical Application Strategies), is poised to become an essential resource for improving indoor air quality globally. Authored by Miguel Ángel Campano, Jessica Fernández-Agüera, and Juan José Sendra, this comprehensive guide delves into the critical aspects of indoor air quality (IAQ) and offers practical strategies for creating healthier indoor environments.   

Relevance to Global Initiatives

While currently available in Spanish, this book’s content is highly relevant to international efforts such as the development of Global Open Air Quality Standards (GO AQS). The GO AQS initiative aims to establish universal benchmarks for air quality, and the book provides valuable insights and data that can orient the initiative.

Comprehensive Coverage of Key IAQ Factors

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Personal Exposure: Tracking Air Quality with Portable Monitors – 6 Months

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This article documents my personal experiment tracking air quality exposure for 6 months using two portable, low-cost monitors: one for PM2.5 (particulate matter) and the other for CO2 (carbon dioxide). The experiment aimed to gain insights into personal exposure levels and understand the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on air quality.

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Alveolar Sacs and Particulate Matter: A Deep Dive into Respiratory Health

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

The respiratory system is a complex network responsible for the vital exchange of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). At the heart of this system lie the alveoli, tiny air sacs where this gas exchange occurs. However, these delicate structures are also vulnerable to the intrusion of harmful particles, which can have serious health consequences.   

The Journey of Inhaled Particles

When we breathe, we inhale a variety of particles, including dust, smoke pollutants, and pathogens. The size of these particles plays a crucial role in determining how far they travel into our respiratory system. Larger particles are typically trapped in the upper airways, while smaller ones can penetrate deeper into the lungs.   

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Understanding the Link Between Indoor Ventilation and Radon Levels: Insights from Recent Measurements

Sotirios Papathanasiou3 Comments

January marks Radon Awareness Month, a time when public health officials and environmental agencies emphasize the importance of monitoring and mitigating radon gas, a known carcinogen that can accumulate in buildings. Recent measurements taken in my residential setting have revealed a clear pattern linking radon (Rn) levels to indoor ventilation practices, providing valuable insights into how we can manage this health risk effectively.

Short-Term Analysis (7 Days)

The first screenshot presents data for a 7-day period, from January 1 to January 7, 2025. Here, we observe a significant spike in radon concentration on January 5, where levels reached a peak of 114.0 Bq/m³. This short-term data suggests that there was an event or condition on January 5 that caused an unusual increase in radon levels, possibly due to changes in weather, ground conditions, or indoor activities that disturbed the soil or building structure.

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Top 5 Smartphone Air Quality Apps: 2025 Guide [Updated]

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

In today’s world, where air pollution is a growing concern, it’s essential to stay informed about the quality of the air we breathe. Fortunately, a variety of smartphone apps can provide real-time air quality data, helping you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and protect your health. Here are five of the top-rated apps to keep you breathing easy:   

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2024: Year in Review – See The Air 🔁 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

A Year of Air Quality Awareness

2024 was a year marked by increased global awareness of air quality issues. Our blog, See The Air, played a pivotal role in disseminating critical information and fostering a community of informed individuals.

With over 196K users visiting our site, primarily through Google Search and LinkedIn, we are proud to have contributed to a more informed and healthier world.

The recent updates to the PM2.5 limits by the European Union and the US EPA signify a significant step forward in prioritizing public health. By lowering the acceptable levels of these harmful fine particulate matter, these regulatory bodies are acknowledging the strong scientific evidence linking PM2.5 exposure to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and premature death. These stricter standards will drive efforts to reduce air pollution from industrial emissions, transportation, and other sources, ultimately leading to cleaner air and healthier populations.

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Win a Free Copy of “Nicholas Tackles Indoor Air Quality”

Sotirios Papathanasiou11 Comments

Does your child dream of being a superhero? Nicholas might not have a cape, but he has a superpower most people can’t see: the ability to spot air pollution! In our exciting new children’s book, Nicholas Tackles Indoor Air Quality, join Nicholas and his friends on an adventure to learn about the importance of clean air and discover fun ways to fight invisible pollutants indoors!

Want to win a FREE copy for your little superhero? Here’s your chance!

We’re giving away one FREE printed copy delivered straight to your door through Amazon.com (for US residents only), and one FREE downloadable PDF copy (worldwide) for your convenience.

Entering is easy! Just choose one (or both!) of these ways to participate:

  • Leave a comment on your social media (Linkedin, Bluesky, Instagram, etc.).
  • Leave a comment below this article, telling us why clean indoor air is important to you.

The more the merrier, but the deadline to enter is December 15th, 2024, at 23:59 CET.

We’ll randomly select two lucky winners on December 16th and announce them on our social media channels. So, what are you waiting for? Help Nicholas spread the message of clean indoor air and enter today!

Good luck from the team behind “Nicholas Tackles Indoor Air Quality”!

A New Children’s Book Empowers Young Readers to Breathe Clean Indoor Air

Sotirios Papathanasiou1 Comment

Nicholas isn’t your average kid. He has a unique superpower: he can see invisible air pollution. When Nicholas notices these harmful particles making his classmates sick, he knows he must take action. But how can you fight something you can’t see?

In this captivating new children’s book, Nicholas Tackles Indoor Air Quality, young readers join Nicholas on an exciting adventure to improve indoor air quality. With the help of his friends, Nicholas learns about the importance of clean air and discovers practical ways to combat air pollution.

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Why Millions in India Breathe Toxic Air

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Air pollution is a major health crisis in India. Millions of people in the country are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution every day. This is a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer.   

There are a number of reasons why air pollution is so bad in India. One reason is the large number of vehicles on the roads. India has a rapidly growing economy, and this has led to a surge in the number of cars, trucks, and motorcycles on the roads. These vehicles emit a lot of pollutants into the air.   

Another reason for air pollution in India is industrial activity. India is a major industrial power, and factories and other industrial facilities emit a lot of pollutants into the air.   

Finally, agricultural burning is also a major source of air pollution in India. Farmers often burn crop stubble after harvest, and this can create a thick haze of smoke that can linger for days.   

The Health Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution can have a serious impact on human health. Short-term exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and even death.   

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The Future of Air Quality Monitoring: Portable Power

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Years ago, I explored the potential of gamification to enhance public engagement with air quality. Now, numerous projects are emerging, promising to deliver user-friendly products that bridge the knowledge gap. Two key players are driving this innovation: sensor manufacturers, who are relentlessly miniaturizing their technology, and startups, which are pioneering innovative solutions to bring these sensors directly to consumers.

Air quality monitoring is no longer a niche concern for environmental scientists. With growing awareness of the impact of air pollution on health, a new wave of portable air quality monitors is poised to revolutionize how we perceive and manage the air we breathe.

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