Category: ventilation

The CO2 Debate: A Parallel to the Egg Dilemma

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

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 Unseen Air Inside Classrooms

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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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Introducing FantaMix: An Innovative DIY Ventilation Solution

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At See The Air, I am always excited to share innovative approaches to improving indoor air quality. Today, I am highlighting some fantastic articles by Nathalie Roussy that delve into the world of DIY ventilation with her in-depth work on the FantaMix.

FantaMix Review: A Look at Performance and Impact

Nathalie’s comprehensive review, titled “FantaMix Review,” was originally published on Medium. You can read her full article here.

The FantaMix is a compact, open-source ventilation system designed for home construction at a low cost. Nathalie, who is the designer and tester of the FantaMix, explains how this hybrid device filters a mix of fresh outdoor air and stale indoor air through an H11 HEPA filter, all while recovering lost heat. It functions as both a source of fresh air and an indoor air purifier.

Her article covers the origins of the FantaMix, how it works, and the results of various field tests, including airflow rate, noise level, heat recovery, and power consumption. She also provides a comparison with similar devices and a visual analysis of CO₂ levels to demonstrate its impact on air quality. Nathalie emphasizes that the FantaMix is a DIY project, offering an accessible solution for enhancing indoor air quality, particularly for renters or those with budget constraints, and is especially beneficial during events like wildfires.

Building the FantaMix: Your Step-by-Step Guide

For those inspired to build their own FantaMix, Nathalie has also published a detailed DIY guide titled “Building the FantaMix: Fresh Filtered Air at Home — No Exhaust, Under $200,” also available on Medium. Find the complete guide here.

This step-by-step open-source guide outlines how to create this affordable and effective home ventilation system. The FantaMix aims to provide fresh, HEPA-filtered outdoor air with partial heat recovery, costing under $200 and requiring no major construction or exhaust system. The project is 100% open source, promoting accessible knowledge over opaque products. The article covers the detailed construction process, including building the base, assembling the top section, preparing the outdoor air intake panel, and installing components like fans, insulation, and wiring. It also includes a detailed cost breakdown, a list of essential and optional tools, and crucial safety precautions, especially when working with materials like heated foam. Maintenance tips for filter replacement and fan cleaning are also provided.

I am particularly proud to note that Nathalie’s work on the FantaMix was inspired by our very own article, “DIY Ventilation Solution for Renters.” It’s wonderful to see how shared knowledge and innovation can lead to such practical and impactful solutions for healthier living spaces.

We highly recommend reading Nathalie’s articles to learn more about the FantaMix and consider it as a potential DIY project for your own home!

A DIY Ventilation Solution for Renters

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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.
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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.

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Ventilation Is Not Always An Option & Ventilation Needs to Be Done Correctly

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Part 1: Ventilation Is Not Always An Option

Ventilation isn’t always an option in all areas and indoor spaces. Here are some key reasons why:

Environmental challenges:

  • Extreme weather: In very hot or cold climates, opening windows can be impractical or counterproductive. In scorching temperatures, opening windows might invite more heat in, while in freezing temperatures, it can cause heat loss and discomfort.
  • Air pollution: In areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution (e.g., traffic fumes, industrial emissions, wildfires), opening windows can actually worsen indoor air quality by bringing in the polluted air.

Space limitations:

  • Windowless rooms: Basements, interior rooms, and some commercial spaces like server rooms often lack windows, making natural ventilation impossible.
  • Small or airtight spaces: Tiny apartments, trailers, and even some modern, energy-efficient houses can be so tightly sealed that natural ventilation is insufficient.
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Let’s Talk about the Elephant in the Room, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

As an indoor generation, we spend our lives between walls, making the quality of the air we breathe there essential for our health and well-being. While many pollutants lurk within our buildings, carbon dioxide (CO2), often associated with climate change, might be closer than you think – impacting not just the environment, but also your cognitive abilities.

In low concentrations, CO2 is naturally present in the air we breathe, primarily released from our own respiration. However, poorly ventilated indoor spaces can lead to a buildup of this colorless, odorless gas, potentially reaching levels detrimental to occupants. The effects go beyond drowsiness or headaches, potentially impacting our ability to think clearly and perform tasks effectively.

Studies have shown a clear link between elevated CO2 levels and declines in cognitive function. In one study, researchers exposed healthy adults to various CO2 concentrations while they performed cognitive tasks. They found that even at moderate levels (around 1,000 parts per million, ppm), compared to fresh air conditions, participants experienced:

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Air Pollution Chronicle (Granada, Spain Edition)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

They say that good air quality is a fundamental right for all, and at the same time, they say that 99% of the population worldwide is exposed to air pollution above WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Mixed messages here. Even though I have already shared the story on a Tweet thread, I decided to write an article as well because of the permanence of the article and because it is easier to share.

December 17th, 2023

I arrived in Granada, Spain for the holidays. A blanket of smoke was covering Granada and the small towns around with a total area of over 100 km2. Although I was super tired, the intense smell of smoke inside the apartment and the fact that I knew that there was a lot of particulate pollution indoors didn’t permit me to sleep well.

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Podcast: Indoor Ventilation’s Impact on Performance & Health | Room by Room #28

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Welcome to “Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast”! Air quality expert Sotirios Papathanasiou joined host Gabriella Joustra to discuss the crucial topic of poor indoor ventilation and its impact on one’s health and performance.

Sotirios, an esteemed advocate for clean air initiatives, shared his expertise in indoor air quality. In this episode, they explored the detrimental effects of inadequate indoor ventilation, including common pollutants and associated health risks. They provided practical guidance on improving indoor ventilation and empowered listeners to create healthier, more productive environments.

Join them as they delve into the impact of poor indoor ventilation on health and performance, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for a better living and working space.

Sotirios Papathanasiou: Indoor Ventilation’s Impact on Performance and Health | Room by Room #28 – Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast

In this episode of "Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast," host Gabriella Joustra welcomes Sotirios Papathanasiou, an esteemed air quality expert, to shed light on the impact of poor indoor ventilation on both our health and performance. With extensive experience in the field of environmental issues, particularly indoor air quality, Sotirios is a strong advocate for clean air initiatives and has authored four books on air pollution for adults and kids. Sotirios's passion for clean air and his expertise in analyzing air pollution data makes him a valuable resource for understanding the factors critical to evaluating indoor air quality. He also curates a popular web blog, where he shares valuable insights and information on the subject. In this episode, Gabriella and Sotirios delve into the intricate relationship between indoor ventilation and our well-being. They explore how inadequate indoor ventilation can have a detrimental impact on our health and performance, discussing the common pollutants that can be found in indoor air. With a focus on long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality, they shed light on the associated health risks and the importance of addressing these issues proactively. Furthermore, Gabriella and Sotirios provide practical guidance on improving indoor ventilation in our homes and workplaces. By implementing effective ventilation methods, we can reduce the risk of health problems and create an environment that promotes optimal performance. If you're concerned about the quality of the air in your living or working spaces, or if you want to understand how poor indoor ventilation can affect your overall well-being, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Join Gabriella and air quality expert Sotirios Papathanasiou as they explore the impact of poor indoor ventilation on performance and health, helping you create a healthier and more productive environment for yourself and your loved ones. Follow Sotirios's work through his website at https://seetheair.org/ and check out his book at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sotirios-Papathanasiou/author/B06Y4FT3YV. Also, connect with him via social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sotirios-papathanasiou  Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFotonium  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seetheair/  Produced by the Home Organization Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ho.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Home Organization Labs. Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCODVhYC-MeTMKQEwwRr8WVQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeorg.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeorg.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/home-organization-science-labs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@home.org.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/room-by-room-the-home-organization-science-insights-podcast/id1648509192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kUgWDXmcGl5XHbYspPtcW Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/37779f90-f736-4502-8dc4-3a653b8492bd iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102862783 Podbean: https://homeorganizationinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402163 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/room-by-room-the-home-organiza-4914172 
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Study: IEQ Assessment of Classrooms in Southern Spain

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The aim of this paper is to give a review of the indoor environmental conditions in schools that are located in southern Spain as the climatological conditions tend to be middler and mechanical ventilated systems are not used in most cases either any kind of purification. There are many scientific papers that have documented the effects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) upon productivity and performance within the workplace, but this paper is going to focus on the conditions and the means that are being used to control indoor air in public and private schools. Poor IEQ is known to be a factor causing health issues and has been connected with sick building syndrome (SBS) and reduced productivity (9% decrease) among white-collar workers through many studies. Covid-19 pandemic forced some schools to rethink the ventilation strategies but they rely heavily on window ventilation. This is an issue that persists in developing countries because of the lack of funds, however, it has not been given the attention it deserves in developed countries like Spain. Throughout this paper, we point out the main building factors which affect productivity (CO2, PM2.5, temperature, and humidity), without taking into consideration additional factors such as the effects of lighting and noise as they form part of the IEQ. Our main focus is to raise IEQ/IAQ awareness in places that are considered safe for the general public.

Read about the results and conclusion on ResearchGate.com

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