Saving Lives, Breath by Breath: Learn about WHO AirQ+ (Free Software)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

Air pollution hangs heavy over many parts of the world, silently claiming millions of lives each year. Researchers and policymakers are locked in a crucial battle against this invisible enemy, and WHO AirQ+ software serves as a powerful weapon in their arsenal. Available for macOS, MS Windows, and Linux in English, French, German, Russian and Spanish.

This free, user-friendly software, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), quantifies the health impacts of air pollution. It’s not just about measuring harmful particles or gases; it translates those numbers into real-world consequences, shedding light on the human cost of poor air quality.

How AirQ+ Works:

  • Estimates Health Effects: Enter air pollution data for a specific location, and AirQ+ calculates the burden of diseases attributed to various pollutants like particulate matter (PM), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. This includes premature deaths, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Impact: Analyze both immediate effects from spikes in pollution and the accumulated burden from chronic exposure.
  • Future Scenarios: Model the potential health benefits of interventions like reducing emissions or switching to cleaner fuels. Imagine thousands of lives saved, just by seeing the numbers.
Read More »

UNE 171380:2024 − Continuous Measurement of CO2 Indoors to Improve the Health and Well-being of Users

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The Spanish Association for Standardization presented the new UNE 171380 standard on CO2 monitoring for health prevention. The University of Seville has played a significant role in the development of these regulations through the Architecture, Heritage and Sustainability Research Group: Acoustics, Lighting, Optics and Energy, represented by researchers Samuel Domínguez and Miguel Ángel Campano.

This standard is a great achievement in the prevention of airborne disease transmission, based on everything learned after the SARS-CoV-2 health emergency, and transparent information to the public about the air quality of establishments.

Read More »

US EPA Finalizes New Standards for Harmful Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

In a landmark decision, on February 7th, 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled stricter regulations for fine particulate matter, a major air pollutant linked to numerous health problems. This marks the first update to the EPA’s standards in over a decade, and officials anticipate it will save thousands of American lives annually. Fine particulate matter, often referred to as “soot,” penetrates deep into lungs and even enters the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

Read More »

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

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment


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.
Read More »

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:

Read More »

Ventilation Challenges and Pathogen Spread in High-Polluted Environments

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of human health and well-being. However, achieving adequate ventilation in homes and other indoor spaces can be challenging, particularly when outdoor air pollution levels are elevated due to smoke from wood-burning stoves. This article explores why poor ventilation in polluted environments poses a heightened risk of pathogen spread.

Factors Hindering Ventilation in Polluted Environments

Wood-burning stoves, used for heating and cooking, release particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) into the atmosphere. These pollutants can accumulate in extended areas, especially under certain weather conditions. Normally, warm air rising from the ground carries pollution upwards, dispersing it into the atmosphere. However, during the winter, a warm layer of air can settle over a city like a lid, trapping cold air and pollutants near the ground. This phenomenon, known as a thermal inversion, occurs when a warm air mass above restricts the upward movement of cold, denser air, trapping it along with pollutants close to the surface. Thermal inversions are particularly prevalent in cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, Granada, and Mexico City, where cold, dense air gets confined within mountain basins or valleys.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

2023: Year in Review – See The Air 🔁 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

2023 was a year full of air quality news. From raising awareness about air pollution to sharing solutions and inspiring stories, the blog has been a valuable resource for people interested in the issue of air quality.

In addition, See The Air also continued to publish regular news updates, sharing the latest developments in the field of air quality and environmental policy. The blog also featured a number of guest posts from experts in the field, providing diverse perspectives on the issue of air pollution.

Blog Statistics

In 2023 my blog was visited by 110K people, slightly higher than last year. Keep in mind, my blog is all about air pollution/quality, a very narrow subject but at the same time very important for all of us. I am very satisfied that the blog is able to help people understand and see the air.

Google, LinkedIn, and Yahoo are the top three referrers to my blog during 2023.

Top Countries

  1. USA
  2. UK
  3. Canada
  4. Australia
  5. Spain
  6. Germany

Most Visited Articles

  1. Things no one talks about: Flatulence and Indoor Air Quality
  2. The Dark Side of the Wood Stove Industry
  3. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Mega Guide
  4. Understanding ASHRAE Standard 241
  5. Indoor Air Quality Monitors – Comparison List 2023Q3

Conclusion

Looking ahead to 2024, See The Air has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact. I am working on developing new partnerships and collaborations to help raise awareness about the issue of air pollution and drive meaningful change. I look forward to seeing what the scientific community will achieve in the coming year.

Cozy Fireplaces, Clouded Lungs: Why Wood Burning Stoves are a Holiday Health Hazard

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The holidays conjure up images of crackling fires, warm hearths, and cozy evenings. But for many, especially those living in communities with widespread wood burning, this idyllic picture masks a grim reality: a significant decline in indoor and outdoor air quality. Wood burning stoves, while charming and nostalgic, are a major contributor to indoor and outdoor air pollution, posing serious health risks to both the occupants of the house and the surrounding community.

Indoor Air: A Smoky Trap

Burning wood releases a cocktail of harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These microscopic particles can easily infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing a range of health problems:

Read More »

Holiday Cheer, Hazy Air: How Festive Practices Can Harm Indoor Air Quality

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The holidays are a time for celebration, filled with the warmth of family gatherings, delicious meals, and festive decorations. However, amidst the joy, some seemingly harmless traditions can have unintended consequences for our indoor air quality.

1. Culinary Combustion: The Peril of Holiday Feasts

Holiday dinners often involve hours spent in the kitchen, with ovens cranking and stoves blazing, filling the air with a medley of aromas. While tempting, this culinary combustion releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking oils, burning meat, and even vegetables. VOCs can irritate eyes and lungs, exacerbate respiratory issues, and contribute to poor air quality. Keep ventilation on!

2. Fragrant Fumes: The Unseen Threat of Candles and Incense

Candles and incense are staples of holiday decor, adding warmth and ambience to our homes. Unfortunately, their burning releases pollutants like particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, impacting air quality. For those with asthma or allergies, these irritants can trigger unpleasant reactions. Say no to candles and incense burning!

Read More »