See The Air with Sotirios Papathanasiou
Sotirios, an electrical engineer by trade, has extensively researched and communicated about air quality through his blog, See the Air.
In this discussion, we explored how air quality perception has evolved, the nuances of particle measurement, and the trajectory of sensor technology.
The Evolution of Air Quality Awareness
When Sotirios began his journey in air quality awareness, public knowledge was minimal. Growing up in Greece, discussions about air pollution primarily focused on its effects on ancient marble structures rather than human health. It wasn’t until around 2010 that he realised the need for a better understanding of air pollution’s impact on health.
The advent of low-cost sensors in 2016 made air quality monitoring more accessible, leading to increased public interest. The COVID-19 pandemic further heightened awareness, linking air quality to health through the lens of aerosol transmission.
Particle Measurement: Beyond Mass Concentration
A significant part of our discussion focused on how we measure particles in the air. Traditional methods rely on mass concentration values (like PM2.5), but this approach can obscure the full picture. Smaller particles, despite their potential to penetrate deeper into the lungs and cause health issues, often contribute minimally to mass concentration readings. Sotirios advocates for focusing on particle count and size distribution, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution’s health impacts.
The Middle Tier of Sensor Technology
Sotirios highlighted the importance of middle-tier sensor technology, which sits between low-cost sensors and high-end industrial equipment. These sensors offer more accuracy and reliability, making them valuable for both researchers and industrial applications. They comply with standards that ensure their data is trustworthy, bridging the gap between affordability and precision.
Public Awareness and Business Engagement
Public awareness of air quality has seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic. However, Sotirios noted a recent decline in new sensor technology, with many companies producing similar low-cost sensors. Despite this, the scientific community remains robust, pushing governments to prioritise air quality. Academic research on air quality is at an all-time high, contributing valuable data and insights.
Challenges in Communicating Air Quality Risks
Communicating air quality risks effectively is a complex task. For instance, cooking can significantly increase indoor particle levels, but the associated smells are often pleasant and culturally significant. Educating people about the chronic risks of pollutant exposure while respecting cultural practices requires a nuanced approach. Sotirios emphasised the role of storytelling and framing in changing habits and raising awareness about long-term health impacts.
The Role of Standards and Regulations
Standards and regulations play a crucial role in improving air quality. Recently, several regions, including the US, Europe, and Taiwan, have lowered the acceptable limits for PM2.5. These regulatory changes reflect a growing recognition of the health risks posed by particulate matter. Additionally, the development of standards for indoor air quality is underway, promising further improvements in how we monitor and manage air quality in built environments.
The Future of Air Quality Monitoring
Looking ahead, Sotirios sees a trend towards measuring ultrafine particles, which can travel deeper into the body and potentially cause more harm. He also anticipates a shift from focusing solely on PM2.5 to a more detailed analysis of particle size distribution. For indoor spaces, continuous monitoring combined with periodic inspections by industrial hygienists is likely to become the norm.
Practical Steps for Better Air Quality
For practical air quality management, Sotirios recommends deploying both indoor and outdoor monitors to understand the air quality dynamics of a building. This approach helps in making informed decisions about ventilation and filtration. He also highlights the importance of investigating the technology behind air quality monitors before purchasing, ensuring they come from reputable companies that will support their products long-term.
Our conversation with Sotirios underscored the complexity and importance of air quality monitoring. From evolving public awareness to advances in sensor technology, the field is rapidly changing. Effective communication, robust standards, and continuous innovation are key to improving air quality and, consequently, public health. Stay tuned to the Air Quality Matters blog for more insights and updates on this critical topic.
For more information, check out https://www.airqualitymatters.net/podcast
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