Abstract
This article describes the design and development of a low-cost, portable monitoring system for indoor environment quality (IEQ). IEQ is a holistic concept that encompasses elements of indoor air quality (IAQ), indoor lighting quality (ILQ), acoustic comfort, and thermal comfort (temperature and relative humidity). The unit is intended for the monitoring of temperature, humidity, PM2.5, PM10, total VOCs (×3), CO2, CO, illuminance, and sound levels. Experiments were conducted in various environments, including a typical indoor working environment and outdoor pollution, to evaluate the unit’s potential to monitor IEQ parameters. The developed system was successfully able to monitor parameter variations, based on specific events. A custom IEQ index was devised to rate the parameter readings with a simple scoring system to calculate an overall IEQ percentage. The advantages of the proposed system, with respect to commercial units, is associated with better customisation and flexibility to implement a variety of low-cost sensors. Moreover, low-cost sensor modules reduce the overall cost to provide a comprehensive, portable, and real-time monitoring solution. This development facilities researchers and interested enthusiasts to become engaged and proactive in participating in the study, management, and improvement of IEQ.
Highlights
The indoor environment plays a critical role in our wellbeing due to the amount of time we spend indoors
The vast majority of air pollution deaths are attributed to cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The results suggest that higher concentrations of air pollution, first and foremost from traffic, may increase psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents [5]
Summary
The indoor environment plays a critical role in our wellbeing due to the amount of time we spend indoors. The European Commission estimates that Europeans spend around 90% of their time in closed surrounds, mainly at home or in the workplace [1]. Indoor environments can be two to five times more toxic than the outdoors [2]. Studies have linked indoor air quality (IAQ) to mental health and illnesses that are not noticeable in the short-term but could be major concerns in the long-term [4]. New research has established a link between air pollution and increased mental illness in children. The results suggest that higher concentrations of air pollution, first and foremost from traffic, may increase psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents [5]. A significant amount of resources are required to routinely maintain and calibrate them [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
