Intelligent control of indoor air quality in your home

Do you want to know the level of indoor air quality in your home? Knowing what levels of indoor air quality current buildings have is essential to achieve maximum well-being and comfort. Below, we explain the components analyzed in these measurement processes and show you the different technologies available to carry out an intelligent control of all parameters.

What indoor air parameters should we know for intelligent control?

To avoid the negative consequences of being in contact with low-quality indoor air (respiratory diseases, multiple chemical sensitivity, asthma, allergies, angina, and in the worst cases, serious diseases due to the presence of radon in the environment), it is important to measure this indoor air quality and ensure that our building meets the necessary requirements to avoid putting people's health at risk.

Currently, there are different equipment that allows for intelligent measurement and control of indoor air quality, each depending on the pollutant being evaluated.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive element and, therefore, carcinogenic. There are two types of measurements: short-term and long-term. If we want to ensure our measurement, it is recommended to carry it out in autumn or winter, rather than in spring or summer. The longer the exposure time during the measurement, the greater the accuracy of the result.
The Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) provides a radon map that delineates risk areas.

According to the NTP 728 (Technical Prevention Note): Occupational exposure to natural radiation, maximum values within the European Union range between 200 and 600 Bq/m³ for homes and 1000 Bq/m³ for work environments. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends measures to lower levels if values reach 100 Bq/m³ in homes and urgent corrective actions if concentrations exceed 400 Bq/m³.

For its measurement, monitors (also called meters) are used to control the affected area for a minimum period of three months.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

CO₂ is a good indicator of indoor air quality, whose concentration will vary depending on the air renewal rate and occupancy. The concentration of CO₂ in the air can be measured in percentage rate or in ppm (parts per million). It is estimated that from 800 to 1,200 ppm it can cause discomfort (headaches, fatigue, or other respiratory problems).

To determine its concentration in the environment, colorimetric tubes or portable monitors (photoacoustic or infrared) can be employed.

Formaldehyde

This is one of the most significant pollutants when discussing indoor air quality, as it is a carcinogenic product found in various elements (varnishes, lacquers, fabrics, insulating foams, disinfectants, cleaning products, etc.). Although it is regulated, buildings with high levels of formaldehyde are still found. Its value should not exceed 0.0 ppm, as otherwise it indicates that there is a source of emission.

To measure it, UNE–EN ISO 16000 standards specify that the approved method is the diffusive sampler cartridge with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and phosphoric acid, with sampling times of 24 to 72 hours.

Particulate Matter

This consists of a mixture of liquid and solid pollutant particles, organic and inorganic substances, suspended in the air. With a very varied composition, we can find sulfates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust, metallic ashes, and water among its main components. For its measurement, pumps and sampling tubes as well as external flow meters can be employed.