Air sensing technology reveals adverse impact of smog in Delhi

Delhi-based Karuna Chauhan tracked exposure to air pollution throughout the daily routine in stages and found that the level of pollution increased over time, according to a report by global technology company Dyson.

Karuna tracked air pollution exposure using a Dyson Air Sensor Portable Backpack that tracks air pollution exposure by collecting air pollution data on the go.

"Using our unique algorithm to process detailed air pollution exposure reports, this innovative technology allows us to monitor air quality indoors, outdoors, and on the go. Plus, it all fits in a backpack," Alex Knox, Vice President of Care environmental in Dyson,said In a sentence.

The Air Quality backpack was initially developed by Dyson engineers to study Breathe London with Kings College London and the Greater London Authority.

Dyson engineers analyzed the results by matching the backpack's air sensor and GPS data with Karuna's journal entries, while documenting Karuna's activities and observations during the period he was wearing the air quality backpack. This allowed them to understand what caused the pollution and how Karuna could reduce their exposure to pollution in the future.

Karuna, who is among a group of volunteers and journalists globally who are working with Dyson to raise awareness about air pollution, said in a statement.

Karuna used the backpack on October 3, 2020 (Stage 1) and then again on November 8 (Stage 2), repeating the same activities and routines, which included home cooking to yoga in the garden, at each stage to allow for exercise. . Comparison of the two time periods.

In November, the deterioration in air quality was evident with thick fog falling over the city.

Compared to the first phase, the pollution data collected in the second phase indicated a significant increase in PM2.5 levels, with average levels increasing by 459%. These levels remained high both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the activity that took place.

Karuna phase 1 data sheds light on how air quality is affected by daily activities.

Actions like frying food in the kitchen caused a five-fold increase in PM2.5, while visiting the foreign market caused NO2 levels to skyrocket to 2,500ppb, which scores very weak on the Dyson AQI scale.

Karuna's exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 pollution peaked while driving on the road. This is not surprising, as these are pollutants commonly associated with vehicle emissions.

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