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The Air Quality Beacon and Immission Evaluator: Turning Indoor Air Data into Action

Collage showing the AQBIE (Air Quality Beacon and Immission Evaluator) indoor air quality monitoring device placed in household settings. Images include the AQBIE unit with its display showing air quality index values, the device positioned on a child desk to support awareness of indoor air conditions, and a group photo of researchers involved in the development and deployment of the sensor.

As part of the EDIAQI project, a new generation of cost-effective indoor air quality monitoring technology is being deployed to better understand how children are exposed to air pollution in their everyday environments, developed by TROPOS in collaboration with IMROH. At the centre of this effort is the Air Quality Beacon and Immission Evaluator, known as AQBIE.

AQBIE is a mature indoor air quality sensor platform designed to capture high-resolution, real-time data on pollutants and environmental conditions inside homes. It combines particulate matter and environmental sensors from leading manufacturers to provide detailed insights into aerosol size distribution, indoor pollutant levels, and the conditions that influence exposure. The system is specifically designed for unattended, long-term monitoring in real-world settings, making it particularly suited for large-scale public health and environmental research.

Within EDIAQI, AQBIE units have been installed in households in Zagreb as part of a longitudinal study focused on children. Over several weeks, the devices continuously measure indoor air conditions during normal daily activities. The resulting data supports advanced lung deposition studies and helps researchers better understand how indoor pollutants interact with children respiratory systems. This evidence is essential for informing healthier building design, targeted interventions, and future policy action on indoor air quality. Beyond data collection, AQBIE also plays an important role in awareness raising by making indoor air quality visible and understandable, empowering children and families with knowledge and supporting children in taking ownership of their own indoor environments.

The development and deployment of AQBIE reflects close collaboration between research organisations specialising in atmospheric science, health, and environmental monitoring. experts The platform combines robust hardware, reliable data transmission, and remote maintenance capabilities, ensuring both data quality and scalability. Importantly, it demonstrates how low-cost sensor technologies can be transformed into scientifically credible tools that bridge the gap between research, policy, and real-world impact.

AQBIE represents a key step towards more accessible, evidence-driven approaches to improving indoor air quality across Europe. By generating detailed exposure data at household level, it supports EDIAQI broader mission to protect children health and reduce inequalities linked to indoor environmental conditions.

If you are interested in learning more about the Air Quality Beacon and Immission Evaluator, or in exploring collaboration opportunities, please get in touch with: