Over recent decades, dwellings have become more energy-efficient. While many
studies have focused on looking at energy conservation and decarbonisation of the
housing stock, very few had a look at the indoor air quality (IAQ). The current
approach to IAQ and occupational health studies is limited by current knowledge
on ventilation, indoor air pollutants and the instruments to measure them. The
ventilation and indoor pollution measurements required are expensive and
invasive; therefore, these studies tend to be small and isolated.

Perhaps one of the most significant barriers for IAQ studies is the instrumentation
needed for current approaches. Their cost, size, process control and required
specialised training makes them unfeasible. For these reasons, IAQ studies tend
to be based on short-term or spot measurements. Recent developments in
technologies and communications have led to the development of low-cost IAQ
monitors, that have the potential to be used in IAQ studies. This study aims to
develop, test the performance and application of a method to measure the IAQ
using low-cost (<£200.00) monitors and remote data collection.

After assessing the capabilities of several low-cost IAQ monitors, the Foobot was
selected for this study. The Foobot data were compared to traditional IAQ
monitors to address accuracy and quality concerns. Foobot has the potential to be
used in IAQ studies; however, it is limited by the range of parameters to measure.
While it is capable of measuring the most common air pollutants, the Foobot may
not be ideal to established IAQ assessment routines, such as the CIBSE KS17 or the
EPA. The methodology presented in this work uses online surveys to collect
qualitative data about the perception of the IAQ, thermal comfort and selfreported
illnesses.

The methodology was tested in seven dwellings located in Mexico City, San
Francisco and Dunfermline. Air temperature, relative humidity, particulate
matter and total volatile organic compounds were collected at five-minute
intervals in three rooms of each of the dwellings. The analysis of the data suggests
that IAQ is mostly related to occupant’s behaviour, outdoor pollution and
ventilation rates. While the methodology presented in this work may have some limitations, it nevertheless provides an alternative and innovative method for IAQ
monitoring. This should encourage IAQ data collection, enhancing our knowledge
on IAQ and promote healthier indoor environments.