AIRBOX: a monitoring system of physiological parameters and mind performance in microclimate-controlled environment

The importance of air quality is often underestimated although it plays a crucial role in humans' daily life. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Commission, the average person spends 90% of the life indoors. The quality of the air we breathe, therefore, plays a fundamental role in determining the state of health and the productivity of citizens: under optimal environmental conditions, many aspects of life improve, such as concentration and reasoning, emotional balance, efficiency. Nevertheless, not enough attention is given to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), underestimating the possibility of contracting irritations, infections and more serious illnesses. The aim of this project is to monitor the air quality by analyzing four different environmental factors, namely temperature, relative humidity, the concentration of Carbon Dioxide (CO
₂
) and concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), in order to make people become aware of their responsibilities to keep the IAQ at a healthy level. The project also aims at evaluating the mental performances of voluntary subjects who underwent cognitive tests under different environmental conditions, analyzing how the monitored factors may influence the cognitive abilities of each subject. The final result consists of an economic and functional device that has been designed to be installed in many classrooms or offices. Preliminary results did not show statistically relevant trends due to a small sampling, however, the ability to keep records of all past data allows us to evaluate the need to make changes in the indoor space in order to improve the living conditions of those who spend time in it.