Scientific Context
In the current historical context, particularly in the post-COVID era, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has garnered significant attention across multiple domains, including public awareness, the scientific community, and legislative and political spheres.
IAQ encompasses both chemical-physical parameters and the potential presence of pathogenic agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi/mold.
From a chemical-physical perspective, key parameters typically considered include temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH%), and atmospheric particulate matter (PM), such as PM10, PM2.5, and PM1. Among these, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is particularly critical, as it serves as an indicator of human occupancy in enclosed spaces such as buildings, offices, and schools. Elevated CO₂ levels, normally above 1500 ppm (part per million) have been associated with physiological effects, including reduced cognitive function, impaired learning, and increased fatigue.
To address IAQ concerns, significant efforts are currently being directed toward the development of “ready-to-use” environmental and microbiological monitoring systems that are accessible, reliable, reproducible, and sensitive. These systems aim to facilitate the routine management of IAQ while also enabling effective responses in emergency situations.
TCR Tecora’s and InPharmaTEC’s role
TCR TECORA Srl has been actively engaged in environmental parameters monitoring for several years. The company provides solutions for both industrial applications and most important point the possibility to set-up customized systems (www.tcrtecora.com) tailored for residential and personal use.
InPharmaTEC, a division of TCR Tecora, specializes in providing advanced equipment specifically developed for the Laboratory and Medical/Respiratory sectors.
Scientific Publication
In the field of environmental parameter monitoring under highly relevant conditions, InPharmaTEC collaborated with several international Research institutions in 2016. These included the Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares at the University of Lisbon (Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Radiation), the Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), and the Environmental Research Laboratory, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Science & Technology (Greece) and many others Public and Private Institutions.
This collaboration resulted in the Peer Reviewed publication entitled “Source Apportionment of Indoor PM10 in an Elderly Care Center” in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26758302/). The study provided valuable insights into IAQ challenges in residential care facilities (RCFs).
Results
The study analysed PM composition and identified sources contributing to elderly exposure. Two separate two-week sampling campaigns were conducted—one in early autumn and the other in winter. PM10 samples were collected using two InPharmaTEC samplers, positioned both inside the RCF’s living area and in the corresponding outdoor environment.
Chemical analysis of the PM samples was performed using:
- Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) for elemental characterization
- Ion Chromatography for water-soluble ion detection
- Thermal-Optical Analysis for organic and elemental carbon content
Statistical analyses revealed no significant seasonal or environmental differences in PM10 concentrations. The total PM10 mass accounted for 57% and 53% of the gravimetric mass measured during the warm and cold sampling campaigns, respectively. Outdoor PM10 concentrations were significantly higher during the day than at night (p < 0.05), particularly for Ca²⁺, Fe, Sb, and Zn.
Source apportionment analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the influence of nearby highways and an airport (located within 500 m of the RCF) on both indoor and outdoor air quality.
Conclusions
The study underscores the critical importance of implementing reliable and feasible environmental sampling methods. Accurate and consistent sampling is essential for establishing correlations between indoor air pollutants, such as PM, and their physiological and health effects.
Future Pespectives
To transition from a reactive to a preventive approach, the development of portable environmental samplers, would be highly beneficial. These devices should enable real-time monitoring of key environmental parameters and their association with physiological responses. Such advancements could significantly enhance public health and safety by enabling early intervention and improved air quality management.
One such device is RespirAir, which features a user-friendly interface, smartphone connectivity, ease of use, and the ability to monitor not only air quality but also vital health parameters.
InPharmaTEC is committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone—both the healthy and those in need of medical support. We strive to create innovative solutions that contribute to human well-being and a healthier future for all.
Stay tuned for updates!
