Honeywell has announced a user-friendly monitor that alerts users when indoor air conditions may present an increased risk of transmitting airborne viruses in schools, restaurants and other spaces.

The portable device measures carbon dioxide and has a proprietary risk alerting system based on user-selected activity levels within a room. This helps them be aware of when to improve indoor air quality proactively, which, according to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, can help reduce the spread of certain diseases and decrease the risk of exposure among building occupants.

The monitor incorporates a proprietary algorithm developed by Honeywell based on research conducted at the University of Colorado on the influence of aerosols on the transmission risks of airborne viruses. Users are alerted when conditions are present that indicate a certain air risk factor level is reached so they can increase ventilation with outdoor air and/or improve air filtration, which the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends as important components of a larger strategy for indoor air quality.

“The importance of indoor air quality isn’t going to go away once we have the pandemic behind us,” said Mary Furto, chief marketing officer of Honeywell’s gas analysis and safety business. “People are more aware of and cognisant to the potential impact that indoor air quality can have on well-being and productivity. Our monitor provides an efficient and simple way for users to be alerted if their indoor spaces present increased risk factors by analysing breathable air. This can enable users to understand when to take appropriate actions such as increasing ventilation in a room.”

Honeywell’s monitor uses CO₂, temperature and humidity sensors and offers three pre-programmed activity level settings. A green, yellow or red light alerts users about the potential for increased indoor air risk factors. It incorporates an easy-to-read digital display and a rechargeable battery, and is Bluetooth and wifi-enabled to allow for connectivity between the device and its mobile application and online dashboard.

Depending on the number of devices an individual or organisation uses, different user experiences monitor certain indoor air risk factors. For schoolteachers or small business owners who use one or a few monitors, they are encouraged to use the transmission risk air monitor application from a mobile device. For organisations with several monitors, such as schools or school districts, they can access an online dashboard to monitor certain indoor air risk factors across devices from one central location.

Scientific evidence suggests using air monitors to measure indoor environmental air can be an efficient method to assess the potential risk and exposure to airborne viruses, which can fluctuate based on CO₂ concentration levels and how active people are in a space.

“Our research has shown a close correlation between the likelihood of transmitting airborne viruses and increased carbon dioxide levels,” said Jose-Luis Jimenez, professor of chemistry at the University of Colorado-Boulder. “Effective monitoring can indicate that fresh air is sufficient and circulating properly in an enclosed space. Our recommendation is to display a real-time carbon dioxide monitor in all public indoor spaces so people can learn quickly what environments are safer or less safe for a given activity. Going forward these monitors can be useful as a metric of indoor air quality to indicate when conditions could present an increased risk of exposure to airborne viruses.”

In addition to reducing risk of exposure to airborne viruses, indoor air quality adjustments can be beneficial for student health and academic performance. While adverse effects have been reported for elevated levels of CO₂ in classrooms, studies have shown that increasing ventilation can help students with decision-making, attention, concentration and memory.

The monitor analyses specific air quality conditions and alerts the user when conditions are present that may increase the risk of exposure to airborne viral transmission. It does not prevent or reduce virus transmission nor mitigate viruses that may be present, nor does it detect or warn against the presence of any virus, including Covid-19. It does not repel or destroy any microorganism, viruses, bacteria or germs.