Indoor air pollution (IAP) has been a rising concern for populations in developed and developing nations over the decades. Indoor air quality significantly influences people’s general health and well-being since they spend most of their time inside, whether at home or work. According to health statistics, about 95% of the world’s population suffers from one or more acute or chronic health concerns, making maintaining an active lifestyle difficult. Unfortunately, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases have become the primary concerns of the general public. Furthermore, most of this healthcare burden is driven by poor indoor air quality and repeated exposure to dangerous pollutant concentration levels. Pollution-related health problems can contribute to increased absenteeism and lost productivity worldwide.

Several researchers have made significant breakthroughs in air quality control to help building occupants live in healthy environments. These efforts have resulted in several breakthroughs in the development of smart environments. The active involvement of emerging technologies in this problem domain is expected to reduce pollution exposure and healthcare expenditures. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)-based intelligent building management systems can assist with real-time monitoring of pollutants that cause poor indoor air quality (IAQ). These smart environmental monitoring systems can send out rapid notifications to occupants and automate ventilation as necessary. Furthermore, artificial intelligence AI-based models can aid in the timely forecasting of changing pollutant concentration levels, allowing building occupants to take necessary precautions to prevent harmful exposure. The unique mix of new technologies for IAQ management and evaluation in smart environments provides for immediate feedback and response. However, there are several obstacles to overcome in establishing intelligent environmental management solutions for commercial and residential buildings.

This book explores the IAQ problem domain while also highlighting the field’s potential challenges, gaps, and opportunities. As the title suggests, it allows for assessing indoor air quality in smart environments using emerging technologies. The chapters in this book were written by various field experts from different corners of the world, and they address significant elements of IAQ management. The following is the outline of the book:

Chapter 1 explores the definition, current state of the art, and IoT/AI applications in the subject of indoor air quality. The authors cover IAQ management issues such as regulation, current measurement methodologies, and the possible integration of IoT and AI for indoor environment management. The book also describes how emerging technologies can promise outstanding returns to the communities in enhanced public health and well-being.

Chapter 2 focuses on the indoor environmental sensing technologies for occupant health and comfort. The research aims to provide an in-depth systematic review of various sensing technologies pertaining to indoor air quality, thermal conditions, acoustic comfort, odour, illumination, and vibrational disturbances. The chapter identified four potential research gaps in the problem domain, including cost-effectiveness, data interface and privacy, sensor range and positioning, subjective interactions and occupant expectations.

Chapter 3 summarizes the computational aids, automated solutions, and machine learning-based methods to smart environmental management. The main goal of this study is to critically analyze the available technologies based on IoT, cloud computing, and fuzzy logic controllers to forecast IAQ levels. The authors explored a variety of sensors in the context of IAQ, including metal oxide semiconductors, electrochemical cells, and infrared modules.

Chapter 4 presented an experimental analysis and risk assessment for real-time IAQ monitoring based on Zigbee-based wireless smart devices. Using Xbee wireless transmission modules, a microcontroller board, and low-cost IAQ sensors, the author designed an IoT-based portable device. Several important IAQ metrics, such as PM_2.5, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃, were used to evaluate the system’s performance.

Chapter 5 provided a review in the context of IAQ while focusing on the observations made from green and smart hospitals. This chapter aims to determine the role of emerging technologies in creating a healthy indoor environment at green hospitals. This approach has the potential to encourage the development of green buildings in a variety of sectors, hence improving occupant comfort and well-being.

Chapter 6 performs an evaluation of Nano building products for reducing health risks in smart IAQ management. The authors in this chapter examined the potential effects of nanomaterials in sustainable building design and user health. This research sheds light on the need for appropriate nanomaterial selection for healthy building environments.

Chapter 7 describes the optimization options for household ventilation using an improved cookstove to enhance IAQ levels and public health. The authors reviewed several existing studies to gather scientific evidence in relation to the use of improved cookstoves to reduce the exposure of degraded air pollution levels for the building occupants.

We hope that the chapters included in this book will provide deep insights into the IAQ evaluation, management, and assessment using potential technologies. This book will work as a source of knowledge and information for upcoming researchers, field experts, policymakers, public health experts, and government agencies enhancing building air quality at different levels. It will also guide building occupants to take necessary measures to handle the built environment and ventilation arrangements.

This book would not have been accomplished without the contributions of the exceptional authors, professional reviewers, and IOS Press’s supporting editorial staff. We congratulate all the contributors for their valuable efforts in submitting articles and presenting potential findings to the scientific world. Furthermore, we thank the reviewers for their timely evaluation, comments, feedback, and recommendations on submitted chapters. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude towards Dr. Juan Carlos Augusto, the book series editor, for his consistent and unwavering support throughout this journey.

Chandigarh, India, Jagriti Saini

Chandigarh, India, Maitreyee Dutta

Coimbra, Portugal, Gonçalo Marques

Melbourne, Australia, Malka N. Halgamuge