A transdisciplinary team of AMBER and CRANN researchers from the School of Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC) and the School of Physics at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has developed sensor technology for wearable air quality monitors that alert individuals of their exposure to hazardous gases.

Poor air quality can significantly impact health, ecosystems, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good air quality for the well-being of humans, the environment, and economic prosperity. One hazardous gas that seriously threatens health is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO2 is released into the atmosphere through fuel combustion, industrial emissions, gas cooking, and other sources.

NO2 poses serious risks to human health, leading to short-term symptoms such as breathing difficulties and long-term respiratory issues with prolonged exposure. Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Commission, have established exposure limits for NO2 to address these health concerns.