The mini air quality sensor installed in the volunteers. – Atmo
- In Hauts-de-France and border Belgium, 150 families take part in the Aéro aventure.
- This is an experiment aimed at evaluating the air quality inside dwellings.
- A microsensor is installed in the volunteers and analyzes in real time the various pollutants present in the air.
We pollute without appearing to be. Since the beginning of April, 150 families from Hauts-de-France and the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia, have participated in the Aéro aventure, part of the
TransfAIR cross-border project. This experiment, led on the French side by Atmo, aims to involve citizens in the assessment of the air quality inside their homes. Halfway through, two families from the Lille metropolitan area, already aware of environmental issues, admit having had a few surprises.
The Aéro aventure is an experience that will last until the end of July during which volunteer citizens will have to assess the quality of the air in their homes. To do this, they have a microsensor connected to an application which will analyze the composition of the air in real time. “This is not a scientific experiment, the data is not collected for analysis,” explains Céline Derosiaux from Atmo Hauts-de-France. The idea is rather to involve citizens in the self-assessment of air quality according to their lifestyle. “We are aiming to raise awareness in order to encourage them to then identify actions to modify behavior,” she continues.
The sensor brings certainty where there was doubt
Within the Delannoye family, in Wattrelos, we do not laugh with the environment. Parents and children regularly participate in actions for the planet, such as the zero waste challenge, and are very keen on the issue of pollution: “I was not worried about the air quality at home but rather curious about take part in this adventure, ”says Emilie, the mother. And despite everything, the family was surprised: “We saw the difference, for example, when we cook with or without turning on the hood. Or simply the fact of lighting a candle which instantly degrades the quality of the air nearby, ”she is surprised.
These simple everyday gestures, Emilie suspected that they had an impact on air pollution. Today, she has proof of that. “The fact that they see it for themselves is important. It does not feel the same way as if it is a scientist who assures you that your habits are bad, ”insists Céline Derosiaux. Suddenly, the Delannoye family proselytizes with those close to them: “Even my 8-year-old realizes that certain behaviors are bad for the air, such as the fact that her grandparents smoke,” says Emilie.
No radical changes but small gestures
In Lille, the Parys family arrived in the Aero Adventure thanks to the young 8-year-old son, very attracted to the scientific field. “I was a little aware of these questions before, but even more since my son took an interest in them”, recognizes Magalie, the mother. In these Lille residents too, the air quality was good, at least initially: “Thanks to the sensor, we discovered that the air quality had deteriorated for a week when we had to change the boiler” , says the mother.
This famous “perception” of air quality becomes concrete through the measurements of the sensor: “We have not radically changed our habits, believes Magalie. But it is true that I ventilate a little more when I see the small gauge climbing ”. Small gestures that, on a large scale, could change everything.