Dyson and National Geographic collaborated to draw attention to air pollution in Istanbul. With Dyson’s air pollution measurement equipment, Dyson Backpack, the air pollution exposure on the streets of Istanbul during the day was measured.
Using the sensing technology from Dyson air purifiers, the Dyson Backpack can be described as a portable air pollution meter that collects air pollution data on the go. With its projects around the world, Dyson aims to use the Dyson Backpack to actively reduce people’s exposure to air pollution and to raise awareness about air quality at a global level.
Meteorologist Bünyamin Sürmeli, known as the Man Sniffing the Air, took the taxi and the subway by wearing his Dyson Backpack with his backpack. He walked through the crowded streets and went to cafes. Dyson engineers analyzed weather sensor and GPS data from the Dyson Backpack.
Research results; It shows that activities such as entering crowded environments, walking on busy streets, walking around public transport and traveling by car cause a spike in pollutants such as PM2.5, VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide).
It was determined that the rate of PM2.5 that Sürmeli was exposed to while standing by the roadside was 47 times higher than the average daily data, while this data increased by more than 4400 percent when he got off the train. It was determined that he was also exposed to PM2.5 pollution while taking a taxi and waiting at the metro station. In addition to car tires, brake wear and dust from the road, PM2.5; train exhaust can also cause it. This pollutant has also been seen when passing through an area where people smoke, as the cigarette is released from the combustion process.
It has been observed that it is exposed to general pollution indoors as well as outdoors. Data collected by Bünyamin, who works in a plaza on his way to his office, showed an increase in VOCs emitted from cleaning products from nearby fast-food stalls. Similar results were seen when she went to a cafe. The VOC levels turned out to be 16 times the average daily levels. While cleaning at home, PM2.5, which can be caused by particles flying in the air and creating dust, was also detected.
What are Dyson’s recommendations?
Dyson Air Quality Data Scientist Scott Lowther made the following recommendations for avoiding air pollution:
“Spending less time in polluted environments can help reduce exposure to air pollution. While ventilating an area if the air outside is clean can help replace the polluted air with a cleaner alternative; A household air purifier can spread cleaner air around a room. Opting for more natural cleaning or personal care products with fewer chemicals and avoiding spray-on products can also help reduce pollution.” said.
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