Bringing exposome research to the classroom

LongITools partner CyNexo has introduced the exposome concept and technology developed in the project to students at a local school in Pozzuolo del Friuli (UD), Italy.

The LongITools project studies the effects of air pollution, noise pollution and the built environment and their impact on our health, with a focus on diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. One of the project’s objectives was to develop a prototype health risk assessment system to measure and monitor environmental and lifestyle factors, which could then inform researchers or clinicians of an individual’s health risks. The system includes three components: an environmental hub and remote censors developed by CyNexo, an app and database developed by Ab.Acus and an artificial intelligence risk prediction model, developed by the University of Barcelona.

Using technology to enable citizen science

CyNexo used the environmental hub and sensors as the basis for developing a carbon dioxide maker kit for use by local students. This innovative kit includes a simple electronics carrier board featuring an Arduino Nano 33 core, which detects CO₂ levels and can be easily mounted into a freely available 3D-printed shell. Students can build their own CO₂ sensors and add a creative touch by designing and decorating a cardboard lid. This hands-on project also allows them to programme the device to monitor indoor CO₂ levels in real time.

Image: Carbon dioxide maker kit developed by CyNexo

By engaging in this activity, students gain valuable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and become more aware of how air quality affects their health and cognitive performance.

The health effects of CO₂

Scientific studies show that CO₂ levels have a direct impact on concentration^1,2, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Outdoor air typically contains 400–600 parts per million (PPM) of CO₂, which is optimal for learning and productivity.

Indoor levels between 600 and 1000 ppm are still acceptable, but as CO₂ rises above 1000 PPM, it can lead to mild drowsiness and reduced focus. Between 1200 and 1500 PPM, students may experience noticeable declines in cognitive performance, attention span, and memory retention. At levels exceeding 1500 ppm, symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and significant difficulty concentrating become more common, ultimately hindering learning outcomes.

To maintain an optimal learning environment, it is crucial to keep CO₂ levels below 1000 ppm. One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this is by ensuring proper ventilation—opening windows and doors regularly to allow fresh air to circulate. This helps maintain healthy CO₂ levels but also improves energy efficiency in buildings. By allowing natural airflow, excess heat in warmer months can be dissipated, reducing the need for air conditioning, while in colder months, controlled ventilation prevents the buildup of stale air without unnecessary heat loss. As a result, classrooms can maintain a comfortable temperature while lowering heating and cooling expenses.

Empowering the next generation

By building their own CO₂ sensors, students can actively monitor and manage their indoor air quality, developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and well-being. It’s inspiring to see how the LongITools project is helping empower the next generation with the knowledge and tools to understand and tackle environmental challenges.

Image: Stefano Parusso, CyNexo, explaining the kit to students

References

¹D. A. Coley, R. Greeves, B. K. Saxby. The Effect of Low Ventilation Rates on the Cognitive Function of a Primary School Class, International Journal of Ventilation (2007), 6(2):107-112.
²N. Muscatiello et al. Classroom conditions and CO₂ concentrations and teacher health symptom reporting in 10 New York State Schools. Indoor Air (2015), 25(2):157-167.