What Uses of Connected Mobile Microsensors of Air Pollution in the General and Vulnerable Populations? |Biomedgrid

This review article summarizes the potential uses of mobile microsensors by the public and some vulnerable populations. Firstly, use of such sensors could help promote individual behaviors aimed at limiting exposures and the generation of air pollutants. However, access to the best information, if taken alone, does not necessarily translate into a change in individual behavior. Knowledge can promote changes in behavior when there are measures available that can be implemented and if the benefits of the actions can be verified in the short run and if they are combined with coaching by scientific or medical experts. Secondly, the use of mobile sensors could promote collective behavior and influence public policies that promote air quality. Nowadays, information intended for the public is only provided through media outlets during periods of elevated air pollution and consists of restrictive advice that are not specifically relevant for at-risk groups. Mobile microsensor users could establish forums and share information regarding air quality. Thirdly, the use of mobile microsensors is likely to provide more accurate estimations of exposure in epidemiological studies and increase the density of the air quality monitoring network.