Air Quality Regulatory of Primary Care Clinics System Designed with IoT Using the Node-RED

Abstract

Abstract The importance of air quality, particularly in indoor environments such as primary care clinics and hospitals, has gained increased recognition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indoor air quality directly affects the health of both patients and healthcare professionals, with poor air quality contributing to the spread of airborne diseases, respiratory infections, and allergic reactions. Despite the increasing need for effective air quality regulation in healthcare settings, many existing systems are costly, complex, and difficult to adapt to various healthcare facilities. This study aims to address these challenges by proposing a low-cost air monitoring and regulation system tailored for primary care clinics. The system integrates particulate matter (PM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) sensors with an IoT-based analysis system, utilizing a Raspberry Pi and an open-source Node-RED platform. The system also incorporates an ionizer and linear motor to improve air quality. Data from both indoor and outdoor air quality measurements, including air quality monitoring station data from Kağıthane, Istanbul, were used in this study. The proposed system ensures fresh air access for both patients and healthcare professionals by adjusting ventilation based on real-time air quality and temperature measurements. Furthermore, the open-source nature of the system allows users to monitor all data remotely via smartphones, tablets, or PCs, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly solution. Graphical Abstract