Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
Through CS, this study aims at linking indoor air quality (IAQ) research and public engagement, guiding households toward cleaner air and healthier habits while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, effective science communication, and evidence-based guidelines and policy recommendations.
Poster Abstract
IAQ is a key yet often neglected health determinant. Young children spend most of their time indoors, where complex chemical and biological mixtures remain poorly regulated. INQUIRE integrates environmental monitoring, toxicology, and citizen science to reduce exposures, enhance understanding, and inform policy.
Using a CS approach, cca. 200 households across six European countries participated in a pre-post one month-long exposure study, including sensor-based monitoring, dust and urine sampling, and activity logbooks. Indoor and outdoor samplers were installed in the most frequently used living space and an adjacent outdoor area, and participants completed weekly logs of household activities. Following baseline assessments, targeted interventions were implemented: (i) air purifiers (Portugal, UK), (ii) product replacement (Slovenia, Netherlands), and (iii) behavioural changes (Italy, Czech Republic, Netherlands). Measurements were repeated for one-month post-intervention and each household received an individual report of results. This approach challenged researchers to communicate results in meaningful and actionable ways for participants.
Citizen engagement extended beyond data collection. Semi-structured interviews (n=6–9 per intervention type, ongoing) and participatory evaluation workshops explored participants’ perceptions of IAQ improvements, and the meaningfulness of the interventions. Personalized feedback and interactive discussions enhanced participants' environmental health literacy.
Preliminary findings indicate that the CS approach integrated complex multi-method research with active participant engagement. By linking personalized exposure data to behavioural change, INQUIRE supports households in improving IAQ and advancing public awareness. It positions citizen science as strategic research infrastructure, engaging citizens, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and informing evidence-based policymaking for healthier homes in Europe.
Poster Session