Development of a smartphone-based app for determination of formaldehyde concentration indoors

Siyang Zhang, Nicholas Shapiro, Gretchen Gehrke, Jessica Castner, Zhenlei Liu, Beverly Guo, Jianshun Zhang, Sarah Haines, David Kormos, Paige Frey, Rongjun Qin, Karen C. Dannemiller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous contaminant in the indoor environment that is both a carcinogen and irritant. The goal of this project is to develop a smartphone-based app for use by citizen scientists or researchers that can be paired with low-cost colorimetric badges for detection of indoor formaldehyde. We conducted both national and geographically-targeted surveys prior to app design. We have subsequently developed the app and conducted a beta test. Surveys of 147 individuals indicated broad public interest in formaldehyde testing using smartphone technology. Testing of the badges indicated consistent change in illumination with increasing formaldehyde exposure. Beta testing indicated users were able to navigate the existing app, and highlighted areas for improvement including incorporation of public surveys. Planned future analysis includes extensive calibration testing and a community-based field test.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Electronic)9781713826514
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: Jul 22 2018Jul 27 2018

Publication series

Name15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018

Conference

Conference15th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period07/22/1807/27/18

Funding

Funding was provided by National Science Foundation (NSF) grant 1645048. Content has not been reviewed by NSF. We also thank our industry collaborator, Morphix Technologies, and the community scientists who have contributed to the project.

FundersFunder number
Morphix Technologies
National Science Foundation1645048

    Keywords

    • App
    • Citizen science
    • Colorimetric
    • Detection
    • Sensor

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