myAQI – Rohan Variankaval

In December 2019, I navigated the bustling streets of Delhi, holding my breath to avoid a cloud of smog. My grandfather’s health was slipping away, and we sought better medical services in India’s capital. However, the metropolis that was home to superior healthcare was also imprisoned by pollution, a consequence of farmers burning crop waste due to a lack of disposal options.

The smoke from countless fields spiraled into Delhi’s air, causing an environmental health crisis. As per Times of India, this pollution shortens the average Delhiite’s lifespan by nearly a decade. Amidst this haze, thousands of students persistently attended school, their commitment to education unwavering. Students, even those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, were subjecting themselves to these toxic surroundings.

Worse yet, smog permeated through classrooms, making indoor learning environments unsafe. An absence of air conditioning and filtration systems in many schools accelerated this risk. Discussions with friends and family indicated that despite this grim scenario, the severe pollution was not being accorded priority, and school administrators were unable to address the health risks involved.

Air quality monitoring devices provided some data and statistics, yet their usage was far from widespread in Indian schools. Why was this the case?

When probed, administrators revealed that interpreting air quality data and acting on it was laborious and ineffective. They received current air quality figures, but no practical steps to counter the problem.

As someone passionate about engineering solutions, I realized I was looking at a challenge I could address. So, utilizing a PMS5003[1] particulate matter sensor and an Adafruit[2] microprocessor, I created myAQI: a small, affordable air quality monitoring device designed specifically for Indian schools.

School administrators can install a myAQI device within their premises, register via an Android app, and obtain summaries of the air quality data. The most significant feature of the app, though, is its ability to offer recommendations for appropriate action based on the prevailing air quality and trends. It also allows administrators to view separate sets of suggestions tailored for different student populations with specific respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD[3].

The process of designing myAQI was a thrilling journey. I spent countless hours communicating with school officials in the US and India, customizing the application, and overcoming unexpected glitches during prototype testing.

In December 2019, I navigated the bustling streets of Delhi, holding my breath to avoid a cloud of smog. My grandfather’s health was slipping away, and we sought better medical services in India’s capital. However, the metropolis that was home to superior healthcare was also imprisoned by pollution, a consequence of farmers burning crop waste due to a lack of disposal options.

The smoke from countless fields spiraled into Delhi’s air, causing an environmental health crisis. As per Times of India, this pollution shortens the average Delhiite’s lifespan by nearly a decade. Amidst this haze, thousands of students persistently attended school, their commitment to education unwavering. Students, even those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, were subjecting themselves to these toxic surroundings.

Worse yet, smog permeated through classrooms, making indoor learning environments unsafe. An absence of air conditioning and filtration systems in many schools accelerated this risk. Discussions with friends and family indicated that despite this grim scenario, the severe pollution was not being accorded priority, and school administrators were unable to address the health risks involved.

Air quality monitoring devices provided some data and statistics, yet their usage was far from widespread in Indian schools. Why was this the case?

When probed, administrators revealed that interpreting air quality data and acting on it was laborious and ineffective. They received current air quality figures, but no practical steps to counter the problem.

As someone passionate about engineering solutions, I realized I was looking at a challenge I could address. So, utilizing a PMS5003[1] particulate matter sensor and an Adafruit[2] microprocessor, I created myAQI: a small, affordable air quality monitoring device designed specifically for Indian schools.

School administrators can install a myAQI device within their premises, register via an Android app, and obtain summaries of the air quality data. The most significant feature of the app, though, is its ability to offer recommendations for appropriate action based on the prevailing air quality and trends. It also allows administrators to view separate sets of suggestions tailored for different student populations with specific respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and COPD[3].

The process of designing myAQI was a thrilling journey. I spent countless hours communicating with school officials in the US and India, customizing the application, and overcoming unexpected glitches during prototype testing.

This iterative process of testing and fine-tuning allowed me to improve the product continually. In collaboration with Nurture Planet, an NGO fighting air pollution in the greater Delhi area, we expanded myAQI’s reach to ten schools, impacting approximately 16,000 students across India.

Once home, the feedback started flowing in. One area of potential enhancement was the recommendation system. I consulted with Professor Farheen Bano at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow, India, to refine recommendation algorithms and customize myAQI for different medical needs.

Currently, I’m working with Nurture Planet to fund the production of additional myAQI devices. The vision is to extend the coverage throughout India, but, considering the deteriorating air quality in my home Northeastern America, I am also exploring opportunities to introduce myAQI in local schools in New Jersey.

The journey, which started on the smog-filled streets of Delhi and culminated in the creation of myAQI, has been incredibly rewarding. But it’s just the start. I envision a future where myAQI devices become commonplace in schools, securing a healthier learning environment for every student.