Indoor air quality monitoring: results of the Torricelli–Eco Research project at Ecomondo 2024

Eco Research took part in the 2024 edition of Ecomondo in Rimini as co-author of an oral contribution within the session “Indoor air: its role in the relationship between environment and health”, organized by the Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee & the Italian National Institute of Health, and moderated by Prof. Settimo (Italian National Institute of Health) and Prof. De Gennaro (University of Bari).

A selected group of fifth-year students from the E. Torricelli Scientific High School in Bolzano presented the results of their research and monitoring activities carried out over the past year, with a talk entitled “Application of the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) methodology to the monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Formaldehyde in school environments.”

In their presentation, the students reported on the monitoring of VOCs and Aldehydes within the school building, illustrating:

• the sampling method they applied;
• the rationale behind the choice of specific rooms to be tested;
• the analytical methods adopted by Eco Research to obtain the final concentrations of VOCs and Aldehydes from the collected samples;
• the potential sources of the detected pollutants;
• possible solutions to improve indoor air quality, with a focus on raising awareness among school staff and students.

The monitoring results enabled the evaluation of pollutant sources in the tested classrooms and the development of a strategy of actions aimed at improving indoor air quality, with positive effects on the attention (and health) of students, teachers, and school staff.

Eco Research promoted and supported the monitoring by providing scientific know-how, equipment, and materials. The team was responsible for classroom and laboratory training, guidance in sampling and analysis, and support in data interpretation. Participation in Ecomondo represented an excellent opportunity to present the project results to a wider audience, fostering discussion and exchange with experts in the field. The positive feedback received during the event provided valuable insights and motivation to continue the project.

Special thanks go to Prof. Modonese, chemistry teacher at the Torricelli High School, who coordinated the activities between the students and the Eco Research laboratory, and to Principal Prof.ssa Nocentini for her full support of the collaboration between the school and our research association.