| Description: |
This report presents the main achievements of Pilot 1 in Barcelona within the European project K-HEALTHinAIR, focused on exploring the relationship between indoor air quality (IAQ) and the respiratory health of chronic patients. The pilot involved IAQ monitoring in 205 households of patients with COPD, asthma, and bronchiectasis, using low-cost sensors (LCS) to measure pollutants such as PM2.5, formaldehyde, and CO₂. Results showed that more than 50% of homes had at least one pollutant at risk levels, mainly driven by PM2.5 and strongly associated with indoor smoking. A key innovation was the development and implementation of a Hybrid Care Intervention, combining personalized risk assessment, adaptive case management, and nurse-led coordination. This strategy enabled, for the first time, an objective characterization of community-based respiratory exacerbations, offering an innovative and scalable model for clinical management. The study was extended to other urban environments (Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, a metro station, and a city market), generating valuable insights for optimizing ventilation, reducing pollutant peaks, and informing practical interventions. In addition, contributions were made to in vitro studies investigating the harmful effects of formaldehyde on lung and skin cells. Key outcomes and challenges Evidence of prevalent IAQ risk in households, mainly driven by PM2.5. Preliminary validation of low-cost sensors in clinical and urban settings. Innovation in hybrid care for respiratory patients, with potential to reduce preventable hospitalizations. Practical recommendations for improving IAQ in hospitals and public spaces. Next steps: complete cohort follow-up in 2026, integrate microbiome and VOC data, and consolidate recommendations for the clinical use of IAQ sensors. In conclusion, the Barcelona pilot demonstrates that combining environmental monitoring, digital technology, and healthcare innovation can provide powerful tools to protect respiratory health and guide future IAQ policies. |