Odour Detection System for Allergy Sufferers

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 91% of the global populace live in locations with air quality levels below WHO guidelines. Although ambient air pollution impacts both developed and developing nations, low- and middle-income nations suffer the highest consequences with the highest toll experienced in the Western Pacific and South East Asia regions. Poor air quality results in odour types ranging from chemical combustion smells to fungal smells. Fungal odour is formed due to damp indoor conditions like high humidity and temperature. This damp condition produces microscopic fungi which are allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), irritants and toxic substances referred to as mould. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause allergic reactions like sneezing, runny nose, redness of the eyes and skin rash and even respiratory complications. In this era of a global pandemic, having a general-purpose odour detection system becomes imperative. This research, therefore, aims to design and implement an odour detection system that can alert individuals or allergic sufferers to high content of toxic gases in their surroundings or homes. The study is a valuable resource for users to measure their air quality and to support those with respiratory vulnerabilities, especially in the Covid-19 environment of today.