A design-driven solution aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action to improve air quality. By helping individuals understand their impact on the environment, this initiative empowers them to make informed choices that benefit both their health and the world around them.
Turning Invisible Threats into Visible Insights.
SustainAir
Specialization Project
99% of global population breathe air exceeds WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants.
8+ MILLION
early deaths are attributable to air pollution each year
$8.1 TRILLION
in global health damages annually
45%
GLOBAL Warming
are caused by Short Lived Climate Pollutants
Air pollution is rising, yet many remain unaware of its dangers, real-time levels, and how to take action.
What is
Air pollution?
Air pollution is the contamination of our surroundings by harmful agents, altering the air we breathe and impacting health and the environment.
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Carbon Dioxide
Other Gases
What air Should it contain
What air Should it not contain
Sulphur dioxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Ozone
PM10
Fine Dust PM2.5
Benzene
The Concentration of these particles, along with pollutants dictates the Air Quality.
What are
Air pollutants?
Air pollutants are harmful substance or matter that enters the air and can harm humans, animals, plants, or materials.
AQI
Air Quality Index
Used by government agencies to communicate the quality of air to the public.
AQI is calculated using five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act
Two measures of particulate
matter are commonly used
< 10
Microns
< 2.5
Microns
Particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter are considered the most dangerous
The AQI Scale runs from 0 to 500
0
200
100
300
400
500
PM2.5
Good
0-90
Moderate
91-35.4
Unhealthy
55.5-125.4
Very
Unhealthy
125.5-225.4
Hazardous
225.5
Unhealthy
for sensitive people
35.5-55.4
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little to no risk.
General public and sensitive individuals in particular are at risk to experience irritation and respiratory problems.
General public will be noticeably affected. sensitive groups should restrict outdoor activities.
Sensitive individuals should avoid outdoor activity as they may experience respiratory symptoms.
Increased likelihood of adverse effects and aggravation to the heart and lungs among general public.
General Public at high risk of experiencing strong irritation and adverse health effects. should avoid outdoor activities.
Who are affected most?
Everyone can be affected by air pollution especially when exposed over prolonged periods of time. However, some groups of people may be more susceptible than others in regards to exposure to air pollution.
Vulnerable
✦ Those in proximity to urban industrial emissions, heavy traffic, wildfires, seasonal agricultural burning, or indoor burning of solid fuels for cooking or heating.
Susceptible
✦ Children under 5
✦ Adults over 60
✦ Socioeconomically disadvantaged minority groups
✦ Individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, pulmonary disease, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Both
✦ A 65+ adult belonging to an ethnic minority group living in an inner-city would be both susceptible and vulnerable, and therefore at a particularly
Impact on Health
Poor lung function
Developmental
disorder
Cardiovascular diseases
Stroke
Respiratory illness
Impact on Economy
Trillion in annual global health costs
$8.1
Every $1 spent on air pollution control yields an estimated $30 in economic benefits.
$1
Reduction in global GDP
6.1%
Billion work days lost globally each year
1.2
Impact on Environment
The consequences of poor air quality for the environment and the effects of air pollution on human health are massive. Fine dust pollutants in the air can trigger or exacerbate allergies and respiratory diseases, and even cause organ damage and heart disease.
3-16%
Global crop yield losses of between
85%
Short Lived Climate Pollutants are responsible for 45% of current global temperature increases.
45%
85% of all global air pollution comes from burning fossil fuels and biomass.
Problem Statement
Air pollution is a silent threat, yet those most exposed know the least. Without real-time data or simple solutions, awareness remains out of reach. It’s time to make the invisible, visible—and turn knowledge into action.
How
Might
We
Create a system that educates and empowers Individuals to improve air quality through practical, actionable steps while bridging the awareness gap
Why Awareness Matters?
Air pollution isn’t just a single source—it’s millions of tiny contributors. The only way to prevent it is to reduce them, one by one.
Initiative taken
We expand the availability of local air quality data through the use of innovative new technologies and research.
We engage local communities to build public support for bold air quality action.
We provide technical assistance to identify, develop and implement bold clean air solutions.
Breathe Cities is an initiative delivered by Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies. We support cities around the world to cut their air pollution and climate emissions.
We expand We share learnings across cities
to scale best practices and inspire.
A philanthropic initiative tackling global air pollution. Works with governments, funders, businesses and campaigners to deliver clean air for all as fast as possible.
Galvanising women-led activism for clean air in Bulgaria
Wearable air sensors enable communities to advocate for clean air
Challenging public perceptions and reforming government programmes in Poland
Helping cities in the global south to strengthen air quality forecasting and management
Stakeholders
Comparative Analysis
Existing Air Quality and Environmental Impact Apps
Analyzing these existing solutions helps identify best practices in user experience, feature design, real-time air quality monitoring, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote sustainable practices and engagement techniques such as gamification and community involvement.
Key Insights
Existing Dashboard solutions
In Delhi, India, air quality display boards are commonly installed at various public spaces, such as metro stations, markets, and main roads, to raise awareness about the pollution levels.
Lack of Interactivity: Most displays are static and do not engage the audience, offering only basic data without further context or actionable advice.
Limited Reach: While they inform the public, these displays are often situated in high-traffic areas, making it difficult for the broader population, especially those in residential or less frequented areas, to access timely information.
Absence of Personalization: These displays offer generalized information without tailoring solutions or suggestions for individual behavior, leaving people unaware of the specific actions they can take to protect their health.
Village Green Project: Engaging Communities in Air Pollution Awareness
The EPA's Village Green Project features eight monitoring stations across the villages. that collect real-time air quality and meteorological data. These stations, designed as park benches, provide minute-to-minute air quality data, accessible through a mobile-friendly website. The project raises public awareness by delivering real-time information and health-related recommendations to encourage behavior modification during high-pollution episodes.
Primary Research
IIT, Hyderabad Campus
Loose dust on roads contributes to pollution as vehicle movement and wind disperse fine particles into the air, increasing particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which harms respiratory health and reduces air quality.
Road construction generates pollution through dust, debris, and emissions from heavy machinery. These activities release particulate matter and pollutants into the air, impacting respiratory health and contributing to poor air quality.
Unmaintained vehicles emit excessive pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons due to poor engine performance, inefficient fuel combustion, and faulty exhaust systems, worsening air quality and public health.
Restaurant exhaust and outdoor cooking release smoke, grease, and pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to air pollution and harming respiratory health.
Farm fires release large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases, contributing to smog, poor air quality, and severe health and environmental impacts.
In Campus Survey
I surveyed 50 people across the campus, gathering insights on their awareness, health concerns, and opinions about air quality. This feedback highlighted knowledge gaps and the need for actionable information displays.
Bad
Good
Neutral
How do you feel about air quality in the campus?
Maybe
Yes
No
Have you experienced any health issues that could be linked to air quality on campus?
Depends
Yes
No
Would you participate in sustainability initiatives such as cycling, carpooling, or tree-planting?
Yes
Depend
No
Would you like access to real-time air quality updates on campus?
A Workforce at Risk
While designing an interactive air quality awareness system, we realized something troubling: the people most exposed to pollution— Blue Collar Workers (construction workers, factory laborers, street vendors, and delivery riders)—knew the least about its dangers. Unlike office workers with access to air purifiers and pollution alerts, they work in the open, unprotected, and uninformed.
Hence Our project took a turn
By 2030, it is anticipated that 70% of the 90 million new jobs in India will be in blue-collar roles.
India's blue-collar workforce is a vital component of the nation's economy, encompassing a wide range of occupations such as construction workers, electricians, plumbers, factory laborers, and agricultural laborers.
586
million
workers in 2023
5
million
Organized sector employment
90%-95%
Unorganized Sector Employment
41.49%
Agricultural Employment
Blue-collar workers face heightened risks from air pollution due to prolonged exposure, limited protective measures, and lack of awareness.
Occupational Exposure
Many work in outdoor or industrial environments with high levels of pollutants like dust, particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic gases.
Health Consequences
Prolonged exposure leads to respiratory problems (asthma, COPD), cardiovascular issues, and even reduced lung function.
Lack of Awareness
They often lack knowledge about air pollution's impact on health, preventing them from taking protective measures like using masks or monitoring air quality.
Limited Access to Healthcare
Many, especially in the unorganized sector, lack access to regular healthcare or insurance, exacerbating the impact of pollution-related illnesses.
Primary Research Interviews
"The air inside the campus feels much cleaner, but outside the gates, it’s a different story."
"I’ve started wearing a mask, but I don’t know if it’s enough to protect me or my son."
Shrilakshmi
Age: 40
Occupation: Security Guard
Location: IIT,H Campus
A caring mother and security guard at IIT Hyderabad with a son suffering from asthma.
Challenges: Balancing her family’s health needs while being exposed to pollution.
"I use Google to read about things, but most of the good material is in English, and I can’t read it."
“It’s not a one-man job. Everyone needs to play their part, especially the government.”
Ajay
Age: 29
Occupation: Tea Stall Vendor
Location: IIT,H Campus
A tea stall vendor with knowledge of air pollution, still likes to learn about the world around him.
Challenges: Struggles with limited access to educational resources and understanding environmental policies.
Rajesh
Age: 32
Occupation: Bus Driver
Location: IIT,H Campus
Rajesh works as a bus driver at IIT Hyderabad, navigating through the campus and outside.
Challenges: Limited awareness of how pollution impacts health in densely populated areas. Struggles to manage long hours exposed to traffic-related pollution. Absence of protective measures worsens respiratory issues.
“Every year, I had to get my truck checked by the authorities to ensure it wasn’t emitting too much smoke”
Uses a handkerchief or mask occasionally when the air feels heavy.
Kamala
Age: 45
Occupation: Security Guard
Location: IIT,H Campus
Kamala is a hardworking security guard at IIT Hyderabad,Uses a handkerchief or mask occasionally when the air feels heavy due to highway traffic
Challenges: low awareness about the long-term health risks of air pollution, difficulty breathing in polluted environments causing discomfort, and limited understanding of air pollution’s health impacts, along with inadequate tools to manage exposure.
"The traffic is terrible, and you can feel the pollution the moment you step out."
Lalita
Age: 35
Occupation: Mess Worker
Location: IITH, campus
Lalita is a dedicated canteen worker at IIT Hyderabad, spending long hours in indoor and semi-enclosed spaces where poor air quality impacts her daily life.
Challenges: Poor awareness of indoor air quality and limited resources to improve it.Exposure to cooking fumes and odors, affecting health and well-being.
Struggles to balance personal health with a work environment.
Occasionally feels discomfort due to cooking fumes or odors.
Sunil
Age: 37
Occupation: Construction Worker
Location: IIT,H Campus
Sunil is a construction worker at IIT Hyderabad, spending much of his time outdoors and exposed to high levels of dust and pollutants.
Challenges: High exposure to dust and pollutants on-site, leading to respiratory issues. Limited access to environmental safety.
Faces high exposure to dust and pollutants on-site
Awareness Gap
Insights
Think
Say
Feel
Do
Affinity Mapping
Proposed solution
The project proposes the design and installation of interactive air quality tracking dashboards at strategic locations. By combining education with actionable insights, the solution aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions and collectively contribute to improved air quality on campus.
Capture a photo of your surroundings to identify potential air-polluting factors nearby. The app uses AI to analyze the image and provide insights into possible contributors like construction dust, traffic, or waste burning.
An interactive map displays real-time air quality data in your area. It highlights zones with varying AQI levels and alerts users about nearby hotspots of pollution.
A dedicated space to share thoughts, discuss air quality concerns, and stay updated with the latest news and expert tips. Users can also report any air-polluting activities, encouraging community-driven action.
Real-Time Sync
The dashboard and mobile app will share live AQI, PM2.5, PM10, and other pollutant levels.
Personalized Health Tips
Based on exposure levels, users get customized suggestions to protect themselves.
Location-Based Insights
The app will provide air quality data specific to different areas within the campus or city.
Usability Testing
To ensure effectiveness, we conducted usability testing with blue-collar workers across key locations. Participants interacted with the air quality mobile app prototype, testing readability, ease of use, and engagement.
Easily understood the air quality status and liked the health advice.
Appreciated the simplicity and clear warnings about bad air quality.
Found the AQI and health tips helpful. Appreciated identifying pollution sources but faced difficulty understanding some of the suggestions provided.
Air quality awareness is not just about data—it’s about empowerment, protection, and action. By making pollution visible and knowledge accessible, this project bridges the gap between information and impact, ensuring that those most affected are no longer the least informed.