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ABSTRACT

Few studies have investigated human exposure to indoor air pollutants during sleep even though humans spend about a third of the day asleep in the same environment. In this study, we use consumer-grade sensors to measure key indoor air pollutants and use carbon dioxide to estimate ventilation rates so that we can better understand the human sleep microenvironment. We developed a sensing platform capable of measuring light levels, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The device was distributed to 29 university students living in Texas from early June to early September 2020. Data were collected continuously at 1-minute intervals in their bedroom environments. Participants were also provided a wristband to be worn at all times. The wristband was used to determine when participants were asleep which allowed us to limit the data analysis to truly sleeping times and exposure. A survey administered at the beginning of the study period provided insight into the home environment including questions regarding roommates, pets, cooking habits, air filter use, etc. which provides context to the collected data.