Wearable Sensor-Based Monitoring of Environmental Exposures and the Associated Health Effects: A Review

Abstract

Recent advances in sensor technology have facilitated the development and use of personalized sensors in monitoring environmental factors and the associated health effects. No studies have reviewed the research advancement in examining population-based health responses to environmental exposure via portable sensors/instruments. This study aims to review studies that use portable sensors to measure environmental factors and health responses while exploring the environmental effects on health. With a thorough literature review using two major English databases (Web of Science and PubMed), 24 eligible studies were included and analyzed out of 16,751 total records. The 24 studies include 5 on physical factors, 19 on chemical factors, and none on biological factors. The results show that particles were the most considered environmental factor among all of the physical, chemical, and biological factors, followed by total volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. Heart rate and heart rate variability were the most considered health indicators among all cardiopulmonary outcomes, followed by respiratory function. The studies mostly had a sample size of fewer than 100 participants and a study period of less than a week due to the challenges in accessing low-cost, small, and light wearable sensors. This review guides future sensor-based environmental health studies on project design and sensor selection.

Implementation of Kalman filter algorithm to optimize the calculation of ultrasonic sensor distance value in Hooke law props system

“…Papers [27][28][29][30][31] define the Kalman filter algorithm as a recursive mathematical method used to generate an estimate or approximation of a variable based on a series of measurements that are imperfect or disturbed by noise. In various applications, sensors such as paper [27] applied in healthcare and engineering [28] are used to estimate parameter values (states) such as distance parameters as a result of ultrasonic sensor output.…”

“…In addition, the paper [30] describes the use of portable sensor technology to monitor environmental factors and the effects of health problems affected by measurement system design. Distance parameters are discrete, from one point to a certain point and constants can affect the values of fluctuating and dynamic distance states listed in the paper, resulting in uncertainty in measurements [29]. In the papers [27][28][29][30][31] the application of control systems using sensors has been applied in various fields, but in this study, it was only applied to a limited scope for the benefit of physics education.…”

Study of the Suitability of a Personal Exposure Monitor to Assess Air Quality

“…Studies of this type are, however, often limited by a lack of understanding of personal exposure to poor quality air [4].…”

Advancements in Airborne Viral Nucleic Acid Detection with Wearable Devices

“…Exposure to environmental stressors like air and noise pollution can significantly increase an individual's risk of developing illness. [ 10 ] For example, extended exposure to airborne particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM 2.5 ) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, [ 11 ] lung cancer, [ 12 ] and diabetes. [ 13 ] The burden of airborne pollution on mortality is even estimated to be higher than acquired immunodefiency syndrome, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.…”