Wirral's indoor air quality study

We spend 90% of our time indoors. Wirral Council and Liverpool John Moores University are carrying out a new study on indoor air quality in homes in Wirral.

We want to understand what air quality is like inside our homes and, where necessary, provide handy hints and tips, to improve it.

Who is involved in the study?

Liverpool John Moores University is carrying out the study, supported by officers from Wirral Council. We are asking several householders to join the study which involves plugging in a smart digital sensor to monitor the air quality in their homes.  

What do participants have to do?

  • participants will be asked to plug in a smart digital sensor. This sensor is small and silent. It has no camera and does not record sound. It is cheap to run, costing approximately 80p per month
  • for the first 2 weeks, the monitor checks your usual air levels
  • you don’t need to do anything during this time. You will get an app or leaflet with easy tips to make your air better
  • these tips are simple things like opening windows, avoiding sprays or improving ventilation

Your participation timeline

Day 1: Monitor installation

A member of the project team will visit your home to:

  • install the indoor air quality monitor
  • explain the study and answer any questions
  • begin air quality monitoring in your home

You will also receive a £25 voucher.

3 to 4 weeks after installation

A member of the project team will contact you for an informal discussion about the air quality readings in your home. You will also be given access to a mobile app that allows you to:

  • view indoor air quality data in real time
  • monitor pollutant levels in your home
  • take action if pollutant levels become elevated

4 to 6 months after installation

A member of the project team will arrange a short discussion with you, either by telephone or in person. The discussion will help us understand factors that may influence indoor air quality, including:

  • ventilation arrangements
  • cooking methods and fuel use
  • home heating systems
  • property characteristics

6 to 9 months after installation

Some participants will be invited to take part in a further discussion, either by telephone or in person.

This discussion will explore:

  • any challenges experienced in improving indoor air quality
  • decisions made within the home that may affect air quality, comfort or energy use
  • any barriers to making changes

Please note that only a selection of households will be invited.

12 to 14 months after installation

The study concludes.

  • The indoor air quality monitor will be removed by a member of the project team.

Your participation in the study will end.

What does the device measure?

  • temperature and humidity: cold temperatures and too much humidity can lead to mould growth, which can cause breathing problems
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Too much CO2 can cause symptoms such as drowsiness and headaches
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Tiny dust particles that you can breathe in and could affect your heart and lungs etc
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Invisible chemical gases from household products that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat
  • it cannot detect other specific pollutants such as cannabis smoke

Is the smart digital monitor safe to use?

  • yes! The monitor only checks air quality
  • your information is protected under UK data protection laws (GDPR)
  • no one can see or hear inside your home

GDPR and Data Protection

This research is conducted strictly under UK data protection laws and is GDPR compliant.

The device sends air quality readings to a secure, university-approved system.  Your location is not identified, and no sound or video recordings are made. 

 What are the benefits to joining the study?

  • hints and tips to help improve the quality of air in your home
  • real-time information about your indoor air
  • a £25 shopping voucher for participating in the study

Who owns the device?

The equipment remains the property of Liverpool John Moores University and is loaned to you for the duration of the study. Once the study concludes, we will arrange a convenient time to collect the devices from you.

How long will the study last?

The monitors will be in place for approximately 12 months. We will contact you at the end of the term to manage the equipment return.

Can I withdraw from the study?

Yes. Participation is voluntary. You may withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. Upon withdrawal, we will stop data collection and, where possible, delete previously recorded data at your request.

Join the study

If you would like to apply to join the study, please complete the Indoor Air Quality Study form below:

Apply to join

Need further information?

You can contact the following people via email if you require additional information:

Page updated 11 June 2026