On 8 June 2026 in Brussels, EFA joined the SynAir-G third workshop "Smart Synergies for Action: Connecting Data, Patients and Policy on Indoor Air Quality." The workshop brought together scientists, patient advocates and policymakers around one shared goal: making indoor air quality data work for children's health.
From sensors to solutions: what the data tells us
The findings from SynAir-G are significant. The project has deployed 98 sensors across 25 classrooms in Finland, France, Georgia, Greece and the UK, collecting environmental, socio-economic and health data to build one of the most comprehensive pictures of indoor air quality in European schools to date.
Pollutant concentrations indoors vary with activity. For example, an art class produces a very different air profile than a language lesson. Aeroallergen exposure is higher than previously measured, even for children who spend most of their time inside. As Thanos Damialis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) highlighted, we are exposed to higher aeroallergen levels than previously thought, even when living and working predominantly indoors.
At the heart of the project is the SynAir-G Data Explorer Dashboard, presented by Pantelis Tzamalis (University of Patras). The dashboard connects environmental data directly to health outcomes in over 1,100 children, tracking asthma, allergies and atopic eczema every three months across five clinical centres. Maria Kritikou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) added that the study goes beyond data collection. Green interventions to improve indoor air quality are already being tested in schools, with children actively involved in looking after living green walls.
Managing this volume and complexity remains a challenge. Gerasimos Kouloumbis (INLECOM) explained how the data catalogue tracks everything from environmental sensors to health devices worn by children. Nikolas Kyriakou (Cyric) outlined how the data management flow ensures open access, while Spyros Pandis (University of Patras) stressed that all chemical data will be made publicly available, accompanied by clear summaries to make it accessible beyond the scientific community.
The patient and carer voice: where data meets daily reality
The patient panel, moderated by Valeria Ramiconi (EFA), put the human reality behind the data front and centre.
EFA member Špela Novak, Founder and President of Društvo Atopijski dermatitis (Slovenia), spoke to the reality families face every day. "Small children cannot tell you the air feels wrong. 56% of schools in my country are near a main road. We need to connect the science to the daily reality of families and schools so that policymakers understand what is at stake."
EFA member Mikaela Odemyr, President of the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association and former EFA President, whose son has severe asthma and allergies, described years of adjusting temperatures, changing schools and piecing together answers that were never offered to her. "You are a mother, a patient advocate and a detective trying to understand what triggers the reactions." Her message on data was clear: patient organisations like EFA are essential to spreading this knowledge, and investment in healthier schools is an investment in the future. Valeria Ramiconi called for better access to data and information: "The next step is ensuring data reaches patients, families and the people who can act on it."
Working together for healthier schools across Europe
Nikolaos Papadopoulos (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, SynAir-G Coordinator) wrapped up the day with a call for continued collaboration: "We need to work together for change and stay connected."
Thank you to all speakers for a rich and productive day: Nikolaos Papadopoulos, Gerasimos Kouloumbis, Pantelis Tzamalis, Nikolas Kyriakou, Spyros Pandis, Thanos Damialis, Maria Kritikou, Špela Novak and Mikaela Odemyr, and to moderator Valeria Ramiconi. And a big thank you to the IDEAL Cluster projects working towards healthier indoor environments for children: EDIAQI, INQUIRE, InChildHealth, TWINAIR, LEARN, KHEALTHinAIR and SynairG.
EFA will continue working with scientists and the EFA community towards healthier indoor environments for children across Europe.
Learn more about SynAir-G project.