SARGEX

For more than 10 years, countries in the Caribbean have been affected by mass stranding of Sargassum algae on their coasts. These algae are deposited and decompose, emitting odorous and harmful gases for both health and the environment, including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Faced with this phenomenon, networks of stand-alone sensors have been deployed to alert in quasi-real time the populations of Guadeloupe and Martinique affected by overruns of thresholds recommended by health agencies. The objective of these networks to provide daily information on the associated health risk, intended for partners (healthcare providers, decision-makers, institutions) and the general public. In indoor environments, new behaviors have been observed among inhabitants. Whereas before this phenomenon airing habits consisted of constantly opening windows and doors, currently the olfactory discomfort and sanitary effects caused by the pollutants emitted has led to the shutting of homes. This change of behavior raises questions regarding exposure of populations in an indoor environment and actions to be put in place to limit this exposure.

The SARGEX project, led by IMT Nord Europe in close collaboration with Madininair and Gwad’Air (air quality monitoring organizations in Martinique and Guadeloupe – Saint-Martin) targets this need by examining exposure limitation practices (airing and air treatment) of users of naturally ventilated buildings to provide practical recommendations applicable to the populations of the Caribbean.

The project provides (i) a review of airing practices of naturally ventilated buildings by their users and their variation since 2011; (ii) in-field evaluation of the influence of different airing setups on the dynamic of concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in indoor environments; (iii) evaluation of performance of stand-alone purifiers available in stores regarding the reduction of hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

The CERI EE is tasked with coordinating the project, and has scientific responsibility for the package concerning evaluation of the performance of stand-alone purifiers available in stores regarding the reduction of hydrogen sulfide concentrations.