There are more hazardous air pollutants in indoor air than urban air, EU Research. There are several sources of indoor air pollution: air pollutants can enter the home from the outside, modern household appliances, and some decorations can emit gases that can contain formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. If the air outside is bad, it also affects the indoor air quality since then Depending on the ventilation, the dust of the outside host is also allowed to enter the apartment. We also pollute our interiors with smoke from baking and cooking. Mold is also a risk factor due to the excessive humidity of air and moisture in the walls, which allows mold to easily enter the respiratory tract.
Perhaps few people know, but one of the most important sources of indoor pollution is still the furnishing of buildings. They include various building elements, floors, furniture, curtains, and carpets, as well as paints, varnishes, stains, and adhesives used in the room. who are they Many substances harmful to our health enter the air of our homes, house dust and our bodies. Examples of common ingredients in home furnishings include volatile organic solvents (VOCs, formaldehyde), perfluorinated water repellants (PFOA, PFCA, and PFOS), flame retardants (PBDEs) and plasticizers for plastics (phthalates). If possible, give preference to hardwoods, such as pine furniture, as they have low levels of VOCs and formaldehyde emissions. Metal or glass furniture does not contain volatile hydrocarbons.
Risk Factors: Toxic Substances
Household dust also contains toxic substances that are dangerous to our health and are difficult to decompose. It can be found, for example, in carpets, curtains, furniture and technical items. For example, BFRs, water-resistant PFCs, and phthalate plastics have also been detected in household and kindergarten dust. The use of a large proportion of these compounds has already been restricted in the European Union due to their adverse effects, but From existing devices, these substances will enter the air of our homes for years to come and thus into our bodies. According to research, some compounds enter children’s bodies mostly from house dust.
Indoor air pollution can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of allergic diseases. Mites get into the bed from room air, so the most effective way to keep mites out is to clean the air and set the proper humidity. It is also recommended to pay attention to Room temperature should not exceed 24°CBecause high temperature can also promote mite growth. Respectively, when the relative humidity is less than 30 percent, the mucous membranes dry out and become sensitive to external stimuli (waking up with a dry, inflamed throat). In the case of house dust mite allergy, reducing dust-collecting surfaces, and frequent cleaning and washing is key, but rinsing the hair can also help a lot.
Air purification: what equipment to choose?
However, the listed risk factors can be effectively reduced by appropriate decontamination. Frequent and thorough ventilation is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality: the concentration of pollutants can be reduced by an amount or two. However, this is limited by outdoor air pollution: if the outside air is bad, dust from the outside air is also allowed to enter the apartment. And therefore Modern air purification equipment may also be considered, Which filters fine particles, pollen and other allergens from indoor air without having to open windows. There are several types of air purifiers, so of course it doesn’t matter which one you choose.
If one is considering such an investment, by all means It is recommended to consult a professional before purchasing. From an allergy perspective, you should choose a device that removes even particles as small as 20 nanometers (0.00002 mm), such as dust, pollen, animal allergens and most bacteria (with a HEPA filter), as well as VOCs and odors. (with carbon filter). Most home air purifiers have a HEPA compatible filter that filters harmful particles down to 0.3 microns from the air.
However, most viruses are smaller and there are air purifiers that can filter particles down to 0.003 microns, which is otherwise smaller than the smallest known viruses. If possible, choose such a device because it is a small, harmful molecule that can enter the bloodstream from the lungs and subsequently reach other organs.
It is also not an insignificant consideration that The device must have a night modeFor example, clean the air in the room without disturbing a loud hum. Most modern devices are capable of this, so our restful sleep cannot be compromised either.
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