Do you know what’s in your air? And What are the risks?
Do you know that we spend almost 90 percent of our time indoors and breathe approximately 22,000 times per day? But have you ever wondered what is in the air?
A growing body of research shows that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air, which means that it is absolutely crucial to know what is in the air we breathe and whether it is safe enough to inhale.
Poor indoor air quality is a crucial concern because people spending most of their time indoors will be exposed to harmful contaminants in the air for longer, and it may cause acute medical conditions.
Why is it necessary to be aware of what is in the air, if you ask? Let us tell you that the pollutants present in the indoor air might be a threat on their own; however, the cumulative effect may be more harmful than you had expected.
So it is always better to be aware ahead of time and fix issues in the present rather than curing the impacts in the future.
What is in the Air?
Of course, we all know that one of the essential elements present in the air we breathe is oxygen.
The air is mostly a combination of two gases – 21 percent of oxygen and 78 percent of Nitrogen. The remaining 1 percent comprises a mixture of other gases.
Multiple scientific studies suggest that the higher ratio of Nitrogen in the air is supporting life on the planet Earth. Nonetheless, there are several elements present in the air that we may be unaware of, such as chemical contaminants, biological contaminants, pollutants, and airborne viruses.
The presence of these pollutants not only degrades the quality of indoor air but also poses immediate and long-term effects on human health. What is in the air we breathe? Let’s explore.
Particulate Matter
A mixture of liquids and solids, such as volatile organic compounds, carbon, and sulfates, make up particulate matter. These particles can be of different sizes.
While particles like dust, dirt, or smoke are visible and dark enough to be seen from the naked eye, there are smaller particles, such as PM10 and PM2.5 (fine particles).
While the former refers to those particles having a diameter smaller than 10 microns, the latter has a diameter smaller than 2.5 microns.
The size matters the most, as it determines the extent to which the particle will penetrate your body once you inhale it.
While larger particles may not penetrate deeper and get trapped in your nose only, smaller particles, such as PM10, can affect your airways, and fine particles can penetrate deep into your lungs.
It means that the smaller the particles, the deeper their penetration into the body and the greater the impact on human health. Some people may experience mild symptoms, like irritation of the eyes and nose, cough, and fatigue.
On the other hand, poor indoor air quality may also aggravate the symptoms of asthma and respiratory illnesses. Several research studies suggest that exposure to particular matter for a long time may also develop strokes and lung cancer.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most dangerous of all pollutants, as it is a tasteless, odorless, and invisible gas that can kill in a short span.
The gas is toxic and can hinder oxygen supply into the body, while exposure to higher amounts can result in unconsciousness and eventually death. There are many sources of carbon monoxide emission, but the most common in Australian homes is faulty HVAC equipment.
Many people use a monitoring device to measure the amount of carbon monoxide in their environment, but those who don’t just have a maintenance subscription from a nearby service provider to avoid any leakage.
Airborne Particles
Time and again, we have mentioned that airborne virus particles, such as COVID-19, remain suspended in the air and can be a threat to people breathing in the shared air.
If an enclosed space does not have adequate ventilation, the risk of virus transmission increases. There is also a risk of surface contamination as airborne particles travel in the air.
Therefore, touching doors, doorknobs, and countertops may also transmit the virus.
Strategies to Purify the Air we Breathe
There is a lot left to answer “what is in the air we breathe,” and the list can go on and on. The important thing is the solution, and we are here to provide that.
While poor indoor air quality is something you have to deal with, there are multiple solutions available that can contribute to making the air quality better.
The first, as they suggest, is natural ventilation, which means that you open windows and let fresh air circulate into your room and make an exchange. But there are multiple drawbacks to it; outdoor air consists of other pollutants and contaminants released due to industrial processes, heating, burning, and traffic, and these are nothing but unwelcomed guests.
The second is mechanical ventilation, which is a proper and adequate alternative to the first one. Proper HVAC equipment that boasts superior air purification technology like that of Euromate Pure Air is essential. There are many benefits of air purifiers, such as air filtration, particle extraction, and temperature control. If you want to purify the air you breathe and avail benefits of air purifiers, contact us today.
