The air that we breathe has a great impact on our lives. We can survive for days without food and water, but only a few minutes without air. The quality of the air that we breathe is also of essential importance for our well-being. The less allergens, microorganisms and chemical pollutants we breathe, the smaller the chance of becoming ill. Medical conditions arising from air pollution can also have financial consequences. Healthcare costs and lost productivity in the workplace cost billions each year.
IQAir in Vietnam offers the most advanced air cleaning solutions for indoor air pollution - from standalone residential units, to integrated whole building (HVAC) solutions. The superior performance of our advanced air cleaning systems has led to the worldwide use of IQAir air purifiers in the most challenging indoor environments. For example, our systems are used to protect patients and staff against serious infections in critical hospital and healthcare settings and to remove toxic chemicals in high-tech laboratories.
The advanced air cleaning technologies used by IQAir are the result of an unparalleled 50 year track record in air purification.
What is particle-matter (PM, PM10, PM2.5)?
Particulate-matter (PM) is an air pollution term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. The number following the designation PM refers to the size of the particulate matter. For example PM2.5 particles are air pollutants with the diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
Pollutants comes in a variety of sizes and can be composed of many types of materials and chemicals. Examples include dust, dirt, soot, soil and smoke. These particles are small enough to be inhaled and have a potential to cause severe health effects.
Of particular concern is a class of particles known as fine particle matter or PM 2.5 that gets deep into the lungs.
The World Health Organization in its 2005 Air Quality Guideline had set for the first time guideline values for particulate matter (PM).
While the report had concluded that: No threshold for PM has been identified below which no health damage is observed, the World Health Organization established the following health limits for long and short term exposure to particulate matter (PM):
PM25
● 10 μg/m3 annual mean
● 25 μg/m3 24-hour mean
PM10
● 20 μg/m3 annual mean
● 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean
The particles are identified according to their aerodynamic diameter, as either PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm) or PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 µm).
The latter are more dangerous since, when inhaled, they may reach the peripheral regions of the bronchioles, and interfere with gas exchange inside the lungs. (Source: World Health Organization)
Long Term Health Effects
● chronic respiratory diseases
● lung cancer
● heart disease
● damage to the brain and nerves
● damage to internal organs (e.g. liver and kidney)
Short Term Health Effects
● allergic reactions
● eye infections (conjunctivitis)
● irritation of nose and throat
● asthma attacks
● bronchitis
● breathing difficulties, pneumonia headaches and nausea
Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Different groups of people are affected by air pollution in different ways. Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants than others. Young children, the elderly and individuals with health problems such as asthma, heart and lung disease often suffer more from the effects of air pollution. The extent to which an individual is harmed by airborne contaminants will depend on the person’s total exposure to the particulates and chemical substances, i.e. the duration of exposure and the concentration of the pollutants. There can be both short and long-term effects of air pollution.
The potential impact of indoor air quality on human health nationally is considerable, for several reasons. Statistically we spend approximately 90% of our time indoor, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. Moreover, people who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors. There are a number of indoor pollutants. IQAir systems feature the most reliable and efficient air cleaning technologies against them.
Dust mites
Pollen, spores, dust mite allergens and other particular matter can trigger hay fever, asthma, and other allergic reactions. Even short-term exposure to elevated concentrations of fine particles can significantly contribute to heart disease.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous chemicals emitted from vehicles, industry and building materials. They can be carcinogenic and cause damage to internal organs.
Micro organisms
Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungal spores are responsible for various infections like tuberculosis, influenza, aspergillosis, MRSA and SARS.
Pet dander
Pet allergens (dander) are mainly found in saliva and therefore on hair and skin of pets. When the allergens are inhaled the can lead to serious allergic reactions.
Cleaning products
Cleaning products, sprays and solvents can irritate the mucous membranes and aggravate allergies such as asthma and hay fever.
Traffic pollution
Smog and ozone can cause irritation of the respiratory tract even at low concentrations and can trigger asthma attacks. While these pollutants are mainly generated outdoors, they enter buildings via doors, windows and ventilation systems.
Tobacco smoke
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals and particles which can irritate the mucous membranes and lead to acute and chronic diseases.
Paint and adhesives
Paints, varnishes and adhesives can contain a multitude of harmful substances. Inhaling the vapors can lead to headache, nausea and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic disease