Do you know what is one of the greatest dangers of living in the city? Air pollution within the walls of the home
What lurks in the indoor air?
Air pollution is one of the major problems associated with urban living.
However, inside homes, air quality can be much more polluted than outside.In fact, indoor air is contaminated by various factors, such as outdoor pollutants that enter through windows and doors, but also by harmful substances from household activities.
Cigarette smoke, cleaning chemicals, carpets, household appliances, and furniture can all contribute to pollution inside the home.
The link between air pollution and poor health
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), is a major threat to public health. Fine particles are very small particles, less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) and 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and, in some cases, into the bloodstream.
Exposure to these pollutants can give rise to health problems including Respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis; Cardiovascular diseases that have led to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes related to exposure to fine particulate matter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified fine dust as a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure may even increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, particularly lung cancer.
Finally, there is emerging evidence linking air pollution and fine particulate matter to neurological problems such as dementia and cognitive decline. Particles can indeed cross the blood-brain barrier and cause inflammation in the brain.
Public Health Effects
Air pollution has a significant impact on the health of populations, with millions of premature deaths each year attributable to conditions related to it.
Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of fine particulate matter. Acute exposures can also affect fetal health and child development.
Reducing pollutant emissions is therefore critical to improving public health.
Addressing the problem requires coordinated societal-policy actions and public awareness of the risks associated with air pollution.
Discover Radoff’s solutions to know in real time what you are breathing inside your home: