Pollution in our homes – is there anything to be afraid of?

The air we breathe has a great influence on our health and well-being. Unfortunately, most often it is not of the best quality, and what is worse, there is no indication that it will improve. According to a statement by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 4 million people die each year from air pollution.

Sources of pollution in our homes

Atmospheric air consists mainly of oxygen (20,98%) and nitrogen (78,06%). However, the composition does not end there. Due to the combustion of coal and solid fuels, dangerous particles in the form of suspended dust reach our lungs every day. They are known as PM2.5 and PM10 (2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter, respectively). In Poland, their level is the highest in Europe. These standards are sometimes exceeded (even by several hundred percent), especially during the heating season.

With each inhalation, aromatic hydrocarbons enter our body, including dioxins, furans, benzene and everything that is burned for the development of our civilization. These invisible particles can cause the development of inflammation of the respiratory system, lead to the weakening of the immune system, and exacerbate the symptoms of diseases such as bronchial asthma.

Our homes are also teeming with pollution. Their sources are primarily:

1. dust – mainly dead skin and insect droppings. It is one of the most common allergens that aggravate the symptoms of lung diseases. It can also cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity,
2. animal hair – next to pollen, mites and dust, it is the most common allergen. It is estimated that up to 10% of the world’s population may be allergic to it, 
3. bacteria – they accumulate mainly on kitchen worktops, cutting boards, in dishwashers and toilets. They can also be found in raw meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables. When they enter the body, they most often cause food poisoning, dizziness and headaches, as well as diarrhea,
4. viruses – they spread mainly by droplets. We can bring a dangerous and pathogenic pathogen home on our hands. Some types can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Therefore, it is so important to systematically and thoroughly wash hands and disinfect the surfaces that we use most often, mainly in the kitchen and bathroom,
5. mold – it accumulates mainly in pots with plants and may be the result of too abundant watering. They also appear in places with poor ventilation and high humidity. These filamentous fungi can enter the respiratory system and cause shortness of breath and promote the development of allergies and asthma.
6. dust mites – they live mainly on carpets and bedding. These small-sized arachnids look extremely scary under the microscope. Their development is favored by moisture and high temperature. They feed on the dead skin of a person. They can cause shortness of breath, but also atopic dermatitis and itchy scalp,
7. chemicals – products used to clean the bathroom may contain substances irritating the respiratory tract, including, for example, chlorine or ammonia. They are a common cause of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. 

How to improve the air quality at home?

More and more Poles decide to buy an air purifier, especially when our children suffer from frequent infections or an allergy sufferer lives under a common roof. Research has shown that the degree of their effectiveness is primarily determined by the type of filter installed in the device.

The best criterion for choosing a good quality air purifier is the ability to remove even the smallest particles, including viruses that are harmful to the human body. The recommendation of the Polish Society of Allergology and the CADR index are equally important.

HEPA filters are primarily recommended, and NanoProtect HEPA filters are already available on the market, which are distinguished by the ability to remove up to 100 times smaller particles than standard HEPA filters. Only Philips purifiers have NanoProtect filters that remove the smallest viruses and pollutants. In practice, this means that such a device is able to remove as much as 99,97% of contaminants smaller than the smallest known virus. What is important in the season of reduced immunity of our children.

The product is characterized by ease of use thanks to automatic modes, the daily mode adjusts the operation of the device to the current pollution and removes all impurities. In turn, the anti-allergic night mode, working at the two lowest fan speeds, automatically responds to events related to dust, without disturbing sleep.

Before buying a purifier, it is worth taking a closer look at its parameters and functions. Particular attention should be paid to the CADR indicator, which indicates the amount of clean air supplied and the cleaning area. The Philips AC3858 / 51 model provides up to 610 m3 of clean air per hour and will work well in large rooms up to 73 m2. In addition, when buying a device, it is worth paying attention to the operating costs, because in the long term, it may turn out that the purchase of a seemingly cheaper device is unprofitable. The Philips purifier is distinguished by energy efficiency – the cost of the device is only 2 cents during the night. [1] How important it is in the era of rising inflation and media rises. For users, after purchasing the product, a promotion for the second filter for PLN 1 is dedicated, which means that we gain up to 6 years without purchasing the filter.

According to research, the NanoProtect HEPA filter effectively reduces the smallest air pollutants, and additionally alleviates the symptoms of inhalation allergies, including runny nose, cough, redness of the eyes and itching.

What is the NanoProtect HEPA filter?

The NanoProtect HEPA filter is an innovative solution used in the best quality air purifiers. The integrated 3-in-1 filter enables a 3-stage filtration process, and its lifetime is estimated for up to 3 years. And thus:

1. first layer – retains larger particles such as dust and animal hair.
2. second layer – filters particles with a size of 0,003 micrometers, so 800 times smaller than PM2,5; viruses and bacteria and allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold and fungus spores). The 0,003 micron particles are smaller than the smallest known virus. This means that even the smallest pathogens that can successfully enter the lungs and bloodstream can be removed. 
3. third layer – equipped with active carbon, which neutralizes harmful volatile compounds and reduces unpleasant odors.