Why You Need VerdexAir®

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in enhancing ambient air quality through various measures aimed at reducing harmful air emissions. Nonetheless, compelling evidence suggests that existing levels of air pollution continue to present a substantial threat to human health.

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The World Health Organization (WHO), among other specialized agencies, plays a crucial role as the guardian of global public health. It has consistently emphasized the perils of particulate matter (PM) in its reports and statements, demonstrating its commitment to raising awareness about this issue.

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The effectiveness of WHO's endeavors is reinforced by the frequent publication of newspaper reports, scientific studies, scholarly articles, and government warnings, all highlighting the detrimental health consequences of poor air quality. Countless resources are available online that corroborate this fact. 

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Presently, the adverse health impacts of inhaling polluted air, particularly in the most heavily contaminated cities worldwide, are extensively documented. Air pollution is now estimated to be responsible for several million premature deaths annually. It is also recognized as one of the most significant risk factors for global mortality and a prominent environmental contributor to various diseases.

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Cast of particles

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The most typical particulates in the air are:

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• PM1 – particles <1 μm in size. Examples: dust, combustion particles*, bacteria and viruses.

• PM2.5 – particles <2.5 μm in size. Examples: pollen, spoors and other organic particles.

• PM10 – particles <10 μm in size. Examples: coarser fine dust and organic particles.

• Coarse – particles often 10 μm or bigger. Examples: visible coarse dust, sand, leaves, hairs and other large organic particles.

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Particulate matter (PM) is a diverse mixture characterized by varying physical and chemical properties, which differ from one location to another. It originates from both natural sources and human activities. Consequently, air pollution exhibits regional variations. For instance, spending a day on the streets of Beijing can have comparable adverse effects on the respiratory system as staying in Paris for 30 days. However, it's important to note that individuals may react differently to poor air quality based on their sensitivity.

 

When PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 are inhaled, they affect the body in distinct ways. Their capacity to be retained within the body, potentially forming deposits, relies on their size and their ability to penetrate the airway walls.

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Importance of good IAQ

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How can we prevent the infiltration of particulate matter (PM) into our indoor spaces, where a vast majority of our lives are spent? While it is true that staying indoors does not provide complete protection from outdoor air pollution, as ventilation systems are designed to mix outdoor and indoor air, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate this issue.

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The key lies in effectively filtering and purifying the outdoor air before it enters indoor environments. If outdoor air is not properly cleansed, it poses a risk of introducing a significant amount of harmful particulates into the indoor air, which can negatively impact people's respiratory and circulatory systems. Moreover, these particles and substances can combine with existing indoor pollutants, exacerbating the hazards of indoor air pollution and making it much more harmful than the outdoor pollution itself.

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However, by incorporating high-quality air filters within air handling units, a considerable portion of these detrimental outdoor particles can be intercepted before they circulate through the ventilation system. This means that even in heavily polluted cities such as London, Paris, Los Angeles, Beijing, and New Delhi, it is possible to enhance the quality of indoor air and bring it to an acceptable level solely through the ventilation system.

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To further bolster air quality, the installation of mobile air purifiers in individual rooms can serve as an additional measure. This ensures a consistently high level of air quality, regardless of the fluctuations in outdoor particulates and other substances.

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By implementing these strategies, it becomes feasible to safeguard indoor spaces from the infiltration of PM, maintaining a healthier and cleaner environment for occupants, even in the face of varying outdoor air pollution levels.

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PM1 is most harmful

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Presently, both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union (EU) diligently monitor the levels of PM2.5 and PM10, shedding light on their detrimental impact on health. These particles possess the ability to penetrate our lungs, giving rise to respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and diseases.

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However, for truly healthy and productive indoor air environments, especially in areas burdened by severe air pollution, ventilation systems require filters capable of effectively eliminating PM1 particles—the smallest fraction and the most pernicious.

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PM1 particles pose a significant threat to our lungs. Upon inhalation, they traverse deep into the respiratory system, reaching the alveoli—the millions of tiny sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs. Subsequently, a considerable portion of PM1 particles breaches the cell membranes of the alveoli, enters the bloodstream, and proceeds to inflict damage on the inner walls of arteries. They can also penetrate cardiovascular tissue and potentially disseminate throughout various organs.

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At its worst, PM1 can contribute to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, lung cancer, dementia, emphysema, edema, and other grave diseases, ultimately leading to premature death.