Affections and sensitivities
Perceived affections and sensitivities following exposure to fine particulate pollutants
The health and well-being of each individual is more important than anything else. In a world where outdoor pollution, which is already a concern, has been deteriorating considerably over the last 20 years (ADEME), it is nevertheless possible to protect oneself.
Whether in urban areas, in some mountain valleys or in the countryside, air pollution composed of fine particles is responsible for nearly 48,000 deaths in France each year.
Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, tropospheric ozone or VOCs are dangerous for our health, even if we are exposed to them in small doses. All sectors of activity are responsible for the formation of these pollutants: transport, industry, heating of residential and tertiary buildings, agriculture etc.
Indoor air quality is everyone's business
Indoor pollution is caused by the presence of physical, biological and chemical pollutants in confined environments that penetrate enclosed spaces or are not naturally found outdoors.
Indoor air quality is a public health concern that affects all populations and specifically sensitive, fragile people (children, elderly, hypersensitive, allergic).
In addition to the external pollutants, there are different and potentially more dangerous contaminants :
- Biological contaminants : Bacteria and fungi caused by high humidity, the presence of dust mites and pollens from outside.
- Biological contaminants from animals and humans : Allergens from animal saliva, airborne bacteria and viruses that can be spread between individuals.
- Volatile Organic Compounds from buildings : They come from wood fiber panels, paints, varnishes, glues, carpets and furniture, plastic floors etc.
- VOCs from household and industrial products : We can find them in solvents, air fresheners, printers and photocopiers, perfumes and soaps, paper products.
- VOCs from heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Chemical contaminants : Fine particles from vehicle and factory exhaust or carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur.
The climate and the presence of the contaminants evolve differently depending on the temperature, the humidity and the air flow.
Health effects of indoor air pollution
Poor indoor air quality, whether in the workplace or at home, has an immediate and long-term negative impact on each individual. Some people suffer from particular pathologies and feel more strongly the effects of indoor pollution on their health, they are those who suffer from :
- Respiratory and pulmonary problems :
- Allergic asthma and rhinitis,
- Allergies (dust mites, animal polish, pollens, molds),
- Heart problems :
- Heart attack,
- Respiratory and heart failure,
- Hypertension,
- Arrhythmia.
- Hypersensitivities :
- MCS: (Multi Chemical Sensibility) Multiple Chemical Hypersensitivity which is characterised by a severe environmental intolerance/sensitivity to chemicals or substances at very low concentrations. Some people are also electrosensitive.
Some people may experience cross-sensitivities or symptoms following repeated exposure to biological agents; these vary from one individual to another. Many pathologies are related to the presence of micro-particles (PM: Particulate Matters), VOCs, odors, chemicals detected in modern buildings or to the presence of molds in older buildings when the air circulation is not optimised.
If you suspect that pollution is the cause of your health problems or if you simply want to prevent the negative effects, airing out is the first solution.
You can also purify your home and eliminate biological and chemical pollutants by using an air purifier fitted with an activated carbon filter, a HEPA 13 or 14 filter and which can, among other things, combine two innovative technologies: ionisation and photocatalysis.
What affections and sensitivities can affect us ?
