Indoor pollution: a threat to global health
According to research Global Burden of Disease 2024conducted byInstitute for Health Metals and Evaluation (IHME),Air pollution (indoor and outdoor)with more than 8 million deaths recorded during 2021, represents the second cause of death globallyimmediately after hypertension.
Although pollution in all its forms can be harmful, that of indoor air is particularly dangerous because people are often immersed for long periods of time.
According to theWorld Health Organization every year More than 3 million people die due to internal air pollution.
The “Air Quality Anxiety” and concerns in the workplace
In the North Americaas revealed by the specialized portal Air Quality Newsthe emergency has already turned into one real phobianicknamed “Air Quality Anxiety“with the 74% of the population that feels anxious for air quality in the internal spaces. This fear has consequently distorted the priorities of collaborators and citizens who, in 70% cases, they believe that their work space requires an improvement in air healthiness and the 69% consider a problem there Lack of investments in health and security. In the end, 39% consider air quality in their low or bad workplace.
Why is it so important to maintain good air quality in closed spaces?
The sources of potential pollutants, such as pesticides, passive smoke, stoves and calories, inside the buildings are many and can drastically affect health causing even states of anxiety and depression. In fact, a study, as revealed also on the columns of Guardianfound a link between air pollution and mental healthconfirming that, in addition to causing damage to physical health as respiratory disorders, it can also have negative effects on psychological well -being. The positive aspect is that there are numerous solutions that can be done to improve the quality of indoor air and many of these consist in simple gestures to be integrated in everyday life.
“Indoor pollution is a problem often underestimatedbut which has a direct impact on our physical and psychological well -being– declares Raffaella MoroCEO of the Company Reairwhich operates in the field of research and production of eco-technologies for the purification of the external and internal air to buildings- It is necessary to find some Effective solutions to make environments more healthy in which we spend most of our time, such as homes, offices and public spaces. This form of contamination, often invisible, is equally harmful to health due to substances such as fine dust, volatile organic compounds And pathogens which accumulate in closed spaces. Fortunately there are both ad hoc solutions for the improvement of the surrounding air, starting from photocatalytic nanotechnology ecoating for indoor environments, up to the simple daily gestures to be easily integrated during the course of our days, such as regularly open the windows To allow the constant circulation of air or trivially the use of air purifiers that act functional in the cleaning of indoor air. These actions, if adopted daily, can contribute to creating healthier environments and reducing risks, significantly improving our health “concludes Raffaella Moro.
“The health of the planet and climate change are now for the attention of the scientific world, European institutions and policies – clarifies the Prof. Angelo del FaveroR&D Delegated Councilor of Reair and former director general of theHigher Institute of Health – Therefore, an incisive response and a commitment by the production world is also necessary in identifying processes with scientifically correct methods that can act on air quality, pollution and consequently on the health of citizens “.
Eight remedies to improve indoor air quality
Finally, here are 8 remedies, simple and accessible, to improve air quality inside the buildings.
- Guarantee correct and constant ventilation through the opening of the windows to remove the accumulated pollutants and replace them with the air coming from the outside. Inadequate ventilation can also lead to a high concentration of carbon dioxide, which can cause health problems, such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
- The technological update and the correct use of appliances They are essential to reduce polluting agents in indoor environments. Choosing more efficient solutions, such as an electric stove instead of combustion systems, and limiting the use of gas stoves promoting the induction plan, contributes to improving the quality of the air and making spaces healthier.
- Keep the internal spaces clean and dry avoiding the creation of mold and mushrooms. Cleaning can be a great way to improve the quality of the internal air: pass the vacuum cleaner one or twice a week, regularly clean the bed linen and curtains and order can help reduce the pollutants present in the house.
- Ecoating by Reair They are the innovative solution to purify indoor air and improve people’s well -being. These are transparent nanotechnological coatings based on photocatalytic processes, which applied on the walls and ceilings of indoor environments, activate a powerful process of photocatalytic oxidation capable of deactivating and disrupting microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, cause of lung and respiratory diseases and are certified for the demolition of Sars-Related viruses.
- Useif possible, of HEPA filters (High-EFFICIENCY Particulated Air) which can significantly reduce internal pollution, removing mold, dandruff of pets, dust mites and tobacco smoke. These filters can be applied in the various appliances such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and air conditioning systems.
- Use ecological products Based on natural ingredients for cleaning the house, avoiding commercial ones containing harmful and polluting chemicals.
- Keep apartment plants It is an effective way to reduce interior pollutants. They contribute to purifying the air by absorbing the contaminants and releasing oxygen.
- The introduction of air purifiers In indoor spaces it can eliminate pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and chemical and biological pollutants. It is a functional solution especially for large public and commercial environments, and for infrastructures.
In any case, it is essential that, regardless of the solution adopted, there is at the basis of continuous monitoring of the results carried out with Sensor systems validated internationally.
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