Impurities from which the air purifier helps: #1 Particulate matter

Impurities from which the air purifier helps: #1 Particulate matter

The air we breathe indoors is just as important as the air we breathe outdoors. But unfortunately, according to recent findings, the air in our homes is often clogged with impurities that can harm our health. Dirt can come from a variety of sources, including cleaning products, building materials and even our own daily activities. The most common are particulate matter, odours and gases, volatile organic compounds and micro-organisms. In our new series on indoor air pollutants, we take a closer look at these indoor air pollutants, including their sources and solutions to get rid of them.

In this episode, we take a look at particulate matter found in almost every household - dust, pollen and animal hair.

Where do they still come from?

The term fly dust refers to microscopic particles in the air such as dust, pollen and animal hair. The size and nature of these particles can vary. They come from a variety of sources, including industrial emissions, construction sites, agriculture, and even natural sources such as dust storms or forest fires.

Why are particulate matters dangerous?

Dust particles are most commonly divided into two types: PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 particles are 10 micrometers or less in diameter and PM2.5 particles are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. Exposure to particulate matter can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, lung cancer and premature mortality. In addition, it can worsen pre-existing health problems such as asthma and heart disease.

What is the best way to get rid of particulate matter?

To reduce exposure to particulate matter, we recommend using air purifiers with a HEPA filter, which was developed specifically to protect against particulate matter. When choosing an air purifier, always consider carefully what class of HEPA filter it has. For filtration to be meaningful, the filter must be at least H11 class (capturing 95% of particles 0.3 micrometers in size). However, if you're serious about cleaning your air, we recommend an H13 HEPA filter with 99.95% efficiency. These filters, such as those in Airbi air purifiers, only let in 5 particles out of 10,000 and are a near-perfect shield against flying dust.

There are other ways to avoid inhaling dangerous particles:

  • Avoid outdoor activities on days with poor air quality and limit unwanted sources such as smoking or burning candles in the room.
  • Improve air circulation: ventilate regularly to increase the flow of fresh air into your home.
  • Clean and dust regularly: regular cleaning and dusting of surfaces and furniture in your home can reduce the amount of fly dust in the air.
  • Control indoor humidity: High humidity can lead to mold growth, which contributes to an increase in airborne particulate matters. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low and address any visible mold growth.
  • Carpets and rugs can trap particles and release them back into the air when handled. Vacuum them regularly to remove trapped particles.
  • Use microfiber cloths and mops. They are more effective at trapping dirt than conventional cleaning materials.
  • Grow houseplants: Some houseplants (such as dracaenas) can help clean the air by removing pollutants, including particulate matter.

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