Air Pollution: The Facts

Air pollution is a term we are all familiar with. It is one of our greatest battles to date. We can actively see it when we look at our own cityscapes. That haze lingering overhead is an indication of air pollution. Did you know that air pollution kills around 7 million people per year?

What is Air Pollution?

A mixture of solid and gaseous particles, that are ultimately detrimental to the planet and human life. Some examples of air pollution are as follows: 

• Car emissions
• Chemicals from factories (burning of fossil fuels)
• Mould spores
• Pollen
• Smog

You would think that our main concern is the air outside, however, the concentration of pollutants found in the air is sometimes 2 to 5 times higher indoors.

According to The World Health Organisation, ‘Household air pollution is one of the leading causes of disease and premature death in the developing world’.

Some sources of household air pollution are as simple as nail products, cleaning equipment and detergent, as well as cigarette smoke. 

Air Pollution in South Africa

When it comes to air pollution in South Africa itself, we have an ever-worsening issue in our big cities. The levels of pollution have reached dangerously high levels. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing levels are making it particularly dangerous for children and the elderly. Some areas of South Africa are noted as ‘hazardous’ which is the highest level of air pollution rating. To see real-time indexes, there are two leading sites: AQICN and IQair.

With an ever-increasing worldwide population, the ever-worsening air pollution dilemma is only going to get worse, it seems. Measures need to be found and taken to protect ourselves and our families. 

How Can I Fight Air Pollution

We are fighting huge conglomerates when it comes to air pollution, but there are things we can do to decrease our footprint and keep our own environment clean.

• When commuting to work, carpool if you can. 
• Combine errands and reduce your overall number of trips. Walk if you can. 
• Refuel your car in the evening or when it is cooler. 
• Avoid burning leaves and other trash. 
• Look for energy-efficient alternatives when buying office or household equipment
• Add more indoor plants to your home 

There are many gimmicky products and solutions out there, everyone is jumping on the bandwagon with magical and mystical products that can keep your air clean. The truth is, a lot of them promise this, but their products actually have no effect on the environment around you. For example, the promise that beeswax candles release negative ions and clean the air has neither been proven nor tested. 

We however have tried and tested products that DO purify the air in your home. 

Air Purifiers That Actually Work

A lot of air purifiers claim they can do more than just filter pollutant particles out of the air, but this is usually not the case. Most cannot remove gaseous pollutants like VOCs or radon (adhesives, paints, cleaning detergents/products), but ours can. 

Not only do our units have Medical Grade H13 HEPA Filters, but they also have activated carbon filters that remove said gaseous pollutants. Our Air purifiers refresh stale air, helping reduce the chances of health issues caused by indoor pollutants, which can trigger respiratory infections, neurological problems or aggravate symptoms in asthma sufferers. We have an article that highlights what sets our air purifiers apart. 

We believe that every household needs an air purifier, as an extra protective layer against the elements we can and cannot control.