We spend 80 % of our time confined in enclosed spaces, and the air in our homes and offices is on average 5-10 times more polluted than the air outside. Although there are many ways to ventilate, air, purify or clean the indoor atmosphere, it is clear that we cannot turn on all our air treatment equipment all the time.
In this sense, measuring the air quality at home or at work is the easiest solution, if you want to keep control of the air quality at all times (even at night).
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Where does indoor air pollution come from?
The sources of domestic air pollution are multiple and sometimes unsuspected. Thus, in addition to smoking, household products, moulds or dust mites, we find in our spaces less common contaminations such as radon, gas leaks, outdoor pollution... If your home is not sufficiently ventilated or airy, toxic particles will tend to concentrate in the airThis can have harmful effects on our health (allergies, headaches, respiratory tract irritation, etc.).
Reducing health risks is not easy, especially if you don't have the right tools. Fortunately, it is now easy to measure the purity of the air, especially with the help of detectors. Practical and generally affordable, these devices have become indispensable if you want to identify the presence of dangerous molecules in your home and limit their inhalation.
How to detect pollutants?
There are many air pollutants in a house. The best known are: smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, carbon dioxide, fine particles, formaldehyde, etc. All these pollutants are different, but they all have one thing in common: their concentration in the air is harmful to our health.
In order to maintain your health, it is important to equip themselves with sensors designed to identify the targeted pollutants. However, it is not always easy to find your way through all the models available on the market. Detecting pollutants is more difficult than it seems, as they can vary depending on your lifestyle, where you live, but also on the air circulation in your home.
Smoke detectors
No one is safe from a possible fire, which is why the purchase of a smoke detector is an obvious choice. But how do you choose the right model?
Radon detectors
Radon is an odourless and colourless natural gas. Originating from the ground, this radioactive gas tends to concentrate in houses in contact with the subsoil.
City gas detectors
Whether you use town gas or bottled gas, it is strongly recommended that you equip yourself with a town gas detector for your own safety and that of your family.
Carbon monoxide detectors
Odourless, colourless and tasteless, carbon monoxide is a particularly dangerous gas because it is very difficult to detect without a sensor.
Carbon dioxide detectors
According to Florence Elias (professor of physics at the University of Paris), when faced with Covid-19, it is advisable to air a room as soon as the CO2 exceeds 800 ppm.
Air quality sensors
Before you start looking for a suitable solution to filter the air in your home, you need to know how polluted the indoor atmosphere is.
4-gas detectors
Toxic gas asphyxiation is an infrequent, but not unlikely, cause of accidental death in both the occupational and domestic environment.
How to protect your respiratory system?
A respirator is essential if you want to filter out airborne particles. Whether you plan to carry out dust-generating activities (insulation, woodworking, sanding, etc.) or handle toxic products (insecticides, spray paint, etc.), a gas mask is the ideal tool to protect your respiratory system. In addition to a work-related function, a respirator can also protect you from viruses if you apply the barrier procedures correctly.
Respiratory protection masks
Respiratory protection masks, commonly known as gas masks, are devices designed to filter chemicals and gases from the ambient air.
What is the impact of air quality on health and well-being?
Poor air quality can cause many negative health effects, especially if we do not pay attention. These impacts vary and differ according to the sensitivity, health or age of the people exposed. Identifying an abnormal concentration of harmful particles in the air is crucial if you want to protect your health and the health of your family. By acting on household pollutants, you reduce the risk of cancer, but also of countless side effects associated with their inhalation. These effects include :
- For humidity Respiratory disorders such as asthma and rhinitis, allergies, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, chronic cough.
- For smoke These include suffocation from inhaling carbon monoxide, respiratory tract damage from inhaled chemicals, and intoxication of the body which can lead to death.
- For radon An increased risk of developing lung cancer following prolonged exposure.
- For carbon dioxide The risk of drowsiness, headaches, mild nausea, loss of attention, oxygen deprivation leading to death.
- For carbon monoxide This can lead to disorientation, loss of consciousness, and death in the case of prolonged exposure.
- For fine particles These include increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and lung cancer, impaired neurological (cognitive) and perinatal health.