Indoor Air Pollution
Our homes have dramatically changed over the last 30-40 years. They have become more airtight and more polluted through poor ventilation. Poor ventilation has been associated with increased indoor allergens and pollutants and as a result indoor humidity has increased.
The average person spends about 80% of their time indoors. This includes time at home, in the car, at work or school. Buildings are generally more air tight with double brick walls, double glazed PUVC or wooden window frames, concrete floors, and low ceilings. We have successfully protected our homes and offices from the outdoor environment but all these factors contribute significantly to higher concentrations of indoor pollutants.
The average adult breathes 3,000 gallons of air daily and the lungs act as a sponge for the air we breathe and this air contains contaminants that the lungs have to deal with effectively. These contaminants are inhaled as invisible and frequently odourless chemical and physical compounds. They include car exhaust fumes, seemly benign household products such as glues, paints, plastics, cleaning products, gas cookers and heaters, and personal care products (hairspray, deodorants etc). You may sometimes notice a strong smell or suffer eye, nose and throat irritation or suffer from headaches or nausea. However, a lot of the time there is no odour or noticeable physical reaction.
The Careforair Health Breezer has been specifically designed to deal with these indoor contaminants by scrubbing the air clean and releasing a beneficial aromatherapeutic fragrance into the air. Air quality is improved and a perfect ambience is created.
Here is how a Careforair Breezer actually works...
Careforair's unique air cleaning process harnesses the inherent purification properties of water and the natural anti-bacterial qualities of essential oils, to literally wash the air clean.
Some groups are more likely to have problems with indoor air pollution. Here is a breakdown of these groups:
INFANTS whose immune systems are immature have an increased likelihood of developing sensitivities. Small children spend more time on or near to the floor where concentrations of contaminants are usually higher.
ASTHMATICS have great sensitivity. Any chemicals, gases or dust particles can cause irritation and aggravate their condition.
ALLRGY SUFFERERS who already show sensitivity to a substance with reactions such as hay fever, sinusitis, eczema and other dermatitis conditions are likely to react with more sensitivity to indoor pollution.
THE ELDERLY especially those who are frail and infirm are more likely to develop respiratory disorders.
THOSE UNDER STRESS are at risk, as their immune systems do not function at optimum level.
RECUPERATING PATIENTS are at risk because their immune systems are often not at full strength.
PREGNANT WOMEN are paticularly at risk because some contaminants can pass to the foetus.
Indoor air pollution has many causes, below are contributary factors...
Artificial - Pesticides, Herbicides and Insecticides.
Metallics - Heavy Metals and Metallic Poisons.
Animal/Human - Animal dirt, Dust, Skin flakes, Dust-mite faeces.
Biological - Mould spores, Micro-bacterial, Contaminants, Bacterial & Viral.
Chemical - Artificial cleaning agents, Bleaching agents, Petrol & Spirit fumes.
Man-made - Asbestos, Smoke fumes, Workman's dust.
This section describes how pollution gets into your indoor air.
MOULD: Commonly found in kitchens & bathrooms where water condenses onto cold tiles or steam from cooking gets into the air. Also found where leaks have occurred.
DUST PARTICLES: From insulation materials in roof spaces and released into the air by dusting & vacuuming. Dust also gathers in disused areas and carpets. Dust is also generated by pet fur and human skin.
MICRO DUST This type of dust is attracted to computer screens and televisions.
DUST MITES & DUST MITE FAECES: Found in bed mattresses and bedding and fills the air every time beds are made.
LEAD & HEAVY METALS: These external metals are brought in as dust on shoes.
CAR FUMES: Comes in through open windows/doors if the home is adjacent to roads with heavy traffic such as in our towns & cities.
DANGEROUS CHEMICALS: Microscopic particles are sprayed into the air when cleaning with chemicals. Manufacturers put fragrances into their products to make them more attractive.
BIOLOGICAL PARTICLES Airborne bacteria, viruses, pollen and fungi are found both indoors & outdoors and the indoor environment often provides very favourable conditions for the growth of these organisms. Their basic requirements for growth are high humidity, appropriate temperatures and a physical and nutritional medium on which to reproduce.
Temperatures between 25C and 45C are ideal plus a nutrient-rich medium such as dust or dirt. Many modern appliances with their uncleaned, stagnant water reservoirs such as air conditioners, humidifiers, spas, and self-defrosting refrigerators are ideal hosts.
SMOKE FUMES: The chemicals released from a burning cigarette stay in the indoor air of a home for many hours afterwards.
ANIMAL DIRT & SKIN FLAKES: Pet fur and bird feathers are serious health problems for many people. Approximately 15% of allergy sufferers have positive reactions to cat & dog allergens and because of the emotional, psychological & possible health benefits of animal companionship this poses a dilemma.