WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
FOR THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME
Stay-at-home life is becoming the “New Normal”, but it doesn’t mean that by doing so, we are free from air pollution. If it goes unaddressed, air pollution can have far-reaching health consequences to everyone living under your roof, and bring negative effects to our health.
SO, WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION?
Air pollution is the release of harmful substances into the air, and it can originate from natural or man-made sources. Outdoor air pollution is commonly caused by bushfires and fuel burning. Indoor air pollution, on the other hand, can be due to pollen, mould, or even household chemicals such as cleaning products and paint.
TYPES OF AIR POLLUTANTS
As there are different types of air pollution, what are the harmful substances in the air that cause them? First, there is particulate matter which is commonly found in dust from construction sites and industrial sites. Occurring in different sizes, some particulate matter like dust and soot are large enough for us to see with our naked eyes. On the other hand, there are smaller particles which we cannot see with our naked eyes. Their sizes are classified as below:
Fine particles or PM10 have a diameter of less than 10 microns (µm)
PM2.5 are less than 2.5 microns in diameter
…
Ultrafine particles or PM0.1 are less than 0.1 microns in diameter
The smaller the particulate matter, the greater the risk that it has on our health, as it could seep deep into our lungs and even our bloodstream.
Meanwhile, there are also gas pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide which can cause respiratory problems. Commonly found in urban cities, they are produced by combustion processes in motor vehicles and power stations.
EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN HEALTH
Studies from University of California, Davis, and the Environmental Health Sciences Center have shown that children, pregnant women, and older adults are most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. In the short term, the effects of air pollution on human health include pneumonia, bronchitis, skin irritation, and nausea. The long-term effects of air pollution are more dire as they include the likes of lung cancer, emphysema, permanent damage to the nerves and organs, as well as birth defects in babies.
THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE AIR POLLUTION IN MALAYSIA
According to IQAir, Malaysia ranks 58 out of 106 in their list of the world’s most polluted countries. The list is topped by Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan and India.
However, Malaysia sometimes experiences sudden spikes in air pollution during several months throughout the year, occasionally pushing it into the “unhealthy” category. Apart from the yearly haze that comes from Indonesia, the main causes of air pollution in Malaysia include an over-dependence on motor vehicles, the lack of strict laws regarding the types of fuels that can be used, and large fuel subsidies.
HOW TO MAINTAIN AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME
If you are wondering how to reduce indoor air pollution in your home, getting an air purifier is one of the most effective solutions. Use a certified air purifier that can eliminate harmful substances including dust, pollen, and bacteria. By ensuring that the air we breathe is truly fresh and clean, we not only protect our own health but that of our loved ones too.
CUCKOO’s air purifiers are equipped with a 4-Stage Filtration System that helps in removing pollutants from the air, removing up to 99.95% of dust in the air. Another great thing is that the CUCKOO Plasma Ioniser in the air purifiers remove negative charges in the air particles to ensure healthy breathing for you and your family.
SEE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
BE PROTECTED FROM AIR POLLUTION
When it comes to the health of ourselves and our loved ones, air pollution is a critical issue that needs immediate attention. While we can’t do much to control outdoor air pollution, we can address it within the safety of our homes with a good air purifier.
With cutting-edge air purifiers like those from CUCKOO, it could be one of the most worthwhile investments you make for yourself and your family.
