#66 - Clean Air

"The World Health Organization estimates that 4.6 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. Many of these mortalities are attributable to indoor air pollution"

Sadly we live in a time, where more and more commonly we must live in a polluted environment. It is sickening, that some of us just accepted it as new "normal". It is not!

The health effects are mostly due to particles - less than 10 micrometers, as they can get into your bloodstream.

Always check on the air quality index. When Air quality index is high in your area. It’s recommended not to jog outside, especially close to busy streets, working out and limit time spent outside. You might consider a special face mask for your safety.

There are two types of air pollution, outdoor pollution which is known to most of people. The second type is less known - indoor pollution, but it's also a serious problem.

Outdoor air pollution can be caused by human sources or could be natural.

• Natural (biogenic) - pollen, bushfires, dust, volcanic eruption.

• Human (anthropogenic) - industry, burning fossil fuel, motor vehicles.

There are more than 100 air pollutants!

What are health effects:

It depends on the type, concentration, length of exposure, individual characteristics.

• Minor: eye, nose, throat, irritation;

• Severe: heart or lung disease cancer, reproductive complications, can stunt the growth of lungs;

• Also: property damage, reduced visibility, effect on the environment (acid rain);

How to reduce outdoor pollution:

It would be effective if governments, industries, and individuals would put efforts together to reduce air pollution. We as consumers and our everyday choices add up to this process.

Let’s focus on what you as an individual can do, as every one of us has a direct impact on it.

• Reduce reliance on fossils fuels - so start walking, using public transportation, cycling, sharing a ride;

• A high concentration of BBQ smoke also pollute the air;

• If you rely on the heating house with burning - don’t burn trash;

• Conserve energy wherever you can;

• Use durable bags for shopping;

• Become more conscious consumer, consume less;

What are other ways? Share with us on the MySpiritWay Forum.

Around the world, over 3 billion people use simple stoves or open fires to heat or cook! People are generally aware of outdoor air quality, but not so many put attention to indoor air pollution.

It’s possible that indoor air quality might be 5 times worse than outdoors!

The main sources of indoor pollutants are:

• Solid fuels like wood, charcoal, dung, or crop wasters that are used for cooking and heating;

• Not natural-based-materials candles;

• Tobacco smoke;

• Chemicals released from building materials, paints, furnishings, carpets, and household products, pesticides, asbestos-containing insulation;

• Products used for household cleaning as well as cosmetics like hair spray. Spray cleaners or aerosols;

• Damp or mold;

• Inadequate ventilation, heat, humidity can worsen indoor pollution.

• Obviously outdoor affects indoor and the other way around.

Reducing indoor air pollution:

• Turn from solid fuels to clean energy;

• Building energy-efficient house with energy-efficient equipment;

• Fill your house with air-cleaning plants;

• Hoover regularly;

• Change your bed sheets regularly;

• Increase ventilation, opening windows;

• Using pot lids while cooking;

• Remove mold;

• Chose more natural cleaning products, liquid or solid cleaners especially;

• Invite UV inside, as it also reduces bacterias in the air;

You can also use air purifiers, which it’s recommended to fit into a room-scale.

Good quality air purifiers should have:

• Hepa;

• Activated Carbon;

• UV Technology;

Also, bring your attention to the air humidity in your house. Especially in the wintertime, air can get very dry, but also too wet is bad for our health. Like with everything, we need to keep balance. I use a humidity meter to always make sure, that humidity is between 30-55%, whereas I myself feel the healthiest when there is around 60%.

The problems with low humidity could cause:

• Asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments;

• Sore throat;

• Eye irritation;

• Dry skin and dermatitis;

• Nosebleeds;

• Higher stress levels;

• Dehydration;

• Risk of infection;

The problems occurring with high humidity:

• Condensation on windows;

• Wet stains on walls and ceilings;

• Mouldy bathrooms;

• Musty odour;

• Clammy feel to the air;

• Rot and structural damage can also result from extended periods of high humidity in your home;

• It can draw pests. Bugs are always looking for water and condensation provides bugs with the water they need;

• Especially dangerous when combined with high temperatures, as it will disrupt the body's ability to cool itself, which may lead to even to a heat stroke. People with heart problems or asthma are advised to be extremely careful during such conditions;

• Can trigger allergic reactions;

• Contribute to ongoing allergies, and dust mite problems.

I use air moisturizer, or if it’s too moisturized, simply wind the room or consider desiccant. I really like the solution to connect moisturizer with additional aroma. If you decide on this solution, be aware of the chemical artificial essential oil.

Certain smells can affect our way of thinking. You can find plenty of information about it in aromatherapy topic, but personally, I didn't find any measurable effects on my perception.

Air purifiers, unfortunately, are becoming a necessity. To confirm it check on the air quality index in your area.

They use mechanical, ionic, electrostatic, or hybrid filtration to cleanse indoor pollution. The process is about drawing polluted air through filters which are circulated back into the room. Pollutants, dust particles, and even odour are reduced. If you are considering purchasing one, ask a professional in your local retailer who has an idea what products they sell.

Types of filters:

• Pre-filters, foam, and non-woven polyester eliminate large particles like pet hair just before the next stage of filtration.

• HEPA Technology or TRUE HEPA (more efficient) - it filters particles larger than 0.3 microns, so particles caught in a HEPA filter such as chemicals, bacteria, and viruses cannot be seen. Because HEPA filters are able to trap mould and bacteria, they create a more sanitary environment, HEPA filters will typically last 2 to 4 years, but they do not remove odours, chemicals, or gases. Asthmatics, allergics should opt for this type of technology.

• Activated Carbon Technology - is composed of many molecular-sized pores that have high absorbent ability and chemical bonding. These properties make them a very effective tool for capturing pollutants such as chemical emissions, gases, tobacco smoke, removing smog, ozone, fumes from cooking and odours. Once these pollutants are captured, they are not released back into the air, eliminating decontamination, particulates such as dust, pollen or pet dander are the main irritants, with odour and chemical absorption being less important. For those who need a high degree of both, it is best to look at the high caliber room air purifiers which offer outstanding particulate, odour, and chemical removal. Consider the purifier that is effective when it comes to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

• UV Technology - it is, however, an excellent method to kill germs such as bacteria and viruses. Air purifiers using this technology have a UV lamp installed and when microorganisms pass by the UV rays radiated from the lamp, cellular or genetic damage occurs, destroying them.

• Antibacterial and germicidal filters - another way to eradicate harmful bacterias and germs.

• Charged media filters - combined a particle filtration with an electrostatic charge filter to filter particles as small as 0.1 microns.

• Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) filter - uses a titanium dioxide-coated metal plate along with UV light to oxidize and physically break down chemicals.

Choosing an air purifier can be different for every individual. When considering an air purifier it's important to buy one which will cover your whole area as there are ones customised for a certain size of the destined room.

Look for statistics:

• ACH - Air change per hour rate. It indicated how many times the purifier filters the entire room's air in one hour.

• CADR - the measure of delivery of purified air at its maximum speed setting. Higher CADR = higher efficiency.

• Area/room size - it's a key factor to choose a customised air purifier for a certain size. Choose the right purifier according to your space.

• Noise - if you are looking for a purifier in the bedroom or simply enjoy a lack of noise, consider it when choosing your purifier.

• Customer service or warranty. Make sure that you will be able to find replacements for your filters quickly and easily.

If you live in a very polluted area you might consider wearing an anti-pollution mask. You will be surprised how the filter looks after few days of active usage. Shocking.

What to look at if it comes to face masks:

• In order to do the job, it has to fit correctly. Check the size, and which fit works best for you.

• Look for certifications and what percent of particles are filtered.

• Mask has to be breathable.

• Remember about regular filter replacement.

I wish all humanity to wake up environmentally, as it's not only about our health, but also about future generations. Don't we want for our kids and grandkids to lead a healthy and active life, without carrying gallons of fresh air on their backs replacing school backpacks? Hopefully, we won't have to all wear anti-pollution masks anywhere in the world. And I hope we will open our eyes early enough.

You learned a lot about indoor and outdoor pollution. Building awareness is one, but more important is to take steps towards decreasing your own ecological footprint every day.

If you decide on some indoor filters, make sure to change filters regularly and keep maintenance of them for maximum performance.

Build your awareness about the environment and human kind's impact on it as currently, we have only one habitable planet.

Think creatively. How can you take small steps every day to reduce the global impact? You might come up with smarter solutions for cleaner water, or cleaner air? Or, how can you help others to open their minds to being more conscious about simple luxurious little things we are privileged to have and take for granted.