Health and Clean Air: Why Indoor Ventilation Matters

August 10th, 2023 Releases, Releases - Featured

The Clean Air Act will help to reduce chronic respiratory disease. When many people travel to cities with polluted air in Asia or Africa, one of the first problems they notice is an irritating tickle in the throat and persistent coughing. Breathing clean air is vital for our health, but while we often focus on outdoor pollution, we must not overlook the significance of indoor air quality. The air we breathe indoors can have a significant impact on our well-being, making proper indoor ventilation essential for a healthy living environment.

We cannot ignore that outdoor air pollution levels are high, especially in some major cities. While private transportation is a significant contributor, buildings also emit a substantial amount of pollutants into the atmosphere. However, the quality of indoor air is often overlooked as a potential health risk.

Buildings store air in a way that is not entirely natural. Without a mechanical ventilation system, air can become trapped between walls. This accumulation of air pollutants can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns. Dust from shelves and behind furniture, fumes from cooking, emissions from colognes or insecticides, and our daily activities all contribute to a harmful environment for our lungs and overall health.

If we do not take effective measures, indoor air quality in our homes may become even worse than the outdoor air, even on heavily polluted avenues. The detrimental consequences of neglecting the relationship between health and indoor air quality should be avoided at all costs.

Indoor air is not solely composed of oxygen and nitrogen; it contains many invisible compounds. Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the air, with oxygen accounting for around 21%. After these components, there is a residual percentage of carbon dioxide, typically ranging from 0% to 6%. While carbon dioxide is necessary for life, maintaining its levels within specific ranges is crucial. Indoor air also contains noble gases and water vapor.

Harmful indoor air pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles, along with excess water vapor.

VOCs can irritate our eyes and respiratory system, leading to headaches, fatigue, and poor sleep quality. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can affect the immune system, kidneys, liver, and brain, and even increase the risk of certain cancers.

Most VOCs are found indoors rather than outdoors. They are mainly emitted by cleaning products, releasing formaldehyde and ammonia into the air. Additionally, buildings themselves can produce these contaminants through paints, adhesives, and the gradual deterioration of construction materials, leading to the phenomenon known as “sick building syndrome.”

Particles, on the other hand, often originate from nature. Common examples include pollen, which can trigger allergies, and particles emitted by humans. While many particles are harmless and present in the air without causing problems, those with a size of 2.5 micrometers or less can pose risks as our bodies cannot filter them out.

Particles emitted from burning substances, such as cooking oil, wood, or charcoal, can be particularly harmful. The smoke from car exhausts is also hazardous due to the micro-particles it releases, emphasizing the need for caution in home garages.

To address indoor air quality and ensure clean and healthy indoor environments, innovative ventilation solutions like Greenly have emerged. Greenly is a state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation system designed to provide a continuous flow of fresh air while effectively removing indoor pollutants.

Greenly’s advanced ventilation system incorporates smart sensors to monitor indoor air quality. It automatically adjusts ventilation rates based on pollutant levels, ensuring that the air indoors remains clean and safe to breathe.

Healthier Indoor Air: Greenly’s ventilation system helps remove harmful pollutants, promoting healthier indoor air for occupants.

Enhanced Comfort: With optimal indoor air quality, residents experience improved comfort and well-being.

Energy Efficiency: Greenly’s energy-efficient design helps reduce energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly choice for ventilation needs.

Improved Respiratory Health: By reducing indoor air pollutants, Greenly can alleviate respiratory issues and promote better lung health.

The quality of indoor air is a crucial factor in maintaining our health and well-being. While we often focus on outdoor air pollution, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks posed by poor indoor air quality. Buildings that lack proper ventilation can accumulate various pollutants, which can have severe consequences for our respiratory and overall health. Therefore, it’s vital to prioritize adequate ventilation in our homes and workplaces.

To ensure clean and healthy indoor environments, innovative solutions like Greenly offer an effective way to achieve optimal indoor air quality. By implementing efficient mechanical ventilation systems and air purifiers, we can reduce indoor air pollutants and create a healthier and safer living space. Taking proactive steps towards improving indoor air quality and reducing contamination is key to fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.