Fight against outdoor pollution
Outdoor pollution: what are we talking about?
When we talk about outdoor pollution, we mainly refer to carbon dioxide (CO2). It is a greenhouse gas that severely degrades air quality and contributes to global warming. It comes from our human activities on a large and small scale: vehicle exhaust pipes, factories, electricity or heat production... But the atmosphere contains other chemical and biological pollutants, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), fine particles (plastic dust, agricultural pesticides, allergens...) some of which, in conjunction with other factors such as weather or winds, increase or decrease their concentration in the atmosphere. Understanding the synergies between these thousands of particles is a major challenge for the health of living beings and, in general, for the preservation of the environment.
Outdoor pollution and health
Regarding health effects, know that outdoor pollution was classified as a "certain carcinogen" as early as 2013 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is responsible for cancers, but also for reduced respiratory capacity, asthma, heart or circulatory diseases. At less serious levels, a high concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere causes fatigue, sore throats, coughs, and shortness of breath, hence the need to take precautionary measures, especially on pollution peak days.
Outdoor pollution causes over 500,000 deaths per year in Europe.
Good practices to combat outdoor pollution
As you've understood, human activities pollute and you too contribute to pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. In this context, the more densely populated the area you live in, the more polluted the environment you're in, and the more likely you are to experience the effects of poor air quality. So, to limit the damage of outdoor pollution while reducing your carbon footprint (i.e., CO2 emissions into the atmosphere), some good practices are essential!
How to reduce your carbon footprint in the atmosphere
- Electricity consumption pollutes. You should therefore turn off lights when you leave a room, but also limit the use of air conditioning in your home and vehicle and, why not, lower the heating by one or two degrees in winter, even if it means wearing warmer clothes.
- In general, ensure good insulation of your home to limit energy consumption.
- When driving, drive slowly during the first few kilometers, as vehicle anti-pollution systems are only operational when the engine is warm.
- Don't hesitate to consume locally. Many people concerned about their carbon footprint indeed prioritize buying products from short supply chains to reduce the effects of freight transport, one of the most polluting sectors.
Other good practices to combat air pollution at home.
How to minimize the impact of outdoor pollution in your home
- It is important toventilate every room in your home to reduce indoor pollution, but to avoid replacing it with atmospheric pollutants, particularly from exhaust fumes, make sure to renew the air when road traffic is less dense (even if you don't live right next to a road, as some pollutants are highly volatile).
- Leave your shoes at the entrance of your home, as they contribute to spreading atmospheric pollutants into your indoor air.
- Use our air purifier based on activated carbon to purify your home from most volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. With no filters to change and no energy consumption, it creates no harmful by-products.
How to purify the air with the Airpurlabs air purifier?
Air pollution is becoming a real problem, both environmentally and for public health. To limit the effects of harmful particles, VOCs, and formaldehyde, air purifiers are effective for indoor air purification. TheAirpurlabs purifier goes even further than traditional purifiers by being more ecological. Its process allows it to capture and destroy pollutants and its operation requires no energy source. It will thus allow you to limit the effects of outdoor pollution in your environment by improving indoor air quality. Its modern design and small size will allow you topurify the air in your living room, office, bedroom, and car without any constraints such as noise or space, and in an environmentally friendly approach.
Want to know more about our eco-friendly air purifier?
Our Airpurlabs air purifier effectively improves indoor air quality by reducing the impact of outdoor pollution. If you also want to purify the air in your home, our experts are at your disposal.