Indoor Air Quality

The effect of particulate matter on health

Air quality, certainly in Europe, is often not visible at all. How do you see that there is too much of something very small in the air? Only real smog days visualise poor air quality. But if it is not visible, it does not mean that the air quality is not unhealthy. The fine dust that floats in the air, small dust particles that are so small that you do not see them, has a demonstrably negative impact on health. The image above summarizes an overview of proven effects of particulate matter (through scientific research). This is shown per particle size, because not all particulate matter is the same size or dangerous. And not all filters hold back all the fine dust. That is why we also indicate which filters block which particulate matter. It can be seen that the smallest, most dangerous particles simply pass through the standard F7 and F9 filters. You simply breathe this in when using these filters, with all the health effects that entails. Of course, it varies per person and per exposure concentration to what extent particulate matter influences your body.

Figures and Facts on Air pollution

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

The indoor air quality is determined by the air composition. The air we breathe consists out of many substances. The main substances are nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor and carbon dioxide. Without these substances, life on earth is not possible. The air contains next to these substances also pollutants like particulate matter, smoke, microbes, volatile organic compounds and exhaust fumes. The presence or abscense of specific substances and the concentration of these substances determine the quality of the air. If one of these values differs from the norm, action is necessary.

What is Particulate matter (Fine dust)?

Particulate matter, also known as PM, is a combination of very small air born particles. The size of the particles is directly linked to the health threat they can cause. The smaller the particle, the more dangerous it is for your health. Particulate matter is currently divided into three groups:

PM10

PM10 are particles which are smaller than 10 micrometer (μm), 1 micrometer = 0,001 milimeter. Because these particles are easily inhaled, they will reach your lungs and cause health issues.

PM2.5

PM2.5 are particles which are smaller than 2.5 micrometer (μm). These PM2.5 particles are so small they can penetrate the respiratory and cardiovascular system and cause health issues.

Ultrafine particles

Ultrafine particles are all particles smaller than 0.1 μm (micrometer). These particles are so small they can penetrate into your bloodstream and be transported everywhere in your body, for example to your brains. Exposure to ultrafine particles can cause various health risks.

How does particulate matter enter your body?

Particulate matter is transported into your body through your nose and mouth. Large particulate matter particles are swallowed, coughed out or sneezed out. Small particulate matter particles are transported to the lungs and will enter your alveoli and your cardiovascular system. Because of this, chemical substances can enter your bloodstream.