Air pollution
Did you know
  • Did you know
  • The effects of pollution
  • Solutions
  • Did you know ?
    Air is our primary nutrient, far ahead of food. We effectively consume 388 cubic feet of air per day, which equates to 26 lbs. In comparison, we 'only' consume 4.4lb water and 3.3lbs food.

    In addition, recent improvements in insulation aiming to reduce energy expenditures, and the use of air-conditioning or heating systems have led to the increased contamination of our interiors. This air contamination no longer allows us to optimally refresh the air indoors.

    The quality of the air that we breathe is extremely important to our health. Unfortunately, indoors, there are many sources of pollution.
    INDOOR SOURCES OF POLLUTION
    • External air
      External air :
      The air outside is loaded with pollutants that are harmful to our health, that enter into our rooms. Emitted by industry, transport, agriculture or from underground, these pollutants are often pollens or fine particules (PM2.5), but we also note the presence of pesticides, ozone, nitrogen oxides, radon or even volatile chemical substances.
    • Building
      Building :
      The materials used to construct and decorate a building are sources of pollution. Paints, furniture, chipboard (wooden flooring, etc.), insulation materials, varnish, adhesives, heating systems, chimneys, and air-conditioning systems can often emit chemical pollutants such as volatile organic compounds or formaldehyde.
    • Human activity
      Human activity :
      Some of our activities, such as cooking, smoking, the use of cleaning products or the presence of pets may participate in the emission of pollutants inside the home. They can emit volatile organic components, formaldehyde, allergens, mold, etc.
    The key figures for air treatment
    • 2x
      On average, the air is 2 to 8 times more polluted
      inside       than outside
    • 0%
      We spend 90% of our time
      indoors.
    Dust
    PollensPollens < 10 micrometers allergens
    VirusFlu virus (H1N1), H3N2, H5N1
    FormaldehydeThe most harmful indoor pollutant
    Animal allergens2nd highest cause of allergies in the world
    PM2.5Fine particles, carcinogenic according to the WHO
    VOCChemical pollutants emitted by household cleaning products, decoration products...
    MoldA source of allergic reactions
    FormaldehydeThe most harmful indoor pollutant
    Dust MitesResponsable for 50% of allergies
    PollensPollens < 10 micrometers allergens
    FormaldehydeThe most harmful indoor pollutant
    PM2.5Fine particles, carcinogenic according to the WHO
    BacteriaEscherichia Coli, Legionella, Staphylococcus aureus
    MoldA source of allergic reactions
    Fur / Hair / FibresBathroom, bedrooms, animal rooms
    FormaldehydeThe most harmful indoor pollutant
    • Indoor air,
      is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside !

      We spend 90% of our time indoors - inside where homes are insulated and practically airtight for energy savings

      What creates a problem is that contrary to popular belief, indoor air is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

      As indoor pollutants are not expelled or destroyed, they can cause health problems. Everyday exposure to these indoor pollutants may contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and even cancer.

    • Indoor air,
      is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside !

      We spend 90% of our time indoors - inside where homes are insulated and practically airtight for energy savings

      What creates a problem is that contrary to popular belief, indoor air is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

      As indoor pollutants are not expelled or destroyed, they can cause health problems. Everyday exposure to these indoor pollutants may contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and even cancer.

    • Indoor air,
      is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside !

      We spend 90% of our time indoors - inside where homes are insulated and practically airtight for energy savings

      What creates a problem is that contrary to popular belief, indoor air is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

      As indoor pollutants are not expelled or destroyed, they can cause health problems. Everyday exposure to these indoor pollutants may contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and even cancer.

    • Indoor air,
      is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside !

      We spend 90% of our time indoors - inside where homes are insulated and practically airtight for energy savings

      What creates a problem is that contrary to popular belief, indoor air is on average 5 times more polluted than the air outside.

      As indoor pollutants are not expelled or destroyed, they can cause health problems. Everyday exposure to these indoor pollutants may contribute to the increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory infections, allergies and even cancer.

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  • THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON OUR HEALTH
    Particle-based pollutants are suspended in the air. Their impact on our health will depend on their size and in which part of our respiratory system they accumulate. Gas-based pollutants systematically penetrate the circulatory system via our respiratory system.
    Particles larger than 10 micrometres
    (pollen, dust, hairs, dust mites etc.)
    Retention in the nasal passages
    Risks to health : irritation of the mucus membrane (rhinitis, rhinopharyngitis).
    Particles between 3 and 10 micrometres
    (mold, fibers, bacteria, animal allergens, etc.)
    Penetration into the bronchi / bronchioles and sometimes into the pulmonary alveoli.
    Risks to health : aggravation of respiratory diseases: bronchitis, bronchiolitis, respiratory allergies, asthma.
    Particles smaller than 3 micrometres
    (fine particles (PM2.5), virus, animal allergens, bacteria, etc.)
    Systematic passage into the alveolar region of the lungs and into the bloodstream
    Risks to health : respiratory diseases, cardio-vascular diseases (including AVC) and cancer.
    Gas
    Passage into the bloodstream.
    Risks to health : cardio-vascular diseases and cancer
    PUBLIC HEALTH COST
    Air pollution is now the main environmental risk to health across the world.
    In 2012, the World Health Organisation estimated the total number of premature deaths due to air pollution at 7 million, around 1 person in 8. The people most at risk from air pollution are babies, asthmatics, allergy sufferers and the elderly.
    WHO ARE THE MOST SENSITIVE?
    • Newborns
      Newborns
      With a fragile immune system and immature lungs, newborns are more susceptible to infections and are particularly exposed to the risks of developing bronchiolitis.
    • Allergy sufferers and asthmatics
      Allergy sufferers and asthmatics

      Allergy sufferers and asthmatics are particularly affected by poor indoor air quality. Polluted air can effectively worsen the severity of respiratory symptoms, but also the frequency of attacks in sufferers. Poor indoor air quality also contributes towards increasing the number of people suffering from allergies of asthma.

      Note: asthma is the primary chronic disease in children. Allergies are the 4th most common chronic illness in the world. The number of people suffering from allergies doubled between 1980 and 2000.

    • The elderly
      The elderly
      A diminished immune system in the elderly makes them particularly sensitive to pollution. Moreover, they are often already weakened by chronic respiratory diseases such as respiratory failure or cardio-vascular diseases.
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  • Solutions
    "Indoor air is highly polluted and in the long-term, breathing poor quality air can have significant consequences
    on your health. However, a few good habits can help you to breathe with complete peace of mind.

    Here are a few simple actions recommended by our experts to take care of your indoor air :
    • Ventilate
      All year long and through every season, it is beneficial to your health to refresh the air in each room.
    • Limit sources of pollution
      Household products, cigarettes or even home fragrances contain numerous toxic substances.
    • Purify!
      See purifiers
      An air purifier with filters helps to fight against indoor pollution, particularly for the most sensitive like children, allergic asthmatics or the elderly.
    • Manage your humidity
      Manage your humidity
      Maintaining humidity levels between 50% and 60% thanks to a device equipped with a humidity monitor is a key parameter to have high quality air in your home.
    10 GOOD THINGS TO DO
    • 1 / 10
      Ventilate every day

      10 minutes of ventilation is enough to refresh the air in one room.

      So, in winter and summer alike, open the windows and ventilate your home!

    • 2 / 10
      Maintain your ventilation system

      Remember to regularly clean your ventilation grilles and check that your furniture or decorations are not blocking them. For humid rooms, increase their ventilation.

      For humid rooms, increase their ventilation.

    • 3 / 10
      Limit the use of household products

      Cleaning products contain numerous toxic substances, particularly formaldehyde.

      Only use the essentials, and reduce their quantity.

    • 4 / 10
      Fight against dust

      Clean surfaces using a damp cloth, and regularly (every day if possible) use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter.

    • 5 / 10
      Do not smoke indoors

      Cigarette smoke releases numerous toxic substances and is a "super pollutant".

    • 6 / 10
      Avoid home fragrances

      Limit the use of incense sticks and perfumed candles as they often contain chemical substances (formaldehyde).

    • 7 / 10
      Choose your plants carefully

      Avoid having allergenic plants in your home, garden, or on your balconies.

      Also avoid plants that require frequent watering or high humidity.

    • 8 / 10
      Dry your laundry outside

      This is important to avoid high humidity levels in your home.

    • 9 / 10
      Use an air purifier

      To help you to purify your air, especially if your household contains a sensitive person such as a young child, an allergy sufferer, an asthmatic or an elderly person.

    • 10 / 10
      Use a humidifier