Deep in our second Lockdown, we are spending more time than ever indoors. While this is essential in protecting ourselves and others from the Covid-19 virus, it does open us up to another potential threat - air pollution. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 90% of us live in areas where the quality of the air exceeds the guidelines for pollutants and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the levels of air pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. Indoor air quality is the biggest environmental risk factor in diseases such as cancer, and heart and lung diseases. And recently, research out of Harvard University found a link between even a single-unit rise in fine particle pollution and an increase in deaths from Covid-19.
Fine particulate matter (PM) is an indoor air pollutant of particular concern. PMs measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less (PM2.5) are able to penetrate deep into our bodies and cause severe damage. According to WHO, a greater percentage of the UK have been exposed to PM2.5 than - amongst others - Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and USA.
Other pollutants of concern are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are often human-made solvents and appear in petrol, paint, pharmaceuticals and refrigerants. VOCs can cause a range of illnesses from irritation of the eyes to allergies, to kidney and liver damage and all the way up to cancers. Studies by the EPA have found elevated concentrations of VOCs can persist in the air long after the activity which released the VOCs is completed. Despite this, there are currently no guidelines surrounding VOCs in the UK.
This is a worry for those of us working indoors, whether at home or in the workplace. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) are calling on the government to tighten rules around air quality in buildings and to make monitoring mandatory. Currently, there is an exemption in the Air Quality Regulations which mean current air quality rules do not apply to buildings which are also a workplace. The Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations approved code of practice states that air should, as far as possible, be free from impurities which may cause ill health - however this code of practice does not have legal force.
So, what can be done? Well, whether you're at home, in a workplace, or in a public space, monitoring indoor air quality is vital. Just as well that we have products which allow you to do just such a thing, plus we are continually listening to our customers and are always developing new solutions to their needs. Our air quality monitors, AQ110A and AQ112 are the only air quality products to have their accuracy validated in an independent study by University College London (UCL). They measure not only PM2.5 and VOCs, but PM1, PM10, CO2, CO and NO2 as well temperature and relative humidity. Plus, AQ112 measures Ozone. These are single box solutions allowing you to provide the best quality of life for yourselves and others during these trying times. And, with Darca Connect, it's easier than ever to keep up to date with indoor quality readings at just a glance wherever you are.
