Our passion is air - in the truest sense of the word. In our air quality blog, we write for you about current topics related to breathing air, indoor air and sensors and air quality. For example, we classify the results of new studies on the health effects of polluted indoor air or provide information on limit values. In addition, we also work on our own studies with real-time data from our own air measuring device air-Q. The blog is therefore a guidebook, reference work and important source of information for well-founded facts about air quality.
Formaldehyde occurs indoors as a gas and can be perceived by its typical odor. It is formed during incomplete combustion and other oxidation processes. Since the gas is used in adhesives, for example, it is very common indoors and enters the body through respiration. We present the substance in more detail.
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Seasonally, particulate matter levels are currently rising due to the use of fireplaces and tiled stoves. Road traffic is also contributing to an increase in fine dust pollution. Another, often overlooked source of ultra-fine dust and nanoparticles are printers. Read here to find out what health hazards the small particles pose and how you can protect yourself.
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Indoor air can make people ill. This is because toxic substances, so-called residential toxins, often float unnoticed in it. Take action before you become chronically burdened by the effects and investigate the causes of initial complaints. We present the 8 most important indoor air toxins, reveal sources of pollution and tell you how to protect yourself from toxins.
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Foul odors have a strong impact on your well-being and can affect your health. You do not have to accept an odor nuisance from your neighbors without complaint. Which odors are unacceptable, whether you can use the measurement data of the air-Q in court and what rights you have, we now clarify.
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Does it smell musty, fungal or earthy in your home, but you can't see any mold? Nevertheless, a hidden mold infestation could be the cause of the smell. We clarify the most important questions around a possible mold infestation indoors and give tips on how to prevent a mold outbreak.
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When you work quietly, you take about 12 to 15 breaths per minute. In the process, up to 15 liters of air flow through your lungs. A healthy indoor climate in the office is therefore important to increase the well-being and productivity of employees. Read here what the air in the office should be like and which tips ensure a better office climate.
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With our air-Q Smart Widgets, you can play out measured values live on many channels and end devices. You can display sensor data as current measured values, development diagrams or indexes on info screens, websites or in presentations. We will now explain how this works and what you can do with the Smart Widgets.
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Corona has spurred research around aerosols and air quality. Several studies show a link between carbon dioxide levels and the risk of infection. In our new app version, you get a virus-free index that you can use to identify and reduce the risk of infection. We'll now explain how this works.
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Exhaust gases and the like pollute our air, so that it is often contaminated particulates . The very small diameter of the particles is dangerous. This is how the dust gets into the respiratory tract and can affect health. Do closed windows prevent fine dust from entering the home? We measured it with our air-Q air measuring device.
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Do you cook with a gas stove or heat with natural gas or a fireplace? Then you should monitor the room air, because some gases are highly explosive. The air-Q air monitor can be used as a gas detector and fire detector. How it works, which gases are important and for whom the gas detector is recommended, you can read here.
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The temperatures are dropping and it's cold and wet. Those who usually went outside to smoke now resort to an e-shisha from Elf Bar & Co. and steam indoors. After all, the vapes don't burn tobacco, but vaporize pleasant scents. But how healthy is the vapor? We measured the effects on air quality with our air-Q air measuring device.
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Vacuum cleaners are actually designed for vacuuming. Some devices are equipped with high-quality filters and are even supposed to be able to improve the air quality. Whether this is true and how well the THOMAS Aqua+ Multi Clean X10 Parquet vacuum cleaner can do it, we have tested on the basis of the air humidity, VOC and particulates values.
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Air quality is not visible, but measurable! Since bad air can lead to health complaints, air sensors make sense. But not all air sensors are the same. We have compared a small sensible selection of measuring devices with the air-Q. Although we are not completely neutral, we substantiate the results of the comparison with facts.
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In the cold season, people like to fire up the fireplace. This year, especially to save on heating costs and keep the utility bill in check. Heating with wood, however, involves some risks and can pollute the air you breathe. Here you can find out what to look out for and how you can best save energy with your fireplace.
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Heating with a tea light stove - does it really work? We took a close look at DIY heaters made from flower pots and measured them with our air-Q air meter. In our practical test, we take a look at whether the tea light stoves actually heat the 20 m² room and which air measurement values still change when the miniature stove is on.
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Temperatures are dropping and, in view of the gas crisis, many people are thinking about how they can save energy in order to reduce their heating costs. They prefer to keep the window closed and the heat in the room instead of airing it regularly. Is an air measuring device such as the air-Q worthwhile here and what advantages does an air analysis offer in autumn and winter? We have the answers.
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Heating is becoming increasingly expensive in the gas crisis. Many people are worried about the upcoming utility bill and are looking for alternatives to save on heating costs. One savings trend is the tea light heater. We took a look at how the stoves work, what advantages and disadvantages they have, and whether the small heaters are a healthy alternative.
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What exactly is oxygen and why is this diatomic gas so important for us? Can you breathe in too much oxygen? And what helps against too little oxygen in the blood? We have taken a closer look at the measured value and answer important questions about the chemical element.
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We are in the middle of a gas crisis! Energy costs are skyrocketing and everyone is anxious about the next heating bill or the upcoming gas purchase for their home. We'll tell you how to save gas, reduce your heating costs and explain what the thermostat setting has to do with it. Discover many previously unknown tips now!
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Unfortunately, gas heaters cause devastating gas accidents with high property damage and also personal injury time and again. Under certain conditions, the gas ignites and causes an explosion. In December 2021 alone, explosions in Melle and Sicily claimed victims. We explain how a gas explosion occurs and how you can prevent it.
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Have you ever reflexively covered your ears? You bet. Because sirens, fireworks or road traffic quickly trigger the protective mechanism for the ears. However, even minor noise pollution indoors can damage your hearing and reduce your sense of well-being. We present the noise maximum value in detail.
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When the air in the apartment smells stale or even bad, many quickly reach for the room spray and spray a fragrant note into the air. But do air fresheners really improve the air, or are the particles that cover them up rather questionable and even hazardous to health? We conducted a practical test with our air-Q air measuring device.
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Fine dust particles cannot necessarily be seen, but they can be smelled. They are light and float in the air. But they pose a health hazard, because the small particles enter our bodies almost unhindered and attack the lung tissue in particular. We present the measured value to you in detail.
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For a good indoor climate, stale air must go out and fresh air must come in. But at what point does it need to be aired? Often the relevant recommendations are unrealistic: 5 to 10 minutes every two hours. When you should actually open the windows depends on several factors. In our air-Q Lab, we test which measured values are decisive.
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Air pollutants in the home are bad for well-being and health. But how do you get clean air in your rooms? AIRY's planters promise an innovative biofilter and a patented natural indoor air purification system: We tested how effective the planters are in our air-Q Lab using the air-Q air measuring device.
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Do you suffer from headaches or respiratory irritation indoors? Sick building syndrome, triggered by elevated VOC levels, may be the cause. Read now how the volatile organic compounds get into the air, what health effects they can have and what helps against VOC.
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particulates in the home poses a risk to health. Only good floor hygiene can help against the small particles. Are cordless vacuum cleaners the ideal solution for this, or do they just make the floor dirtier? We did the test with the Xiaomi cordless vacuum cleaner and checked the fine dust pollution during vacuuming.
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Heat drives away concentration. What brings relief on hot days in the office? Clearly, air conditioning! But how does air circulation affect air quality? Do air conditioners pose a health risk? We checked and used the air-Q to analyze the effects of air conditioning in our own office.
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Absolute humidity describes how much water vapor is in the air. This measured value is influenced by our breathing, plants, cooking or showering. Since absolute humidity plays an important role in human well-being, let's take a closer look at the measured value.
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Contrary to popular belief, fine dust pollution in homes is often twice as high as outdoors. What's more, the small particles are even more harmful indoors than outdoors. How the particulates gets into our homes, what health effects are threatening and what you can do against the dusts, you can now read here.
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Humidity, CO₂ and other air components rise continuously indoors when windows are closed. However, high air quality is necessary for restful sleep. Should the window therefore be open all night or is it enough to ventilate well before sleeping? We carried out a practical test with our air-Q air quality meter.
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Kai Schmerer tests various devices for TechStage - in his test reports, he always clarifies important user questions and recreates application scenarios. For the practical test of individual air purifiers, he used our air-Q air measuring device. In our interview, we asked what his experiences were like and how important the topic of air quality is to him.
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If you want to improve indoor air quality, you have to eliminate pollution caused by carbon monoxide and dioxide, particulatesor mould spores. Here, many people rely on air purifiers. But what do air purifiers really do? And: Do I need an air measuring device in addition to the air purifier to keep an eye on the air quality? We answer these questions.
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When nature awakens to new life and everything starts to bloom, this is not a pleasant experience for all of us. For many people with pollen allergies, this is also the start of the hay fever season. But what exactly is hay fever? How does it develop and how can it be avoided?
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Smoking cars, ships, chimneys on private houses or factories: urban life is characterised by exhaust fumes. Air measurements show how bad the air really is in German cities. We compare the values of ten major German cities and reveal the health effects of the pollutants.
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The myth that houseplants do not belong in the bedroom has long persisted. But this assumption has been disproved: There are plants that need little oxygen and even improve the indoor climate. In our air-Q Lab, we have thoroughly tested three representatives and measured their influence on the air quality. Today we introduce you to the dragon tree.
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Hydrogen sulphide is colourless, malodorous and highly toxic. The gas is also flammable and highly combustible. If you heat with petroleum or live near landfills, sewage treatment plants or slurry pits, you should check the H₂S concentration of your indoor air. Our new sensor makes this possible. We present our new product.
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Russia presented the Kinschal hypersonic missiles some time ago, which can potentially be equipped with nuclear warheads. Likewise, the USA and also other countries regularly conduct missile or even nuclear tests - to demonstrate the destructive potential and thus deter.
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For a good night's sleep, we also need good indoor air. However, many furnishings emit pollutants and this affects the air quality. Houseplants provide a remedy through their air-purifying effect. But are they also suitable for the bedroom? We do the practical test and present three suitable representatives.
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Strictly speaking, acrylic paints are plastics and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they dry. In our test, we find out whether the artists' paints are toxic and how they change the indoor air. You can find our results and a short video of the test here.
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The Corona pandemic has sensitised us to air quality. To protect oneself from infectious aerosols, it is important to measure the indoor air and to ventilate regularly. This is especially important when several people are in close proximity to each other. Our experiment during a party with 10 friends shows how important these measures are.
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Houseplants are not only ornamental, but also improve the indoor climate and the air quality of a room. They are also said to have an air-purifying and air-humidifying effect, as they filter pollutants from the air. With the air-Q, we analysed over 24 hours how plants affect the air quality.
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Gas is treacherous because it can escape unnoticed and with devastating consequences. Mixed with the ambient air, it quickly becomes a highly flammable mixture that can cause an explosion just by flicking a light switch. A suitable gas detector provides safety here. Find out now which gases you should keep an eye on.
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We modern humans are often exposed to constant noise: from the sound of trams and honking cars to the radio in open-plan offices. With far-reaching health consequences, because we cannot switch off our ears. We show how noise affects our body and our psyche and which technologies you can use to detect noise sources.
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If the air in your home is stuffy and it is difficult to breathe, this has a negative effect on body and soul. Concentration problems, headaches, sleeping problems and more are often the result. This is why a pleasant indoor climate is so important. In this article you will find 8 tips for an optimal indoor climate without an air purifier.
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Fresh air is healthy and contains a perfect amount of humidity. You should not only supply your lungs with good air outdoors, but also indoors. Especially in winter, indoor air is dry and tends to be of poor quality. Air purifiers are supposed to counteract this. In our air-Q Lab we tested the HYLA EST water hoover.
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There is no way we can do without it: the air. However, there are big differences when it comes to air quality. We can't see bad air, but it can still make us sick. To prevent this, there are technical aids, so-called air filters and air washers. We tested how these work in our air-Q Lab.
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The particulates concentration on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day has been significantly increased in Leipzig in recent years, even exceeding limit values. In addition to the effects of fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve particulate matter, the measurement results also show the influence of wood-burning stoves. We explain the health effects and how you can protect yourself.
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A Christmas tree is part of the celebration. However, it is estimated that one third of Christmas tree owners suffer from allergic symptoms triggered by their tree. Now you can find out how to recognise and prevent the so-called "Christmas tree syndrome". We also measured the change in air caused by a tree and tell you the result.
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Used room air must be exchanged so that you remain healthy and efficient. Just opening the window is not enough. Because incorrect ventilation can cause the quality of the air indoors to drop, mould to develop and heating energy to be lost. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about ventilation and how to ventilate correctly.
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We are constantly working on our air analyser so that you can always benefit from new functions and improvements to the air-Q. Our new sensors, which you can order individually and integrate into your existing air-Q, now ensure your increased well-being and optimum safety. Discover our new products now.
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Mould in living spaces is harmful to health, but the danger is often not immediately visible to the naked eye. Nevertheless, mould spores in the air have a negative effect on health and should ideally not be allowed to develop in the first place. We explain how you can detect and even prevent a possible mould infestation on the basis of the air components.
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Heating with pellets is modern and a good alternative to oil. But be careful: the wood pellets can form an odourless, non-irritating and therefore imperceptible, but deadly gas - carbon monoxide. If you inhale too much of it, you risk fatal poisoning. Our article shows how you can still heat safely with pellets.
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Not only in times of pandemics is the air quality in classrooms usually insufficient - often the air is thick. The recommended CO₂ concentration is quickly exceeded. Since there is not always sufficient ventilation, the risk of infection for pupils and teachers also increases. CO₂ traffic lights provide a remedy and ensure better air quality.
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For many people it is a silent horror scenario in the back of their minds - the cable fire. It can happen at any time and there are hardly any ways to protect yourself from it. But what are the causes of a cable fire and can you detect the first signs by measuring the air and thus avoid the fire?
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Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that is produced, for example, during combustion processes such as in stoves and fireplaces. However, there are also sources of carbon monoxide in summer that can become dangerous and pose a risk to people indoors.
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We are constantly working on new functions and improvements for the air-Q. The hardware of the device still offers a lot of possibilities for this - so there will be many more updates for better air.
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Wood has been used as a building material for thousands of years and is considered particularly environmentally friendly due to the fact that it is a renewable raw material. But what influence does wood have on air quality?
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It is not always easy to understand exactly what all falls under the term VOCs. This is because many different substances fall under this broad umbrella term, which can be traced back to a range of sources. So what can be VOC sources in the home?
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Currently, indoor air quality is of particular importance, because aerosols that can carry e.g. the COVID-19 virus or other colds quickly accumulate there. In public spaces with many people, this plays a major role. The air-Q was summoned - for testing in court.
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We tested the stylish Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool humidifier, air purifier and fan. The device is big, heavy and promises pure performance. We mainly tested the air purification function of the device with regard to aerosols with the help of two air-Q Pro with 14 sensors. Among other things, particulates, VOCs and humidity were measured.
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What do you associate with a holiday at the Baltic Sea? Sun, sea, beach and the fresh, good sea air perhaps? We took the air-Q with us on holiday and measured surprisingly high particulates values on the coast.
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With the development of the air-Q, we are fully dedicated to the fight for healthy indoor air. To be able to fight this battle even more efficiently, we are also always on the lookout for promising competitors. In doing so, we keep our eyes open for innovations such as air purifier technology that help us improve the quality of the air we breathe.
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How does air quality evolve during the Corona pandemic? Currently, data is often isolated and interpreted. But such analyses do not do justice to the complex interrelationships around pollutants. Now researchers have presented a deeper analysis that shows: The lockdown significantly reduces NO₂ pollution.
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The temperature level in rooms is often simply referred to as temperature. In recommendations for optimal temperatures, for example, it remains vague whether the air temperature or the much more meaningful room temperature is meant. To date, technical devices for controlling room air have mostly focused on the air temperature.
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Do districts with high air pollution have a higher Covid 19 death rate? The new study by scientists at Harvard University allows this conclusion for the USA - and should lead to short-term as well as general consequences with regard to air quality and the measurement of particulates .
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The pandemic leads to quarantine, contact and exit restrictions. Despite the approach of spring, we are spending more time indoors - and must be careful to stay fit and healthy. This article provides information on the sources of pollutants and how to improve indoor air quality.
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Can air pollution accelerate the spread of viruses such as the coronavirus? Evaluations by Italian researchers suggest so. They have found correlations between particulates (PM2.5, PM10) and the spread of COVID-19 in northern Italy. Therefore, they call for restrictive measures to combat pollution.
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House dust, a mixture of various organic and inorganic particles, can seriously damage our health. Causes can be natural or human. The blog article provides information on what domestic dust is, what effects the particles have - and how we can protect ourselves from the consequences.
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Air pollution is a risk factor for allergic diseases. Bad air pollutes the respiratory tract and can be a trigger for allergic asthma and hay fever. In addition, the skin, the largest human organ and the only barrier against environmental influences, also suffers: Air pollution is also a risk factor for neurodermatitis.
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Efforts to reduce particulate matter pollution in cities caused by traffic are bearing fruit across Germany: reports of lower particulates concentrations are accumulating. Despite this good news, there is no all-clear in terms of air pollution. The reason for this: Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short.
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Dry air is a problem especially during the winter heating period: On the one hand, too low room humidity worsens the all-important feeling of comfort. On the other hand, it leads to an increased risk of infection - for example with flu viruses. For this reason, a trade association has launched the Minimum Humidity 40 Percent campaign.
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Laser printers and copiers are an often underestimated factor for healthy breathing air in the office - they emit particulates, nanoparticles and pollutants. In this interview with Heike Krüger from the nano-Control Foundation, we talk about health risks, education and a current campaign.
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Millions of people around the world suffer from asthma and know the oppressive feeling of not being able to breathe easily. But how exactly is bronchial asthma defined, what are the typical symptoms and causes, and what can help to alleviate it in addition to the treatment prescribed by a doctor?
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The pollutants in the air can affect our health and trigger or intensify allergies, for example. Our lungs are one of the most obvious sufferers. But the nerves and not least the skin also suffer from air pollution. What types of allergies are there, what is anaphylaxis and what role do histamines play?
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In Germany, air quality at the workplace is governed by the Workplace Ordinance - specifically the workplace regulations. However, "healthy air to breathe" is often not very good in the office. On the contrary, the air is thick, especially in open-plan offices. How is it possible to ensure their performance through a good indoor climate?
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How can pollutant emissions in cities be reduced sustainably? The public debate focuses too much on the mobility revolution. But the air we breathe, especially in residential areas, is not only polluted by traffic: In the winter months, heating with wood, coal and pellets contributes to increased particulates- and pollution.
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Everyone knows it: noises such as loud music, an aeroplane or a train trigger different reactions. Noise is perceived subjectively by everyone. But one thing is clear: noise affects our health because we cannot get used to it. But which noise sources are particularly harmful, and how is noise actually measured?
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The European Environment Agency (EEA) has examined air pollution in Europe in its annual report. The evaluation of 4,000 measuring points showed that air pollution caused by particulates, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone endangers the health of the vast majority of city dwellers. What can be done about it?
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Many of the dangers posed by air pollutants such as particulates are undisputed and well known. But besides these health reasons to do more for good air quality, there are also economic reasons: The solar yield can be significantly reduced by air pollution and particulates - and that in two ways.
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The debate about air quality and appropriate pollutant limits is ongoing. In addition to CO₂ and particulates, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a particular focus. But the existing limit values confuse citizens and experts - which limit values are there, and what applies in which situation?
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Rising temperatures as a result of climate change increase the risk of forest fires and make it more difficult to contain them. The resulting particulates pollution is a particular problem for people who are already at risk of asthma. What is the connection between asthma and forest fire particulate matter?
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The link to childhood asthma is clear: one in ten new cases of asthma in Europe could be prevented if countries complied with the WHO limits for PM2.5. If there were clean air, even one in three.
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Continuous inhalation of bad air poses significant health risks that vary by income and gender, according to the central finding of a new study by Imperial College in London.
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Carbon monoxide is a treacherous gas because it is colourless and odourless. The trend towards wood-burning stoves and heavily insulated homes increases the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. The article shows causes, symptoms and therapies - and introduces the CO alarm and air analyser air-Q.
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What exactly does crowdfunding mean? And what advantages does Kickstarter offer for providers and supporters? In the following, you will learn what crowdfunding is all about, why we choose this model and how you can support us.
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The ongoing discussion about traffic-related air pollution brings nitrogen oxides to everyone's attention. But high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide can also occur indoors, which can lead to additional serious health problems.
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Headaches, fatigue and concentration problems - indoors, one substance in particular is responsible for this: carbon dioxide. Even in small quantities, it leads to performance deficits and only becomes noticeable when the substance load is too high.
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To test the qualities of our air-Q in practice, we took test measurements in a primary school in June 2018. For the measurement period from 18 to 19 June 2018, air-Q accompanied the school lessons on those hot summer days out of the reach of children's hands.
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The influence of air quality on our health and performance cannot be underestimated. Outdoor air is regularly checked in Germany. But there are hardly any meaningful measuring instruments for indoor air quality.
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