Being able to analyse the quality of the air we breathe in its individual components is an urgent concern for us. The question is: What influence does air quality have on our lives? That is why we founded Corant GmbH. As experts in researching and developing complex sensor technology, we decided to design air-Q, a reliable and comprehensive air analyser.
When air composition becomes air pollution
In Europe, people spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. This means that each person breathes between 12 and 24 kg of air per day. For this reason, indoor air quality is of crucial importance.
The air composition contains mainly nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, methane and ozone also accumulate. Pollen, spores, particulates and volatile organic compounds also play an important role in determining air quality. Many of these pollutants permanently change the composition (and effect) of the air. They are produced by road traffic and industrial plants. In addition, many building materials and wall paints, plastic objects and electrical appliances also emit harmful substances into the air we breathe. In addition, temperature, humidity and sound pressure levels have a considerable impact on air quality and thus on our well-being.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers air pollution to be the most serious environmental health risk worldwide. The WHO has been studying air quality in Europe since 1958. Based on its numerous observations, in 1987 it analysed a total of 28 organic and inorganic pollutants that may be responsible for air pollution. To protect public health, the WHO published guidelines on these substances. These not only provide information on the concentration of pollutants above which the air composition can become harmful to humans. They are also intended to help eliminate or at least reduce the pollutants and thus counteract air pollution. Finally, in 2006, guidelines were issued specifically for indoor air. The first WHO guidelines on indoor air quality, which focus on moisture and mould, were published in 2009.
Although the WHO attaches great importance to the issue of air quality, there is still a lack of suitable measuring devices for the precise determination of pollutant levels. The air quality measuring devices currently on the market can certainly detect when certain limit values are exceeded. However, they lack the necessary sensors to measure the individual components of the breathing air separately. That is why we have developed the air-Q. With its numerous sensors, it can measure the pollutants contained in the breathing air individually and in real time, as well as make reliable statements about volume / noise, humidity and smoke development.
Poor air quality, even air pollution, can have serious effects on our health and our performance
The components of the air can have a lasting effect on our well-being. On the one hand, our performance can suffer. On the other hand, health problems can occur.
Poor air quality, even air pollution , is not only perceived as unpleasant. It also impairs the ability to concentrate and thus productivity. The causes of poor air quality are not only annoying odours, but also high or low temperatures, too little or too much humidity and, of course, too much noise. Probably the greatest influence in this context, however, is exerted by the concentration of carbon dioxide(CO₂). In order to improve the stale air we breathe, air exchange is therefore of enormous importance. However, when ventilating, care must always be taken to ensure that pollutants as well as noise and heat from outside do not further aggravate the air quality in the room.
Concentration problems are often accompanied by a lack of well-being and even physical complaints. Irritated mucous membranes, itchy eyes and skin irritations are among the less serious consequences. On the one hand, poor air quality can considerably aggravate the symptoms for those affected by allergies or chronic respiratory problems. On the other hand, long-term exposure to pollutants leads to serious diseases of the respiratory tract but also of the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, there is a risk that mental illnesses are triggered or at least aggravated by too much noise, for example.
You will find more articles on the harmfulness of air components as an ongoing series in our blog soon.
(Image: unsplash/ Sasha Freemind)
