particulates consists of billions and billions of tiny and therefore virtually invisible particles. These are at most a few thousandths of a millimeter (micrometer) in size. Due to their small size, the particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract when inhaled and cause health problems.
What are the sources of particulates?
Most sources of particulate matter are first produced by humans. The main sources of particulate pollution are combustion engines, stoves and fireplaces, coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities. Road, ship and air traffic also blow exhaust fumes into the air particulates . But "by-products" of transportation such as brake and tire abrasion also produce particulates or repeatedly stir up dust already lying on the roads. Another major source is agriculture with ammonia emissions.
How does particulates get into the apartment?
Typically, particulates enters the apartment through open or leaky windows. Of course, how many particles are in the outside air and get indoors depends greatly on the location of the apartment or house. But it's not just road traffic that brings particulates into the home. The residents themselves also carry it in - via their clothing or footwear. About half of the particulate matter in apartments enters from outside. The other half originates in the home itself.
Indoor sources for particulates at a glance:
- Surface abrasion e.g. from carpets or textile fabrics
- Combustion processes, for example through heating systems, (open) fireplaces, gas boilers
- Burning candles or cigarettes
- Cooking & frying without extractor hood
- Operation of electronic devices e.g. toaster, copier, (laser) printer
- Outdoor air e.g. exhaust gas intrusion from traffic, industry & agriculture
Why is particulates so dangerous in the home?
From closed rooms particulates cannot escape, because here hardly any dilution effects occur as in the open air. particulates is not only a concern because of the particles themselves, but because of possible other substances that attach themselves to the fine or house dust and thus enter our bodies and our cells. For example:
- Phthalates, so-called plasticizers, contained in plastics: These substances are suspected of being carcinogenic and increasing the risk of asthma in children. They are primarily found in cosmetics, toys and plastic packaging.
- Phenols contained in cleaning agents: Flame retardants used in the treatment of furniture, floor coverings, building materials and electronic equipment.
- Perfluorinated hydrocarbons used to impregnate outdoor clothing as well as sports shoes or for the non-stick coatings of cooking pots.
- Pet allergens
- Volatile Organic compounds (VOC)emitted from carpets, computers or furniture, or from the burning of candles.
- Biological particles such as pollen, bacteria, fungi or viruses
In addition to being suspected of being carcinogenic, they are also thought to affect hormone balance and the immune system. We absorb the pollutants contained in house dust through the air we breathe, our skin and our hands.
What are the health risks posed by particulates in homes?
The smallest particles penetrate into the pulmonary alveoli and even enter the bloodstream, which carries them to various organs. Depending on whether the particles are soluble or not, they remain in the body for longer and cause irritation effects of varying duration. Anyone who is exposed to high levels of particulate matter for a long time risks inflammatory changes in their respiratory tract. Since respiration and blood circulation work closely together, both systems are also negatively affected. People with allergies and asthma are particularly sensitive to air pollutants. Skin, eye and mucous membrane irritations as well as an increased risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases are also possible.
Possible consequences of exposure to particulate matter in the home are:
- Lung diseases like asthma & bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Symptoms of poisoning & headaches
- Heart Attack, Thrombosis & Stroke
- Restlessness & exhaustion syndrome
What helps against particulates in the apartment?
To remove the particulate matter particles from the apartment and reduce exposure, you should shock ventilate several times a day for at least five minutes and damp mop the floor regularly. Also, use a vacuum cleaner with a good filter. These models give you better dust retention, so significantly less particulates is blown back into the room.
Refrain from using scented candles or other chemical air fresheners that only mask bad odors instead of addressing the cause. Often, these products contain harmful ingredients like VOCs that can cause fatigue, headaches or even nausea. You can read about which other household items emit VOCs in our separate post. Don't smoke indoors. If you have a fireplace or stove, use only dry and untreated wood for heating.
In the colder months, also reduce the room temperature and ensure the right humidity. An air humidity of 40 to 60 percent is ideal. At this humidity, the dust in the air is wetted and sinks to the floor. Get rid of unnecessary dust traps such as decorative pillows or rugs. Shake out and wash comforters as well as pillows regularly. Electronic devices are another source of particulate matter. If possible, use energy-saving devices that produce less particulates .
Keep an eye on the particulate matter levels in your home. An air meter like the air-Q measures the air components and warns you when limit values are exceeded.
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(Contributed image: Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock.com)
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