In our blog we inform you about interesting facts about indoor air and air quality.

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.

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Modern furnished bright living room with many green plants. air-Q air meter analyzes effect of plants as humidifier.
Test measurements
  •  
25.2.2022

Do plants help to improve air quality?

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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Do plants help to improve air quality?
Husband and wife cooking in a kitchen with a gas cooker.
Air quality
  •  
11.2.2022

I use gas for heating or cooking - why do I need a gas detector?

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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I use gas for heating or cooking - why do I need a gas detector?
Young woman in yellow jumper in front of yellow wall covers her ears.
Air quality
  •  
4.2.2022

Noise poisons the indoor climate & makes people ill

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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Noise poisons the indoor climate & makes people ill
Collage of two images: on the left dark room. kt large, open window, on the right room with many green plants that improve the indoor climate.
Air quality
  •  
27.1.2022

8 tips on how to improve your indoor climate - without expensive air purifiers

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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8 tips on how to improve your indoor climate - without expensive air purifiers
Water hoover HYLA EST Product image with blue logo air-Q Lab
Test measurements
  •  
21.1.2022

Can the HYLA water hoover clean the air? The test in the air-Q Lab

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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Can the HYLA water hoover clean the air? The test in the air-Q Lab
Living room with green sofa. In the foreground are the AH902 K air purifier from Venta and an air-Q.
Test measurements
  •  
14.1.2022

How well does the Venta AH902 K air purifier work - the test in the air-Q Lab?

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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How well does the Venta AH902 K air purifier work - the test in the air-Q Lab?
Test results of the New Year's Eve particulates readings with the air-Q air measuring device
Test measurements
  •  
22.12.2021

New Year's Eveparticulates: air-Q measures highly elevated particulate matter levels in Leipzig

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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New Year's Eveparticulates: air-Q measures highly elevated particulate matter levels in Leipzig
Golden decorated Christmas tree in the foreground, blurred seating area visible in the background.
Test measurements
  •  
20.12.2021

The Christmas tree syndrome - sick under the Christmas tree

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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The Christmas tree syndrome - sick under the Christmas tree
Brightly furnished, modern kitchen with kitchen counter on which the air-Q air meter stands.
Air quality
  •  
10.12.2021

Ventilate properly: The best tips

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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Ventilate properly: The best tips
Disassembled air-Q shows the inner workings and technology of the air meter.
Updates
  •  
3.12.2021

Product innovation: air-Q now with new sensors

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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Product innovation: air-Q now with new sensors
Fogged window through which blurred street lights are visible. Risk of mold growth in winter increases due to excessive humidity.
Air quality
  •  
26.11.2021

Winter time = mold in the apartment?

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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Winter time = mold in the apartment?
In pellet stores, CO levels quickly become too high and should be monitored.
Air quality
  •  
19.11.2021

Carbon monoxide hazard from pellet store?

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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Carbon monoxide hazard from pellet store?
Classroom with children reporting and a teacher in front of the blackboard. Measuring air quality in classrooms with the air-Q air analyzer
Test measurements
  •  
15.11.2021

Air quality in classrooms - the CO₂ traffic light is that important

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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Air quality in classrooms - the CO₂ traffic light is that important
Prevention of cable fires by monitoring the air quality with the air-Q air measuring device
Test measurements
  •  
21.10.2021

Cable fire - The underestimated danger

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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Cable fire - The underestimated danger
Thermometer and carbon monoxide hazard on hot days in summer
Air quality
  •  
18.8.2021

Danger of poisoning: Three carbon monoxide sources especially in summer

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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Danger of poisoning: Three carbon monoxide sources especially in summer
air-Q air meter next to smartphone with the air-Q smartphone app open
Air quality
  •  
10.5.2021

air-Q with many new functions for monitoring air quality

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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air-Q with many new functions for monitoring air quality
Wooden house from inside: Dining table and sitting area with couch in front of wooden beams in the background. VOC as an air component due to wood paneling and wooden furniture in the interior.
Air quality
  •  
8.3.2021

Wood as a material - does it make for healthy air, or does it?

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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Wood as a material - does it make for healthy air, or does it?
Stacked paint cans with traces of paint running along the outside. VOCs such as solvents and formaldehyde in the home from paints and furnishings.
Air quality
  •  
27.1.2021

VOC sources in the household

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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VOC sources in the household
Courtroom: air-Q air analyzer for test measurement of particulates, carbon dioxide-CO₂ and aerosols at the courthouse
Test measurements
  •  
24.11.2020

The air-Q in court: particulates and aerosols in focus

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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The air-Q in court: particulates and aerosols in focus
Desk on which the air analyzer air-Q is placed, in the background a plant and the Dyson Pure Humidify and the Cool air purifier & humidifier. Set-up for the particulates test
Test measurements
  •  
6.10.2020

In the air-Q test: the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool air purifier & humidifier

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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In the air-Q test: the Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool air purifier & humidifier
STrandAir quality at the Baltic Sea - particulates air-Q readings in Brook
Test measurements
  •  
20.8.2020

Air quality at the seaside: air-Q measures elevated particulates levels at the Baltic Sea

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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Air quality at the seaside: air-Q measures elevated particulates levels at the Baltic Sea
Air purifier Florafilt and air analyser air-Q in lounge with bookcase
Test measurements
  •  
27.5.2020

Air purifier: air-Q measures Florafilt

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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Air purifier: air-Q measures Florafilt
Map of Europe from above, showing the corona effect of the lockdown in Italy and Lombardy, respectively, using the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide.
Air quality
  •  
5.5.2020

Corona effect: Lockdown significantly reduces NO₂ load

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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Corona effect: Lockdown significantly reduces NO₂ load
Man lying on a sofa and holding an open book in front of his face. The right room temperature creates a sense of comfort and well-being within your own four walls.
Air quality
  •  
14.4.2020

Measuring temperature: What distinguishes room temperature from air temperature

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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Measuring temperature: What distinguishes room temperature from air temperature
Coronavirus hotspot big city: Manhattan streetscape between rows of houses, the city would have a lower covid-19 death rate with less air pollution
Studies
  •  
9.4.2020

Air pollution increases death rate from coronavirus

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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Air pollution increases death rate from coronavirus
Cleaning products such as detergent, spray bottle, sponge, cleaning gloves and a small bowl on a table against a gray background. Indoor air quality - avoiding pollutants like VOCs - what to look out for
Air quality
  •  
3.4.2020

Indoor air quality in the house and flat - what to look out for

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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Indoor air quality in the house and flat - what to look out for
Florence ghost town during coronavirus epidemic 2020 evening with red sky
Air quality
  •  
20.3.2020

Coronavirus: How particulates accelerated the spread in northern Italy

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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Coronavirus: How particulates accelerated the spread in northern Italy
Shovel bw. notched plate and broom on the floor and swept house dust, which has already condensed into wool mice.
Air quality
  •  
11.3.2020

House dust: How do woolly mice develop and how do we protect our health?

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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House dust: How do woolly mice develop and how do we protect our health?
Woman in back view with a white spaghetti top scratching your back. The cause of her neurodermatitis and itching may be the risk factor air pollution.
Air quality
  •  
26.2.2020

Neurodermatitis and the risk factor air pollution

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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Neurodermatitis and the risk factor air pollution
Several colorful cleaning bottles and sprays standing side by side, which may contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be measured with the air-Q air meter.
Air quality
  •  
28.1.2020

VOCs: definition, sources and health effects

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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VOCs: definition, sources and health effects
Plant next to a humidifier that is currently spraying water vapor. Recommendation for indoors is a minimum humidity of 40 percent air humidity
Air quality
  •  
24.1.2020

Minimum humidity 40 percent: Establish healthy humidity levels

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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Minimum humidity 40 percent: Establish healthy humidity levels
A man and a woman stand smiling at a copier or laser printer, which is copying a document and whose light is shining.
Interview
  •  
9.1.2020

"Laser printers and copiers must be placed in separate rooms".

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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"Laser printers and copiers must be placed in separate rooms".
Allergic asthma: adolescent at the doctor's office being listened to with a stethoscope to examine the symptoms for possible allergic asthma.
Air quality
  •  
13.12.2019

Allergic asthma - definition, symptoms, causes, therapy

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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Allergic asthma - definition, symptoms, causes, therapy
Collage of four pictures: 1. child sneezing into handkerchief, 2. cat and dog, 3. mites in close-up, 4. girl holding her forehead. All pictures show allergy triggers.
Air quality
  •  
28.11.2019

Allergies: What influence does the ambient air have?

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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Allergies: What influence does the ambient air have?
Open-plan office with several rows of desks and computer workstations where men and women sit. The air quality at the workplace influences the indoor climate and thus performance.
Air quality
  •  
22.11.2019

Thick air in the office - how a good indoor climate ensures efficiency

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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Thick air in the office - how a good indoor climate ensures efficiency
Floating fireplace next to a dining area in front of a balcony. Heating with wood in an open fireplace can release particulates, PAH and carbon monoxide into the indoor air
Air quality
  •  
8.11.2019

How heating with wood pollutes the air we breathe

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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How heating with wood pollutes the air we breathe
Yellow earmuffs on a wooden table. To protect the ears, the noise should be measured with a sound level meter such as air-Q and limits of noise protection for health should be observed.
Air quality
  •  
30.10.2019

How noise affects people's health

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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How noise affects people's health
Red sky with a small point of light on the horizon in front of a hazy cloud cover; a plume of smoke rises from the left half of the image. Symbol of air pollution in Europe, for example from particulates small combustion plants.
Air quality
  •  
17.10.2019

Air pollution in Europe: Enormous pressure to act despite small progress

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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Air pollution in Europe: Enormous pressure to act despite small progress
Erected solar panels on a meadow in hazy air. Symbol of solar yield in polluted air.
Air quality
  •  
24.9.2019

Solar yield: How air pollution and particulates reduce the power generation of solar modules

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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Solar yield: How air pollution and particulates reduce the power generation of solar modules
Car exhaust in close-up against dark background, symbol of NO2 limits in outdoor air.
Air quality
  •  
5.9.2019

NO₂ limits explained briefly: What applies in which situation?

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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NO₂ limits explained briefly: What applies in which situation?
Forest fire on a hillside at night, emblematic of climate change and released air pollutants that promote asthma.
Test measurements
  •  
13.8.2019

How a forest fire can trigger asthma

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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How a forest fire can trigger asthma
Turquoise asthma spray against gray background
Air quality
  •  
8.8.2019

Children's asthma: 190,000 asthma cases can be prevented by less particulates

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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Children's asthma: 190,000 asthma cases can be prevented by less particulates
Dark alley lined with a wall of houses on the right and left, in the air seems to float particulates , which accelerates the aging of the lungs.
Studies
  •  
18.7.2019

New long-term study: particulates makes people age faster

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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New long-term study: particulates makes people age faster
Red tiles of a house roof with a thin chimney. Symbol of the imminent danger of carbon monoxide poisoning when using a gas heater or gas boiler.
Air quality
  •  
3.7.2019

Carbon monoxide poisoning: How can I minimise the danger?

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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Carbon monoxide poisoning: How can I minimise the danger?
People standing in a circle with their outstretched arms meeting in the middle. Symbol of team spirit in an air-Q crowdfunding campaign.
Updates
  •  
31.5.2019

How to support air-Q on Kickstarter

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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How to support air-Q on Kickstarter
Street with a car on the left and a wall of houses on the right, the air is full of nitrogen oxide car exhaust, so the danger to health from air pollution is visible.
Air quality
  •  
30.4.2019

Nitrogen oxides: How they are formed and what makes them so dangerous

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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Nitrogen oxides: How they are formed and what makes them so dangerous
Office with an oblong workstation where two men are each working on a laptop. In the background is a large window through which air is regularly ventilated for good air quality.
Test measurements
  •  
28.2.2019

Amazingly efficient - this is how much ventilation brings to the workplace

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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Amazingly efficient - this is how much ventilation brings to the workplace
Classroom with bright table and two wooden chairs in the foreground, posters hanging on the green wall in the background.
Test measurements
  •  
4.12.2018

Poor air quality in classrooms leads to concentration problems

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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Poor air quality in classrooms leads to concentration problems
Person standing in a dark room in front of a window
Air quality
  •  
30.11.2018

Air quality: What influence does air quality have on our lives?

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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Air quality: What influence does air quality have on our lives?
air-Q Air Quality Meter

Monitor air quality, all air components and environmental influences with the air-Q. For your health and performance.