An air purifier or air cleaner is a device which removes contaminants from The air in a room. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke. The commercially graded air purifiers are manufactured as either small stand-alone units or larger units that can be affixed to an air handler unit (AHU) or to an HVAC unit found in the medical, industrial, and commercial industries. Air purifiers may also be used in industry to remove impurities such as CO2 from air before processing. Pressure swing adsorbers or other adsorption techniques are typically used for this.
How Air Pollution is Damaging Your Heart
Heart diseases also known as cardiovascular diseases are among the most common health disorders in our country. While the most common causes of heart diseases are hypertension, rising cholesterol levels and smoking, recent studies have indicated that airborne pollutants can also contribute to serious, and sometimes fatal, cardiovascular damage. Where the former problems, that cause heart diseases, can be addressed through a healthy diet and regular exercise, the latter problems of air pollution have no such workaround.
Common Heart Problems Caused by Air Pollution
When you breathe polluted air, you also breathe in particulate matter which can enter your bloodstream and block arteries or restrict the supply of Oxygen to the heart. These conditions can cause lasting damage to your heart.
1.Very fine particulate matter also known as PM 2.5 is a major cause of air pollution in Indian metro cities. Rising PM 2.5 levels can cause artery blockage (ischemic heart diseases) or trigger a congestive heart failure.
2.Researchers have found that the presence of nitrogen oxide along with fine particulate matter can also trigger heart problems. Cities having higher nitrogen oxide concentrations have four times higher cases of heart related ailments.
3.Exposure to air pollutants can also cause chronic cardiovascular dysfunction. This also means, people living in smaller cities with less air pollution might also get affected by rising levels of air pollutants – albeit over a longer period and sustained exposure.
Diseases Caused by Air Pollution
Air pollution is one of the major issues that the world faces today. Large scale industrial activities and vehicular emissions are the major causes of environmental air pollution. However, in recent years indoor air pollution has emerged as one of the leading causes of health issues in Indian metro cities. Indoor air pollution can be caused by seemingly harmless things such as pets, cooking, household furniture and electronic equipment.
Toxic micro particles spread by air pollution can enter our lungs through the nasal track and cause various health issues which can be as severe as cancer. People are increasingly becoming aware of the risk posed by air pollution and have started opting for home air purifying solutions. The availability of affordable home filtration products, such as Honeywell air purifiers, has also increased adoption.
have a look at some of the major health issues caused by air pollution predominantly in metro cities.
Lung Diseases and Respiratory Problems
Diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be caused or triggered by rising levels of air pollution. In several Indian metro cities, air pollution is the primary trigger forbreathing ailments in children.
Lung Cancer
While previously lung cancer was associated with those who smoke excessively, new evidence suggests that air pollution can also be a carcinogenic. Especially, people who live or work in congested spaces with little ventilation are susceptible to air pollution related ailments.
Cardiovascular Problems
Breathing in polluted air for long periods can increase the risk of heart diseases. Harmful air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone are known for getting mixed in the bloodstream and causing cardiovascular disorders.
