How air purifiers can protect you from fine particle pollution

Let’s learn more about PM and see how air purifiers can help protect you from their adverse health effects.

Types of particulate matter (PM)

PM is categorised by particle size (diameter of molecules in micrometres (μm). The following categories are the most common types of PM classified by size, how they affect the body, and their most common sources^2,3:

While this information can certainly be frightening, there is good news! Due to decreased usage of burning coal and improved regulations for transportation standards and industry practices (among other factors), annual emissions of PM10 and PM2.5 have fallen drastically since 1970 (by 80% for PM10 and 85% for PM2.5). However, since the 2000s, these numbers have not continued to drop; instead, they have begun to fluctuate. A couple of factors that may explain this phenomenon are increased combustion from wood burning in homes and the use of biomass in the industrial setting, both of which emit a great deal of PM1. Furthermore, emissions from road transportation and industry processes in general still pose significant health risks, leaving each and every one of us vulnerable. These dangers may be caused outside, but inside the home is where these PMs become trapped and leave us exposed the longest. Remember: indoor air is 7-10x more polluted than outdoor air!

How can we protect ourselves from particulates?

Faced with this challenge, what can we do to keep ourselves safe from PM? Our bodies are capable of filtering out particles bigger than PM10, but intervention is needed to protect us from anything smaller². This is where air filters come in, and Eoleaf’s air purification devices provide just what the doctor ordered. All Eoleaf’s devices are equipped with HEPA-certified filters, meaning that our filters are capable of filtering 99.97% of particles of a size greater than or equal to a diameter of 0.01 µm in a single pass. They are able to filter out all fine particles up to PM0.1, germs (bacteria, viruses, moulds, and spores), and allergens (pollen, dust mites).

If you wish to learn more about the right type of air purifier for your space, we’re here to help! As experts in air purification, we at Eoleaf can guide you in your efforts to protect yourself and your loved ones against the dangers of PM and other types of indoor air pollution. Take a deep breath of clean, fresh air.

References

¹ Emissions of air pollutants in the UK – particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). GOV.UK. (2022, February 18). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-particulate-matter-pm10-and-pm25 

² MANN+HUMMEL Life Sciences & Environment. (2022). Fine dust particles & air pollution: Filtration for clean air . Fine dust pollution. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://airfiltration.mann-hummel.com/en/insights/filtration/fine-dust-pollution.html

³ Particulate matter air filter. AFPRO Filtration Group. (2018, July 20). Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.afprofilters.com/particulate-matter-air-filters/