Smog, air pollution, wildfire smoke – how to protect yourself

Smog and air pollution can be harmful to human health.

Smog warnings and a thick haze lying over cities in the morning have become a familiar sight for many commuters.

But even though the smog “disappears” as the day warms up, the air pollutants stay behind.

Smog air pollution contains a wide range of contaminants that can affect human health, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and particulates.

Vehicle emissions reacting with sunlight generate ozone, which has been linked with eye irritation, decreased lung function and poor visibility.

Health consequences linked to air pollution can vary significantly, from discomfort to premature death.

Health effects also depend on an individual’s age, sensitivities, state of health, exposure, weather and daily habits.

What you can do

• Keep children and sensitive people indoors during high smog episodes
• Keep windows and doors closed during pollution events to avoid harmful build-up of pollutants indoors, but open them for increased ventilation and fresh air as soon as it’s safe.
• Invest in a charcoal air filter for the air conditioning system or a portable activated carbon room air purifier (with carbon, HEPA and possibly UV filters)

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Room air purifiers help reduce indoor air pollution

Air pollution outdoors becomes even more dangerous when it gets inside.

AllerAir's AirMedic Series:
Powerful room air purifiers.

Today’s airtight buildings and poor ventilation systems often lead to a buildup of harmful toxins inside, where they can be breathed in by some of the most susceptible groups of the population – infants, young children and the elderly.

A room air purifier with the right type of filters can help remove contaminants such as chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and molds and help keep the air clean.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants with their deep-bed activated carbon filters, HEPA and optional UV germicidal filtration.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.