First things first, what exactly is particulate matter? Fine dust particles, also called particulate matter (PM) in English, are particulates smaller than 10 micrometers (𝜇m). They affect our health and are measured in micrograms per m³ (𝜇g/m3). The fine dust of 10 𝜇m, hereafter PM10, is the dust that you see on your desk if you do not clean for a few days. Particulate matter of 2.5𝜇m hereinafter referred to as PM2.5, is four times smaller.
iLet's take a look at this image to understand the dimensions we're talking about:
It is precisely the size of the particulate matter that determines the effect on health: the smaller the dust particles, the more easily they are absorbed in the bronchi and spread further through your body via your bloodstream. The International Agency for Research on Cancer labels particulate matter that spreads through the air as a group 1 human carcinogen (cancer agents) [2].
It is precisely the size of the particulate matter that determines the effect on health: the smaller the dust particles, the more easily they are absorbed in the bronchi and spread further through your body via your bloodstream
Recent research from Harvard Chan School of Public Health establishes a direct relationship between long-term exposure to particulate matter and corona death rates. Each increase of 1 g/m3 PM2.5 results in 15% more corona deaths [3]. Dutch researchers also investigated the relationship between particulate matter and COVID-19 contamination cases in 355 Dutch municipalities [4]. It turns out: PM2.5 predicts the number of hospital admissions from COVID-19. With a 20% increase in PM2.5, the number of corona infections is expected to double [5].
With a 20% increase in PM2.5, the number of corona infections is expected to double.
Polluted outside air also enters our homes and offices, where it accumulates. It is therefore common for the particulate matter concentration in buildings to be higher than outside [8]. In many cases, indoor air quality is even 2 to 5 times more polluted than outside [9].
One third of all diseases originate in buildings. Half is spread by PM2.5 [10].
The cause of this can differ depending on the location and is not only related to particulate matter that enters the building from outside. In homes, sources of fine dust are cooking, pets, household products that generate aerosols, and walking on carpets. In offices, the cause is more due to carpets and the amount of office equipment such as printers, scanners, and copy machines [11]. Finally, the supply of ventilation through windows and the spatial layout also play a role. But what can you do to improve indoors?
The office is taking a different meaning, with health becoming a central component. In order to respond to this, a healthy indoor climate is important, in which particulate matter plays a major role, among other things.
How is the air quality at your workplace or in your building and what health risks are your employees exposed to? Do the Clairify Quickscan and get useful insight into the air quality in your building.