One measurement of outdoor air pollution is the Air Quality Index or AQI which rates air conditions across the country based on concentrations of five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (or particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Some of those also contribute to indoor air pollution, along with radon, cigarette smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, asbestos and other substances.

The Air Quality Index is based on measurement of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions.

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution means the presence of contaminants or pollutants in the atmosphere beyond the tolerance limit that can cause health problems to all human beings on earth. The causes of air pollution can be both natural; Air pollutants are mostly gases or small particles which remain suspended in the air for a very long time.

Air pollution is one such form that refers to the contamination of the air, irrespective of indoors or outside.

A physical, biological or chemical alteration to the air in the atmosphere can be termed as pollution. It occurs when any harmful gases, dust or smoke enters into the atmosphere and makes it difficult for plants, animals and humans to survive as the air becomes dirty.

Types of Air Pollution

All air pollution can be classified under 2 categories – invisible and visible air pollution.

Visible air pollution, as the name suggests, are visible using our naked eyes. The smog you see over a city is an example of visible pollution.

Invisible air pollutants are less noticeable but they can be more deadly. Some examples of invisible air pollutants are sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Here are the top ten most common types of air pollution:

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• Carbon monoxide
• Carbon dioxide
• Nitrogen oxide
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Particulate Matter (PM)
• Ozone
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Unburned Hydrocarbons
• Lead and heavy metals

Effects on Air Pollution

Air pollution is a global concern and it poses significant health issues no matter where you live.

Many health issues can come with poor air quality, ranging from minor irritations to an increased chance of death. On the surface of our bodies, poor air quality and pollutants can lead to irritated eyes and skin. Eventually, pollutants can work their way into the body, first causing inflammation and irritation to areas such as our lungs and airways. This is particularly severe in people who have asthma, as the airways can become restricted and the victim can have significant breathing problems, to a point where it becomes life-threatening.

Over the years, exposure to poor air quality will bring reduced lung function and breathing problems, even in those who would otherwise be healthy.

Poor air quality also kills people. Air pollution itself caused an estimated 4.2 million deaths in 2016 globally according to the World Health Organization. About 9 out of 10 people breathe in air containing high levels of pollutants. Air pollution has been linked to higher rates of cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory diseases such as asthma.

That said, the air pollution inside your home can be just as bad, if not worse than outside.

The air in your home may be polluted by lead, particulate matter (PM), formaldehyde, VOCs and even carbon dioxide (CO2). Some pollutants are tracked into the home. Some arrive via a new mattress or furniture, carpet cleaners, or a coat of paint on the walls. With a little preventative maintenance and some basic knowledge, you can take immediate steps to improve your indoor air quality today.

Dealing with Indoor Air Pollution

To combat bad air quality, we must first identify the cause with a reliable and accurate monitoring device.

BRAMC BR-A18 6-in-1 Air Quality Monitor is a real-time air quality monitoring instrument used to detect PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (HCHO) concentration and VOCs in the indoor and outdoor environment.

Source: BRAMC BR-A18 6-in-1 Air Quality Monitor

For accurate measurements, air quality monitors that does not come with air pumps are advised to be placed in the room to run for at least 30 minutes before you get the reading off the monitor.

You can find all our air quality detecting and monitoring instruments here.

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