Air purification

Why is air purification important?

In the Netherlands, traffic, industry and intensive livestock farming contribute significantly to air pollution. In addition, shipping, aviation and construction work cause the emission of harmful substances. Even wood-burning stoves, barbecues and fireplaces pollute the air in your neighborhood considerably. Improving air quality through air purification is essential for a healthy living environment.

Air pollution from traffic

Diesel cars are well-known polluters on the road, but there is also a major culprit on the cycle path: the two-stroke scooter. As a cyclist, you breathe more often and more deeply through exertion. Behind a two-stroke scooter, you breathe in as much as 30 times more polluted air. Even in traffic jams, you get a lot of dirty air in your lungs. Vehicle emissions contain harmful substances such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which can cause health problems.

Air pollution from agriculture and intensive farming

These sectors contribute to the emission of particulate matter through the use of straw and dried manure. In addition, ammonia is released into the air, which is converted into particulate matter. These particulate matter can spread over long distances and worsen air quality in both urban and rural areas.

What are you breathing in?

Air pollution consists of a mixture of substances, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and ozone. During periods with many of these pollutants, we speak of smog.

• Fine dust: This is an umbrella term for all suspended particles smaller than ten micrometers, referred to as PM10. By comparison, a head of hair is over five times larger! Particulate matter is divided into several sizes: PM10, PM2.5 and PM0.1. The smaller the number, the smaller the particles and the deeper they penetrate your lungs. The smallest particulate matter (ultrafine dust) can even enter your bloodstream and cause cardiovascular disease. Soot and ultrafine dust are the most harmful.
• Nitrogen oxides: These gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are produced during combustion, especially in traffic. A high concentration of nitrogen dioxide often indicates the presence of other pollutants. Diesel cars are a major source of nitrogen oxides.
• Ozone: Nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants are converted to ozone by sunlight. Ozone smog occurs mostly in summer on warm, windless days. During the day, the amount of ozone increases sharply.

The role of air purification

Air purification can help remove these harmful substances from the air, improving air quality and protecting your health. Air purification systems work by filtering air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful gases. As a result, exposure to these hazardous substances is reduced, leading to a cleaner and healthier living environment.

By implementing air purification technologies in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces, exposure to air pollution can be significantly reduced. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions. Investing in air purification is investing in a healthier future.