How to protect yourself against fine particles?

Fine particles: What are we talking about?

The term "fine particles" is increasingly present in the media, in England as well as in other countries. Admittedly, the diesel controversies and the role of this type of engine in the emission of such particles (among other greenhouse gases) have a lot to do with it.
Unfortunately, few take the time to explain what it is really about. As you have probably realised, this is a particularly insidious and dangerous form of pollution.

Airborne particles everywhere?

England and London, air quality is often poor due to the numerous emissions of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and fine particles. But the rest of England is not spared… by no means!

To remove the suspense induced by the title, you can't protect yourself 100% from fine particles because we breathe them in all the time. They are airborne, in the means of transport (car, metro, train…), everywhere in our workplaces and even in our homes. You can't hide from it, even at home.
These fine particles are called PM 2.5 because their diameter is less than 2.5 µm. Some of these are also called ultrafine or PM 1, which are those with a diameter of less than 1 µm. This form of pollution is totally invisible but present.
When it comes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gases, fine particles are not to blame. Their effects on the environment are secondary to their effects on the health of living organisms.

But is this pollution dangerous to human health?The term "fine particles" is increasingly present in the media, in England as well as in other countries. Admittedly, the diesel controversies and the role of this type of engine in the emission of such particles (among other greenhouse gases) have a lot to do with it.
Unfortunately, few take the time to explain what it is really about. As you have probably realised, this is a particularly insidious and dangerous form of pollution.

Airborne particles everywhere?

England and London, air quality is often poor due to the numerous emissions of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and fine particles. But the rest of England is not spared… by no means!

To remove the suspense induced by the title, you can't protect yourself 100% from fine particles because we breathe them in all the time. They are airborne, in the means of transport (car, metro, train…), everywhere in our workplaces and even in our homes. You can't hide from it, even at home.

These fine particles are called PM 2.5 because their diameter is less than 2.5 µm. Some of these are also called ultrafine or PM 1, which are those with a diameter of less than 1 µm. This form of pollution is totally invisible but present.
When it comes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gases, fine particles are not to blame. Their effects on the environment are secondary to their effects on the health of living organisms.
But is this pollution dangerous to human health?

The danger of fine and ultrafine particles

If their size is so tiny, that their diameter is only a few micrometres, then it means that they are harmless, right? Unfortunately, it is the opposite. Moreover, fine particles have been multiplying for several years and the risk they represent is becoming greater as scientific studies in England and elsewhere demonstrate their harmful consequences on health.

Fine and ultrafine particles constantly penetrate the body, enter the bloodstream and even nestle in the alveoli of the lungs, which in the long run leads to complaints such as irritation of the mucous membranes, respiratory problems, and more serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and endocrine disorders.

Between ventilation, green plants, and other masks, let's take a look at different ways of protecting ourselves more or less effectively from fine particles and air pollution in order to protect our health.

The danger of fine and ultrafine particles

If their size is so tiny, that their diameter is only a few micrometres, then it means that they are harmless, right? Unfortunately, it is the opposite. Moreover, fine particles have been multiplying for several years and the risk they represent is becoming greater as scientific studies in England and elsewhere demonstrate their harmful consequences on health.

Fine and ultrafine particles constantly penetrate the body, enter the bloodstream and even nestle in the alveoli of the lungs, which in the long run leads to complaints such as irritation of the mucous membranes, respiratory problems, and more serious illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and endocrine disorders.

Between ventilation, green plants, and other masks, let's take a look at different ways of protecting ourselves more or less effectively from fine particles and air pollution in order to protect our health.

Is the interior of your home polluted with fine particles?

This title is unfortunately a rhetorical question: your indoor air is probably 5 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air! This is not us saying it, it is the Ministry of Health that announced it after a study on pollution in England.
Where do indoor pollution and fine particles that affect the air quality in your home come from? First of all, there are of course the fine and ultra-fine particles that come mainly from outdoor traffic. How does it come into your home? Through ventilation, via doors, and through your windows.

Secondly, indoor emissions of fine particles should not be neglected: cooking fumes are involved, as well as cosmetics, paint, cleaning products, cigarettes, and other types of fuel such as wood. Indeed, if combustion releases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, fine particles are also responsible and after their emission, they sometimes remain in suspension for a long time.

So yes, your home is polluted with fine particles. But it doesn't have to be that way! To prevent your health from deteriorating because of this pollution, you can take action.

How to protect yourself against fine particles

Although fine particles are ubiquitous pollution in England, there are ways to protect yourself from them, especially at home. If it is possible to improve indoor air quality by reducing carbon dioxide and other gases that harm health, it is also possible for fine particles!

So here are some tips you can use today to reduce fine particle emissions and improve your health:

• Fight against diesel (and thermal) vehicles, replace yours and avoid buying a new one as it is a major source of fine particles.
• Beware of scented candles, paints, and other household products that are often blamed for emitting harmful and polluting substances including fine particles. They also cause indoor air pollution. Choose them carefully or opt for natural, non-toxic alternatives.
• Wear a mask… but not just any mask. Paper or surgeon-type masks have no effect on fine particles, they do not protect your health. Only certain R-PUR masks with specific filters can filter out all pollution and the finest particles.
• As outdoor pollution tends to accumulate inside the home, it is essential to air regularly, if possible, for about 10 minutes early in the morning or late in the evening (and especially not during rush hour or at midday). Even in the event of a pollution peak, you should continue to air out, otherwise, your interior will be even more polluted than the exterior.
• Using high-quality indoor air purifiers to filter out up to 99.97% of 0.1 micrometre fine airborne particles and other pollutants is a very effective technique.

• Indoor pollution can also come from the fumes given off by the use of a gas cooker. To reduce this pollution, equip yourself with an extractor and choose an electric cooker. Don't forget to ventilate regularly enough to reduce indoor pollution as much as possible.

• Try instead household products without chemical compounds. For example, bicarbonate, white vinegar, or black soap. Don't forget to ventilate while cleaning!

Green plants will not be of much use against fine particles, although they are effective against VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. They are still useful for your health (and your decoration)!