Air Pollution and Its Impact on Health: Ways to Stay Safe
Air quality is more than just numbers or statistics. Air pollution has a direct impact on how we feel and on our health – from mild discomfort to serious illnesses.
We spend more than 90% of our time indoors – at home, at work, at school or elsewhere. That’s why it’s so important to ensure good indoor air quality.
How does outdoor air become polluted?
You can check outdoor air quality online (for example, at aqicn.org). However, pollution levels can change quickly depending on:
- ✔ traffic, construction, industry, neighbours burning solid fuel, or fires
- ✔ time of day (morning and evening rush hour, the heating season)
- ✔ natural factors (pollen, drought, rain, Sahara dust)
- ✔ weather conditions (wind, air pressure, temperature inversion)
Even within the same city, some people may be breathing fresh air while others suffer from smog.
Key air pollutants
Particulate matter
- ✔ Pollen (10–100 µm) – trapped in the nose, can trigger allergies and contribute to asthma.
- ✔ PM10 – enters the nose and bronchi, irritates the airways, causes coughing.
- ✔ PM2.5 – fine particles that reach the bronchioles and alveoli, harmful to the lungs and heart.
- ✔ PM1 – ultra-fine particles that can enter the bloodstream, linked to cardiovascular diseases.
Gases
- ✔ CO (carbon monoxide) – interferes with oxygen transport, causes headaches and fatigue.
- ✔ NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide) – irritates the airways, can trigger asthma and bronchitis flare-ups.
- ✔ SO₂ (sulphur dioxide) – causes coughing and breathing irritation, especially dangerous for people with asthma.
- ✔ O₃ (ground-level ozone) – forms in summer, irritates the eyes and nose, reduces lung function.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- ✔ Benzene, toluene, xylene – from traffic and fuel vapours.
- ✔ Formaldehyde – from furniture, glues, and building materials.
- ✔ Acetone – from paints, varnishes, and cleaning products.
- ✔ Ethanol, isopropanol – from disinfectants, cleaners, and cosmetics.
- ✔ Terpenes – from plants, air fresheners, and essential oils.
- ✔ Heptane, octane – from fuels and industrial materials.
Long-term exposure to VOCs can lead to serious health problems, including cancer.
Smog and household smoke
Smog
Smog is a mix of air pollutants, visible as a grey or yellowish haze hanging over the city.
- ✔ Winter smog – contains more sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter from burning fuels.
- ✔ Summer (photochemical) smog – contains more ozone (O₃) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formed under sunlight.
Health effects of smog include coughing, irritation of the eyes and throat, shortness of breath, and flare-ups of asthma and heart conditions. It is one of the most serious consequences of air pollution for city residents.
Smoke from solid fuels
Burning wood, coal, briquettes or peat produces:
- ✔ PM2.5 and PM1 particles – penetrate deep into the lungs.
- ✔ CO, SO₂, NOₓ gases.
- ✔ VOCs and PAHs – toxic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic.
Health effects: coughing, shortness of breath, flare-ups of asthma and COPD, heart and circulatory diseases, and an increased risk of cancer.
Where does air pollution come from?
| Source | Main pollutants |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Road traffic | PM10, PM2.5, PM1, CO, NO₂, VOCs, ozone |
| 🏭 Industry | SO₂, NO₂, PM10, PM2.5, VOCs |
| 🔥 Solid fuel burning | PM10, PM2.5, PM1, CO, SO₂, PAHs |
| 🏠 Indoor activities | Formaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, terpenes, fine particles from candles, incense, mould spores |
| 🌍 Natural sources | Pollen, dust, sand, sea salt, wildfires, ozone |
Ways to protect yourself
1. Outdoor air filtration
If you live near a busy road or in an area where solid fuel is used, choose more advanced filters. Here’s a quick overview:
| Filter | Purpose / captures | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G4 | Coarse dust, insects | Basic pre-filter |
| M5 | Most pollen, PM10 | Good for seasonal allergies |
| F7 ePM1 ≥ 50% | Fine particles PM2.5 and PM1, smog | Best protection in urban areas |
| Activated carbon | Gases and odours: NO₂, SO₂, ozone, VOCs, tobacco and cooking smells | May require 2–3 filters per heating season |
Brink Renovent Excellent 300/400/450 G4+G4 Filter set (Standard)
Ex VAT: 6.13 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Brink |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions | 185x525x5 |
| Class EN779 | G4+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | Coarse 65% |
| Protection level | Basic: larger solid particles, dust, fluff. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number |
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| Remarks | The filter set is designed to protect the MVHR from bigger particles. If you want to clean the supply air from small particles such as pollen and smog, choose the F7 class supply air filter. It is available in our shop. |
Domekt R 300 V M5+M5 Filter set (Standard)
Ex VAT: 14.06 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Komfovent |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit | Domekt R 300 V |
| Filter dimensions | 290x205x46 |
| Class EN779 | M5+M5 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM10 55% |
| Protection level | Average: medium-sized solid particles, dust, fluff, pollen, mold spores. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number | 774100137 |
| Remarks | High-quality analogue: certified materials (Germany, SANDLER AG) and tested parameters. Reliable air filtration and optimum usage period. |
SAVE VTR 300 (Premium, BF) F7+G4 Filter set (Efficient)
Ex VAT: 16.11 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Systemair |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit | SAVE VTR 300 |
| Filter dimensions |
|
| Class EN779 | F7+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 60% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
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| Manufacturer product number |
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Zehnder ComfoAir Q 350/450/600 F7+G4 Filter set (Efficient)
Ex VAT: 15.76 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | Zehnder |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions | 500x159x22 |
| Class EN779 | F7+G4 |
| Class ISO16890 | ePM1 65% |
| Protection level | High: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, smog particles, insecticide dust. |
| Quantity of filters | 2 |
| Advantages |
|
| Manufacturer product number |
|
VALLOX 096 MC/SE/MV / VALLOPLUS 270 MV/SE/SC F7/AC+2xG4 Activated...
Ex VAT: 19.95 €
| Manufacturer of MVHR | VALLOX |
| Manufacturer | CleanFilter |
| Air handling unit |
|
| Filter dimensions |
|
| Class EN779 | F7/AC+2xG4 |
| Protection level | Particles and odors: fine particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, combustion particles, volatile particles, NOx, O3 gases. |
| Quantity of filters | 3 |
| Advantages |
|
2. Replacing ventilation system filters
Even the best filter loses its effectiveness if it isn’t replaced on time. Here are some key tips:
| Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check every 4–6 months | Ensures the filter doesn’t clog and lose efficiency |
| Replace seasonally | Spring – due to pollen; Winter – due to heating and smog |
| Follow replacement alerts | Cleaner indoor air and longer system lifespan |
3. Proper ventilation
Even if you already use filters, remember that pollutants are also generated indoors – from furniture, cleaning products, candles, incense, and even mould. Here are the key tips:
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ventilate new homes more intensively | Helps remove fumes from building materials and VOCs |
| Use the right filters | Protects against fine particles, pollen, and smog |
| Remove excess moisture | Reduces the growth of mould, fungi, and bacteria |
Key takeaway
Poor indoor air can often be more dangerous than outdoor air. By taking timely care of indoor air quality – with the right filters, regular maintenance, and proper ventilation – you can protect your family from the harmful effects of air pollution.
Choose reliable, tested F7 class filters for your ventilation system – they provide effective protection against fine particles, smog, and air pollution.
Certified filters – reliable protection from smog and harmful pollutants
| ✔ Each filter type is tested | Resistance and efficiency are measured against different particle sizes |
| ✔ Made with certified SANDLER AG material | Complies with VDI 6022 standards and prevents microbial growth |
| ✔ Free from PFAS compounds | No carcinogenic substances – safer for long-term use |