Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia is supporting Clean Air Day on Thursday 20 June 2024. This #CleanAirDay is highlighting that cars and vans are the biggest source of toxic chemicals in our air, according to official data and that we should call on our next government to clean it up. Clean Air Day is led by environmental charity Global Action Plan and is the UK’s largest campaign on air pollution. It aims to improve public understanding of air pollution, build awareness of how air pollution affects our health, and explain the easy actions we can all take to tackle air pollution, helping protect the environment and our health.
New research reflects Clean Air Day’s theme this year, revealing that PM2.5 particulates from vehicle and industrial activities are detrimental to cardiovascular and respiratory health. An analysis1 of over 60m US seniors from 2000 to 2016, demonstrated a 29% rise in cardiovascular hospital admissions linked to average US levels of PM2.5 compared to lower World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline levels. Furthermore, another study2 highlighted that even exposure to PM2.5 below WHO’s recommended threshold can significantly increase hospital visits for heart and lung issues. With the UK’s PM2.5 limits substantially exceeding WHO’s guidelines, these studies underscore the urgency for more rigorous air pollution regulations.
“At Vent-Axia we are supporting Clean Air Day since we know how air pollution affects the health and wellbeing of the whole body and the serious effects it has on our cardiovascular health,” said Katie Mairs, Channel Marketing Manager at Vent-Axia. “External air pollution is a significant risk to our health but we cannot ignore indoor air pollution too. PM2.5 can be generated by cars and vans which can enter the home but we also have to remember that these particulates can be generated in home by wood burning stoves or gas cookers. We are committed to tackling indoor air pollution and improve indoor air quality. We are therefore encouraging everyone to take three main actions: Reduce the number of pollutants introduced into the air; Dilute the pollutants in the air by ensuring there is adequate ventilation introducing fresh clean air; and Purify by adding an air purifier to remove the remaining pollutants from the air.”
As well as PM2.5 indoor air can contain over 900 chemicals, particulates, biological materials, viruses and bacteria. Each of us breathes 9,000 litres of air a day, so poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect the health of everyone in the home. Even naturally occurring CO2 can have an impact on our health with high levels of 2,000-5,000 PPM causing headaches, sleepiness, poor concentration, increased heart rate and slight nausea. This year Clean Air Day is highlighting cars and vans are the biggest source of toxic chemicals in our air, with this focus on PM2.5 the air we breathe indoors is more critical than ever.
To help protect health in the home, Vent-Axia has been working hard to provide ventilation solutions to improve IAQ. For new build homes, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system boasts best-in-class specific fan powers (SFPs) as low as 0.39w/ls, with up to 93% heat recovery, hand-in-hand with near silent operation with sound levels as low as 15.5 dB(A). Designed to improve IAQ and occupants’ health, the Lo-Carbon Sentinel Econiq’s New Sentinel-X Control platform features a wide array of sensors and controls ensuring the highest levels of IAQ. To further improve IAQ the Sentinel Econiq offers ISO ePM 10 50% (M5) and ePM2.5 70% (F7) filtration options. MVHR filters provide numerous benefits including improving IAQ by removing allergens and particulate matter.
In addition, the Vent-Axia Pure Air filtration system is designed to be used in conjunction with MVHR to further increase filtration levels. The Vent-Axia Pure Air combines particulate and gas filters to remove pollutants prior to entering homes through MVHR systems.
For private refurbishments, the Vent-Axia PureAir Sense fan is equipped with a pioneering odour sensor that increases airflow when the air quality is poor, ensuring a comfortable living environment. Meanwhile, Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) units, the Lo-Carbon PoziDry Pro and Lo-Carbon PoziDry Compact Pro, are designed to improve IAQ and prevent moisture build-up within social housing properties, providing a highly effective solution to help landlords control condensation and mould as well as offering high levels of air filtration.
The Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution range is ideal for the deeper refurbishment of properties, including bedrooms and living rooms, and combines continuous ventilation with heat recovery. The range consists of three different dMVHR units, which can be used on a room-by-room basis or used together to help maximise energy savings. dMVHR uses the heat from the stale air that is being extracted to warm up the fresh air that is coming in. Therefore, bringing in fresh but pre-warmed air providing ventilation whilst also saving energy. The range comprises: the Lo-Carbon Heat Save, Lo-Carbon Tempra and Lo-Carbon Calido – by using these units together as a Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution it will help maximise energy savings by introducing heat recovery to the property.
And for advanced air purification in the home, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room air purifier cleanses the air removing harmful particles, neutralising bad smells and removing pollen and pet allergens, for a fresher and healthier home. Designed with an advanced six-stage filtration system, the Vent-Axia PureAir Room filters out mould, dust, viruses, PM2.5, VOCs, pet allergens and odours with its High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter removing 99.9% of particles.
For larger homes and commercial properties there is the Vent-Axia PureAir Room 500 X. Partnering with CodiKoat, who has developed the fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral coating technology in the world, the PureAir Room 500 X features an advanced seven-stage air cleaning system, offering a healthier and safer environment with its ground-breaking CodiKoat HEPA PLUS filter. This medical grade H13 HEPA filter contains an advanced coating, a unique nano treatment, certified to ISO 18184:2019 (determination of antiviral activity of textile products) by independent labs, which kills 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and fungi within seconds of contact – making it the world’s fastest ISO certified antimicrobial and antiviral HEPA filter.
It is vital to combat air pollution to protect health and wellbeing. By making some simple changes you can protect yourself and others by ventilating and purifying your home to improve the air you breathe.