How can particulate matter be detected in the home?
The amount of dust and particulate matter in the air can be measured, for example with our measuring device SG10-2 or the PM4-2 measuring devices. Our partner GSA Gesellschaft für Schadstoffanalytik can determine the individual components of the dust sample using the so-called dust swab sample. Typically, textile fibers, dander, hair and pollen are found in the household. Flower pollen in particular can trigger symptoms and have a negative impact on (existing) allergies.
Is vacuuming enough to remove fine dust?
We encounter it every day and yet it is invisible: particulate matter in our homes.
When we hear the term “particulate matter”, the first thing that comes to mind is not the vacuum cleaner at home, but rather factories and busy roads. But that’s exactly where you encounter it every day, in your own living room. The daily round with the vacuum cleaner is supposed to remove it, but often exactly the opposite is the case. Instead of picking up the dust, it is dispersed into the air.
From there, it enters the lungs and can cause serious damage. In addition, the fine dust settles on the furniture over time and the work starts all over again.
For more information on the definition of dust and its effects, see Measuring fine dust pollution.
A test with various appliances has shown that many vacuum cleaners release more dust in everyday use than they suck in. In the long term, this can endanger your health. The fine dust particles settle in the alveoli and lead to irritation and inflammation. Existing allergies and asthma are also exacerbated.
How can this be remedied?
To reduce fine dust pollution in the home, it is advisable to regularly replace and clean both the bag and the filters of the vacuum cleaner. An appliance with a HEPA filter or a class A filter is recommended for allergy sufferers.
The filter classes describe how much of the dust sucked in is released back into the ambient air. For filter class A, the value is <0.02%.
Particulate matter in the home: answers to frequently asked questions
1. Are there certain materials or furniture that produce more particulate matter than others?
Certain materials and furniture can produce more particulate matter than others. For example, furniture made from recycled wood or bamboo can produce more particulate matter than furniture made from more environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton.
2. How does particulate matter pollution affect pets?
Particulate matter pollution can also affect pets. Every year, around 2,050 tonnes of particulate matter are released when fireworks are set off. In many places, particulate matter pollution on the first day of the year is higher than at any other time of the year.
3. How can you effectively reduce fine dust pollution in flats with high ceilings or large rooms?
To effectively reduce fine dust pollution in homes with high ceilings or large rooms, you should ventilate and clean regularly. In addition, a high-quality air purifier with appropriate HEPA filtration or sustainable modern plasma filter technology can significantly reduce all particles down to a size of 0.1 – 0.3 micrometres and thus ensure clean and healthy indoor air.
4. Are there certain materials or furniture that produce more particulate matter than others?
Certain materials and furniture can produce more particulate matter than others. For example, furniture made from recycled wood or bamboo can produce more particulate matter than furniture made from more environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton.
5. What other household appliances besides hoovers can contribute to particulate matter pollution in homes?
In addition to hoovers, other household appliances and activities can also contribute to fine dust pollution in homes. These include smoking, burning candles, using office equipment and cooking or frying.
Sources:
[1]: Source Image: © scyther5 / 123RF.com
[2]: https://www.rtl.de/cms/feinstaub-in-der-wohnung-manche-staubsauger-sind-wahre-dreckschleudern-4145212.html
[3]: http://blog.gsa-messgeraete.de/definition-staub/
[4]: https://haushaltsgeraetetest.de/staubsauger/boden/allergiker-hepa-filter.html
[5]: https://wohnungsoase.de/was-tun-gegen-feinstaub-in-der-wohnung/