Does air pollution affect all of us?

Air is essential to our lives. On average, we breathe15,000 liters of air per day. The quality of the air we breathe has a direct impact on our health. In fact, the European Commission estimates that average life expectancy in Europe could be reduced by one to two years in the most polluted regions.

Although everyone is affected, some people are more sensitive or are more vulnerable to the air pollution they breathe. Who are they?What are the consequences for these individuals?
Furthermore, can where we live increase our exposure to air pollution and its consequences?

More information on the impact of air pollution on so-called vulnerable groups

Finally, in some healthy individuals who do not exhibit any specific symptoms, even a slightly elevated level of air pollutants can cause ailments such as coughing and irritation (of the throat, nose, eyes, etc.), whereas others will only experience these symptoms at much higher pollution levels—or not at all. We are therefore not all equally affected by air pollution.

The Geographic Impact of Air Pollution

As we’ve seen, not everyone is equally affected by pollution, but what about where we live? Does it affect our exposure to air pollution?

City or countryside?

While cities, particularly Paris, are regularly affected by spikes in fine particulate matter pollution linked to road traffic, rural areas are also affected by air pollution, though of a different kind. People living in rural or semi-rural areasmay be exposed topollutants of agricultural originsuch as pesticides, biocides, fertilizers… In addition, residents are, just like in cities, exposed to indoor pollutants: paints, adhesives, floor coverings, furniture, dust mites…

According to an impact study by Santé Publique France,life expectancy is, on average, reduced by 15 months or more in large cities, but air pollution also affectsrural areas, with an average reduction of 9 months.

Beach or mountains?

Along the coast, the wind blows away pollution. In this regard, the Atlantic coast, swept by prevailing westerly winds, is particularly favorable. The wind carries pollutants and pollen inland, providing residents with air that is less polluted.

The situation is slightly less favorable in the south of France, where wind patterns will push pollution clouds from the industrial areas of the Rhône Valley toward the Mediterranean coast. Fortunately, however, the mistral will steadily blow these unwanted pollutants out to sea.

At higher altitudes, the air tends to be healthier and less polluted. But be carefulnot to stay at the base of the mountains, as pollution tends to linger in the valleys, as evidenced by the numerouspollution spikesin the Arve Valley.
Furthermore,the mountains are a paradise for people allergic to dust mites, as they cannot survive above 1,500 meters in elevation.

So we’re all affected by air pollution to some extent. So how can we protect ourselves from it in our daily lives?

NatéoSanté developed a full range of air purifiersdesigned for people who are sensitive to air qualityor who want to take preventive measures byprotecting themselveson a daily basis.
Thanks to their medical-grade filters, these purifiers remove fine particles (PM2.5, PM10, etc.), volatile organic compounds (formaldehyde, benzene, etc.), pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants from indoor air—providing you and your loved ones with apurified home where you can find refuge and recharge.

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