Some common misconceptions about air pollution

1 – At least in my car, I’m protected from pollution…

FALSE!

It is also worth noting that when driving behind a heavy-duty truck, the amount of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides increases fourfold. And although driving behind a diesel car equipped with a particulate filter does not increase the concentration of particulate matter inside the cabin, it doubles the concentration of nitrogen dioxide. We thus inhale exhaust fumes daily that consist of carbon particles, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and airborne dust (such as tire and brake residue, pollen, etc.). In addition to this outdoor pollution that seeps into the cabin, there is also indoor vehicle pollution: volatile organic compounds (emitted by adhesives, paints, varnishes, plastics, etc.), bacteria, viruses, dust, mold…
It is also recommended to open the windows as soon as possible to ventilate the car’s interior and limit the inhalation of all these fine particles and toxic gases.

2 – It feels so good to breathe in the fresh country air!

FALSE!

Be wary of burning yard waste as well: burning 50 kg is equivalent to driving 6,000 km in a diesel vehicle! In the Pays de la Loire region, for example, pollution episodes affect both cities and rural areas. “This is due to the region’s topography, with few municipalities located in basins, and polluted air masses that move very easily,” explains Laurent Gérault, presidentof Air Pays de la Loire.
Therefore, we cannot always assume that the air in the countryside is “purer” than that in the city.

3 – When pollution levels are high, I open the windows

TRUE!

Even during periods of high pollution, it is strongly recommended that you air out and ventilate your home. This should be done at times of the day when pollution levels are low (usually early in the morning and/or late in the day). And remember that outdoor air isn’t the only source of pollution! Your indoor air can actually be 8 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air (paint, dust, microorganisms, allergens, etc.).
It’s also worth noting that ventilating remains the fastest way to refresh indoor air and thus limit CO2 levels in your home. Remember that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of this gas can cause numerous symptoms: fatigue, lack of concentration, eye irritation, headaches…
Be mindful, however, of the distinction between refreshing indoor air and purifying it.
While ventilating the air effectively reduces CO2 levels indoors, this process also allows outdoor pollution to enter your home. Purifying indoor air therefore remains the only effective way to address all pollutants present in your home.

4 – It is strongly recommended that you limit your physical activity during periods of high pollution

TRUE!

While newer gyms are generally equipped with proper ventilation systems, older ones are best avoided. Indeed, a poorly maintained ventilation system combined with a poorly ventilated space contributes to an increase in asthma among those who use them.

5 – An air purifier effectively captures only particles

FALSE!

To ensure the performance of an air purifier, nothing beats impartial tests conducted by independent laboratories.
More information on the test results for NatéoSanté air purifiers.
* Particulate matter, abbreviated as “PM,” with the number following indicating its size. For example: “PM10” refers to particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers

More information on fine particulate matter

6 – Wearing a mask provides effective protection against outdoor air pollution

FALSE!

Surgical masks, masks used for DIY projects, or even scarves are not designed to provide adequate protection against air pollution. As for so-called “anti-pollution” masks (equipped with filters), they are effective in the lab but not necessarily in real-world conditions. In fact, their effectiveness is reduced due to poor fit (inappropriate size, facial hair, etc.), lack of maintenance, or increased breathing rate during physical activity. Furthermore, these masks are generally designed to combat a single pollutant, usually particulate matter. However, air pollution is not limited to airborne particles; it also consists of particulate matter and gaseous compounds, microorganisms, etc.

7 – The number of victims of air pollution is on the rise

TRUE!

According to Santé publique France, exposure to fine particulate matter reduces life expectancy by 8.2 months and causes 48,000 premature deaths each year.
Unfortunately, the figures don’t stop there… Globally, air pollution kills 600,000 children each year.
A global scourge that we must all be aware of and work to limit its spread at the individual level!