On average, humans breathe in 6 to 8 liters of air per minute, amounting to 400 tons of air passing through our lungs over a lifetime. We take in 10 cubic meters or 21,000 breaths every 24 hours. Our breathing rates vary depending on our activity: 4.7 liters per minute while sleeping, 6.6 liters standing, 17 liters walking, 23 liters cycling, 34 liters hiking, 53 liters climbing, and 60 liters running.
A 2017 study by National Geographic researchers found that a person with an average life expectancy of 78.5 years might consume up to 50 tons of food and 50,000 liters of liquid. This means we consume eight times more air than food, yet we often pay less attention to air quality compared to our diets.
Nonetheless, about 9 million people die globally each year from various causes, as reported by “The Lancet.” Air pollution is the deadliest, accounting for 75% of the total deaths. Of this number, 1.8 million people die annually due to indoor pollution within buildings, representing 5% of all deaths.
Air pollution comprises different substances primarily stemming from five human activities: industry, agriculture, waste management, households, and transportation. High concentrations of greenhouse gases are extremely detrimental to both the planet and its inhabitants. The primary pollutants include:
The quality of the air we breathe significantly impacts our overall health and well-being. Poor air quality can cause respiratory issues, exacerbate allergies, and even contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to implement measures to improve indoor and outdoor air quality.
One effective method for enhancing air quality is by utilizing the Open-Air Factor (OAF). The OAF represents the ability of outdoor air to cleanse indoor air by diluting and removing contaminants, allergens, and pathogens. Increasing the OAF can be achieved through proper ventilation, air filtration, and the use of air purifiers. Ventilation is a key aspect of maintaining healthy indoor air quality. It can be as simple as opening windows and doors, or as complex as installing a well-designed mechanical ventilation system. Ventilation helps to reduce the concentration of pollutants, allergens, and pathogens by bringing in fresh outdoor air and expelling stale indoor air. However sometimes it is not an option, as urban homes may let car fumes from exhaustion, polen, or toxic chemicals from nearby industries, getting indoors. Impact of ventilating in determinate climates may not be an option either, due to extreme temperatures, and its impact to energy sustainability.
Air filtration can also play a significant role in improving air quality. Normally high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are effective at trapping small particles, but they may be too big, noisy, expensive and not efficient enough. There are newer options, like Open-Air Factor generating devices that replicate the natural cleansing process of the atmosphere. They use natural and simple but yet effective hydroxyl chain reaction. This is exactly the same process that eliminates contaminants, and pathogens in nature. They also eliminate VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) like toxic components from household cleaning products and other chemicals, or allergens. Regularly using these air purifiers can contribute to cleaner indoor air and a big improvement in your respiratory wellbeing.
Additionally, incorporating plants into living spaces can help improve air quality. Certain plants, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, are known for their air-purifying capabilities. They can absorb pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, effectively contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
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