There is no need to convince anyone that the air in our cities is terrible. Especially in winter, when black smoke rises from chimneys and smog hangs thick over the housing estates fog. What's worse is that we cannot feel safe even within our own four walls. How do we know if closed windows actually protect us from pollution?
What will a home air sensor detect?
The home air sensor tracks PM2.5 and PM10 suspended dust, which can sneak into the apartment even through closed windows. These are dangerous for us in the long run because their microscopic particles easily penetrate the lungs and our circulatory system. Such equipment also detects dioxide coalthe excess of which causes drowsiness and headaches. Latest the models also track volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde released by new furniture or cleaning products.
When will a sensor really be useful?
The air quality meter remains to be seen especially helpful for parents of small children. Their children have delicate lungs that are much more sensitive to pollution. The same applies to the elderly and chronically ill. The sensor will also be useful for allergy sufferers – it will detect the level of pollen and other allergens in the air.
Let's assume we already have such equipment. What will it give us? Thanks to it, we will know when:
- it is worth turning on the air purifier
- you can safely ventilate the apartment
- outdoor physical activity should be limited
- you need to use an air humidifier
Home sources of pollution under control
Smog is not everything. There are more dangers lurking in our homes than you might think. Humidity too high? This is a simple way for mold to grow. Chemicals invisible to the naked eye from new furniture or freshly painted walls? They may cause headaches and eye irritation. A good sensor will catch all these threats before they start harming us. CO2 measurement is particularly useful, as increased levels of it may cause drowsiness and concentration problems.
Modern sensors are no longer just a display with numbers. Many models can be connected to a smartphone. Thanks to this, even at work we'll checkwhat's happening at home. Some devices can also turn on the air purifier themselves when they detect a problem. What if the pollution level exceeds safe standards? We will receive an alert on our phone.
A good air quality sensor costs up to several hundred zlotys. This may seem like a lot, but it's worth looking at it from a different perspective. How much do doctor visits cost? How much do we spend on medications for allergies and respiratory problems? And above all – how much are our health and well-being worth? Everyone must answer these questions for themselves.