Beating plastic pollution with Blueair

BEATING PLASTIC POLLUTION WITH BLUEAIR

SEP 30, 2018 @10 PM

Blueair air purifiers are known for their impeccable ability in removing pollen, smoke, dust and bacteria.

Being the world-leader in air purification solutions, Blueair aims to increase awareness to the studies of a recent research which shows that the majority of harmful plastics in our bodies come from the air we breathe.

What are airborne microplastics?
Plastic particles sized between 5 millimetre (mm) and 0.1 micrometre (um) are defined as microplastics. They are categorized as primary and secondary microplastics with primary microplastics being plastic particles, or microbeads, produced in microscopic size for use in cosmetics, toiletries and paint.

Secondary microplastics are plastic fragments from larger plastic objects. Both primary and secondary microplastics are airborne and can be inhaled and harmful to humans.

Microplastics in the indoor air result from the fragmentation through friction, heat or light of plastic objects found in our homes. These include paint, toys, furniture and other plastic objects as well as personal care items like cosmetics, toothpaste and scrubs. Another source of microplastics found in the air is that of plastic fibres released from synthetic clothing and textiles used in home furnishings.

Airborne microplastics may also carry other toxic pollutants found in the air, from bacteria to traffic emissions, into the bloodstream from the lungs.

The dangers of microplastics in indoor air
Microplastics have been found in both indoor and outdoor air. However, the concentration of microplastic pollution in the indoor air is higher than outdoors according to findings presented in 2018 by researchers from École Nationales des Ponts et Chausées. Considering that we spend about 90 per cent of our time indoors, this poses a significant health risk.

PlasticFreeAir with Blueair air purifiers
Airborne microplastics can be removed by an air purifier tested for 0.1 micrometre removal rate. Blueair air purifiers are known for their impeccable ability in removing pollen, smoke, dust, bacteria, viruses and VOCs found in cleaning products.

With its unique HEPASilent filtration technology, Blueair air purifier guarantees the elimination of airborne microplastics – down to 0.1 micrometre in size from your indoor air. Blueair’s air purifiers are tested by independent laboratories and have received best-in-class ranking.

Steps that you can take for a plastic free air

1. Ensure good ventilation in your home - the concentration of airborne plastics is much higher in indoor air than in outdoor air.

2. Vacuum frequently to free your floor from microplastic dust that collects there.

3. Reduce or remove carpets which trap plastic fibres and particles.

4. Choose a hardwood or ceramic tile floor. Vinyl and linoleum flooring can release microplastics into the air.

5. Avoid synthetic clothing as they shed plastic fibres, which can be inhaled.

6. Use organic, natural fabrics and textiles in home furnishings.

7. Do not buy toys made of plastic or that have plastic parts. Opt for wood or natural rubber toys instead.

8. Avoid cosmetics, soap, facial scrub and toothpastes containing microbeads.

9. Drink filtered tap water instead of water from single-use plastic bottles to reduce the amount of plastic you bring into your home.

10. Put an air purifier in the rooms where you spend most of your time. All Blueair air purifiers for home remove airborne microplastics.