Air quality, stress and heart health
It is widely known that air quality can affect lung health. But did you it can also affect heart health? It can. A recent study published in the journal Circulation shows how exposure to fine particulate matter leads to an increase in stress hormones. It also shows how an air purifier can help.
The study was conducted in Shanghai, China using real and placebo air purifiers in the subjects’ dorm rooms. The subjects’ blood was then measured and analyzed. The study found that higher exposure to fine, airborne particulate matter led to significant increases in the stress hormones cortisol, cortisone, epinephrine and norepinephrine, as seen in blood samples.
The study also found that subjects exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation when exposed to higher volumes of fine, airborne particulate matter. According to the study, the activation of these hormones, and their associated systems, can contribute to adverse cardiovascular and metabolic effects. How big of an effect? According to another source, stress hormones in general have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease by a factor of five.
This is particularly relevant when we consider the air pollution levels in highly populated countries like China and India, the two cited globally for worst air quality. India, for one, has seen a nearly 50 percent increase in premature deaths resulting from high concentrations of airborne particulate matter. It is worth clarifying that air quality is typically worse in large, congested cities, where industry, transportation and population merge. And while China and India are the worst countries for air quality, the concern is not limited to Asia. There are cities in the U.S. that have air quality problems resulting from a high concentration of airborne particulate matter.
The good news: The same Circulation study shows that indoor air purification leads to a short-term reduction in stress hormones, and claims that indoor air purification is “a practical way to reduce” exposure to fine particulate matter, which may improve cardiovascular health over the long term. A smart air purifier is among the best ways to keep your indoor air clean, your stress hormones low and your heart at its best.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, Airmega Tower AP-1216L, Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, Airmega Mighty AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, Airmega Mighty AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, Airmega Mighty AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
