Is Air Pollution Putting Your Life at Risk?
We all know that breathing bad air is bad for your health. But there’s a significant body of research that shows a connection between air pollution and how long you live. Now new studies not only underscore the relationship between poor air and premature death—but reveal the impact may have been underestimated.
The Research on Air Pollution and Health
Scientists at the UNC Institute for the Environment and UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health studied the effect of particulate matter from traffic emissions on early deaths. Such pollution has been linked to everything from decreased lung functioning to heart disease. Using a new, more in-depth data modeling approach, researchers were able to improve the analysis of particulate matter concentrations due to traffic-related emissions.
So, Is Air Pollution Putting Your Life At Risk?
The study found that there are about 24 percent more premature deaths from exposure to traffic-related particulate matter than previous research had revealed.
But why? Researchers hypothesize this significant increase was due to their ability to include more data about exposure hotspots near roadways in high-population areas. In fact, they found that 72 percent of these early deaths happen within 1,000 meters of roadways, where 50 percent of the total population lives.
Other recent research underscores the connection between early death among U.S. seniors and short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and ozone—even at levels well below current national safety standards. The study, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, assessed daily air pollution exposures for fine particulate matter and ozone for most of the U.S., linking that with mortality data from the U.S. Medicare population over a 13-year period. Researchers found that exposure over just one summer to a very small, nationwide increase in daily particulate matter would lead to 550 extra deaths per year in the U.S.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Air Pollution?
There’s not much you can do about air pollution from traffic. But you can take steps to eliminate harmful particulate matter and other pollutants from your home. For example, if possible, keep your windows closed. Leave your shoes at the door. And use a smart air purifier with a HEPA filter, like Coway Airmega, that can help eliminate unhealthy particulate matter and clear the air in your home.
Clearing the Air for a Healthier Future
These studies illuminate the stark reality of air pollution's impact on our lifespan, especially in densely populated areas near roadways. The findings serve as a wake-up call, urging us to take air quality seriously as a major factor in our overall health and longevity.
While outdoor air pollution, particularly from traffic, often feels beyond our control, we can take meaningful steps to improve the air we breathe indoors. Creating a clean air environment at home is not just about comfort—it's a proactive health measure that could have long-term benefits.
Investing in a high-quality air purifier like the Coway Airmega, with its advanced HEPA filtration, is a practical way to combat indoor air pollution. Combined with simple habits like keeping windows closed during high pollution periods and leaving shoes at the door, we can significantly reduce our exposure to harmful particulates.
As we become more aware of the intricate connections between air quality and health, it's clear that clean air is not a luxury, but a necessity. By prioritizing air purification in our homes, we're not just addressing an immediate concern—we're making a long-term investment in our well-being.
In a world where environmental factors can significantly impact our health, taking control of our indoor air quality is a powerful step towards a healthier, potentially longer life. It's time to breathe easier, knowing we're doing what we can to create cleaner, safer spaces for ourselves and our loved ones.
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, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, 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 AP-1512HH, 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, AP-1512HH, 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.
