jan 17 
Question by worried mom
Send this post to a friendThanks for your response to my previous inquiry about the health risk caused by the air pollution in Beijing. Other than wearing a gas mask, is there anything my daughter could do, such as use an air purifier in her dorm room, to reduce her exposure? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Comments (1) |  |
1. 01/31/2008 04:16:39 PM
Your daughter should avoid strenuous outdoor activities on days with high ozone or particulate matter levels, particularly if she is asthmatic or has allergies.
Ozone pollution, commonly referred to as smog, is formed when pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources mix with sunlight and heat. Beijing may have the worst air of any city in the world, but even in the United States we can expected to experience significantly more 'red alert' air pollution days in coming years thanks to higher temperatures from global warming. One of the good things about ozone is that it's so reactive that elevated outdoor levels don't tend to come indoors. So staying indoors with windows closed works pretty well. Particulate matter comes from diesel vehicles and factories, and it does come indoors.
An air purifier can be very effective at filtering out particulate matter, dust and pollen. Steer clear of 'ozon'’ air purifiers, or anything that produces ozone -- ozone is a toxic gas and can damage the lungs so it's crazy to pay good money for a machine that creates it in your house! Most air cleaners are certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufactures. Look for one with a HEPA filter, and one that is designed to work for the size room it will be used in. Be sure to consider the cost of replacement filters when choosing an air purifier, since these can add up, and you really want to replace or clean the filters so they remain effective.
Ozone pollution, commonly referred to as smog, is formed when pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources mix with sunlight and heat. Beijing may have the worst air of any city in the world, but even in the United States we can expected to experience significantly more 'red alert' air pollution days in coming years thanks to higher temperatures from global warming. One of the good things about ozone is that it's so reactive that elevated outdoor levels don't tend to come indoors. So staying indoors with windows closed works pretty well. Particulate matter comes from diesel vehicles and factories, and it does come indoors.
An air purifier can be very effective at filtering out particulate matter, dust and pollen. Steer clear of 'ozon'’ air purifiers, or anything that produces ozone -- ozone is a toxic gas and can damage the lungs so it's crazy to pay good money for a machine that creates it in your house! Most air cleaners are certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufactures. Look for one with a HEPA filter, and one that is designed to work for the size room it will be used in. Be sure to consider the cost of replacement filters when choosing an air purifier, since these can add up, and you really want to replace or clean the filters so they remain effective.
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