Student: Miss, we got smog outside today, can we close the windows to have better air?
Miss: Yes, of course. But how do you know it is better after you close the windows?
Student: By closing the window, pollutants are blocked from entering inside. In that case, we are breathing clean air!
Miss: Smog is visible because of the size of particles. But what about indoor-created gas? Those harmful invisible indoor pollutants.
Student: Do you mean other pollutants?
Miss: Yes, for example, cleaning products gas off Volatile Organic Compounds, a toxic cocktail of gas. Compared to the visible smog outside, the invisible indoor air pollutants could be even more harmful.
Student: Is that the reason why you brought this indoor air quality monitor today?
Miss: Yes! Indoor air quality monitors can help us “see” the invisible indoor air pollutants and quantify them. Understanding the issue is the first step to solve a problem!
Joyce: Good morning Tim, why are you wearing a mask today? Are you feeling unwell? Do you need a sick leave?
Tim: Good morning Joyce, I’m very fine. These days have severe air pollution.
Joyce: Oh… air pollution… it shouldn’t be a big issue if you’re not sensitive like elderly or children or with respiratory problems.
Tim: Agree, for the short term, we won’t feel anything. But in the long run, bit by bit, it poses a threat and leads to chronic disease.
Joyce: Chronic disease? It is just dust, how come would it turn into chronic disease?!
Tim: Recent studies conducted in the UK have proven the link between particles and cancer cases. Air pollution is not only dust, it’s also a cocktail of toxic gasses.
Joyce: Ooch… for real?! Give me a mask, I need one now.
Tim: Sure! And you should keep an eye on the air quality level at your home or office. It impacts your health over time
Tom: Hey, I brought a cute air quality monitor. Let’s plug it in the living room and check the situation.
Mom: WHAT?! Why did you buy this? That’s a total waste. I already have an app to know the air quality.
Tom: You mean checking on the station nearby… it’s few kilometers away from us.
Mom: Yes. They are installed by professionals, and you see the pollutants list in the app. What else do you need?
Tom: Mom, I trust the data. But outdoor air pollution changes from street to street because of the air flow in the city. And I’m interested by indoor air pollution which is linked, but has additional elements.
Mom: You mean the air quality could be a big difference between the one in town and this one at home? I thought they were the same.
Tom: Yes, CO2 is a good example, we breathe out CO2 and it could be a health issue if it accumulates in badly ventilated spaces. And you have almost no CO2 issue outdoors.
Mom: WHAT?! Then why did you just have one!!! You should buy one for each of us!!!
