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Hidden Indoor Pollution: The level of air pollution is very dangerous not only outside but also inside the house. A study has revealed that common household appliances like toasters, air fryers and hair dryers release dangerous particles into the indoor air. These particles can enter the lungs and blood and harm the health of everyone including children. If you want to reduce indoor pollution, then you should reduce the use of these 3 devices.
Home Devices That Pollute Indoor Air: The air of Delhi-NCR has become extremely poisonous at this time. The level of air pollution here has reached the severe category. A large number of people are not leaving their homes to avoid air pollution. Indoor air is generally considered safe for health, but a new study has revealed something very shocking. Researchers at South Korea’s Pusan National University have revealed that everyday appliances like toasters, air fryers and hair dryers can spread huge amounts of pollution indoors. These devices release trillions of ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air every day, which are so fine that even the nose cannot stop them.
It is believed that these metals come from the heating coils and motors of the appliances. When these particles enter the body through breathing, it can cause inflammation, damage to cells and increase the risk of serious diseases in the long run. The most polluting appliance turned out to be an empty pop-up toaster, which releases about 1.73 trillion ultrafine particles a minute. Next comes the air fryer, which continuously emits particles during cooking. Whereas hair dryers with brushed DC motor suddenly release a lot of particles. However, when brushless motor was used in hair dryer, the pollution was reduced by 10 to 100 times, which clearly shows that the problem can be reduced with technological improvements.
The study did not directly involve health outcomes, but previous research has linked ultrafine particles to asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer. These particles can enter the blood from the lungs and cause inflammation in the entire body and can damage the brain, heart and immune system. Staying indoors for long periods of time, working from home and hot weather further increase this risk. Researcher Professor Changhyuk Kim says that now the time has come that home appliances should be designed keeping in mind less pollution and air quality rules should be made keeping children in mind. In future, if UFP emission test becomes mandatory for home appliances like energy rating, then the air in homes can be made much safer.
