What is Asthma and World Asthma Day?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, and these symptoms can range from mild to severe. Asthma can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, air pollution, exercise, cold air, and stress. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes.
World Asthma Day is an awareness day to recognise the impact of asthma on people’s lives. It was first celebrated in 1988 and takes place annually on the first Tuesday of May. The origins of World Asthma Day date back to 1983 when researchers began studying how indoor air quality affects respiratory health. They found that poor indoor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and make symptoms worse, especially in children who are more sensitive than adults.
The Critical Importance of Air Quality Monitoring in the Fight Against Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, particularly those with asthma. Common allergens such as dust and mould can trigger asthma symptoms, while particulates like pollen can aggravate existing respiratory conditions. Additionally, airborne chemicals from cleaning products can be harmful, especially if they are used too often or at high concentrations.
According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to increased asthma symptoms, decreased lung function, and other respiratory problems. In fact, the WHO estimates that around 235 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and exposure to indoor air pollution is one of the leading causes.
It is important to note that poor indoor air quality not only affects those with asthma but also all individuals. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that poor indoor air quality causes 30,000 cases of work-related ill health annually in the UK alone.
Unfortunately, we can’t see poor indoor air quality, environmental allergens and irritants such as dust mites, chemicals, fumes or dust. Therefore, proactively monitoring the indoor air quality of our workplaces can help individuals with asthma to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution, and take necessary steps to reduce their exposure. This can include using air purifiers or ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces.
By investing in IoT sensors and monitoring systems, businesses can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of asthma-related illnesses and other respiratory problems, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce.
IoT Horizon’s Monitoring Solutions
At IoT Horizon, we believe that monitoring and improving indoor air quality is crucial for creating healthier and more productive workplaces. Our solutions for air quality monitoring are designed to provide real-time data about environmental conditions such as CO2, airborne chemicals, temperature, humidity, and particulate matter. By detecting and alerting users to unhealthy levels of these pollutants, our sensors enable building management teams to take proactive measures to improve air quality, such as increasing ventilation, optimising HVAC systems and other corrective action.
Our sensors are versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings, from offices to schools to manufacturing facilities. With accurate and up-to-date information about indoor air quality, individuals can take action to reduce their exposure to harmful contaminants, which can help to prevent or alleviate symptoms related to asthma and other respiratory conditions.
By harnessing the power of IoT technology, we can help businesses to create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces for their employees.
Conclusion
We understand that poor air quality not only affects our team members with asthma but all our employees, contractors and visitors who spend time in our office. This is why we have implemented measures in our own offices to monitor and improve indoor air quality continually. By doing so, we can identify any potential sources of contamination and take timely action to prevent respiratory illnesses and other health issues.
We also understand that monitoring indoor air quality can be a daunting task for many businesses, especially those that lack the expertise or resources to do so effectively. That’s why we’re committed to delivering reliable, accurate, and actionable solutions to help businesses collect the necessary data on indoor air quality.
If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your workplace and want to take proactive steps to protect your employees’ health and wellbeing, contact us today.