Exposure can cause diseases to cardiovascular, respiratory systems
The average indoor pollution in New Zealand exceeded the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for almost the entirety of 2022, according to a new report.
Dyson's global air quality study revealed that the average indoor PM2.5 level in New Zealand surpassed WHO's long-term exposure guidance for 11 months in 2022.
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) is an air pollutant that can penetrate the lungs and further enter the body through the bloodstream, according to the WHO.
"Exposure to PM2.5 can cause diseases both to our cardiovascular and respiratory system, provoking, for example stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," the organisation said on its website.
New Zealand exceeds the limit
WHO air quality guidelines in 2021 state that the recommended indoor annual average PM2.5 levels should be less than 5ug/m³.
But in New Zealand, the indoor annual average PM2.5 levels in 2022 reached 6.8ug/m³, according to Dyson.
The findings are based on 3.4 million connected Dyson air purifiers worldwide, 11,884 of which were in New Zealand.
The highest levels of indoor PM2.5 pollution in New Zealand was detected in May with 8.46ug/m³, according to the report.
"This was almost two times higher than indoor pollution detected in February (4.46ug/ m³), which was the month with lowest pollution in New Zealand," Dyson's media release said.
In a 24-hour period, the most polluted time in New Zealand was detected between 6pm to 1am, with the highest levels of PM2.5 detected at 10pm (6.885ug/m³).
"This coincides with times when people are usually in their homes and therefore exposed to these higher pollutant levels," Dyson said.
The report also looked at the indoor levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which Dyson said are gas pollutants that can be emitted from activities like cleaning or cooking. It can also come from products including deodorants and body sprays, candles, furniture, and furnishings.
In New Zealand, VOCs pollution see an over 50% increase from day to night, with the lowest level recorded at 1pm.
Importance of indoor air quality
The findings come amid recent research from Honeywell that showed majority of employees across the world agreeing that the air quality they breathe has a direct impact on their health and well-being.
In fact, nearly half (43%) of the respondents said having a safe indoor air quality in the office could improve productivity and problem-solving.
Doug Wright, president and CEO of Honeywell Building Technologies, previously said investing on a healthier work environment can be an edge in attracting and retaining employees.
"Every dollar invested in upgrading workplace air quality, monitoring [indoor air quality] data and communicating it to employees is a dollar strategically spent," Wright previously said.
