Let’s clear the air

We are continually bombarded by stories of global warming and the contributing factors to it – largely man-made pollution. But few people realise that we can take steps to protect ourselves against the effects of pollution.

Although the idea of using screens in the home or workplace is still somewhat niche, more and more people are catching on to the fact that you don’t need to be a slave to closed windows and doors if you want to keep out insects. Using insect screens is a great way of keeping bugs out but still being able to allow the fresh air in. Lesser known, is the fact that those who suffer from hay fever and other allergies can improve their quality of life by installing pollen screens. However, an even better-kept secret is the existence and use of pollution screens… Wake up people – it’s a whole new world!

Globally, air pollution is one of the most serious health and environmental problems. It takes two forms: indoor (household) air pollution and outdoor air pollution. We are continually bombarded by stories of global warming and the contributing factors to it – largely man-made pollution. But few people realise that we can take steps to protect ourselves against the effects of pollution. Whilst most would agree that the best solution is to address the causes of pollution, we don’t, unfortunately, live in a perfect world so, in the meantime, what can we do to limit our exposure? For some of us, the impact of pollution is all too obvious, with many people suffering similar symptoms to those with pollen allergies. Some pollutants are readily identifiable because they may be visible or carry a strong odour. However, did you know that most air pollution occurs at concentrations whereby you have neither of those clues?

It’s estimated that, in the UK, 40,000 deaths are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution. In 2020, a coroner made legal history by ruling that air pollution in London was a cause of the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah. A 2019 study found that air pollution, indoor and outdoor, contributed to nearly 12% of all deaths worldwide. Exposure greatly increases risk factors for many of the leading causes of death including heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections, lung cancer and diabetes.

Tighter regulations have, generally, reduced airborne pollution in the UK over the last few decades but it does seem to be true that people are becoming somewhat more sensitised to a variety of stimulants than was the case for earlier generations. Greater knowledge is potentially part of the dynamic – the more stuff we know about, the more there is to worry about! The government measures a variety of specific pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, ammonia and NMVOCs (non-methane volatile organic compounds). While there are set legal limits for these and other pollutants, (which, in some, but not all cases, are being met), the World Health Organisation reckons that the safe levels are considerably lower than the UK Government’s targets, so the whole topic is very much open to debate.

Streme provide a wide variety of screens, including clean air screens for controlling pollen and pollution. Our pollution screens are fitted with a special window membrane called Respilon, the roots of which lie in the development of masks, filters and respiration aids to protect against a wide range of contaminants including diesel particulates, smog, fine dust and many other airborne particles. Streme has combined with Respilon to offer you window and door screens which help to keep the air that you breathe cleaner and healthier. Nanofiber Technical Data Sheet

Please get in touch if you want to find out more, including information on our survey/installation service, which takes all the hassle away when it comes to working out exactly what you need.