PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INVISIBLE AIRBORNE DANGERS
Today we all know how unsafe it is to ride in an urban environment without a helmet or to drive in a car without a safety-belt on.
We consciously protect ourselves from our visible surroundings.
Yet the most harmful danger is invisible :
Particulate Matter alone kills more than 7 million people a year. The problem is particularly serious in urban environments. In Europe more than 80% of urban residents are exposed to air pollution levels that exceed the limits set by the World Health Organisation.
The related health issues associated with breathing Particulate Matter can be avoided with the right Protection.
For more information on invisible airborne dangers visit our infographics section here. Stay informed and ride safe !
INVISIBLE AIRBORNE DANGERS
The 2 major invisible airborne dangers we are facing today :
VIRUS (COVID 19)
COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the last coronavirus discovered. What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause disease in the respiratory system of mammals.
These illnesses can range from the common cold to pneumonia, which can be fatal in some cases. Most people have mild symptoms, but some types can cause serious illness.
PARTICULATE MATTER
Particulate matter is a generic term to classify air pollutants consisting of suspended particles in air, varying in composition and size. The particle size ranges between 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10).
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM ?
VIRUS (COVID 19) :
DROPLET
A virus-filled particle of breath or spittle that comes out of the nose or mouth of an infected individual when they breathe, speak, cough or sneeze.
They generally fall to the ground within 2 meters of the
person who expels them.
AEROSOLS
A microscopic virus-packed particle that's expelled from an infected person's mouth when breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing.
Unlike a droplet, smaller aerosol particles can remain suspended in the air.
FOMITE
An object covered with virus particles, possibly because someone recently sneezed or coughed respiratory droplets onto it, or swiped a germ-covered hand on it.
A glass could become a formite in that manner for example.
The particles could survive from several hours to several days.
PARTICULATE MATTER :
WILDFIRES
Wildfires are a major source of fine particulate matter (diameter <2.5 µm; PM2.5), which is a health hazard
EMISSIONS FROM INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Emissions from energy (power plants and refineries) and manufacturing industries represent the second-largest source of primary PM10 (28%) and PM2.5 (21%) in Europe.
EMISSIONS FROM TRANSPORTATION
Air pollution emitted from transportation contributes to smog, and to poor air quality, which has negative impacts on the health and welfare of citizens. Pollutants that contribute to poor air quality include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
HOW DO WE GET THEM ?
VIRUS (COVID 19)
Through the respiratory route in which we breathe in clouds of tiny virus particles that have accumulated and may be traveling on air currents.
A large droplet flies through the air and lands on our body.
For instance if we're standing next to someone and they cough in our face.
Through indirect transmission.
By touching the surface of a virus-covered object, we pick up the virus on our hands
and then introduce the virus to the eyes,
nose or mouth.
PARTICULATE MATTER
Through the respiratory route in which we breathe in particulate matter traveling on air currents
WHAT THEY DO TO US
VIRUS (COVID 19)
Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Headache
Sore Throat
PARTICULATE MATTER
Fatigue, Headaches & Anxiety
Nervous system damage
Cardiovascular damage
