Don't sit next to the photocopier – and other tips to keep heart and lungs healthy

Large office printers often emit VOCs.

Researchers have now pinpointed one of the biggest risks for a heart attack – air pollution. Polluted air contains particles of dust and soot less than ten microns wide (one micron is a millionth of a meter) which get into the lungs and cause inflammation.

Poor air quality – outdoors and indoors – has been linked to strokes, heart attacks, cancer and aggravated respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Here are some tips to reduce your exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants.

Indoors

1. Take measures to have cleaner indoor air. Avoid plug-in or aerosol air fresheners and open the window or use a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA; 
2. Cut down on scented household products (cleaning agents and personal body care);
3. Place certain plants throughout the house
4. Watch out for VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be emitted by carpets, treated fabrics, furniture, TV screens, glues and paints. Again, an air purifier with activated carbon can help with chemical and odor control.
5. Common office photocopy machines with wet toner emit very high levels of VOCs, so ask to be moved if you sit near one at work.
6. If you work with chemicals or harmful substances, make sure all safety measures are in place and you are protected accurately.

Outdoors

1. Avoid busy streets – Opt for side streets whenever possible, parks and routes with lots of trees. This applies to drivers, pedestrians, joggers and cyclists;
2. Walk on the inside of the sidewalk;
3. Don’t be afraid of “bad” weather: Windy conditions mean lower air pollution, and rain washes the pollutants away. Hot, humid days present a challenge for the body – if you want to go for a run, do it in the morning.

Electrocorp is a leading manufacturer of high quality air purifiers in North America and offers a combination of deep bed carbon filters and particle filters for complete air purification solutions. For more information about industrial air filtration or home and office air purification, start a live chat with one of our air quality experts.

Please note: The information contained herein is not meant to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat or cure a disease or condition. It may be necessary to consult a physician.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1366304/Want-heart-lungs-healthy-Dont-sit-photocopier.html#ixzz1GlZB1Qcn