Air quality and pollutions in living spaces

We breathe in and out about 10,000 liters of air every day, about 4,000 times as much as we drink water per day. In contrast to drinking water, which is the best controlled food in Switzerland, our air is hardly subjected to any analyzes. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on indoor air quality in 2010 and examined 9 different main chemicals. Health hazards from harmful indoor air is classified as an important factor for humankind and occurs in both poor and rich countries. Additional information can also be found here.

According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), around 3,700 people die prematurely in Switzerland every year due to air pollution.

What are the pollutants?

The most important air pollutants are: ammonia (NH3), benzene, particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as well as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic carbon (VOC). The limit values are specified in the Air Quality Control Ordinance (OAPC) for all air pollutants.

How do pollutants get into the living space?

Pollutants can get into the home in 3 main ways. On the one hand, the pollutants come from the air through the exchange with the apartment air (ventilation, etc.) directly into the apartment, this is a quick and direct contamination.

The second possibility is by bringing objects into the home that release harmful substances. Examples of this would be solvents in wood preservatives, paints or the like.

The third possibility involves the group of molds. If the humidity is too high, mold can form and multiply.

What are the health consequences due to pollutants in the living space?

Air pollutants in indoor spaces can lead to, trigger or exacerbate chronic diseases such as asthma or allergies. In addition to the respiratory tract, the heart, blood and circulatory system as well as the brain, skin and also reproduction and embryos can be affected.

How can i have my air tested?

We offer you a professional analysis for all 3 variants of pollutant contamination in the apartment. In each case, the samples are examined for around 50 different substances that are hazardous to health.

✔ Indoor air analysis focuses on pollutants that are carried in through the air.
✔ Indoor air analysis of wood preservatives: the focus is on wood preservatives and other non-volatile organic compounds.

✔ Mold quick tests: We offer quick self-tests to analyze mold.
✔ Mold laboratory analysis: For an exact analysis there is also the possibility that we analyze the mold samples in our accredited laboratory, evaluate the samples and you will receive an understandable and clear analysis report.

✪ To make sure that your air is free of impurities and does not contain any harmful substances, you can have it examined by us in a professional laboratory for over 50 different substances.