Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Whilst we’re increasingly aware of rising levels of outdoor air pollution and the associated health risks, it may come as a surprise that the indoor air we breathe at home or in the workplace can be 2-5 times more polluted1. Poor quality indoor air is known to aggravate the symptoms of allergic diseases. So, this World Allergy Week – an annual initiative of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) that raises awareness of allergic disease and related disorders – Philips is calling for people to get smart and take control of the quality of the indoor air they breathe, every day.
One of the major factors influencing indoor air quality is the presence of allergens, such as dust, pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander. Among the most prevalent chronic diseases, the number of people affected by allergies is increasing. In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates that over 20 per cent of the world population suffers from allergic disease, such as hayfever, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis2.
Muhammad Ali Jaleel, Country Manager for Philips Malaysia said, “At Philips, we want people to be healthy, live well and enjoy life. Our home should be our sanctuary, and has a crucial part to play in helping us to take control and ownership of our health. Within this context, being able to breathe clean air at home is fundamental to helping people live more healthily. This is why we work in partnership with globally renowned experts – such as AHAM, ECARF and AirMid – and leverage our leading expertise in respiratory health to design humidifiers, purifiers and combi products that can help to reduce exposure to airborne allergens.”
For those that suffer from allergies, the impact on their quality of life can be significant. 87 per cent of people say their allergic rhinitis affects their sleep, and a worrying 92 per cent of people admit their allergy symptoms affect their work, school or daily routine3. It is estimated that symptoms like a blocked nose and fatigue result into a loss of productivity ranging from 11 to 40 per cent4.