A PERENNIAL PROBLEM
The #CLEANTHEUNSEEN movement aims to shine a light on workplace air quality. Airborne pollutants, such as fumes, dust, powders, and fibres, are often invisible to the naked eye, but they’re there and causing harm.
Even more significant trouble lies in the invisible ‘fine’ particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometres. These particles can easily penetrate deep into our lungs, exacerbating existing health issues and potentially causing severe new ones. But every bit of dust affects our health which is why this is so important.
Dust can be a major irritant. Once it settles in our delicate airways and lungs, it can trigger symptoms that range from the infuriating (coughing, wheezing) to the alarming (chest tightness, shortness of breath).
Once fine particles are in the lungs they travel into the bloodstream. Research has associated these particles with higher chances of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
Long-term exposure to dust doesn’t just disturb, it dismantles. Over an extended period, dust exposure leaves people with reduced lung capacity and a compromised ability to breathe deeply.
Dust exacerbates health problems for people with allergies or existing respiratory and heart conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Many studies have linked different kinds of dust to varying forms of cancer, such as lung, skin, kidney, and more.
Studies suggest that breathing in fine dust may lead to memory loss and raise the chances of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Dust has been detected in women’s uteruses after being inhaled and entering the bloodstream. Dust exposure during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and premature delivery, posing potential health challenges for both baby and parent.
High levels of dust can cause stress, anxiety, and melancholy, contributing to feelings of depression. Dust can also disrupt our sleep patterns, inducing fatigue and even insomnia.
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHT TO CLEAN WORKSPACE AIR
#CLEANTHEUNSEEN is standing up for workers health. Current UK air quality regulations fall short of WHO recommendations. By raising awareness with UK employers about the importance of clean workplace air, we hope to improve the lives of millions of people across the UK.
Join the movement today.
