Baumit Ionit system - neutralization of allergens in interiors
Allergy is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases of modern civilization. A runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath - allergy sufferers know very well how annoying its symptoms can be. However, such persistent ailments can be alleviated. It is enough that we use wall finishes in our houses or apartments, which will reduce the amount of airborne allergens.
Allergy, or allergy if you prefer, is a strong reaction of the immune system to foreign substances (allergens). It was already struggled with by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, although on a much smaller scale than today. It is estimated that today the problem affects up to 40% of the population. Both children and adults are getting sick. This is the price we pay for the progress of civilization, which affects our environment and way of life. Urbanization, air pollution, building/finishing materials that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), high humidity in homes, the food we eat - all of these promote allergic reactions. On top of that, we spend a great deal, up to 90%, of our time indoors, and we still pay too little attention to the quality of the air we breathe in them.
There are allergens floating in the air that, when they enter the lungs, can cause allergic reactions
© BAUMIT
What is it that harms us?
The most commonly diagnosed variety is inhalation allergy, caused by particles invisible to the naked eye that we inhale with the air. It is usually accompanied by such symptoms as a watery runny nose, a blocked nose, "serial" sneezing, a dry cough, eye irritation or difficulty breathing.
It can be triggered by many factors. The most common cause of indoor inhalant allergy is house dust mites. Although they are present in our environment all year round, their annoyance intensifies especially in winter - then we go outside less often, have to heat the rooms and air them less. The situation is similar with mold spores, with them showing the greatest activity in summer and autumn. They are especially favored by high humidity, which is not difficult to find in homes. Washing, cooking, bathing, drying clothes - we generate significant amounts of steam in our homes every day. Pollen, on the other hand, gives allergy sufferers seasonally, mainly during the pollen season. The earliest, as early as the end of January and the beginning of February, hazel and alder begin to pollen, in March - birch and poplar, in May - grasses, rye and weeds.
Baumit Ionit wall finishing product system ensures the production of natural ions, cleansing the air of pollutants
© BAUMIT
How to alleviate allergy symptoms?
Concentrations of allergens, especially indoors, can be very high - even when it comes to pollen, which enters through open doors, windows, window vents or natural ventilation. The best way to combat allergies is to avoid contact with allergens. It's impossible to eliminate them completely from our environment, but there is an effective way to significantly reduce them in the interiors of our homes and apartments - all we need to do is to take care of the right interior wall finishes.
When finishing interiors, it's worth thinking about a wall covering system that will take care of the quality of indoor air, cleansing it of pollutants and keeping humidity at an optimal level, thus neutralizing a significant portion of allergens. Studies conducted by independent scientific research units from Austria and Germany have shown that the Baumit Ionit system neutralizes up to 90% of pollen and up to 50% of fine dust. It also reduces up to 60% of aerosols - fine particles dispersed in the air, exhaled when speaking or simply breathing, which can carry bacteria and viruses and be a source of infections.
The ions produced by the paint act as natural magnets for pollutants, causing them to fall to the ground, so they do not enter the lungs
© BAUMIT
How is it possible that the materials used for wall finishes can alleviate allergies?
We already explain. Baumit IonitColor paint actively produces ions that act as natural magnets for airborne pollutants (pollen, fine dust or aerosols), attracting them and combining them into groups of greater weight, which in turn causes them to fall to the floor. As a result, they do not enter the body and can be removed during daily cleaning. On the other hand, Baumit IonitFino and Baumit IonitFinish joint compounds, designed to be used as a substrate for Baumit IonitColor paint, regulate humidity in the room - they absorb excess water from the air and release it when it starts to get too dry. In this way, they help maintain humidity in the range between 40 and 60%, which is the healthiest for people, and at the same time provides optimal conditions for the production of ions - water molecules in the air on contact with the painted surface (thanks to special ingredients contained in Baumit IonitColor paint) become charged and take the form of ions. As a result of the ions, the air in the room becomes cleaner, which in turn translates into easier breathing, better immunity of the body and a lower risk of allergic reactions, as well as infections caused by viruses and bacteria.
The quality of the air in our homes significantly affects our health and overall well-being, and this is true regardless of whether we are prone to allergies or not. By choosing health-promoting finishing materials, we ensure a friendly interior microclimate while preventing unpleasant ailments.
The innovative Baumit Ionit interior wall covering system
allows us to reduce the amount of inhaled pollutants, including allergens and aerosols,
so we can breathe a full breath indoors.
For more information, visit the company's Baumit Sp. z o.o. page on the PdD portal.
