Breathing in the City
We all have days when we feel energized and full of vitality from morning until evening without experiencing fatigue. However, more and more people are reporting feeling drained by lunchtime. Many among us feel depleted almost immediately upon waking. This state of exhaustion reduces productivity, makes life seem colorless, and leaves us feeling unwell.
In most cases, the root cause of chronic fatigue is a lack of oxidative processes in the cells, leading to their accumulation with inadequately oxidized organic substances. Simply put, it's due to a lack of… oxygen.
The overcrowding in large cities and confined spaces is a plague of the 21st century. Poor ventilation and a high number of people in a small space significantly increase the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air — we inhale 0.04% and exhale 4.4%, which is 110 times more.
By the end of the workday in a poorly ventilated office or crowded public transport, we receive only 19% or less of the oxygen. The decrease in oxygen levels leads to reduced concentration, stuffiness, drowsiness, and weakness.
A study conducted by KPMG in collaboration with Middlesex University among 300 adults showed that higher CO₂ levels reduce concentration by 30%. At levels above 1500 ppm (0.15%), 79% reported feeling fatigued, and at levels above 2000 ppm (0.2%), two-thirds of respondents stated they could not concentrate. Among those who occasionally suffer from headaches, 97% reported that headaches occur at levels as low as 1000 ppm (0.1%).
The quality of the air in one's living and working environment also has a significant impact on health.
In most cases, the root cause of chronic fatigue is a lack of oxidative processes in the cells, leading to their accumulation with inadequately oxidized organic substances. Simply put, it's due to a lack of… oxygen.
The overcrowding in large cities and confined spaces is a plague of the 21st century. Poor ventilation and a high number of people in a small space significantly increase the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air — we inhale 0.04% and exhale 4.4%, which is 110 times more.
By the end of the workday in a poorly ventilated office or crowded public transport, we receive only 19% or less of the oxygen. The decrease in oxygen levels leads to reduced concentration, stuffiness, drowsiness, and weakness.
A study conducted by KPMG in collaboration with Middlesex University among 300 adults showed that higher CO₂ levels reduce concentration by 30%. At levels above 1500 ppm (0.15%), 79% reported feeling fatigued, and at levels above 2000 ppm (0.2%), two-thirds of respondents stated they could not concentrate. Among those who occasionally suffer from headaches, 97% reported that headaches occur at levels as low as 1000 ppm (0.1%).
The quality of the air in one's living and working environment also has a significant impact on health.
-30%
High levels of CO₂ reduce concentration.
CO₂ should be replaced with oxygen, so living spaces need a fresh air intake and exhaust. Air entering through gaps and cracks cannot provide the required air exchange.
— "We have an air conditioner."
While it prevents overheating in the heat, an air conditioner does not contribute to air exchange. It merely creates the illusion of freshness by cooling stagnant air.
— "We have exhaust vents in the kitchen and bathroom."
Without a fresh air intake, the exhaust is nearly useless and can even be harmful—it may work in reverse, bringing in exhaust air from neighboring apartments. As it passes through the bathroom, it also carries harmful bacteria into the living spaces.
— "We periodically open the windows for ventilation."
Most of us do this. However, the frequency and duration of ventilation, especially in winter, are often insufficient. The air in living and sleeping areas needs to be exchanged 2-3 times per hour. A person’s need for fresh air is approximately 32 m³/hour. Air exchange in living spaces should be 0.8 room volumes per person per hour. Even extended occasional ventilation is not an optimal solution. Infiltration through window openings is random ventilation and thus unsuitable for modern buildings.
Poor air quality negatively affects health and well-being, leading to fatigue, drowsiness, and various allergies.
— "We have an air conditioner."
While it prevents overheating in the heat, an air conditioner does not contribute to air exchange. It merely creates the illusion of freshness by cooling stagnant air.
— "We have exhaust vents in the kitchen and bathroom."
Without a fresh air intake, the exhaust is nearly useless and can even be harmful—it may work in reverse, bringing in exhaust air from neighboring apartments. As it passes through the bathroom, it also carries harmful bacteria into the living spaces.
— "We periodically open the windows for ventilation."
Most of us do this. However, the frequency and duration of ventilation, especially in winter, are often insufficient. The air in living and sleeping areas needs to be exchanged 2-3 times per hour. A person’s need for fresh air is approximately 32 m³/hour. Air exchange in living spaces should be 0.8 room volumes per person per hour. Even extended occasional ventilation is not an optimal solution. Infiltration through window openings is random ventilation and thus unsuitable for modern buildings.
Poor air quality negatively affects health and well-being, leading to fatigue, drowsiness, and various allergies.
Children living near powerful power stations without dust collectors show lung changes similar to those seen in silicosis. Dust containing silicon oxides causes a severe lung disease called silicosis. Prolonged air pollution with smoke and soot can lead to poisoning with fatal outcomes. Air pollution is particularly harmful when meteorological conditions trap pollutants over a city.
In addition to affecting the respiratory system, pollutants also impact the eyes and sense of smell. Exposure to the laryngeal mucosa can cause vocal cord spasms. Inhaled solid and liquid particles sized 0.6-1.0 micrometers reach the alveoli and are absorbed into the blood, with some accumulating in the lymph nodes.
Polluted air primarily irritates the respiratory tract, leading to bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Irritants responsible for these conditions include SO₂, SO₃, nitrogen oxides, HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₂S, phosphorus, and its compounds. Studies conducted in the UK have shown a strong correlation between atmospheric pollution and mortality from bronchitis.
The signs and effects of air pollutants on human health mostly manifest as a general decline in health: headaches, nausea, weakness, and decreased or lost work capacity.
There is a belief that the body can handle and detoxify pollutants on its own. While this may be true, the process of self-cleansing can take a long time, during which accumulated toxins can lead to numerous health problems.
In addition to affecting the respiratory system, pollutants also impact the eyes and sense of smell. Exposure to the laryngeal mucosa can cause vocal cord spasms. Inhaled solid and liquid particles sized 0.6-1.0 micrometers reach the alveoli and are absorbed into the blood, with some accumulating in the lymph nodes.
Polluted air primarily irritates the respiratory tract, leading to bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Irritants responsible for these conditions include SO₂, SO₃, nitrogen oxides, HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₂S, phosphorus, and its compounds. Studies conducted in the UK have shown a strong correlation between atmospheric pollution and mortality from bronchitis.
The signs and effects of air pollutants on human health mostly manifest as a general decline in health: headaches, nausea, weakness, and decreased or lost work capacity.
There is a belief that the body can handle and detoxify pollutants on its own. While this may be true, the process of self-cleansing can take a long time, during which accumulated toxins can lead to numerous health problems.
Regular use of the O2IN trainer helps cleanse the lungs and strengthen the respiratory muscles. Your breathing will become deeper and calmer, which not only helps you cope better with the fast pace of city life but also ensures that your body receives and efficiently absorbs the necessary amount of oxygen.