White paper : The dangers of air quality in podiatry clinics revealed by a study: How to protect yourself effectively?
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« The dangers of air quality in podiatry clinics revealed by a study: How to protect yourself effectively? »

• Introduction: • An invisible danger in podiatry clinics • Understanding the occupational risks related to air quality • Sources of pollution in podiatry clinics • Health effects: a silent threat • The effects of fine particles on health • Study results: A necessary wake-up call • Solutions for cleaning the air in podiatry clinics • Why are professional air purifiers essential? • Long-term benefits for practitioners • Case study: Candice Plana’s podiatry clinic • A risky working environment • Installation of EOLIS Air Manager air purifiers • Health benefits for practitioners and patients •...

Introduction An invisible danger in podiatry clinics Indoor air quality in podiatry clinics is often an underestimated issue, but it can have serious health consequences for both practitioners and their patients. Podiatrists are exposed to various airborne pollutants, such as fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released during daily use of chemicals such as adhesives, as well as from sanding nails and orthopaedic insoles. A study conducted by an occupational medicine intern at Rouen University Hospital, Clémence Gautier highlights these specific occupational...

Understanding the occupational risks related to air quality Sources of pollution in podiatry clinics Every day, pedicurists and podiatrists handle materials and chemicals that generate pollutants. The main sources of pollution identified are Fine particles From the sanding of orthopaedic insoles and the milling of nails. These airborne particles are small enough to be inhaled and penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Around 63% of practitioners are bothered by nail dust. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Emitted by the glues, solvents and disinfectants used daily in sole manufacturing...

Organic waste Surface disinfection Diesel particulates, pollen, dust, fine particles (PM2.5, PM10)... Formaldehyde, glues, VOCs, fungi, mould... VOCs, glue Fine particles Dust, VOCs... Fine particles from nail grinding, viruses, bacteria, fungi...

Health effects: a silent threat The effects of continuous exposure to these pollutants can be immediate or long-term. The symptoms most commonly reported by practitioners include: • Respiratory problems: Inhalation of fine particles causes irritation of the respiratory tract, recurrent coughing and, in some cases, chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or sinusitis. The study shows that 24% of practitioners questioned suffer from symptoms linked to inhalation of these particles. • ENT irritation: Nail dust and VOCs cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, leading to sneezing,...

The effects of fine particles on health Large particles Fine particles Ultrafine particles Upper respiratory tract Lower respiratory tract Blood / Whole body

Study results: A necessary wake-up call Clémence GAUTIER, an occupational medicine intern at Rouen University Hospital, has carried out a study of occupational risks among podiatrists. Conducted between December 2020 and January 2021, the survey of more than 1,300 podiatrists in France highlighted the extent of the risks involved. Here are the main results: of practitioners feel that their working environment is dusty. of respondents reported experiencing ENT symptoms linked to exposure to dust and chemicals. of practitioners use glues and solvents that emit VOCs. of practitioners report...

Solutions for cleaning the air in podiatry clinics Why are professional air purifiers essential? Professional air cleaners or air purifiers, like NatéoSanté’s EOLIS Air Manager, are high-tech devices designed to improve indoor air quality by capturing airborne particles and eliminating harmful chemicals. They offer several key benefits for podiatrists: • Fine particle filtration: The purifiers capture up to 99.97% of airborne fine particles, thanks to the pre-filter and H13 HEPA filters. This considerably reduces the risk of dust inhalation and improves the respiratory health of...

Long-term benefits for practitioners Investing in a professional air purifier has a number of long-term benefits for podiatrists: Reducing occupational illnesses: By effectively filtering pollutants from the air, practitioners can avoid chronic respiratory illnesses linked to the inhalation of fine particles and VOCs. Reduced stress and fatigue: By eliminating the pollutants responsible for headaches and fatigue, air purifiers help to improve the general well-being of practitioners, enabling them to be more productive and offer a better service to their patients. Improved patient...

Case study: Candice Plana’s podiatry clinic A risky working environment Candice Plana’s practice in Gironde (France) is a perfect illustration of the dangers of poor air quality. Open for more than 50 years, the practice had accumulated a large quantity of pollutants due to the continuous use of chemical products, such as neoprene glue and disinfectants. Her father, who worked in the same practice, had developed nasal polyps after several years’ exposure to atmospheric pollutants. This situation prompted Mrs Plana to think about the solutions available to improve the quality of the air in...

Installation of EOLIS Air Manager air purifiers Aware of the risks, Candice Plana decided to install professional air purifiers in her practice. NatéoSanté’s EOLIS Air Manager proved to be the ideal solution for filtering and purifying ambient air, eliminating fine particles, VOCs and pathogens. Thanks to the advanced technology of the air purifiers, including HEPA H13 filters, activated carbon filters and the activatable Deep Clean function with activated oxygen, pollution levels not only in the air but also on surfaces in the practice have been considerably reduced: 90% reduction in...