Did the deep pit fire in New Taipei burn a large amount of "hydrogen fluoride"? Toxicology expert advises: If the air purifier has "this function", it should be turned on all day long
healthorn expert Q&A
Q: Even air purifiers can’t remove indoor carcinogens! What else can be done to prevent air pollution from causing cancer?
A: Formaldehyde exceeding the standard is often a problem in new houses after decoration. It mainly comes from the wood panels and paint in the home, as well as newly purchased mattresses, sofas, curtains, carpets, etc. Formaldehyde is a first-level carcinogen recognized by the World Health Organization, with a release period of up to 15 years. If you are exposed to an environment with excessive formaldehyde for a long time, it will increase the frequency of allergies and skin inflammation, and may lead to infertility, leukemia, cancer and other symptoms. Especially those who are sensitive to odors should pay attention to the air quality after decoration.
To solve the problem of formaldehyde poisoning, it is recommended to seek formal formaldehyde removal companies to carry out indoor formaldehyde removal projects. Long-term formaldehyde removal projects usually take more than 3 days to recycle formaldehyde deep inside furniture and decorations using standard construction methods. And effectively decomposes to ensure that the formaldehyde concentration in the space is lower than the safe value for a long time. When selecting a manufacturer, special attention should be paid to choosing a manufacturer with a long-term warranty to ensure healthy and non-toxic indoor air quality for a long time and reduce the risk of cancer.
On the 20th, there was a shocking news that a fire broke out in an electronics factory in Shenkeng District, New Taipei City. A large amount of electronic products and lithium batteries were discharged there, causing a stench to spread from many places in Shuangbei; thick smoke even spread to various areas in Shuangbei. Professor Zhao Mingwei, associate professor of the Department of Biotechnology of Chung Yuan University, said in an exclusive interview with “healthorn” that many people are worried that fires will release “dioxin” and other harmful substances. In fact, the concentration of “hydrogen fluoride” in the air requires special attention.
Did the New Taipei Deep Pit Fire Burn “Hydrogen Fluoride”? Serious overdose may lead to pneumonia
“Once computers, mobile phones and other 3C products powered by ’lithium batteries’ catch fire, methane and hydrogen fluoride may be released from the fire. The pungent smell that people have smelled recently may be caused by it!”
Professor Zhao Mingwei emphasized that hydrogen fluoride is an irritating and corrosive gas. If hydrogen fluoride is inhaled from the air, it may indeed irritate the nasal cavity, upper respiratory tract or throat, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness, and the effects may be lasting. It is allergic to the nose; if inhaled excessively, it may even damage the trachea, cause lung burns or pneumonia.
As for whether lithium batteries may release dioxin or other heavy metals? Professor Zhao Mingwei pointed out that lithium batteries are not pure plastic products, and the dioxin content is not too high; while heavy metal substances must be combined with air pollution suspended particles and widely dispersed before they can be inhaled by the human body. The probability of the above situation is also low. The main cause of the damage caused by this fire should still be hydrogen fluoride.
Is it necessary to wear an N95 mask to block hydrogen fluoride? Should “this function” of the air purifier be turned on all day?
Since hydrogen fluoride has the risk of harming the respiratory tract, should people choose masks with better protection when going out? Professor Zhao Mingwei explained that it is unrealistic to require people to wear N95 masks every day when commuting to work and class. It is recommended to use activated carbon masks made of “activated carbon”, but the most fundamental strategy is to reduce going out, close the doors and windows at home, and Turn on the air conditioner and use an air purifier to purify the air in your home.
Among them, air purifiers can be selected with a “High Efficiency Filter” (HEPA) model. It would be better if it has an activated carbon deodorizing filter that can further purify the air. In addition, it is recommended that the air purifier has a built-in “negative ion” mode, which can cover suspended particles and germs in the air and render them inactive. The public can also choose models with advanced “photocatalyst” functions, but they are more expensive and can be purchased according to their own needs.
Can eating “Glutathione” help fight air pollution? Experts slap in the face: The effect of preventing hydrogen fluoride is limited
There are rumors on the Internet that supplementing “Glutathione” can help fight pollutants in the air. Professor Zhao Mingwei explained that hydrogen fluoride immediately carries out a “physical attack” on the respiratory tract after being inhaled into the human body. It does not produce toxicity through metabolism after inhalation. Therefore, the effect of taking glutathione is actually quite limited; “physical means” such as wearing a mask, closing doors and windows tightly, or purifying the air are effective measures to block hydrogen fluoride.
Finally, Professor Zhao Mingwei also reminded the public that the northeast monsoon swept across Taiwan with air pollution about a week ago, and coupled with the pit fire incident, people must wear masks when commuting; if you have a history of respiratory diseases, Or if symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing persist for weeks or even months, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the respiratory tract.
Extended reading: Is “air pollution” a deadly factor in the pit fire? Study warns: Low concentrations of PM2.5 can also increase death risk
