Study reveals sentiments around air quality and allergy awareness of Singaporeans

SINGAPORE – Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, in partnership with Rakuten AIP, Asia’s leading market research firm, unveiled findings of its Healthy Air Survey to better understand Singaporeans and their attitudes on air quality and allergy awareness. The survey spanned across 250 households in Singapore and was executed in two phases, comprising of quantitative and qualitative data collection, targeting households with members suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions, as well as households with babies or pregnant family members.

Findings of the Healthy Air Survey were released in conjunction with Philips’ latest product launch of its Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) connected air purifier, also debuting a first-to-market air purifier partnership with Air Matters for an app which can be used with the Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i to manage and reduce exposure to allergen triggers. The partnership integrates the functionality of the Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i within the app, allowing users to check the indoor air quality index and control the air purifier’s power and settings via the app remotely, as well as receive reminders on changes in air quality and filter replacement reminders as well.

Singaporeans Passive About Air Quality Management Despite Major Concerns

Key findings of the survey indicate that while air quality is a concern for 77% of Singaporeans, most are passive towards their respiratory health, with less than half of respondents visiting a specialist to address respiratory concerns. This stems from a lack of understanding of chronic respiratory conditions as well as misinformation around tools available to mitigate or manage their environments.

It was revealed that the average Singaporean falls ill between 2 to 5 times a year and 31% are unsure if their symptoms are caused by an illness or allergy. Despite this, Singaporeans recognize the importance of clean air as part of overall health, with 70% believing that good air quality improves the health of everyone in the household. However, the survey revealed a misconception on useful devices to improve indoor air quality, with more Singaporeans owning humidifiers rather than air purifiers (46% and 39% respectively) with the belief that humidifiers help remove dust and ease respiratory conditions.

As seen from the Philips Healthy Air Survey, one of the main barriers to greater adoption of air purifiers among Singaporeans is the lack of understanding what air purifiers are and their purpose. 45% of respondents said that they are unknowledgeable about air purifiers, while 44% find it too costly and 41% were doubtful of its results – only 3 in 10 Singaporeans were willing to invest in an air purifier.

Dr. Chiang Wen Chin, President, Asthma and Allergy Association said, “While humidifiers add water into the air, it is not necessary for Singaporeans to humidify their home in this climate – especially since humidity is about 70 – 80 percent. Instead, a HEPA air purifier can help to remove these allergens from the living environment and reduce airborne allergens such as dust mites, viruses and bacteria that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.”

Connected Care For A Healthier Home

In a first-to-market collaboration for air purifiers with leading air quality data and service provider Air Matters, Philips debuts the new Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30), a connected air purifier featuring a revolutionary AeraSense technology paired with a connected app to provide consumers with real-time air quality and allergen information and management advice.

The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) comes with three automatic modes – a General Mode, Bacteria, Virus Mode and Allergen mode, in addition to five manual modes that range from extra-quiet ‘Sleep’ setting to the extra-powerful ‘Turbo Speed’ mode. Specially designed for allergy sufferers, the special auto Allergen mode features a unique algorithm to detect and react to potential allergen risks by boosting the air purifier’s airflow to effectively remove harmful airborne allergens, which may trigger asthma^[1]. The air purifier also features VitaShield IPS multi-layer filtration technology, which is certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) and Airmid to remove 99.97% of airborne particles. Air is purified through an extra thick NanoProtect HEPA Filter and active carbon filter that removes ultrafine particles as small as 0.02 nanometers (100 times smaller than PM2.5), as well as common airborne allergens, bacteria and viruses, and harmful gases such as formaldehyde, TVOC and odour.

Simple everyday activities such as dusting and vacuuming can cause allergens to become airborne. The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) contains AeraSense, a professional-grade air quality sensor that detects even the slightest changes in air and automatically boosts the air purifier to effectively reduce the level or airborne particles, effectively covering large areas up to 95 m². AeraSense also indicates real-time PM2.5 and Indoor Allergen Index levels via a large numerical display on a scale of 1 – 12.

With the Air Matters app, one can monitor both real-time PM2.5 levels and Indoor Allergen Index, regulate the settings and the speed of their air purifier, and receive information on the filter status. Additionally, the Air Matters app also stores historical data on air quality levels and provides health advice for users, enabling them to correlate their symptoms with peaks in allergen levels.

The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) retails at S$999 but is currently available at a special price ofS$899 at Philips, as well as from selected electronic stores, major departmental stores and authorised dealers. Visithttp://www.philips.com.sg/air to view the full range of Philips Air Purifiers, which start from S$299.

Also, if you are interested in a more natural way of cleaning the air in your environment, you should check out our friend, Rena’s article on Comfy Home Corner about the 10 indoor plants that can help improve air quality at your home.

Source: [Media Release] Healthy Air Survey Commissioned By Philips Reveals Senti…