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Paul Lewis On Air Pollutants and How They Can Impact on Health in Wales...

Vindico’s Head of R&D reveals the air pollutants of concern to health in Wales at today’s Welsh Government Event. Our air pollution expert, Paul Lewis, was at the Welsh Government’s online event today to reveal the main air pollutants we need to know about. As one of the panel of experts covering the topic of air pollution in Wales, Paul revealed some harsh truths and surprising facts about air pollutants and our health in Wales. He also outlined the proposed guidance for both businesses and individuals. Breaking it down into gases and particles, Paul singled out NO2 and PM2.5 as the two air pollutants we need to be most concerned about. “Most people think of air pollution as coming from transport. But we’re less aware of our own personal behaviours at home and at work,” insists Paul. Although 40% of NO2 and a third of PM2.5 comes from industry, and traffic – particularly in urban areas – is a cause for concern, emissions continue to fall annually. Which is where our personal habits come in. Mainly in the form of wood burning. Domestic and small-scale burning now account for over 40% of PM2.5 in the UK – and it’s a problem. As Paul puts it: “One of the most damaging pollutants, in terms of our health, is fine particulate matter, which is often referred to as PM2.5, and our research reinforces the need to revise PM2.5 limit values and targets as soon as possible.” And air pollution is not just a local issue. Paul points out that our habits can impact air quality many miles away. “What’s more, the PM2.5 that we breathe might often come from many miles away, which means we cannot rely solely on modelled data. There needs to be widespread monitoring of this pollutant to get a full understanding of where it comes from and the harm it causes.” That’s where our Think Air initiative comes in. “Think Air is proving that effective air quality sensor networks don’t have to be costly. It’s also providing us with meaningful data and insights which, led by ergonomics, can be used to develop longer term behavioural change methods that will ultimately benefit the long-term health of people across Wales and the UK.” Originally launched in 2019, Think Air’s sensor network is already live across Wales. It’s helping to gather the data and insights we need to raise awareness and understanding of air quality and Pm2.5 levels across the country. We’ve expanded the network with the support of Welsh organisations including Niche, Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Devils, and – most recently – Zip World, who are installing Think Air sensors at all five of their sites across Wales. It’s the only project in the UK to take on the challenge of understanding background and wide range air quality on this scale, and it’s changing the way we understand and measure the impact of toxic air at a local level. Today, Think Air is on track to being the largest live air quality sensor network in Wales – and the largest in the UK by the end of 2021. To find out more about Think Air – and how your business can benefit – drop us a line today.

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Your Wood Burning Stove And Air Pollution: 4 Things You Need To Know...

How much does your fashionable wood burning stove contribute to air particle pollution? The result of that ‘homely feel’ may surprise you, says Professor Paul Lewis.   Recent government data shows that domestic wood burning has become the single biggest source of small particle air pollution in the UK. Although trendy wood burning stoves are used by just 8% of the UK population, they produce three times more small particle air pollution than road traffic. Why is it such a big deal? Tiny particle pollution is harmful to our health as it can enter the bloodstream and negatively impact everything from our lungs to our eyes. The government isn’t planning a ban on wood burners just yet, but a ban on the retail sale of wet wood will come into force on 1st May 2021. Bags of house coal will also be banned from 1st May 2021. These changes are the first such restrictions since the clean air acts of the 1950s. A domestic wood burning stove can triple the level of harmful pollution inside the home. It also accounts for 38% of the pollution particles under 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). Despite this, a new Government report reveals that the most common reason for using a wood burner is for aesthetic reasons. “Thanks to illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide stealing the headlines in recent times, most people think of traffic and industry when they think of air pollution,” says says our Head of R&D Paul Lewis. “But, most will be surprised to hear that wood burners cause more than three times as much PM2.5 than traffic across the UK. “The new report reveals that people burn wood at home mainly for aesthetic reasons, with little appreciation of how much they contribute to air pollution throughout their neighbourhood and beyond. “Governments are aware that banning wood burners is controversial so they’re actively looking at how new regulations on the type of wood burnt, such as dryer logs, can reduce PM2.5.”   4 key take-aways: The retail sale of wet wood and house coal will be banned from 1st May 2021 in the UK   Domestic wood burners produce three times more small particle air pollution than road traffic   Domestic wood burning can triple the level of harmful pollution inside the home   Wood burning stoves account for 38% of the pollution particles under 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5)   Although we seek that cosy look or hygge feel in the home, it can come at a price. So, if you’re lighting up that fire, make sure you’re thinking of the impact, using dry wood only and being a good neighbour. You can find out more about Think Air – our clean air initiative –

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Toxic Air: The Importance Of Air Quality For Our Health...

A new report from the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and Asthma UK says that about six million people aged over 65 in England are at high risk of health issues such as lung damage and asthma attacks. The culprit? Toxic air. The report finds that older people, those with lung disease, and the most vulnerable to the effects of pollution are often the most exposed to toxic air. Air quality is an area that we’re particularly passionate here at Vindico. It’s also the reason why we created our Think Air initiative. Led by our Head of R&D, Paul Lewis, Think Air is helping to provide a more accurate picture of  background air pollution levels. This, in turn, helps make local air pollution-reducing initiatives more achievable. “This latest report on toxic air is further evidence of the impacts of particulates on the health of more vulnerable people in society,” says Paul Lewis. “It reinforces the need to revise PM2.5 limit values and targets as soon as possible. It’s alarming when you see the figures for care homes, GP practices, and hospitals. The potential exposure of the elderly and patients to PM2.5 levels above the limits recommended by the WHO is also alarming. “I echo Professor Alistair Lewis’ comments. The PM2.5 that we breathe might often come from many miles away. This is one reason why we can’t rely solely on modelled data. There needs to be widespread monitoring of this pollutant to get a full understanding of where it comes from and the harm it causes.” And that’s exactly what we’re hoping to achieve with Think Air. It’s already on track to being the largest live Air Quality sensor network in Wales. We’ve also started to expand to counties across the border in England, too. Think Air is changing the way we measure, monitor, raise awareness of air quality. It’s also driving positive change, which, in the wake of this new report exposing the impact of toxic air on our health, it’s more essential than ever.   You can find out more about Think Air and our commitment to better

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The Impact of Air Pollution on Eye Health (And Why Think Air Has Never Been So Important)...

A large UK study has linked air pollution to eye health – and a higher risk of irreversible sight loss. Yes, you read that right. The study shows that even small rises in pollution can increase the risk of irreversible sight loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We already know that poor air quality has a negative impact on almost every organ in the body. But this study is the first to dive into the impact of air pollution on eye health. As our head of R&D – and professor emeritus – Paul Lewis puts it: “In terms of its impact on health, air pollution is traditionally associated with respiratory and heart conditions. It’s also known to shorten the life of some people with these conditions. “But this new study shows that air pollution – especially fine particles like PM2.5 – can impact our health and wellbeing in ways perhaps we as scientists wouldn’t have believed a few years ago.” The air pollution problem is real. Both the World Health Organisation and the UK Government tout air pollution as the largest environmental health risk we face today. Air pollution causes as many as 24,000 premature deaths each year in the UK. Poor air quality is also linked to heart and lung disease, low birth weight, and children’s lung development. There’s also increasing evidence to suggest that poor air quality also contributes to mental health issues and overall wellbeing. “The impact is not just physical,” says Paul. “There is growing evidence pointing to the negative effects of air pollution on our mental wellbeing. “This highlights the importance of having real data available everywhere. But this can only be achieved by having more low-cost air quality monitors across the country.” And this is what we’re hoping to achieve with Think Air. Our very own air quality sensor network is a literal breath of fresh air. It’s already live across many parts of Wales. It’s also on track to being the largest live air sensor network in the country. As evidence continues to reveal the negative impacts of air pollution on our health and wellbeing, Think Air has never been so important. You can find out more about Think Air and our commitment to better air

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Coleg Sir Gar: A Project That Takes Vindico Pack To Our Roots...

We’re excited to be collaborating with the Llanelli college that has played an important role in Vindico’s evolution. Coleg Sir Gar is the place where almost half of the Vindico team gained their skills as students or apprentices (including our brilliant, blue-sky-thinking Technical Director Ryan Griffiths). It’s also shaped some of the finest thinkers and innovators in Wales. Vindico’s latest project is a collaboration with both Coleg Sir Gar and the Agriculture Research Centre for Wales. The task? To build a bespoke software platform that collects and analyses sensor data on a multi-site project. The software will measure everything from the weather and soil moisture to leaf wetness and everything in between. It will provide a simple visualisation of complicated data in the field (literally!). It will also prompt the correct actions to take for optimal results, as well as logging these activities. The environment is an area that we’re particularly passionate about here at Vindico. In fact, this project ties in perfectly with our existing clean air initiative – Think Air. Keep your eyes peeled for a full case study on this exciting Welsh eco project. Click here  to find out more about our clean air sensor network – and how it can help your environmental impact

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The Welsh Government’s Clean Air (Wales) Bill: 3 Key Take-Aways...

This week, the Welsh Government released their Government’s Clean Air (Wales) Bill. But what exactly does it mean for you, your business, and your CSR? Our head of R&D – and Professor Emeritus of Swansea University – Paul Lewis sums it up. In a nutshell, the Clean Air (Wales) Bill shows a clear commitment by the Welsh Government to reduce the harm caused by exposure to air pollution. There are clear benefits not just to people’s health but also the environment. The key points to take away are: New powers for local authorities to implement Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones Some control to tackle fine particle air pollution from domestic burning New guidance for inter-sectoral workforces to tackle air pollution, and to protect the health and wellbeing of employees, while simultaneously delivering benefits for decarbonisation As Paul puts it: “At Vindico, we’ve had extensive dialogue with companies who already recognise the need to better protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce. “The new guidance and clarity will help those discussions enormously by answering the ‘why’s’, the ‘what’s’ and the ‘how’s’. It will also allow us to better tailor monitoring solutions for our clients.” Clean air is cause that we’re passionate about here at Vindico. To find out more about our Think Air initiative – and how it can help your business –

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Prof-Paul-Turns-Purple!

Professor Paul Lewis Remains Swansea University Spokesperson...

Paul may be joining us to head up R&D full time from January 2021, but he’s not fully cutting ties with academia just yet. The former Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation will continue to be a spokesperson for Swansea University on the subject of (no points for guessing here) Air Quality. Paul has been heavily involved in research an innovation at the university since he became a professor at both the Medical School and School of Management in 2015. By 2017 Paul was Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation (CHEMRI), which carries out research into how air pollution impacts on health and wellbeing.  Sound familiar?  It should do. This is what led to us collaborating on Think Air  – which is heavily influenced by Paul’s scientific interests and expertise. Paul’s role as spokesperson means he’ll continue to lend his expertise on air quality to press and publications – so you can expect to see and hear him across media outlets when the subject of air quality pops up. As well as this spokesperson role, Paul will also continue to sit on a number of Welsh Government panels and committees – where his expertise is helping to shape objectives, awareness and policies related to air quality. But back at Vindico, you can catch Paul’s signature work from January 2021. Got a project that needs Paul’s professional input in 2021? Drop us a line to see how we can take transform your next idea, concept or product into

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Prof-Paul-Turns-Purple!

Professor Paul Lewis Joins Vindico!...

Paul will head up R&D at Vindico on a full-time basis from January. Bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise, Paul – who became a Professor at both the Medical School and School of Management at Swansea University in 2015 – will be helping us kick off the New Year in true Think Purple fashion. This new role expands on Paul’s existing work with us – which involved lending his expertise to develop Think Air. In case you haven’t already heard by now, Think Air  is on track to becoming the largest live air quality network in Wales – and you can find out more about that here . But back to Professor Paul… Think Air was hugely influenced by the Paul’s specialist interest in air pollution – and its impact on our health and wellbeing. In fact, Paul is a Geneticist by degree, and carried out his PhD at Swansea University (which was a mixture of research into evolutionary Genetics, cancer genetics and molecular modelling). After his PhD, Paul began a career in genetic toxicology, modelling how nasty chemicals in cigarette smoke actually cause cancer by attaching to our genes and damaging them. I was also a martial arts instructor in the university and interested in the importance of lung health, breathing techniques and the whole concept of ‘good air’ required for peak performance. As Paul puts it: “My entire career since has mainly focused on studying the air that we breathe through respiratory health diagnostics, data analytics and technology development. I went on to work in the University of Wales College of Medicine as well as Cardiff University before returning to Swansea as a Lecturer in the new Medical School in 2004, where I led the Respiratory Diagnostics Group. “In 2015, I became a Professor at both the Medical School and School of Management. In 2017, I became the Director of the Centre for Health and Environmental Management Research & Innovation (CHEMRI) where we carry out research into how air pollution impacts on health and wellbeing.  “I first met Jo about two and a half years ago at the university’s Centre for Research Innovation and was blown away by Vindico’s whole philosophy. I was heavily involved in innovation at the university and had already spun out a diagnostic company as well as an air pollution technology company with my son, Sam, so was looking to partner with external companies. “I met with Ryan as well, there was an obvious synergy with what we were all doing, and real potential to develop sensor technologies and networks. “They ended up sponsoring Sam as a PhD student, developing new environmental sensors and Think Air was born. Vindico has provided a huge commitment in taking Think Air forward towards commercial success and after many happy years in academia I’m jumping ship to help them deliver it! “I’ll be heading up R&D, so I’ll be well in my comfort zone. We’re heading for a busy year developing the environmental management arm within the company so that will be my main focus. “I’ll also be bringing health technology IP into the company, and we’ll be looking at ways to further develop new healthcare management systems. “Aside from the technology development, my real interest is building the AI, data analytics and modelling capabilities within the company to provide new services and products. “What I love about Vindico though is the whole Think Purple approach to developing ideas and being able to literally visualise the pipeline from concepts to solutions – it’s very different to the slow slog of innovation from academia! Best of all though I get to work in Parc Y Scarlets. My boyhood dream was to play for the Scarlets and now I can go and play there every day!” Speaking of Paul joining the team, Vindico MD Jo Polson added:  “We’ve worked with Paul for 2 years now and he’s been instrumental in the evolution of Think Air. “He’s brought in a level of expertise you almost can’t buy, and we are blessed to have him join our team officially and full time on January 1st, 2021. “It’s quite a coup! “But it’s not just in Air Quality, Paul brings an extra Secret Sauce of Statistical Analysis and R&D expertise to our Defence and visualisation work too. “He’s going to be a busy boy!” Keep your eyes peeled for some of Paul’s signature work from January 2021.   Got a project that needs Paul’s professional input? Drop us a line to see how we can take transform your next idea, concept or product into

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Think Air Rolls Out Across Seven Counties...

This expansion means we’re on track to having the largest live air quality network in Wales! The next two weeks will see Think Air  expand its network across Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Newport, Caerphilly and Suffolk. No points for guessing the odd one out. No, Suffolk isn’t in Wales (or at least it wasn’t the last time we checked), but it’s an exceptional project (and a little bit special), so we’ll reveal the details in a separate blog post very soon. But back to Wales… These locations have been carefully selected to add to our urban/rural monitoring sensor web, which tracks particulates locally as they travel across Wales. Sounds technical, doesn’t it? And it is. In fact, it’s the only project in the UK to take on the challenge. It’s changing the way we understand – and measure – the impact at a local level. It’s also helping us recognise the factors that are out of our control – such as pollution blowing in from the South and East of England, as well as Northern Europe – and how we can better prepare for these circumstances. The latest expansion of Think Air will help provide a more accurate picture of background air pollution levels, which, in turn, helps make local pollution-reducing initiatives more achievable. You’ll be able to find out more about this in an upcoming white paper. But on to the expansion… “The engagement with local businesses who want to play their part in our project has totally blown us away,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “We are yet to speak to a single business who doesn’t want to help if they can.” Our latest locations include Llety Rafel Farm in Neath, which is home to Bee1 , who are dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of bees for our ecosystem. They work with schools and businesses across Wales, and they also happen to make the most fantastic honey we have ever tasted! They’re also a corporate partner of Niche , who will be providing us with our superb new Think Air location in Newport. The forward-thinking independent financial advisors are leading the way for corporate social responsibility in their field. They’ll also be helping us broadcast live Air Quality information direct to their digital billboard that faces the M4. Further West Mark Davies of Kanso Business will be providing us with the location and power to bring Think Air to Cross Inn near Laugharne in Carmarthenshire. These new locations mean we are on track to reaching our live air quality network targets, but we still have opportunities to partner with other forward-thinking business across Wales. Want to get involved? Click here to drop us a line to see how you can do business for good by being part of

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A Breath of Fresh Air: How We’re Paving the Way for Better Air Quality in Wales...

Vindico’s Think Air project has started to roll out more than 50 Air Quality Sensors across Wales. In fact, in the coming months we’ll have the largest live Air Quality Sensor Network in the country. It’s a project we’re really proud of, and it’s helping us drive positive change like never before. But let’s rewind. What is Think Air? Good question. We created Think Air with one simple mission in mind: to make the latest technology in air quality accessible, affordable and easy to understand. Why? Well, you see, air pollution is responsible for approximately 24,000 premature deaths every year in the UK. What’s more – poor health as a result of air pollution costs the NHS up to £20 billion a year. £20 billion? Yes, really. £20 billion. But there was a problem. Traditional sensors are very expensive – not to mention being highly limited. What does that mean? It means that most of our nation’s air quality has been modelled using only a handfuls of sensors. That is until now. Think Air is changing the way we measure, monitor, raise awareness of air quality. It’s also driving  positive change across Wales. “It’s been a labour of love of two years!” says says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. “Understanding the issues and changing behaviour starts with accurate measurement. “But more than that, the data needs to be accessible, affordable and easy to understand. “We’ve spent two years developing the unique sensors and software platform behind Think Air, and we’re now on track to having the largest live air quality network in Wales by the end of 2020.” How is Think Air funded? Glad you asked. Proceeds from every Vindico project go towards funding the development of Think Air throughout Wales. “We couldn’t have come this far without the support of our clients who have all contributed to Think Air through their contracted projects with Vindico. “As a great example, proceeds from the new Scarlets Rugby website will go towards sensors and raising awareness in their region and beyond.” Click here to find out more about Think Air – and how it’s driving change for good

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