Mexico. 80% of Mexicans are concerned about the quality of the air they breathe, concluded the Daikin company in its study 'Perception of air quality and air conditioners', whose results were known on September 16, precisely the Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
The study, based on a representative sample of 500 Mexicans aged between 18 and 65, reveals that air quality is a significant concern in the country.
For example, 80% of respondents expressed a marked concern about the quality of the air they breathe, demonstrating a high level of awareness about the issue. In contrast, only 3% indicated disinterest or lack of reflection on air quality. In addition, one in five Mexicans perceives the air quality in their locality as "bad to very bad".
Air Quality in Collective Spaces
In spaces such as cinemas, theatres, shopping malls, offices and supermarkets, around 40% of respondents perceived "good to fair" air quality. Restaurants are perceived as the places with the best air quality.
As for public transport, about half of Mexicans consider air quality to range from "bad to very bad" and one in five has a negative perception of air quality in hospitals and gyms.
Daikin also reported that 82% of respondents identified vehicle fleet and industries as the main sources of air pollution. In addition to these sources of pollutants, more than half of respondents pointed to landfills as a significant source of pollution, followed by businesses, natural phenomena and households themselves.
Perception about air conditioners
The study revealed that more than half of respondents consider the use of air conditioners to be an expensive option and some mistaken beliefs about these equipment persist.
In this sense, a quarter of the population thinks that air conditioners only serve to cool the environment and another quarter considers that they are a luxury. Additionally, one in five Mexicans believes that the use of air conditioners could negatively affect their health.
Interest in sustainable technologies
Regarding air conditioning and energy saving technologies, 37% of those who use these equipment, do not know about refrigerants with low environmental impact.
Although users did not report hearing much about refrigerants, more than 40% have done so in terms of air purifiers and energy efficiency labels, and more than 30% have heard something about inverter technology and harmful particles to health.
"Daikin welcomes the opportunity to contribute to public awareness of air quality and hopes that these findings will encourage a broader discussion about the importance of preserving the ozone layer and choosing more sustainable – efficient air conditioners," the company said in a statement.
Likewise, the Japanese firm said that these objectives are included in the Environmental Vision 2050 document, through which Daikin commits to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
