Philips 2008 Annual Report Download - page 32

Addressing indoor air quality
While the effects of outdoor air pollution have been
well documented, relatively little attention has been
paid to the quality of indoor air. Figures released by
the World Health Organization in 2007 claimed that
in a number of countries – including several emerging
economies – indoor air pollution is responsible for a
total of 1.2 million deaths a year. Children, WHO
noted, were impacted even more than adults in
succumbing to acute respiratory conditions
attributed to indoor air pollution.
These alarming statistics played a significant part in
the creation of Philips’ new Water & Air category.
“More than 70% of consumers feel that the air
quality will impact their long-term health,” says
Sridhar Kumaraswamy, the Water & Air category
leader. “This same research also indicated that about
half of households are not satisfied with their indoor
air quality. We have chosen to address its provision
with a very market-specific approach for our Clean
Air Systems range, based on different priorities in
each market.”
European air quality under threat
Philips’ insight has shown that Europeans are mostly
concerned about the amount of dust and especially
allergens in indoor air. “55% say they have a problem
with it, even though only 5% of European households
own an air cleaner,” says Sridhar. Europe’s growing city
populations – two-thirds of Europeans will be city
dwellers by 2050 – are being increasingly exposed to a
whole range of pollutants, from harmful gases, viruses
and bacteria, to fine dust, pollen and cooking waste.
The design and construction of modern homes is
also less effective in dispersing indoor pollutants.
“ With more people than ever before living
in cities in both the developed world and in
emerging markets, there is greater concern
about the impact city living has on health
and well-being.”
Emerging markets facing environmental challenges
In emerging markets like China, the situation is
somewhat different: “People living in China’s cities
face the same indoor air pollution issues as anywhere
else – like dust, chemical emissions, pollen, tobacco
smoke, bacteria and viruses,” says Sridhar. “However,
the expanding economy has created additional
environmental challenges as a result of things like
construction projects and increased car ownership.”
Awareness of domestic air quality in China is growing,
and interest in buying an air cleaner is high (around
85% of households). In China, Philips has focused on
addressing family health with its Clean Air Systems.
“In a big city like Shanghai,” notes Sridhar, “people
might be inhaling over 50 million particles with every
breath. Since children breathe even more air than
adults – up to twice as much – they will inhale even
higher levels of airborne contaminants. So, every
breath that a child takes, at home and outdoors,
can affect his or her growth and development.”
1.6
billion
invested in R&D
in 2008
Philips Annual Report 200832
18
We care about...
8
Message from
the President
6
Performance highlights
14
Who we are
42
Our group performance