Podiatrists and indoor air quality: what are the professional risks and how to prevent them?

Testimonial from a podiatrist

Candice Plana, a podiatrist with 13 years of experience, took over her father's clinic in Talence, Gironde, five years ago. To address the risks associated with indoor air quality (IAQ) and protect her health, she decided to equip her practice with professional air purifiers.

Podiatrists: A profession highly exposed to indoor air pollution

Podiatrists are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollution due to the frequent use of chemical products and exposure to fine particles during treatments.

Candice explains: "As podiatrists, we are constantly exposed to fine particles from sanding, orthotic insole manufacturing, and various other tasks. We are also exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are present in glues, solvents, and disinfectants."

Her orthotic workshop is heavily polluted with chemicals, while the consultation and waiting rooms, where patients come and go, are potential hotspots for viruses, especially in winter.

The clinic, operating for over 50 years, has accumulated pollutants in its walls and surfaces, further deteriorating air quality over time.

Health risks for podiatrists related to indoor air quality

Practitioners face several health risks, including respiratory problems (asthma, allergies, polyps), headaches, and eye irritations. Candice shares, "My father, who practised here before me, developed nasal polyps due to years of inhaling pollutants. I’m determined to prevent such health issues and protect myself from the risks associated with indoor air quality."

Patient complaints about unpleasant odours in the clinic

The use of glues, solvents, and other chemicals in podiatry clinics often leads to unpleasant odours. Candice notes, "Many of my patients complained about odours, which I no longer noticed myself after years of exposure. However, the smells were particularly strong in the insole workshop. After 50 years, these odours had become ingrained in the clinic."

NatéoSanté air purifiers: exclusive technologies to eliminate indoor pollution

To prevent health issues caused by indoor pollution, Candice turned to NatéoSanté and its range of professional air purifiers. After consulting with a NatéoSanté expert, she installed two EOLIS Air Manager purifiers, one in the consultation room and another in the insole workshop.

The clinic’s high levels of VOCs and fine particles took months to drop, revealing the extent of the pollutants embedded in the walls and surfaces.

Long-term benefits of cleaner air

Equipped with advanced filtration technology—including a virucide filter, a high-density activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, and an active oxygen function—EOLIS Air Manager is designed for highly polluted environments like podiatry clinics. It addresses all types of pollution, whether chemical (VOCs), organic (microorganisms), or particulate.

Since the installation, Candice has noticed significant improvements: "I no longer receive complaints from patients about odours, and both they and I feel reassured, especially with concerns about COVID-19." The air purifiers ensure the air remains clean and the risk of professional health issues is reduced.