According to the study, the largest health concern in South Africa is respiratory disease followed by allergies and nutrition. The study also identified that 30 to 35% of the population suffers from respiratory problems. Approximately 60% of medical admissions in SA are respiratory related issues, mainly attributed to HIV/Aids.
Doctors polled in the study recommended proper maintenance of household and office appliances as a solution to maintain cleaner environments. Regular servicing of air-conditioners and maintenance of vacuum cleaners can dramatically improve the air quality inside homes and offices.
In addition, about half of all the respondents firmly believed that technology could play an important role in minimising the risk factors associated with diseases. Many were also keen to adopt new technologies that would dramatically improve hygiene in their environments and reduce illnesses resulting from unhealthy surroundings.
“The goal of the LG-Synovate exercise was to conduct thorough research to discover the extent that environmental and health aspects affect people within the identified regions,” explained James Tae, MD of LG Electronics South Africa.
“LG was the first company to begin focusing on health-focused products. The health-friendly product range of digital appliances is designed to provide optimum hygiene in consumers' homes and offices. It includes air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, light wave ovens, vacuum cleaners and air purifiers,” concludes Tae.
