Air Quality
Most people know that outdoor air pollution can
damage their health, but over the last several years studies have shown that the quality
of indoor air may be even worse than that of outdoor air.
The recent trends have been for residences to be
sealed as tight as possible to conserve energy, thus trapping many pollutants in our
homes. This also leads to the increase in chemical exposure, in part due to more synthetic
materials and products, chemically formulated personal care products, pesticides and
household cleaners.
Environmental Protection Agency TEAM studies
concluded the following: |
 About Air Filters
Purifan Air Filters
Ozone Air Cleaners
Ozone Air Purifier
Replacement Filters
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- For many pollutants, levels inside are 2-5 times higher than
outdoors
- In both rural and heavy-industrialized areas, personal
exposures and indoor air concentrations exceed outdoor air concentrations for essentially
all of the prevalent volatile organic compounds
- After some activities, indoor air pollutant levels can be as
much as 1,000 times higher than outdoors
- In new non-residential buildings, levels of volatile organic
compounds can be as much as 100 times higher than outdoors
Since nearly 90% of an average person's time is spent indoors
it is necessary that you become well educated and take the appropriate actions necessary
to maintain the best IAQ possible.
Following are six simple steps you can do to help prevent IAQ
problems as recommended by the National Association of County & City Health Officials:
- Housekeeping - Maintain a written housekeeping checklist; have
workers document housekeeping that is completed; keep a record of all cleaning supplies
used in the building; and avoid using cleaning supplies with strong odors. Keep the
building/residence clean and dust levels low.
- Building Maintenance - Set a maintenance policy and stick to
it for either a residence or building; keep records of work done and any inspection,
repairs, etc. Retain all manuals, warranties, and other documents related to
building/residence systems. Keep the building/residence in good working order. If things
break, fix them.
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Maintenance -
Keep the temperature and humidity at comfortable levels. Make sure the HVAC system is
properly maintained. (i.e.; have qualified HVAC contractors maintenance the system
regularly; make sure adequate amounts of outside air is entering the system; change
filters according to instructions; keep vents and ductwork clean and in good condition.)
See Carbon Monoxide link at bottom of page.
- Mold and Mildew - If mold and mildew are present; most
importantly, find and remediate the sources (i.e.; leak in wall, roof and plumbing).
Remove any porous materials (carpets, insulation, sheet rock) that have been wet. Clean
remaining smooth surface areas with a 1-3% bleach solution.
- Organic Contamination - Follow directions above for minimizing
mold and mildew. Use throw rugs as an alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting. If using
wall-to-wall carpeting ensure that carpets are kept clean.
- Chemicals - Minimize chemical use and make sure that chemicals
are used according to instructions. Do not mix chemicals. Take measures to ensure
chemicals are stored and disposed of properly. If you must use chemicals, use them in a
well ventilated area.
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