Air Quality Index (AQI)
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Healthy Climate® Indoor Air Quality Systems
HEPA Bypass Air Filtration Systems Healthy Climate® Indoor Air Quality Systems HEPA-20 HEPA-40 HEPA-60 The best possible air filtration. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filtration Systems ® 99.97% efficiency rating Pollutants like dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses find their way into your for removal of all small, home’s air every day. These pollutants can cause poor indoor air quality, breathable particles, airborne mold spores, bacteria and which impacts both your home environment and health. At the very least, Place. viruses, down to 0.3 micron poor air quality can make your home uncomfortable. And, if you’re one of Bypass configuration quietly circulates and cleans the air more than 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, poor air quality throughout the home can make your home very unhealthy. Designed for easy integration BETTER with Lennox® heating and HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AIR FILTRATION FOR A CLEANER, cooling systems for total HEALTHIER HOME ENVIRONMENT. home comfort …A A Healthy Climate® high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) bypass filtration Best possible air-filtration performance system can go a long way toward improving the air you breathe. Using the same filtration technology found in hospital operating rooms and HOME science labs, a HEPA system removes nearly all allergy-inducing contaminants, including even the smallest particles and bacteria. It filters and freshens the air, so you can breathe easier. Highly effective filtration. THREE CLASSES OF AIR CONTAMINANTS Lennox makes your With a particle-efficiency rating of 99.97%, this system captures and Particles—Pollen, dust mites, dirt, pet dander. filters particles and bioaerosols as Particles are any small as 0.3 micron—contaminants substances measuring less than 100 microns that standard filtration systems in diameter. -
ASHRAE Position Document on Filtration and Air Cleaning
ASHRAE Position Document on Filtration and Air Cleaning Approved by ASHRAE Board of Directors January 29, 2015 Reaffirmed by Technology Council January 13, 2018 Expires January 23, 2021 ASHRAE 1791 Tullie Circle, NE • Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2305 404-636-8400 • fax: 404-321-5478 • www.ashrae.org © 2015 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission. COMMITTEE ROSTER The ASHRAE Position Document on Filtration and Air Cleaning was developed by the Society's Filtration and Air Cleaning Position Document Committee formed on January 6, 2012, with Pawel Wargocki as its chair. Pawel Wargocki, Chair Dean A. Saputa Technical University of Denmark UV Resources Kongens Lyngby, Denmark Santa Clarita, CA Thomas H. Kuehn William J. Fisk University of Minnesota Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Minneapolis, MN Berkeley, CA H.E. Barney Burroughs Jeffrey A. Siegel Building Wellness Consultancy, Inc. The University of Toronto Johns Creek, GA Toronto, ON, Canada Christopher O. Muller Mark C. Jackson Purafil Inc. The University of Texas at Austin Doraville, GA Austin, TX Ernest A. Conrad Alan Veeck BOMA International National Air Filtration Association Washington DC Virginia Beach, VA Other contributors: Dean Tompkins Madison, WI for his contribution on photocatalytic oxidizers Paul Francisco, Ex-Officio Cognizant Committee Chair Environmental Health Committee University of Illinois Champaign, IL ASHRAE is a registered trademark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, owned by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. © 2015 ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. -
Improving Air Quality for Operators of Mobile Machines in Underground Mines
atmosphere Article Improving Air Quality for Operators of Mobile Machines in Underground Mines Andrzej Szczurek 1, Monika Maciejewska 1,*, Marcin Przybyła 2 and Wacław Szetelnicki 2 1 Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrze˙zeWyspia´nskiego27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; [email protected] 2 Centrum Bada´nJako´scisp. zo. o., ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 62, 59-301 Lubin, Poland; [email protected] (M.P.); [email protected] (W.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-7132-028-68 Received: 12 November 2020; Accepted: 9 December 2020; Published: 18 December 2020 Abstract: In underground mines, mobile mining equipment is critical for the production system. The microenvironment inside the mobile machine may cause exposure to strongly polluted mine air, which adversely affects the health and working performance of the operator. Harmful pollutants may access the cabin together with the ventilation air delivered from the machine’s surroundings. This work proposes a solution that is able to ensure that the air for the machine operator is of proper quality. The proposal emerged from an analysis of the compliance of cabins of mobile machines working underground in mines with occupational health and safety (H&S) standards. An analytical model of air quality in a well-mixed zone was utilized for this purpose. The cabin atmosphere was investigated with regard to the concentration of gaseous species in the surrounding air, the cabin ventilation rate, and human breathing parameters. The analysis showed that if currently available ventilation approaches are used, compliance with multiple H&S standards cannot be attained inside the cabin if standards are exceeded in the surroundings of the machine. -
Global Disease and Air Quality in a Changing Climate by Kim Frauhammer
YP Perspective Global Disease and Air Quality in a Changing Climate by Kim Frauhammer Through the lens of the current global pandemic, a look at some of the existing challenges, such as environmental degradation, decreasing air quality, and climate change, that continue to put the human population at risk. 2020 has already been a year to remember, defined by the Seasonality of the Virus novel Coronavirus and its far-reaching effects on our health With how expansive this virus has proven to be, examining and economy. This global pandemic has restructured our all methods of transport is vital to understanding the future lives, while existing global challenges that continue to put the of global diseases. According to the U.S. Global Change human population at risk remain. Environmental degradation, Research Program, a set of “vulnerability factors” determine decreasing air quality, and climate change continue to expose whether someone is at risk for adverse health outcomes: the human population to higher risks of illness and loss of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.1 The climate and resources. COVID-19 has provided us with a unique window environment are a part of all three. The virus first emerged into identifying these underlying risks and highlights the and spread rampantly during the Northern Hemisphere benefits between preserving the future of not only our Winter and there is scientific evidence to point to why. health, but our environment as well. Humidity is the greatest factor. em • The Magazine for Environmental Managers • A&WMA • August 2020 YP Perspective In the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (broadly be - Recent research from Harvard University cites that people tween 30 and 60 degrees), the atmosphere cools down as the who live in areas of poor air quality are more likely to die Earth is tilted farther away from the sun during the winter. -
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality Poor indoor air quality can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, headache, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or other breathing problems or who have allergies may have severe reactions. Common Indoor Air Pollutants Poor indoor air quality comes from many sources, including: » Tobacco smoke » Mold » Pollen » Allergens such as those from cats, dogs, mice, dust mites, and cockroaches » Smoke from fireplaces and woodstoves » Formaldehyde in building materials, textiles, and furniture » Carbon monoxide from gas furnaces, ovens, and other appliances » Use of household products such as cleaners and bug sprays » Outdoor air pollution from factories, vehicles, wildfires, and other sources How to Improve Indoor Air Quality » Open windows to let in fresh air. • However, if you have asthma triggered by outdoor air pollution or pollen, opening windows might not be a good idea. In this case, use exhaust fans and non-ozone-producing air cleaners to reduce exposure to these triggers. » Clean often to get rid of dust, pet fur, and other allergens. • Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. • Wet or damp mopping is better than sweeping. » Take steps to control mold and pests. » Do not smoke, and especially do not smoke indoors. If you think poor indoor air is making you sick, please see or call a doctor or other health care provider. About CDC CDC is a federal public health agency based in Atlanta, GA. Our mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury and disability. For More Information We want to help you to stay healthy. -
Diagnosing IAQ Problems
Diagnosing IAQ Problems he goal of the diagnostic building T Start (reason for concern) investigation is to identify and solve the indoor air quality complaint in a way that t 6 prevents it from recurring and that does not Initial walkthrough n preparation create other problems. This section n visual inspection describes a method for discovering the n talk with occupants and staff cause of the complaint and presents a t “toolbox” of diagnostic activities to assist Do you have Yes you in collecting information. an explanation Just as a carpenter uses only the tools for the complaint ? that are needed for any given job, an IAQ No investigator should use only the investiga- t Collect additional tive techniques that are needed. Many information about indoor air quality complaints can be n building occupants resolved without using all of the diagnostic n the HVAC system n pollutant pathways tools described in this chapter. For n pollutant sources example, it may be easy to identify the (sample contaminants if needed) source of cooking odors that are annoying t nearby office workers and solve the Develop one or more hypotheses problem by controlling pressure relation- to explain the problem. Test by ships (e.g., installing exhaust fans) in the manipulating building conditions or exposure, or by performing food preparation area. Similarly, most appropriate tests. mechanical or carpentry problems prob- ably require only a few of the many tools t t you have available and are easily accom- Do results Attempt plished with in-house expertise. No Yes Follow-up support your a control validation The use of in-house personnel builds hypothesis ? strategy skills that will be helpful in minimizing and resolving future problems. -
An Air Stagnation Index to Qualify Extreme Haze Events in Northern China
OCTOBER 2018 F E N G E T A L . 3489 An Air Stagnation Index to Qualify Extreme Haze Events in Northern China JIN FENG Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China, and National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado JIANNONG QUAN Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China HONG LIAO Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China YANJIE LI State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Sciences and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China XIUJUAN ZHAO Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China (Manuscript received 27 November 2017, in final form 18 June 2018) ABSTRACT Stagnation weather affects atmospheric diffusion ability, and hence causes the occurrence of haze events, which have been happening frequently in northern China (NC). This work puts forward an air stagnation index (ASITS) to characterize the stagnation weather in NC, in which the processes of ventilation, vertical diffusion, and wet deposition potency are concerned. ASITS can be applied to analyze air stagnation conditions with daily to monthly time scale. It is shown that the ASITS and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 mmindiameter(PM2.5) concen- trations own similar lognormal probability distribution functions on both daily and monthly time scales. And the correlation analyses between the ASITS and PM2.5 concentrations indicate that the ASITS can reflect the monthly and daily variations in PM2.5 concentrations in NC. -
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality : Selected Pollutants
WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of pub- lic health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethyl- ene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazard- ousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmen- SELECTED CHEMICALS SELECTED tal exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. POLLUTANTS They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards. World Health Organization Regional Offi ce for Europe Scherfi gsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.euro.who.int WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the development of these WHO guidelines. Keywords AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR - prevention and control AIR POLLUTANTS - adverse effects ORGANIC CHEMICALS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE - adverse effects GUIDELINES ISBN 978 92 890 0213 4 Address requests for publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for per- mission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). -
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality The indoor environment in any building the categories that follow. The examples is a result of the interaction between the given for each category are not intended to site, climate, building system (original be a complete list. 2 design and later modifications in the Sources Outside Building structure and mechanical systems), con- struction techniques, contaminant sources Contaminated outdoor air (building materials and furnishings, n pollen, dust, fungal spores moisture, processes and activities within the n industrial pollutants building, and outdoor sources), and n general vehicle exhaust building occupants. Emissions from nearby sources The following four elements are involved n exhaust from vehicles on nearby roads Four elements— in the development of indoor air quality or in parking lots, or garages sources, the HVAC n loading docks problems: system, pollutant n odors from dumpsters Source: there is a source of contamination pathways, and or discomfort indoors, outdoors, or within n re-entrained (drawn back into the occupants—are the mechanical systems of the building. building) exhaust from the building itself or from neighboring buildings involved in the HVAC: the HVAC system is not able to n unsanitary debris near the outdoor air development of IAQ control existing air contaminants and ensure intake thermal comfort (temperature and humidity problems. conditions that are comfortable for most Soil gas occupants). n radon n leakage from underground fuel tanks Pathways: one or more pollutant pathways n contaminants from previous uses of the connect the pollutant source to the occu- site (e.g., landfills) pants and a driving force exists to move n pesticides pollutants along the pathway(s). -
Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings OSHA 3430-04 2011 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.” This publication provides a general overview of a particular standards-related topic. This publication does not alter or determine compliance responsibili- ties which are set forth in OSHA standards, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. More- over, because interpretations and enforcement poli- cy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements, the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. Material contained in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced, fully or partially, without permission. Source credit is requested but not required. This information will be made available to sensory- impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877- 889-5627. Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor OSHA 3430-04 2011 The guidance is advisory in nature and informational in content. It is not a standard or regulation, and it neither creates new legal obligations nor alters existing obligations created by OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act. -
Foundations for Community Climate Action: Defining Climate Change Vulnerability in Detroit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Foundations for Community Climate Action: Defining Climate Change Vulnerability in Detroit University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report would not be possible without the time, effort, and kind advice of the following people: Mr. Eric Dueweke, University of Michigan Ms. Larissa Larsen, Ph.D., University of Michigan Mr. George Davis Ms. Kimberly Hill-Knott Ms. Corinne Kisner Mr. Dan Brown Mr. Kevin Mulder Ms. Dominic Smith Ms. Sandra Turner-Handy Ms. Rachel Wells In addition, we would like to thank the Graham Institute for providing funding to print the final report. GRAHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE Cover Photo Credits: 1. By Kiddharma 2. By Michigan Municipal League 3. By The Travelin’ Librarian 4. By United Nations Development Program 5. By Kelly Gregg 6. By Sombraala 7. By Jake Jung 8. By Michigan Municipal League 9. By Michigan Municipal League 10. By Michigan Municipal League Foundations for Community Climate Action: Defining Climate Change Vulnerability in Detroit University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning Kelly Gregg, Peter McGrath, Sarah Nowaczyk, Andrew Perry, Karen Spangler, Taylor Traub, & Ben VanGessel Advisors: Larissa Larsen & Eric Dueweke December 2012 Source: ByMichigan MunicipalLeague TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................. 2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 4 CONTEXT....................................................................... -
Asthma Aggravation, Combustion, and Stagnant Air
466 Thorax 2000;55:466–470 Asthma aggravation, combustion, and stagnant air Gary Norris, Timothy Larson, Jane Koenig, Candis Claiborn, Lianne Sheppard, Dennis Finn Abstract meteorology with a knowledge of specific air Background—The relationship between pollution point sources. current concentrations of ambient air Other studies have combined meteorology pollution and adverse health eVects is with chemical composition of particulate mat- controversial. We report a meteorological ter. For instance, factor analysis with a varimax index of air stagnation that is associated rotation of the particulate matter composition with daily visits to the emergency depart- collected from 1957 to 1961 from 30 cities ment for asthma in two urban areas. across the USA found seven factors represent- Methods—Data on daily values of a stag- ing heavy industry or steel production, internal nation persistence index and visits to the combustion engines, coal combustion, possible emergency department for asthma were gas production, a zinc-tin factor, plating, and collected for approximately two years in copper.6 Gatz7 included meteorological vari- Spokane, Washington, USA and for 15 ables (mean wind speed, maximum wind months in Seattle, Washington, USA. The speed, ventilation rate, wind direction, rain) stagnation persistence index represents along with the composition of particulate mat- the number of hours during the 24 hour ter in a factor analysis to help identify sources. day when surface wind speeds are less In that study wind direction was the only than the annual hourly median value, an meteorological variable that was correlated index readily available for most urban with particulate matter concentration. 8 areas. Associations between the daily Thurston and Spengler used factor analysis stagnation persistence index and daily with a varimax rotation separately on particu- emergency department visits for asthma late matter composition and meteorological were tested using a generalised additive parameters.