Key Strategies to Combat Poor IAQ Indoor Air Quality— Old Problem, New Focus

Key Strategies to Combat Poor IAQ

There are three key strategies to improving indoor air quality: Eliminating the source, Ventilation and Filtration. It is important to note that all three strategies must be em- ployed to achieve the best indoor air quality possible. Using only one or two methods is generally insufficient.

Eliminate the Sources— With the excep- tion of off-gassing of new building materials, sources of indoor air contaminants can usually be controlled or managed by the home- owner. These include proper use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, discontinuing indoor tobacco smoking, proper ventilation of gas stoves and furnaces, proper storage of cleaning supplies, fuels and chemicals, and adequate cleaning procedures including the indoor air conditioning coil and duct system.

Ventilate the Space— The concentrations of indoor air pollutants are dramatically reduced when they are mixed with fresh outdoor air. Although ventilation can be achieved by simply opening a window, the air coming inside is unfiltered, and enters the home at a generally higher or lower temperature than Indoor Air Quality— Old Problem, New Focus the indoor air, causing additional heating or Allergies and Asthma on the rise cooling requirements. Most of us spend about 90% of our day sealing up the building “envelope.” This Filter the Air— Proper filtration using high indoors - at home, at work or school. minimizes the natural air movement through efficiency filters (unlike the common, inex- According to EPA tests, levels of pollutants walls and around windows that were common pensive filters found in hardware stores) is are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outside, in older homes, creating the potential for a key strategy to improve air quality. Forced regardless of whether the buildings are mold growth. air heating and cooling systems move air located in rural or highly industrial areas. within the home constantly during operation. Other recent scientific studies have also While older homes may not have off-gassing Homeowners who neglect to change or clean questioned the quality of air inside our concerns associated with new materials, air the system’s filter subject themselves to high- homes and buildings. quality problems can be caused by other er levels of indoor airborne particles, along materials including deteriorating wood, with higher heating and cooling costs. Despite this attention, poor indoor air quality furnishings and fabrics, asbestos-coated is not a new phenomenon. In fact, we can insulation, mold from previously wet or damp find evidence from more than a century ago duct systems or carpet, and radon. documenting IAQ concerns. According to The Health Reformer in 1871: “In the construction Regardless of whether a home is new or old, of buildings, whether for public purposes or other contaminants are often found indoors as dwellings, care should be taken to provide including pollen, smog, plant spores, tobacco good ventilation and plenty of sunlight . . . smoke, cleaning supplies, solvents, gasoline schoolrooms are often faulty in this respect. fumes, odors from improperly ventilated Neglect of proper ventilation is responsible bathrooms, combustion gasses from fossil fuel for much of the drowsiness and dullness appliances, pet dander, soiled carpets, and that make the teacher’s work toilsome and unfiltered outdoor air entering the building. ineffective.” When not enough fresh outdoor air enters a home these pollutants can accumulate to Today’s focus on indoor air quality has been levels that could pose health concerns. the result of years of research on pollutants found in the home and their corresponding Exposure to poor indoor air quality can health effects, along with development of cause health problems that are experienced technologies that can eliminate or reduce immediately or over the course of many the amounts of these potentially harmful years depending on the intensity, cause, type contaminants. Individually, some pollutants of pollutant and the health or susceptibility may not pose a significant risk to our health. of the occupants. Adverse health effects However, the combination of multiple include coughing, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, sources over extended periods of time can hypersensitivity pneumonitis or irritation be a serious risk to many people. of the eyes, nose and throat. More serious cases may induce respiratory diseases, heart Primary indoor pollutants are gasses and disease or cancer. Unfortunately, there is particles released into the air. In new homes, some debate in the medical community over many building materials are manufactured what concentrations are problematic and with synthetics, glues and chemicals. These over what period of exposure is required materials can emit or “off-gas” minute to produce health related problems. There particles in the form of fumes for several years are simply too many variables to precisely - sometimes referred to as that “new home determine the long term effects of indoor smell”. To compound the problem, many pollutants. Therefore, the safest approach builders now construct homes tighter and is to take reasonable steps to eliminate or tighter to reduce energy costs, effectively minimize the risk. Health Concerns over Indoor Air Quality

Contrary to popular belief, indoor air quality now the third-ranked cause of hospitalization histamines are drugs designed to reduce the (IAQ) is more than just controlling mold. While of children. body’s over-production of histamines. mold is indeed a problem, it’s not necessarily the only one or the biggest health threat in Allergies There are many causes of allergies including the home. In order to assess and remediate The purpose of the human immune system is animal dander, food products, chemicals, the problems it is necessary to consider all to seek and destroy things that are not part of plants, and many other natural and man- types of potential indoor air pollution. our body. An allergic reaction takes place when made materials. Potentially, anyone can have the immune system overreacts and produces an allergic reaction to a variety of stimulants. Health effects from indoor air pollution various chemicals in an effort to eliminate Allergies can also develop or disappear at vary greatly, depending on the types of the contaminant. These chemicals are called any age. pollution present, the concentration of each histamines and are naturally produced during pollutant, and the relative susceptibility of strong allergic reactions. Anti- Toxigenic Reactions the person. Some affects are acute such as Toxins are poisonous substances that asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, are the products of metabolic headaches; while others are chronic activities of a living organism such as cancer, heart disease, COPD like mold or bacteria. They are (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary usually unstable, and when Disease), and others. introduced into the body’s tissues cause a reaction that The Asthma Epidemic induces antibody formation. Asthma is a chronic lung disease The symptoms of a toxigenic characterized by sudden, reaction may include irritation acute attacks. During these or respiratory problems. attacks, the air passages Some toxins are released in the lungs constrict when the organism dies, so it’s resulting in difficulty important to have a method to breathing that can be life eliminate the organism, not just threatening. Attacks are kill it. often brought on by certain airborne triggers. Asthma Pathogenic Reactions prevalence in children has The common name for a patho- been on a steep rise since genic reaction is an infection. 1980. It has increased more Pathogens (like bacteria) can than 70% from 1982 to 1994 cause serious illnesses or diseases. and by 2000, asthma was the Common pathogenic reactions that leading chronic illness in children. are associated with air quality include Asthma deaths in children have Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever and increased to 1500 per year. It’s various bronchial diseases.

Cleaning the Dirty Ducts Biological Contaminants: Getting Rid of the “Funk”

Over time, the duct system in your home Biological contaminants include molds, mildew, bacteria, viruses, animal dander, dust mites, may become contaminated with particles pollen, plant debris, and insect waste. These pollutants can cause allergic, toxigenic and even of debris, dust and pollen. In addition, the pathogenic reactions, depending on the cause, its concentration, the amount of exposure, and potential for microbiological growth is the susceptibility of the occupants. increased when moisture is present. These contaminants in the duct can be distributed Adverse health effects from exposure to this funk can be irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, throughout the home, and may cause shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, digestive problems and fever. Standing water, wet reactions or other symptoms when exposure surfaces, and water-damaged material in dark spaces serve as ideal breeding grounds for many occurs. of these contaminants, especially in the warm conﬁnes of a typical home.

The EPA recommends that you have your duct system cleaned if it is dirty. You should consider having the ducts cleaned if there is visible mold growth inside the surface, ducts are infested with vermin (rodents or insects) or if your ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust, debris and particles that can be released into the home.

Various types of duct cleaning machines and technologies are in use by heating & cooling contractors and other service professionals. The entire system, including ducts, plenums, registers, the blower, and the indoor coil should be cleaned during the process. Special chemicals are sometimes used to treat biological growth. In addition, some duct service professionals offer a sealing process, which makes the duct system less prone to contamination, while also eliminating energy-wasting leaks. Solutions to Improving Your Indoor Air

Because we spend so much of our lives indoors, is equal, providing a balanced system. Typical and today’s houses are designed to keep fresh Other ventilation strategies may cause Common Indoor Particle Size air out, it’s important for homeowners to know depressurization of the home, causing air Pollutant (microns) about the solutions available for improving infiltration into wall cavities which can lead Pollen, mold, plant indoor air quality. to moisture damage, rot or harmful mold. 7 - 70 spores In fact, because poor indoor air quality has HEPA Filters Larger been recognized as a serious health issue, For the ultimate in air filtration, the HEPA Dust mites 3 - 10 several states in the US, along with Canadian filter is the best choice. It uses the type of provinces are beginning to require mechanical filtration technology required in hospitals Hairspray 3 - 10 devices that have a positive impact on the air and operating rooms. HEPA filters are the in the home. The American Lung Association most efficient mechanical filters for removing Large bacteria 1 - 20 and the EPA are also actively involved in small particles which can be breathed deep educational and monitoring programs in an into the lungs. The AlpinePure brand of HEPA Auto emissions 1 - 3 effort to improve the indoor air that is so vital filter has a 99.97% efficiency for particle to our family’s health. sizes 0.30 microns and larger. Lead dust 1 - 3

There are a variety of devices that can be HEPA filter technology is the most effective Fungal spores 0.50 - 7 used to improve the air in our homes. Several way of removing large numbers of the technologies and systems are available that smallest particles. Other less-efficient Cooking smoke/odors 0.30 - 1 concentrate on two of the key strategies— filtration technologies rate the efficiency Ventilation and Filtration. These include heat in terms of weight, not volume of particles Paint pigments 0.30 - 1 recovery ventilators, super-efficient HEPA captured. It’s easy to understand that larger- filters and a variety of other high efficiency sized particles (more than 5 microns) weigh Dust 0.20 - 8 air cleaners and filters. more than smaller ones. However, the number of large particles in the air may actually Pet dander 0.15 - 8 Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) account for less than 1% of the total number An HRV is a device that moves stale of particles in the air. The vast majority of the Small bacteria 0.08 - 1 contaminated air from baths and kitchens particles in the air are smaller than 5 microns, from inside the home to the outdoors. At the and these smaller ones are generally more same time it draws fresh, oxygen-rich air from detrimental to your health, so it’s important Tobacco smoke 0.008 - 0.6 outside, filters it and delivers it throughout to remove those by using devices like the your home. Stale, polluted air is constantly AlpinePure HEPA. Viruses 0.005 - 0.01 being replenished by an equal amount fresh, clean air. As the two air streams pass each other Volatile organic less than MERV 11 Disposable Filters Smaller through the HRV they do not mix. However, MERV 11 filters are available in 2-inch and compounds 0.001 they do pass on either side of an aluminum heat 4-inch thicknesses. “MERV” stands for exchange core that transfers the heat from the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, an air exiting the home to the fresh air coming in. industry standard which sets a rated value model electrostatic air filter is designed on the ability of a filter to trap particles for permanent use—there is no media to The efficiency (around 83%) is high enough ranging in size from 0.3 to 10.0 microns replace. Because the AlpinePure ES creates that virtually all of the energy is transferred from the air we breathe. The higher the its own static electrical charge, there are no and little energy is used to condition the MERV rating, the higher the efficiency. wires to connect or reconnect for cleaning, incoming fresh air. During cooling the HRV Most ordinary, inexpensive filters found at and no additional cost of operation. Periodic removes the heat from the incoming fresh air hardware stores are MERV 4 or lower—they cleaning is simply accomplished using a mild and transfers it to the stale exiting air so that are simply ineffective in capturing smaller household cleaner and a garden hose. the incoming air is “pre-cooled”. particles. MERV 11 filters are much more efficient for both small and large particles Electronic Air Cleaners The AlpinePure model of HRVs is designed including pollens, mold spores, dust, fungal Electronic air cleaners operate by using to be connected to bathroom and kitchen spores, and pet dander. In addition, these a non-ionizing polarized media, creating exhaust ducts, replacing the bathroom/ filters are pleated to increase the surface an active electric field to capture airborne kitchen fans. Independent switches activated area, allowing for more holding capacity and particles with efficiencies of 97% at 0.30 in any bathroom turns on the HRV for a less frequent replacement. Because these microns. Electronic media air cleaners do an 20-minute period. The HRV can also be filters are disposable, the dirt trapped inside excellent job of removing submicron particles activated whenever the heating/cooling unit is completely removed from the system when by the process of agglomeration—polarized is operating, or for a 40-minute cycle by the filter is replaced. particles bond with other polarized particles in activating a separate switch conveniently the air, forming larger particles which are easily located in the home. By utilizing the HRV for Electrostatic Air Filters removed through the filter. Carbon center bathroom ventilation, ordinary noisy exhaust Electrostatic Air Filters provide up to 90% screens are included to trap odors and volatile fans are eliminated, and fresh outdoor air is arrestance of dusts, pollens and molds. As organic compounds. The AlpinePure brand introduced indoors without a major efficiency the air moves through a configuration of of electronic air cleaner is easily cleaned and loss. polypropylene filtration media, static electric the media is easy to replace. Unlike some charges are naturally created to attract and other electronic air cleaners, the AlpinePure With an HRV, the volume of stale discharged hold particles. This 1” thick filter fits easily ET creates no harmful ozone or nuisance air and the amount of incoming fresh air into the existing filter rack. The AlpinePure zapping noises.

From left to right: Electrostatic Air Filter, MERV 11 Disposable Filters, AlpinePure HEPA, AlpinePure Electronic Air Cleaner, AlpinePure HRV to molecules in other substances, altering Several federal agencies have established their chemical composition. health standards and recommendations to limit exposure to ozone. While the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is beneficial and protects us from harmful Ionizing air cleaners are not regulated by the ultraviolet rays, at ground level, ozone is an EPA (which regulates outdoor air) or the Food irritant that can cause decreased lung function and Drug Administration because they are and aggravate asthma. In fact, the EPA refers not classified as medical devices. Therefore, to ozone as “Good up high— bad nearby”. potentially harmful levels of ozone generated are not within the scope of programs designed Effective Air Cleaners? to protect consumers. Independent studies have shown that ionizing air cleaners are not effective in cleaning the air Independent tests have confirmed that ionizing Several popular brands of ionizing air cleaners and improving indoor air quality. Despite the air cleaners can produce levels of ozone 5-10 are available today like the Sharper Image manufacturer’s claims, all the models listed times higher than public health limits. Not only Ionic Breeze, Brookstone Pure-Ion, Ionic Pro, above received ratings of “Poor” for removal of can the levels of ozone be a health issue, but IonizAir, and others. These portable devices dust, smoke and pollen. The ionization process reactions between ozone and other chemicals are ion generators that use static charges to (which generates ozone) is often touted as may also produce harmful health effects. In remove particles from indoor air. They function the key to removing indoor air contaminants. one laboratory experiment, chemicals from by charging the particles in a room, causing an There is considerable scientific evidence that new carpet were mixed with ozone. Although attraction of pollutants to walls, floors, table demonstrates that ozone has little potential to the ozone did in fact reduce the chemicals, tops, draperies, occupants, etc. Some of these remove contaminants at concentrations that the resulting reaction produced a variety of devices contain a collector plate to attract and do not exceed public health standards. These aldehydes, and the total concentration of organic collect the charged particles inside the unit. units lack the ability to move adequate amounts chemicals in the air actually increased. Aldehydes of air for thorough filtration, in contrast to a are known to be an irritant to the lungs. Studies by the scientific community and typical geothermal unit that circulates and a leading consumer publication have filters the entire volume of air in a 2500 sq. ft. Recommendation demonstrated that these devices do a poor home in about 15 minutes. Based on the available scientific evidence job of filtering and cleaning the air, and even and independent reports in noted consumer worse, they can generate possibly unhealthy Dangerous Levels of Ozone publications, the ability of these devices to clean levels of ozone. Manufacturers of ionizing air cleaners often air is very low, and much less effective than make statements leading the public to believe other filtration products on the market today. Ozone Chemistry that these devices are always safe. Some even Further, the potential health risks associated Ozone is an unstable molecule composed use terms like “energized oxygen”, “super with the high levels or ozone generated make of three oxygen atoms (in contrast to the activated oxygen” or “pure air” to suggest that these products questionable at best, and air we breathe which contains two oxygen ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. In fact, ozone possibly even detrimental to human health. The atoms). The third oxygen atom in ozone can is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical American Lung Association suggests that ozone detach from the ozone molecule, reattaching and toxicological properties from oxygen. generators should not be used. Glossary of IAQ Terms

Allergen— A biological or chemical substance ETS— Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Second- Organic Gasses— Originate from paints, paint that causes an allergic reaction. Common hand smoke. strippers, solvents, air fresheners, dry-cleaned allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust clothing, etc. Can cause detrimental health mites. Formaldehyde— A common chemical found in effects. adhesive or bonding agents for many building Asbestos— The group of microscopic materials including carpets, upholstery, particle Ozone— Molecule composed of three oxygen mineral fibers. They are light enough to board, and plywood paneling. The release of atoms (in contrast to the air we breathe which remain airborne and can cause lung related formaldehyde into the air can be a cause of contains two oxygen atoms). illnesses. respiratory problems. Particles— Very small solid or liquid substances ASHRAE Standard 52— A standard HEPA— High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. An that are light enough to float suspended in the established by the American Society of extremely effective filtration system. Certified air. Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning HEPA filters must meet an efficiency of 99.97% Engineers, describing methods of testing down to a particle size of 0.3 microns. Radon— Radioactive pollutants which and rating performance of air filters. Includes originate from natural sources such as rock, weight arrestance tests, dust holding capacity HRV— Heat Recovery Ventilator. Heat from the soil, or groundwater. and dust spot efficiency. outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air. Respirable Particulates— Pollutants in the Asthma— A usually chronic inflammatory HVAC— Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. air that can be inhaled, including those from disorder constricting the airways characterized smoking, fireplaces, industrial/agricultural by difficulty in breathing. MERV— Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. process. Health effects include irritation of The new industry standard which sets a rated the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory Carbon Monoxide— An odorless, colorless gas value on the ability of a filter to trap particles. infections. that is the chemical result of the combustion The higher the MERV rating, the higher the process. Interferes with distribution of oxygen filter’s efficiency. A MERV 11 is high, 2-4 is low. Rhinitis— Inflammation of the lining of the to the body. Low levels of carbon monoxide nose. poisoning result in flu-like symptoms. High Micron— One millionth of a meter. There are levels are deadly. 25,400 microns per inch. (See table for micron Sinusitis— Inflammation of the sinus membrane, sizes of typical household pollutants.) especially in the nasal region. Dander— Small scales of animal skin. Nitrogen Dioxide— Colorless, odorless gas UV Lights— Appliances that emit light energy ERV— Energy Recovery Ventilator. A device that irritates mucous membranes in the eye, in the ultraviolet wave length. Effective for killing which brings in fresh air into the home, nose and throat. Causes shortness of breath in bacteria. Less effective for killing mold. UV simultaneously exhausting the same volume high concentrations. Prolonged exposure can lights will kill (or render sterile) microorganisms. of air from the home. Removes humidity from damage respiratory tissue. Can originate from An effective filtration system is still required. the incoming air during cooling. kerosene heaters, stoves or fuel oil heaters. Should be used with discretion.

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