How to Fight Air Pollution in Developing Countries

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

Air pollution is a problem all around the globe, but developing countries face special challenges. Air pollution in developing countries is worse than in developed countries, and the problem is getting worse in many of them. What are the causes of air pollution in developing countries, and what can be done to solve these problems?

Impacts of Air Pollution in Developing Countries

According to the World Health Organization, which studies the impact of air pollution in developing countries, almost all inhabitants of big cities in middle and low-income countries deal with exceptionally high levels of air pollution.

“Approximately four out of every five people who live in cities around the world, live in an area that does not meet WHO air quality guidelines,” says Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales & Marketing. “This includes 98% of all people who live in poor and developing nations, and 56% of those who live in high-end, developed countries. These air pollution levels cause around three million deaths every year.” (1)

The problem seems to be getting worse, as between the years of 2008 to 2013 air pollution levels around the globe increased by 8%. Despite improvements in certain regions of the world, in general, air pollution has gotten worse, meaning that citizens in developing countries now face an even higher risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other maladies.

“Areas of China, as well as much of India, have amongst the worst air pollution problems. The WHO database identified Zabol, Iran as the city that has the highest amount of annual particulate matter concentrations less than 2.5 µm across,” explains Wood. “These toxic particulate emissions are so small that they can penetrate into the lungs and the bloodstream, and cause lung and heart conditions. Those who already have pre-existing conditions like, asthma or lung disease, are at especially high risk of death.” (2)

Causes of Air Pollution in Developing Countries

Air pollution in developing countries tends to be worse than in developed countries because poor countries often lack the technology and resources to fight pollution. The causes of air pollution in developing countries are varied, but one of the main reasons developing countries struggle with air pollution is that their economies are still growing. Developed countries are more likely to invest in cleaner fuel sources, and technologies that limit emissions, because they have the economic resources to do so.

“Investing in alternative sources of energy, or installing emission limiting technologies like scrubbers is difficult for developing countries to do because these investments can come at the cost of economic growth,” says Camfil’s Wood. “There is substantial pressure on developing nations to keep their economy growing because most of their citizens do not have the standards of living that the average citizen in a developed nation has.” (3)

Energy production is one of the most polluting activities because much of the energy production in developed countries comes from coal. Governments of developing nations want to ensure energy for their citizens at competitive prices, and very often cheap energy production will take precedence over clean energy production.

Ensuring that the population has access to cheap and reliable energy will enhance the nation’s competitiveness, so there is further incentive to focus on providing energy as cheap as possible.

“Over the next 30 years, the most rapid expansion of economies and populations will occur in urban areas distributed throughout the poorest countries,” says Wood. “This rapid and unsustainable growth will make developing cities among the primary sources of environmental damage and air pollution. Therefore, efforts to combat air pollution and global climate change should focus upon these developing areas.” (4)

Solutions to Air Pollution in Developing Countries

Most of the sources of urban air pollution are outside of the influence of individuals and will require action by cities and national governments. To find solutions to air pollution in developing countries, it is important that nations which are in the process of heavy industrialization or will be in this process, develop air pollution standards.

Cleaner methods of transportation, better waste management, better methods of energy production, and technology to reduce emissions will need to be created by government agencies and private interests. Developing countries should pursue the reduction of emissions from industrial smokestacks, invest in renewable energy sources, prioritize rapid and communal transit, and provide options for cycling and walking in cities.

“The WHO air quality guidelines can be used as thresholds and goals for limiting air pollutants. Reducing particulate matter emissions down to 20 mcg/m³ from 70 mcg/m³ could cut the amount of pollution-related deaths by around 15%,” says Wood at Camfil. (5)

It’s important for national and city level governments to prioritize the development of healthy urban air. The improvement of air quality will cut down on health costs from air pollution related ailments, and improve life expectancy and worker productivity. Reducing air pollution in developing countries will also help protect the climate and environment in general. It’s important for developing nations to find a balance between economic growth and air quality to protect the health and standard of living of their citizens.

To find out more about the dangers of air pollution in developing countries, and to learn how you can protect yourself from air pollution, visit Camfil today for helpful information, as well as products to help improve air quality.

Media Contacts:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

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Air Pollution From Warehouses: What Can We Do?

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

Southern California has some of the worst air pollutions in the entire U.S., around 1,300 people within the Los Angeles and Long Beach area die every year due to air pollution. This air pollution problem is being compounded by the huge quantity of warehouses in the region, which stores many goods.

Approximately forty percent of all U.S. goods pass through the lower Los Angeles area. Warehouses in this area produce pollution and need frequent deliveries from large trucks and boats, which emit more pollution.

The World Logistics Center has recently proposed a massive warehouse facility the size of 700 soccer fields including 40.6 million square feet of industrial buildings located in Moreno Valley. This has caused at the least 10 lawsuits, and critics say it would be a massive setback in the fight against Southern California’s filthy air.

What are the consequences of those warehouses on air quality and what can be done to combat air pollutants inside the region?

The Extent of Air Pollution from Warehouses

The extent of air pollution from warehouses stretches to the South Coast Air Basin, where more than $360 billion dollars worth of goods from manufacturing facilities across the Pacific are offloaded by huge ships docked in the Los Angeles and Long Beach area. Yet this financial boom carries an environmental and societal toll with it.

Air in the South Coast Air Basin exceeds both federal and California state requirements for lead and small particulate emissions. These emissions are so small they can easily penetrate the lungs.

The San Bernardino and Riverside counties, which make up the Inland Empire, are at the very top of the top 25 most ozone-polluted counties, according to the American Lung Association’s 2016 air pollution file.

“Diesel trucks constantly drive along the Inland Empire’s roads, bringing constant shipment to clients and dumping particulate pollution into the air. Ocean winds blow the newly introduced pollution down from LA and Orange County, which accumulates in the basin, restricted from escaping to the north or east thanks to mountains,” says Camfil’s Kevin Wood, VP of Sales & Marketing. “That makes the South Coast Air Basin, which has parts of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties in it, one of the unhealthiest places to live in the entire U.S. All of this air pollution results in a higher chance of coronary heart disorder, bronchial asthma, cancer, bronchitis and more.” (1)

The Effects of Air Pollution from Warehouses

The effects of air pollution from warehouses have been studied and research indicates that these emitted particulates from diesel trucks are one of the most probable contributors to lung cancer.

The World Logistics Center’s environmental impact study estimates that one out of every 10,000 individuals who live in the area near the proposed warehouses could get cancer if continuously exposed to its emissions, and so could one out of every 50,000 individuals within the larger area.

“In response to the threat posed by air pollution from warehouses, nine groups have filed lawsuits against the construction plan, including the California Clean Power Committee, the SoCal Environmental Justice Alliance, and the Riverside County Transportation Commission,” says Wood. “These groups have pointed to the environmental evaluation released by the World Logistics Center, which reports that the project would likely generate tremendous additional amounts of air pollutants. The pollution would include particulate emissions from diesel exhaust, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful compounds which create smog.” (2)

Critics say that the new warehouses would only exacerbate Southern California’s already substantial air quality problems. Southern California’s air has improved notably since the 1970s, thanks to strict regulations that have decreased emissions, but SoCal still has a long way to go.

“Low-income neighborhoods would endure the brunt of this pollution because they’re often located close to freeways or the planned sites for warehouses,” says Woods. “Nearly 20% of people in the Moreno Valley area live in poverty and the employment and other economic benefits of the proposed warehouse construction are attractive. The drawback consists of 14,000 new diesel trucks passing by a day and a 44 percent increase in yearly greenhouse gas emissions.” (3)

Solutions to Air Pollution from Warehouses

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is investigating solutions to air pollution from warehouses. The plan for controlling emissions involves providing incentives for companies to reduce emissions. SCAQMD says the incentives will accelerate the adoption of more modern and cleaner technologies while lowering the risk that companies will sue over new regulations.

Incentives would help companies switch from older cars to vehicles and systems with zero or near-zero emissions. The incentives are supposed to be for smaller businesses, not massive companies like Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx. Estimates report that approximately half of warehouse transport vehicles are owned by smaller companies, even when they serve industry giants.

Critics of the incentive policy argue that incentives just let companies which should be paying to clean up their emissions off the hook. Environmental activists, like the Sierra Club, said the incentive plan is too weak to address the pollution problem, and that it values business over people’s health. They also want to see the SCAQMD take more action to cut back on indirect sources of pollutants, and that only regulation will be effective to control pollution from factories and warehouses.

“Both sides agree that there is a need to balance both economic and environmental impacts. One approach to tackling air pollution from warehouses could be passing through regulatory laws and statutes, but also providing incentives for companies to make changes on their own,” says Wood at Camfil. “Frequently regulations take time to get off the ground, so corporate incentives to fight air pollution would be a good stop-gap measure.”

Given the damage to people’s health and welfare that air pollution from warehouses has, it makes sense for SCAQMD and other agencies to invest in solutions to the problem and curb emissions immediately.

Check out clean air solutions and Air filters by Camfil now for more information on air pollution from warehouses and its effects on people’s health.

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Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

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How California’s Smog Plan Will Get Results

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

California’s smog plan has been introduced to cut down on the smog in southern California. How will the plan achieve this, and what challenges are in front of it?

Southern California has struggled with its smog problem for decades. California has passed many different regulations in an attempt to cut down on smog levels by having polluters adopt cleaner technology. However, the California Air Resources Board recently voted unanimously to approve a 15-year smog cleanup plan.

Though the plan still needs approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) believes California’s smog plan will move Southern California in the right direction of cutting back on emissions and improving air quality.

Unlike previous plans to fight smog, this plan is relying largely on financial incentives to convince companies to reduce their emissions.

California’s Smog Problem

The South Coast basin contains the Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. This basin has the nation’s highest ozone pollution level and does not meet federal air quality standards. Because of this the state is required to have plans in place for achieving enough pollution reduction to meet those standards.

“The plan will endeavor to meet the federal health standards specified by the EPA and reduce the harm done to 17 million people from the air within the country’s smoggiest area,” says Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales & Marketing.  “California’s smog problem is so severe that around 1600 people die every year from air pollution in the greater Los Angeles area, and thousands more have asthma-related emergency room visits.” (1)

Much of the pollution comes from diesel trucks, which are the main source of nitrogen oxides throughout the region. Other cargo and transportation industries with various ports and warehouses in the area also contribute to the problem.

The AQMD’s last air quality management plan was passed in 2012. The new plan was conceived as an update to the old plan, meant to meet the new federal ozone standards. While SoCal’s air quality has improved over the past few decades, progress has fallen off over the past few years.

California’s Smog Policies

The 15-year duration cleanup plan will set aside $15 billion worth of financial incentives to encourage companies to reduce emissions through actions such as replacing existing fleets of trucks with low emission alternatives. California’s smog policies will also have airports reduce emissions from cars, trucks and other equipment but will have exemptions for seaports and warehouses.

The new plan will over time eliminate the current pollution-credits marketplace which is responsible for regulating emissions from oil refineries and similar major polluters. The plan demands that those facilities cut their emissions of nitrogen dioxide by 5 tons by 2025, and is aiming to replace the marketplace with pollution control regulations as soon as it is feasible to do so.

“The AQMD left in the plan provisions which leave the decision to cut down on pollutants up to individual companies. However, regular updates are required on the status of pollution cuts, and the California Air Resources Board reserves the right to take action if interim goals aren’t met,” says Wood. (2)

“The cleanup plan hopes to cut down on smog by 45% by the year 2023, and shave off another 10% of emissions by 2031,” continued Wood.   “The AQMD governing board will oversee the operation and approve certain requirements over the next few years to ensure goals are met.” (3)

The Challenges of California’s Smog Plan

When it comes to the challenges of California’s smog plan, one of its biggest issues is the fact that the plan is deeply unpopular with many people. The decision to leave the reduction of emissions up to the discretion of industry was controversial, to say the least.

“Critics of the plan argue that it lets large polluters off the hook, and favors business over the health of the public,” said Wood. “Companies are allowed to avoid installing pollution controls which are readily available. Further, the plan’s critics say that the federal provisions the plan rely on to ensure compliance does not exist and that the plan needs of billions of dollars that the state does not have.” (4)

The exemptions that allow ports and warehouses to duck complying with emissions standards were much maligned, as state regulators, environmentalist groups, and lawmakers argue that clean-air goals cannot be met if those two critical groups do not do their part in reducing emissions.

However, the plan’s supporters argue that they are not allowing warehouses and ports to skate by. They believe they can achieve more by inviting everyone to comply willingly at first, as they worry that ports and other operations would simply sue to block the implementation of emissions-cutting regulations.

Furthermore, business leaders have stressed that the air quality in Southern California is improving largely thanks to industry willing to work with regulators to reduce emissions of air pollutants. Industry members argue that regulating the operation of warehouses would just stifle innovation, and meanwhile, trucks are getting cleaner every year.

California’s smog plan has some real trials to overcome, and it must succeed in balancing the desires of both industry leaders and environmental activists. Though the plan may not be optimal, it might achieve further reductions in air pollution if it is successful.

For more than 50 years, Camfil has been providing the most technologically-advanced air filtration systems. Camfil has built its reputation on providing quality. Camfil operates under the guiding principle that clean air is the right of all humans no matter where they live.

Southern California has struggled with its smog (ozone) problem for decades. Camfil produces various types of ozone removal air filters ideally suited to protecting the health of individuals from this dangerous gas. Some buildings in Los Angeles have been using Camfil air filters since the 1960’s as this continual problem, primarily related to the number of automobiles, continues to plague the area.

California has passed many different regulations in an attempt to cut down on smog levels by having polluters adopt cleaner technology. However, the California Air Resources Board recently voted unanimously to approve a 15-year smog cleanup plan and Camfil is in the fight with California and the world in a commitment to provide clean air filters for the indoor air we all breathe.

 

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

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E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

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What’s the Link Between Indoor Air Quality and How Smart You Are

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

The level of indoor air quality can affect cognition and brain function. People spend 90 percent of their time indoors. How do we change this equation?

For years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sounded the alarm about the importance of improving indoor air quality, because people spend as much as 90 percent of their lives indoors. And in fact, studies have found that residences and workplaces with high levels of pollutants can worsen asthma conditions, reduce lung function and even lead to serious illnesses such as lung cancer.

Learn About Cities with the Worst Air Pollution in the U.S.

Let’s take a look at the link between indoor air quality and cognitive function, and see how improving air quality may not just make us healthier, it may actually make us smarter.

Pollution Affects Cognitive Function

We know that exposure to pollution has a direct and often adverse effect on our health, but recent studies have begun to show that pollution affects cognitive function in human beings.

According to Alternet, a Harvard study found that normal indoor levels of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] negatively impact human cognitive function and decision-making. (1)

The study analyzed 24 participants who spent six, eight-hour days working in a controlled office environment.

During the study, some of the participants were exposed to high concentrations of VOCs, while others were exposed to low concentrations of VOCs.

At the end of the eight-hour day, the participants were given a 90-minute computerized cognitive assessment that measured their aptitude in nine functions, including crisis response, information usage, strategy and task orientation.

Participants who spent their day in the environment with a low concentration of VOCs scored 61 percent higher than the participants who spent their day in the environment with high concentrations of VOCs.

In addition to finding that carbon dioxide and VOCs negatively affect worker performance, the study also found that when the environment with high VOCs was exposed to increased ventilation, the cognitive function of participants working in that environment improved.

These results are in line with another major study, which found that air pollution affects brain function in primary school children.

Researchers analyzed cognitive function in 2,715 primary school students and found that children in schools with high levels of pollution scored lower on cognitive tests that included working memory, superior working memory, and attentiveness. (2)

Common Air Pollution Ailments You Need To Know

Reasons Pollution May Impact Brain Activity

But what are some of the reasons pollution may impact brain activity?

According to Science, the answer may lie in a series of studies conducted by a pair of neuroscientists at the University of Southern California (USC), who exposed mice to dirty air.

The results showed that microscopic pollutants could travel into the cerebellum at the rear of the brain and trigger an inflammatory reaction. (3)

Scientists theorize that this inflammation could interfere with cognitive function, and prolonged exposure could even accelerate mental health illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.

While more research is needed to determine the exact reasons why pollution affects the brain, it’s clear that poor indoor air quality can definitely impact human cognitive ability.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Given the dangers of pollution, it is important to find ways to improve indoor air quality. One action that some employers are taking is to convert their offices into green buildings.

The EPA defines the green building as increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water and materials…and protecting and restoring human health and the environment through design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.

But even at home, you can take steps to ensure that you breathe cleaner air, such as opening your windows to lower carbon dioxide levels and to ensure that fresh air blows in from outdoors.

The type of air filters used in your building to remove contaminants can also have a major effect on the indoor air quality. Air filters are available to remove both particulate and gaseous pollutants.

You should also limit the use of indoor barbecue grills and indoor wood-burning fireplaces, and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level below 50 percent because excess moisture creates bacteria and mold.

“We know that indoor air quality is a vital aspect of overall health,” Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales & Marketing. “But the issue is even more urgent now that we understand some of the cognitive problems that arise due to long-term exposure to pollutants. The HVAC systems within a residence or commercial facility are the keys to improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can help reduce pollution and installing high-efficiency air filters rated to eliminate 99.97 percent of contaminants, can help protect your long-term health and mental well-being.”

About Camfil

For more than 50 years, Camfil has been providing the most technologically-advanced air filtration systems. Camfil offers the most efficient filtration systems to clients throughout the world and has built its reputation on providing quality on a budget. Camfil operates under the guiding principle that clean air is the right of all humans no matter where they live. The company is well equipped to offer clean air solutions to facilities seeking to improve indoor air quality and the overall employee health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCES

1. http://bit.ly/2xJEhGp
2. http://bit.ly/2kTHgpI
3. http://bit.ly/2xJ3noZ

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What Are Fast Food Emissions and Why Are They Killing Us?

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

From trash on the streets to greenhouse gas emissions, fast food restaurants are a source of significant pollution. What are the solutions?

Fast food restaurants have become a fact of life throughout the world. In fact, fast food restaurants in the world generate more than $570 billion a year, and the U.S. accounts for nearly half that amount with $200 billion in fast food revenues in 2015.

And with a projected annual growth rate of 2.5-percent, there is no end to the number of new fast food restaurants that will crop up around the world.

But the problem is that fast food emissions are becoming a real problem, as the harmful pollutants created by these facilities have many scientists concerned about their adverse environmental and health effects.

To understand this issue, it is important to first learn the definition of a food carbon footprint, then delve into some of the ways that fast food franchises are trying to deal with this issue.

What Is a Food Carbon Footprint?

So what is a food carbon footprint, and how does it relate to fast food restaurants?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by a person, a facility or by an industrial process such as burning coal.

It is calculated by summing the emissions resulting from every stage of a product or service’s lifetime. Throughout a product’s lifetime or life cycle, different greenhouse gases may be emitted, such as methane and nitrous oxide, each with a greater or lesser ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. (2)

Therefore, a food carbon footprint is a number of GHG emissions generated by the production and transportation of food.

Why Fast Food Chains Generate Emissions

The reason why fast food chains generation emissions are that meat products have a significantly higher carbon footprint than vegetables or grains.

In fact, a study by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) found that U.S.-based fast food chains in India such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway and Dunkin Donuts are the largest contributors to hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) emissions and could add the equivalent of nearly one million tons of carbon emissions by 2020. (3)

More troubling is the fact that the eight largest fast food chains in India could generate as much as one million tons of carbon emissions by 2020.

Hamburgers are a popular menu item at fast food restaurants, but a recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that the process of grilling burgers releases twice as much particulate matter (PM) into the air per year as truck and factory emissions. (4)

Read

Grilling Hamburgers in Fast Food Restaurants – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Scientists have long identified PM – which are solid and liquid contaminants that become airborne – as one of the most dangerous pollutants to human health.

In addition to the PM released by the process, grilling hamburgers also cause grease, smoke, heat, water vapor and combustion products that all contain harmful pollutants.

Exposure To Cooking Fumes Causes Health Problems

And research has found that short-term and long-term exposure to cooking fumes such as the fumes released by fast food restaurants can have adverse effects on human health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoke from frying or grilling increases exposure to carbon monoxide and could affect the health of unborn babies. (5)

The smoke from grilling contains toxic chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are harmful to the lungs. Constant and long-term exposure to PAHs has been linked to pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal, and cancer.

“In the past few years, research has found that the emissions generated by fast food restaurants are beginning to exceed vehicle emissions in some major cities,” stated Charlie Seyffer, Camfil USA Manager of Technical Material. “This is especially true for fast food restaurants that specialize in barbecued or charbroiled foods because the process of cooking in this manner generates significantly more harmful pollutants than regular frying. It is imperative, therefore, that fast food restaurants begin finding ways to lower the rate of emissions.”

Lowering Fast Food Restaurant Emissions

Some chains have already started that process of lowering fast food restaurant emissions.

For example, McDonald’s has created the McDonald Environmental Scorecard, which encourages suppliers to observe green strategies to lower their carbon footprint.

And Subway, which has more than 44,000 restaurants throughout the world, has introduced eco-friendly restaurants that ban smoking, and that monitor outside air to determine carbon monoxide levels.

Watch Video by Camfil – > Food & Beverage Suitable Industry Air Filters

How To Protect Your Health When Grilling

As you’ve seen, grilling is one of the biggest sources of fast food emissions, so learning how to protect your health when grilling at home is important.

One of the best ways to reduce toxic grilling smoke is to precook your meat before placing it on the grill. This reduces the amount of drippings that create the harmful smoke linked to adverse health.

Camfil, a major air filter supplier to this industry, has been providing air filtration solutions that help these facilities clean up these emissions, inside and out. In extreme cases, there is even equipment that is designed to spin vast amounts of grease particles out of the air and safely remove them as waste. Careful consideration of the offending contaminants’ makeup, selecting a system specific to the contaminant and volume of contaminant involved, and selection of a ‘removal’ system will go a long way in reducing the carbon footprint associated with an industry people have come to love.

For more than 50 years, Camfil has been providing the most technologically-advanced industrial air filtration systems. Camfil has built its reputation on providing quality on a budget. Camfil operates under the guiding principle that clean air is the right of all humans no matter where they live. The company is well equipped to offer clean-air solutions to any facility that seeks to improve its indoor air quality, and the overall health of its employees.

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620,

E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend  Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

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SOURCE Camfil.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCES

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3. http://bit.ly/2giHCVb
4. http://bit.ly/2xDSd4B
5. http://bit.ly/2zmML3h
6. http://bit.ly/1ObCTJS

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Particulate Matter: What You Don’t Know Could Kill You

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

The health effects of particulate matter and how countries can shape air filtration strategies

Author Information Lynne Laake
Camil Air Filters

It’s become almost a cliché in the air filtration industry to mention the words “particulate matter,” because they are so often used to explain one of the major causes of low indoor air quality.

But the truth is, particulate matter lies at the heart of what makes the air inside many commercial facilities so hazardous to human health, so there is no way to overstate the importance of understanding all the ins and outs of particulate matter.

“We have found that there is so little knowledge about particulate matter among the populations that are most affected by substandard indoor air quality,” stated Charlie Seyffer, Technical Services Manager at Camfil, USA. “There is really no way to begin the discussion of air quality without talking in depth about particulate matter and how it can adversely affect human health. As a result, even a basic understanding of this issue will move the discussion about clean air solutions in a very positive direction.”

On a fundamental level, most people understand what air pollution means, but the details are understandably fuzzy about what exactly causes harmful air.

What the EPA Says about Particulate Matter

For years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done its best to educate the public about the dangers of particulate matter.

On the agency’s website, under the title Particulate Matter (PM) Basics, PM is the acronym for particulate matter, which is described as:

“A mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot or smoke, are larger or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.”

PM is typically broken down into three ranges:  PM10, PM2.5, and the smallest range PM1.

PM1 refers to the smallest of all inhalable particles that have a diameter of 1.0 micrometers or smaller, the most dangerous where 98% of all airborne particles reside.

PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles that have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, the higher end of respirable particles that can get into the lungs and do damage.

PM10 refers to inhalable particles that have a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller, typically defined as coarse particles.

But to put these sizes into perspective, 1 micrometer is 100 times smaller than a strand of human hair.

Particulate matter can be generated from the agglomeration of gases and liquids emitted from power plants, factories and vehicles exhaust.

Chemicals such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide result from a complex series of reactions, and can form into particulate matter.

WHO Study Catalogs the Dangers of PM Exposure

A comprehensive World Health Organization (WHO) study on the health effects of particulate matter in certain European countries, found that short-term and long-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause “respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, such as aggravation of asthma, respiratory symptoms and an increase in hospital admissions.”

People with lung or heart disease, the elderly and children are at the highest risk of being affected by elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM1, because their immune systems are compromised or not fully developed.

But the most alarming aspect of the study was the discovery that diesel engine exhaust has now been classified as a carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

A piece published on the American Cancer Society’s webpage, further explained this classification:

“Exhaust from diesel engines brings a complex mixture of soot and gases to roadways, cities, farms, and other places. Health concerns about diesel exhaust relate not only to cancer, but also to other health problems such as lung and heart diseases.”

And while it may seem as if particulate matter exposure is only a problem for people who spend time outdoors, that is not the truth.

In fact, because so many commercial facilities use outdoor air in their ventilation systems, PM concentrations are often many times higher indoors than outdoors.

The reason is that once PM-contaminated air enters an enclosed space that lacks an effective air filtration system, it can remain airborne for days and weeks, posing a health risk to employees and visitors who frequent the facility.

Throughout the world, about three percent of cardiopulmonary fatalities and five percent of lung cancer fatalities are directly linked to particulate matter. In Europe, between one and three percent of cardiopulmonary fatalities and between two and five percent of lung cancer fatalities are tied to particulate matter.

In 2010 alone, it is estimated that more than three million people passed away due to exposure to PM2.5.

Clean Air Solutions

At Camfil Air Filters, we are dedicated to providing you with actionable resources to help improve the quality of air at your commercial facility.

Particulate matter is a big issue at a number of commercial industries, and without an air filtration strategy, the quality of indoor air will continue to deteriorate.

For more than 50 years we have offered clean air solutions that are energy-efficient air filtration, and we look forward to helping you with all your air quality needs.

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620,

E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend  Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

SOURCE Camfil.us

SOURCES

1. http://bit.ly/2sHzGxF
2. http://bit.ly/2z3zzQ1
3. http://bit.ly/2zjkcE5

 

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How the Clean Air Economy Can Help Save Your Life

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

Since the passage of the Clean Air Act, air pollution has become big business and led to the development of the clean air economy. What is it, and how does it help you?

The Clean Air Act was passed in 1963 and signaled a shift in how the U.S. government viewed and acted against increasing levels of air pollution. The act gave powers to the federal and state government to enact regulations that limited emissions from factories and from motor vehicles.

One of the ancillary effects of the act is that it has created a clean air economy, driven by the formation of businesses focused solely on providing Americans with products that can help lower air pollution at home, at work and even in their cars. The clean air economy has generated billions in revenue, but it has also benefited the public by helping educate them about the importance of clean air.

Benefits of the Clean Air Act

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air Act was the first federal law related to air pollution control in the U.S. The act created a federal program in the U.S. Public Health Service and gave it the power to develop new techniques to monitor and lower air pollution levels. Since then, several major amendments have expanded the power of state and local governments to create emission standards and regulate toxic pollutants. (1)

“The Clean Air Act was a milestone for the U.S. in terms of pollution control,” stated Armando Brunetti, Camfil Americas Executive Vice President. “It established protocols for analyzing air quality and creating standards to reduce pollution from emissions. Most importantly, it brought the importance of good air quality into the national conversation.”

There are many benefits of the Clean Air Act, but probably the most important one is that by requiring states to lower air pollution levels, millions of Americans were protected from premature deaths and serious illnesses related to poor air quality, such as lung cancer and heart problems.

The EPA reported that reductions in fine particulate pollution and ozone levels had, “avoided more than 160,000 premature deaths, 130,000 heart attacks, millions of cases of respiratory problems such as acute bronchitis and asthma attacks, and 86,000 hospital admissions.” (2)

The Clean Air Act also helped prevent 13 million workdays that would have been lost to absence or illness and prevented 3.2 million lost school days that would have resulted from respiratory ailments caused by poor air quality.

But another huge benefit has been the creation of the clean air economy, driven by thousands of air quality businesses that sell equipment and devices to help Americans improve the air they breathe.

The Prevalence of Indoor Air Quality Products

According to TechSci Research, the U.S. air cleaner industry is projected to grow at a nine-percent rate until 2019. Part of the reason for this steady growth is the emergence of the healthcare and hospitality industries as major buyers of these products. (3)

This isn’t really a surprise because, since the passage of the Clean Air Act, thousands of indoor air quality products have hit the market, designed in one way or another to help eliminate pollutants in the air.

Air cleaners, also known as air purifiers are probably the most common type of indoor air quality product that is sold to consumers. These devices are made to eliminate specific pollutants such as:

Particulates – includes smoke, pollen, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, particles created by wood-burning stoves, dust mites, mold, bacteria, and viruses.

Gas Pollutants – includes gas from stoves, vehicle exhaust emissions, tobacco smoke, pesticides, paints, and adhesives.

The majority of air cleaners sold on the market are electronic air cleaners that use an electrostatic charge to attract and trap particles. These types of cleaners are used to remove particulates but do not work well for gas pollutants. (4)

To eliminate gas pollutants, you need to invest in an air cleaner that has a gas-phase air filter, which eliminates gases and odors by absorbing them through some type of gas-moving material that will typically include activated carbon.

How to Keep Air Clean

The clean air economy shows no signs of slowing down, and that’s good news for anyone who is concerned about how to keep the air clean at home or at the workplace. We’ve seen how air cleaners can help reduce the level of pollution, but there are other methods you can implement to improve the quality of the air you breathe.

First, you should check your home or workplace for areas of excess moisture, because wetness can lead to the development of bacteria and mold spores that are harmful to your health. Second, have the lines to your gas stove inspected to ensure there are no dangerous leaks. And lastly, use high-efficiency commercial & industrial air filters to help eliminate as many of t harmful pollutants. Consider air filters rated for removal of particulate matter (PM) to address the conditions in a specific environment.

Backed by over 50 years of experience and innovation, every Camfil product is designed to provide high-efficiency air filtration, low energy consumption, and a healthier environment. No matter what your needs, Camfil has a solution that is right for you.

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620,

E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend  Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

SOURCE Camfil.us

SOURCES

1. http://bit.ly/2y8erZo
2. http://bit.ly/2yTL1Oa
3. http://bit.ly/2y8esfU
4. http://bit.ly/2yUgbEP

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How to Fight Air Pollution in China

Clean Air Solution by Camfil USA. Leader in Air Filters for Commercial and Industrial applications.

Air pollution in China is amongst the worst in the world. What are the causes of this smog problem, and what can be done about it?

China suffers from some of the worst air pollutions in the world. Two of its cities, Baoding and Xingtai, are in the top 10 for cities with the worst air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. (1) China’s smog causes a variety of health problems, and this year saw China’s Jiangsu province receive the country’s first ever red alert for smog. What are the causes of air pollution in China?  It’s important to understand the causes of air pollution in China, so solutions to the problem can be devised.

Causes of air pollution in China

There are various causes of air pollution in China, but the main cause is the burning of fossil fuels, including coal. Coal burning is the biggest contributing factor to China’s smog problem, according to the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

“Emissions from coal burning plants in China’s most developed regions – Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin – are five times China’s national average emissions.  Much of China gets its energy from coal, and the burning of this coal produces particulate matter,” explains Kevin Wood, Camfil USA Vice President Sales & Marketing. “This particulate matter is responsible for turning the air into smog. These particles can reduce visibility, create acid rain, and damage people’s health.” (2)

The air in Beijing frequently hits 300 and above on the EPA’s air quality guide, representing the worst possible rating on the guide. The EPA recommends that for particulate pollution numbers above 200, those with heart or lung diseases should avoid all outdoor physical activity, and everyone else should stay away from heavy exertion. (3)

The problem of smog becomes even worse during the wintertime, as many rural families and urban communities use coal to keep warm during the winter. Beijing suffers from some of the worst smog, and the problem is compounded by being in a valley between the Xishan and Yanshan mountain regions. If a high-pressure system moves in, the air above the city can’t move over the nearby mountains, and just sits there becoming more polluted.

Health effects of air pollution in China

In terms of the health effects of air pollution in China, exposure to the polluted air in various Chinese cities can cause heart or lung conditions, and exacerbate symptoms in people who already have said conditions.

Particulate matter, particles which are smaller than 10 micrometers, can damage lungs and cause heart attacks. It can also kill people who have heart or lung diseases.

“Exposure to these tiny particles has been linked with lung cancer, and the World Health Organization reports that fine particulates are to blame in the 5% of deaths from lung cancer worldwide, or about 800,000 deaths annually,” says Wood. “Outdoor air pollution from coal burning and other sources causes the deaths of an estimated 1.6 million people in China every year, around 4400 people a day. Fine particles can also exacerbate asthma and cause difficulty breathing even in healthy people.’ (4)

Nanoparticles are particles which are smaller than 100 nanometers in size. Current research on the impact of nanoparticles on human health suggests they can even penetrate cell membranes and cause a range of health problems such as damage to the circulatory system and lungs.

Solutions to air pollution in China

What are some solutions to air pollution in China? Air pollution in China can be combated by reducing dependency on coal for manufacturing,  energy and heating. China has a five-year plan to reduce emissions and tighten their air pollution targets. The government will be limiting the emissions of tiny particulate matter from factories by 25%. The Chinese government will also be promoting electricity and natural gas in place of coal, and implementing control measures to deal with air pollution. China is investing in larger wind and solar power projects to cut down on emissions from coal and other fossil fuels.  Coal plants are currently being shut down by the Chinese government, in favor of wind and solar power plants. (5)

“Beyond these steps, existing coal using facilities can install air scrubbers to reduce particulate emissions, residents can switch to alternatives for current coal stoves and furnaces, vehicle emission standards should be enforced, and higher-quality fuel can be used for diesel and gas vehicles,” says Wood. “Demand for continued economic growth is slowing down some of China’s anti-pollution efforts. However, if China is to clean up its air, it will have to find some way of implementing these policies despite pressure to continue rapid growth.” (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want more information on the hazards of air pollution, and steps you can take to cut back on your own emissions, visit Camfil and check out our excellent resources.

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620,

E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend  Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

SOURCE Camfil.us

Sources:

http://read.bi/2xWIMwI

http://bit.ly/2geYoBq

http://bit.ly/2xWypbT

http://nyti.ms/2geYoRW

http://bit.ly/2xUPX8n

http://bbc.in/2gf51DY

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