Are Toxic Air Pollutants Linked With Arthritis

Industrial air filtration may be able to prevent the development of arthritis by absorbing air pollutants.

Air pollution can cause a number of different health problems depending upon factors like the kind of air pollutant a person is exposed to, the concentration of the pollutant, and the person’s individual genetics. It’s long been known that air pollution can lead to the development of cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. This makes sense, as the pollutants enter the lungs and cause damage to the cells there. Yet could air pollution also be responsible for the development or advancement of rheumatoid arthritis as well?

A recent study suggests that exposure to various kinds of air pollution may play a role in the development or exacerbation of arthritis by causing the generation of arthritis-related autoantibodies in the tissue of the lungs. These autoantibodies may function as precursors to the disease, making the development of rheumatoid arthritis more likely. If air pollution can lead to the development of arthritis it’s important to utilize high efficiency air filtration to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Toxic Air Pollutants Linked With Arthritis Are Captured By Commercial Air Filtration Systems

A study published in the Journal of Inflammation in 2015 found a suggested link between the development of rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to various forms of air pollution. The study examined the links between arthritis and the pollution that originated from traffic and wood smoke. The various pollutants that the study tracked include various forms of nitrates (nitrogen oxides), sulfur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter.  These air pollutants can damage the cells of the lungs when inhaled, which is why it’s important to use commercial air filtration systems to minimize exposure to them.

The nitrogen oxides that the study tracked originate primarily from industrial facilities, motor vehicles and agricultural operations. Nitrogen oxide is a catch-all term for various air pollutants made out of both nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Fossil fuel combustion is a massive contributor to atmospheric levels of nitrogen oxide, but natural sources such as forest fires can also contribute.

“Sulfur dioxide is also released by the combustion of fossil fuels, much like nitrogen oxides. Electrical power plants, dry cleaning services, wood burning, and industrial facilities can all release sulfur dioxide,” stated  Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Sulfur dioxide can also come from cars, though levels of the sulfur in gasoline have dropped dramatically in the past few decades. Sulfur dioxide is also a contributor to acid rain, which harms vegetation and water tables.” (1)

Ground level ozone, also called tropospheric ozone, comes from the interaction of heat and sunlight with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ozone in the upper atmosphere shields our planet from the sun’s UV rays, but at ground level it is a toxic air pollutant that contributes to smog and the greenhouse effect.

Particulate matter was also tracked by the study. Particulate matter is an umbrella term for all different kinds of air pollutants, both liquid and solid, which are below a certain size. The particles that the study tracked include PM10 (particles with a diameter less than 10-microns), PM2.5 (those that have a diameter less than 2.5-micronsμ) and PM1 (diameter less than 1-micron).  

Commercial HVAC Air Filters Can Shield You from Damage to Your Health

In addition to the possible development or exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis, exposure to the air pollutants covered in the study can cause many different health problems. Inhaling the air pollutants that were covered in the study can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory ailments like asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Exposure to both nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can easily cause choking, wheezing, headaches and nausea in high concentrations. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide inflame the lining of the lungs, making the lungs more vulnerable to infection. This means that conditions like emphysema and pneumonia are more likely to develop. Continued exposure to these air pollutants can cause permanent damage to the lungs, irreversibly impacting their function.

“Exposure to VOCs and ground-level ozone can cause the development or worsening of asthma and other respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and emphysema,” added Seyffer. “Continuous exposure to ground level ozone can permanently decrease lung function. High concentrations of ozone can cause thick smog which decreases visibility and leads to irritation of the eyes, throat, and nose.” (2)

Particulate matter is so small that it is capable of penetrating the human lungs and bloodstream. Some particles are many times smaller than the width of a human hair and at this tiny size, they can destroy the cells of the lungs. Particulate matter can even ride the blood up to the brain where it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and cause brain damage. Particulate matter exposure can lead to stroke, heart attack, COPD, asthma, pneumonia and increased risk for lung cancer.

Commercial Air Filtration Units Could Prevent The Exacerbation of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“The study published in the Journal of Inflammation found that there was some suspected link between traffic levels in an area (a proxy for levels of air pollution in an area) and the development of rheumatoid arthritis,” explained Seyffer. “The study also looked at the incidences of rheumatoid arthritis in mice models exposed to diesel exhaust, finding a possible link between air pollution and the development of arthritis.” (3)

Other studies have examined the link between arthritis and air pollution and found results that support the results of the Journal of Inflammation study. A longitudinal study published in the journal Environment International found a possible increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in people exposed to nitrogen oxide, with the effect being the most profound in women.

“Exposure to air pollutants may increase the severity of the symptoms of arthritis,” added Seyffer. “A study conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences surveyed 500 people who had rheumatoid arthritis and found that there were correlations between pain and swelling of the joints in the months that saw the worst air pollution.” (4)

It’s important to note that arthritis cannot be caused by only exposure to air pollutants. Interactions between people’s genetics and the pollutants are responsible for the development of arthritis. Air pollutants may damage cells and kick off a cascade of autoimmune reactions that can cause the development of arthritis. Therefore, it must be made clear that exposure to air pollutants like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter are only risk factors for the development of arthritis.

Why It’s Critical To Choose The Right Commercial Air Filtration And Ventilation Systems

Since exposure to air pollutants may be capable of increasing one’s risk for rheumatoid arthritis or increasing the severity of arthritis, it’s important for people to protect their health with high efficiency air filtration and ventilation. Commercial air filtration units are capable of absorbing the dangerous particles of air pollution that may be linked with arthritis, while ventilation will decrease the concentration of pollutants in a building.

While high efficiency commercial air filters are excellent tools that allow people to protect their health, it’s important to purchase and utilize the right type of industrial air filter. Filters are rated with a system called MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This system rates a filter’s effectiveness at removing particles of air pollution and then assigns it a number. For most homes, a filter with a MERV rating of between 8 – 11 will be sufficient. Filters with MERV ratings higher than this are typically for use in buildings with extremely high air standards, such as hospitals and chemical labs.

More pollution in a region also translates to a greater need for even higher efficiency air filters. The filters with the highest efficiency are called HEPA filters, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters. They are capable of removing up to 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3-micron in size. While these filters are the most efficient at capturing particles, they can also lead to higher energy costs as an HVAC system must use more energy to push air through the dense fiber weave of the filter. For these reasons, it is important to consult a professional and determine which level of filter is best for you.

Portable Air Purifiers and Pollution Control Strategies Should Be Combined

Industrial air filtration units and portable air purifiers are extremely useful for lowering levels of pollutants. These devices cannot reduce levels of pollution outdoors, however. This means that if we as a society wish to lower levels of air pollution and thereby lower incidences of diseases like asthma, lung cancer and possibly arthritis, we must implement strategies to reduce levels of air pollution. Strategies for reducing air pollution should include engineering and economics based solutions.

Economics based solutions include those which incentivize companies and individuals to reduce their levels of emissions. This can include both positive and negative consequences. Positive consequences for reducing emissions of air pollution can include things like tax breaks, while negative incentives to reduce air pollution are devices like fees that scale with the amount of air pollution released.

Engineering based solutions cover the creation of technological devices which are capable of reducing levels of air pollution. This encompasses many different forms of technology. Devices that directly capture air pollutants such as filters, absorbers, and electrostatic precipitators can be designed and improved, but more energy efficient devices can also reduce air pollution by cutting the demand for energy from fossil fuel power plants. Alternative forms of power generation themselves can reduce air pollution, and so can using green power to run clean forms of public transportation.

Camfil USA commercial air filters can help you determine the level of filter appropriate for you, so you can best protect yourself from toxic air pollutants. Click here to contact us and speak with knowledgeable professionals today.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/monitoring/air-pollution/sulfur-dioxide
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/volatile-organic-compound
3. https://journal-inflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12950-015-0092-1
4. http://nationalpainreport.com/pollution-makes-rheumatoid-arthritis-worse-study-says-8827793.html

 

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Why Hazardous Wastes In Chemical Labs Can Be Toxic without Commercial Air Filters

Employees of chemical labs can easily be exposed to a number of different dangerous air pollutants and compounds. Hazardous waste products at chemical labs include things that can ignite, corrode, react violently with other compounds, or generally be toxic to the human body. Toxic chemical wastes often give off dangerous particles of air pollution that can easily damage a person’s lungs, kidneys, or nervous system.

While proper safety protocols and equipment should be used to limit the dispersal or emission of any toxic particles into the air, accidents may still occur, so high quality commercial air filters are necessary for chemical laboratories. Commercial air filters and industrial air filtration units will help protect the health of workers in chemical labs by limiting their exposure to toxic chemical wastes.

Why Commercial Air Filtration Systems Are So Important for Chemical Labs

Chemical laboratories, by virtue of their usage of chemical compounds, are homes to dangerous and potentially deadly hazardous wastes. Hazardous waste typically falls under one of four categories: ignitable, corrosive, reactive, and toxic. Ignitable hazardous wastes can burst into flame, corrosive hazardous wastes are chemicals like acid that can corrode the structure of other molecules, reactive wastes are wastes that can violently react with other compounds (often exploding) and toxic wastes are those that pose some danger to the human body upon entering it, typically by inhalation. Commercial air filters can neutralize many toxic wastes by trapping the dangerous particles within them, helping to ensure the safety of employees at a chemical facility.

“Toxic materials found at chemical plants include a variety of volatile organic compounds and heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, silver, barium, mercury, benzenes, and formaldehyde,” warned  Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Though source control methods and safety procedures should be followed at all times to minimize unnecessary emissions of these toxic compounds, these dangerous particles may nonetheless find themselves into the air of the chemical lab.” (1)

Toxic hazardous wastes and chemical labs can come from a number of different sources. Direct emission from vats or storage containers of leaking chemicals can emit the chemicals into the air. Chemical labs can also be filled with toxic wastes through the combination of different, individually benign chemicals. The use of ordinary objects like chemical cleaners and building supplies can also release toxic chemicals if used or installed improperly.

Commercial HVAC Air Filters Can Trap Highly Dangerous Chemical Compounds

Exposure to the variety of chemicals that are found within chemical labs can cause a number of different health issues. Commercial HVAC air filters can help protect workers at chemical labs from things like lung damage, damage to the nervous system, and an increased risk of developing cancer.            

Arsenic is a compound often used as a wood preservative and to develop metals for use in devices like car batteries. Arsenic can be extremely toxic and exposure to it can lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, encephalopathy, abdominal pain and heart disease. People exposed to heavy metals like cadmium, silver, barium, lead and mercury can have damage done to their entire body. Acute exposure to metals like cadmium, silver and barium can lead to the development of muscle pains, fever, chills, and lung damage. In many instances, symptoms do not appear for years, often too late to reverse.

“Chronic exposure to these elements can cause lung disease, bone disease, and kidney disease. Lead and mercury are extremely dangerous to the human body, and there is no known safe level of exposure to either of these pollutants,” explained Seyffer. “Lead can damage the kidneys, reproductive system, and nervous system. Mercury exposure can lead to muscle weakness, loss of vision and hearing, paralysis, and seizures.” (2)

Benzenes are used to make some kinds of pesticides, detergents, rubbers and lubricants. Benzenes can damage the nervous system and immune system and they are also known carcinogens. Formaldehyde is often part of building materials like insulation, as well as some fertilizers and pesticides. Formaldehyde can irritate the nose, throat, and skin. High levels of formaldehyde can also cause cancer.

Industrial Air Filtration and Ventilation Protects Workers in Chemical Labs

Because of the great amount of harm that exposure to toxic chemicals can create, toxic substances should be controlled through the use of commercial air filters and proper ventilation. Industrial air filtration and ventilation will reduce the level of dangerous chemicals in the air by either trapping the chemical particles in commercial air filters, or by reducing their concentration through exchanging indoor air with outside air.

Commercial air filters reduce the amount of dangerous particles in the air by trapping them within the fiber of the filters. Studies have shown that when commercial air filters are properly used within commercial HVAC systems or used as part of a standalone air purifier, they can significantly reduce levels of toxic chemicals and dangerous particles in the air.

Ventilation systems refresh the air within a building by exchanging the air inside with outside air. The air pulled into the building from outside is then passed through the filter, and this removes dangerous particles of ambient air pollution such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. This ensures that the air entering into the building is clean.

Using Industrial HEPA Air Filters and Gas Phase Filters

The filters that are the most effective at removing particles of toxic chemicals from the air are industrial HEPA air filters and gas phase filters. HEPA filters, AKA High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are capable of absorbing tiny particles of either liquid or solid air pollutants.

HEPA filters are capable of capturing up to 99.97of all particles of particulate matter down to 0.3 µm in size. The HEPA filters have extremely tight fiber weaves that trap the pollution particles while still allowing the air to circulate through the building. Be aware, however, that the tighter the weave of a filter, the more difficult it is on the HVAC system to move air through the filter. This can increase energy costs. There is a wide operation cost variance between different styles of HEPA filters. Configurations that allow more media area can save vast amounts of fan energy.

“Gas phase filters are air filters engineered to trap odors and gases released by chemical or physical processes,” Camfil USA commercial air filter’s Seyffer added. “Gas phase air filters use material known as sorbent to absorb different kinds of gaseous pollutants. Sorbents are various kinds of substances, like activated carbon, that attract and trap gaseous particles. Gas phase filters can trap volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde.” (3)

 

Combining Industrial Air Filtration Units with Source Control Strategies

While industrial air filtration units, including HEPA filters and gas phase filters, can be helpful in keeping levels of indoor air pollutants at chemical facilities low, they aren’t enough to guarantee the safety of lab workers by themselves. Pollution prevention strategies should be implemented to reduce emissions of potentially hazardous toxic compounds in the first place.

Substituting toxic materials or hazardous compounds with less dangerous compounds is an excellent way of reducing emissions of toxic chemicals. If a product can be produced or a process performed with an alternative chemical that releases fewer or less dangerous chemical particles into the air, the alternative chemical should be used.

Changing the way work is done can also cut down on emissions of toxic chemicals. Raw materials that will emit hazardous compounds can be conserved. Solvents can be reused for initial cleanings while new solvent is only used for final cleaning procedures. Microscale experiments can be done instead of full-scale experiments when appropriate, as this reduces the amount of chemicals used in an experiment. Using video instructions instead of actually conducting hands on experiments also reduces the number of chemicals released. Lab equipment can be upgraded to versions that produce less hazardous waste.

Neutralization of chemical compounds is also important when possible. If laboratory experiments have an option that detoxifies or neutralizes toxic waste, that option should be implemented. Extremely reactive chemicals can be deactivated in a lab hood.

Camfil USA HVAC air filters can provide your chemical lab with the filters that can protect the health of yourself and others. Contact us today to see if our filters are right for your needs.

Sources:

1. https://www.drs.illinois.edu/site-documents/PollutionPrevention.pdf
2. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/714387
3. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/residential-air-cleaners-second-edition-summary-available-information

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Change Your Own Industrial Air Filters And Save Money

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

Knowing how to change your own industrial air filters is a valuable skill. It can save you a lot of money and time, preventing you from having to hire and wait for HVAC service people. Many common problems with ventilation simply result from a clogged filter, meaning that knowing how to change your filter will allow you to deal with some of the most common HVAC issues yourself. What should you know about changing your own industrial air filters? What is the process for changing commercial filters within an HVAC system?

Issues Caused by Clogged Commercial HVAC Air Filters

Commercial replacement HVAC air filters should be changed at intervals as recommended by the filter manufacturer. If filters are left in a system beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation they can become clogged.  Clogged industrial air filters can cause a number of different problems, including reduced airflow, difficulty heating and cooling, increased energy bills, and increased exposure to dangerous air pollutants.

Clogged filters can also cause a number of other issues including water damage of drains and vents in an HVAC system, or damage to air-conditioning compressors or heat pumps. This occurs because there isn’t as much air flowing over the evaporator coils and the coolant builds up within them causing freezing of evaporator coils which can require major HVAC system repairs. Additionally, air filters prevent the build-up of dirt in the ducts, and periodic duct cleaning can be expensive.

Not only do clogged filters prevent a building from cooling properly, they also prevent it from heating properly. Since clogged filters restrict the amount of air that can flow through ducts, the heat within the heat exchanger just continues to mount. This can result in severely reducing energy efficiency and may even cause the system to shut down because of extreme temperature build-up in the heat exchanger, a universal safety feature on all heating units.

Some poorly designed industrial filters can even unload particles if they are not changed in time,  exposing the occupants of a building to an increased number of particles from air pollution, which can create serious health problems after long periods of exposure.

Industrial Air Filtration Units Prevent You from Breathing in Toxic Particles

Particulate matter (PM) pollution can come from a number of different sources, and PM pollution is tiny. It’s made out of tiny liquid and solid particles in the air which can penetrate people’s lungs and bloodstreams, doing damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Many of these particles are fractional in size compared to the width of a human hair.

“These particles are called PM10, PM2.5 and PM1. PM10 refers to particles smaller than 10 µm across, PM2.5 refers to all particles smaller than 2.5 µm in diameter, while PM1 refers to particles smaller than 1 micron in size. ” stated Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Exposure to particulate matter can cause a number of different health problems including stroke, heart attack, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and an increased risk for lung cancer.” (1)

Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are colorless gases primarily released by the combustion of fossil fuels in heaters and by cooking devices. Nitrogen oxide becomes nitrogen dioxide after it mixes with ambient oxygen in the air, and exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing, as well as the exacerbation of previously existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Similarly, sulfur dioxide irritates the eyes and lungs. It is mainly released by industrial processes, contributes to smog and can increase a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular problems and lung infections.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds which can react with heat and sunlight in the atmosphere to create ground-level ozone. Ozone at the ground level is harmful to people’s health, damaging people’s lungs, and it can permanently decrease lung function if people are exposed in sufficient quantities. The smog created by ground-level ozone not only harms people’s lungs, it also harms the environment by contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas which comes from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Adequate levels of oxygen render carbon monoxide harmless as it immediately becomes the less dangerous carbon dioxide. Yet when fossil fuels are burned and there’s not enough oxygen in the immediate area, carbon monoxide is released. Carbon monoxide prevents the lungs from getting the oxygen they need, and as such it can quickly lead to confusion, nausea, and death.

Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, VOCs, and ozone are not removed by typical industrial grade air filters. They require special air filters designed to remove gases.

Replacing Filters and Maintaining Industrial Air Filtration and Ventilation Efficiency

When replacing your own filters there are a few different practices you should follow. To improve the efficiency of your industrial air filtration and ventilation system, it’s important that you follow the correct procedures. A filter that is improperly installed can cause a variety of problems.

“When ordering your new filters, be sure that the filters are the correct size for your HVAC system. An improperly sized filter won’t suffice. Filters that are too large won’t fit in the system while filters that are too small won’t fit in the filter housing and can create air bypass, leading to unfiltered air bypassing the filter,” explains Camfil USA’s Charlie Seyffer. “After you have the correct size filters, be sure to remove the old filters carefully to avoid exposing the service person and local environment to any dust. The inside of the ventilation system should still be wiped down with a cloth or paper towel to remove any particles of dirt left behind. After cleaning up, install the new filters by matching the arrows on the filters with the direction of airflow within the system..” (2)

If you have a reuseable air filter and wish to clean it, you should first remove the dirty air filter, then clean the filter holding frame with a vacuum or cleaning cloth. After the frame is clean, clean the filter itself with a hose or other water source. You want to soak the filter with water and scrub it with a combination of vinegar and water, which eliminates the buildup of bacteria in the filter. You’ll then need to let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it in the filtration system.

While replacing your own filters can save you time and money, it’s also important to have regular inspections done by qualified maintenance professionals. There are some problems that can’t be solved by changing a filter and require maintenance work be done.

Selecting the Correct Filters for Your Commercial Air Filtration System

In addition to selecting the right size of filter for your HVAC system, it’s important to choose the right type of filter for commercial air filtration systems. Filters come in different grades, capable of absorbing different levels of air pollutants. You need to choose the quality of filter that’s right for you.

“Industrial air filters are given ratings between 1-16 MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the smaller the  particles of pollution it is capable of removing,” says Seyffer. “Most commercial or industrial facilities use MERV 13 or better to protect the building occupants and the processes involved.

Industrial Air Filter Manufacturers Can Help You Choose  The Correct Filters

Industrial air filter manufacturers like Camfil USA can be invaluable resources when selecting the right type of industrial air filter to buy for your HVAC system. Because of how important it is to purchase the correct type and size of filter, you may want to seek professional guidance when choosing your filter. Air filter professionals can advise you on how best to install your filter, which filters to purchase in the first place and the best maintenance practices for your HVAC system.

Improperly installed filters can create a number of different problems, such as filter bypass and increased energy bills. If filters are installed the wrong, the HVAC system will need to work harder to push air through the vents.

Because the guidance of qualified industrial air filter manufacturers is so essential, you should click here to contact Camfil USA today. Camfil USA can answer all your questions regarding the proper installation and operation of industrial air filters, and provide you with high-quality air filters guaranteed to protect your health.

Sources:

1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/
2. https://servicechampions.com/how-to-change-your-home-central-air-filter/
3. https://www.nafahq.org/understanding-merv/

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Industrial Air Filters – Your Best Defense Against Particulate Matter

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

There are many different kinds of air pollution, but the most dangerous type by far is particulate matter. Particulate matter, or PM, is thought to be responsible for millions of cases of respiratory diseases and millions of deaths around the world every year. It is made out of tiny particles, capable of damaging the cells of people’s lungs.

The World Health Organization says that particulate matter is the biggest threat to the health of people in countries with poor air quality. For this reason, it’s important that industrial air filters be used to protect people from particulate matter exposure. Why is particulate matter so dangerous to human health? What can be done to reduce overall levels of particulate matter in the air?

Commercial HVAC Air Filters Absorb Different Types of Particulate Matter

Particulate matter doesn’t refer to any single air pollutant, but instead refers to small, dangerous particles of air pollution in general. PM can have a wide variety of sources and compositions because of this. Possible sources of particulate matter can include both natural and manmade sources.

Natural sources of particulate matter are things like volcanoes and forest fires. Human-related sources of particulate matter include the combustion of fossil fuels, the disruption of dirt and dust at construction sites, the burning of biofuels like wood for cooking or heating, and the disruption of road dust by vehicle traffic.

The chemical makeup of particulate matter often includes the pollutants that the EPA has designated as criteria air pollutants. The criteria air pollutants include particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds. Particulate matter is a catch-all term that can refer to almost any type of solid in sizes down to 0.1-micron, very small. To have a better understanding of particulate, 1 micron is 1/100th of the diameter of a human hair, it cannot be seen by the human eye.

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas which contributes to acid rain. The primary source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is the combustion of fossil fuels by industrial facilities and power plants. Other sources of sulfur dioxide include volcanoes and the tailpipes of cars or other forms of fossil fuel burning transportation.

Nitrogen oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that causes haze and inflames the lining of the lungs. Nitrogen oxide is released primarily by trucks, cars, off-road equipment and power plants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds which are capable of interacting with sunlight and heat in the atmosphere creating ozone. While ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, it’s a toxic air pollutant at ground level.

Industrial Air Filtration Units Defend against Respiratory Diseases

Particulate matter exposure irritates the lungs, leading to increased susceptibility to infection. Exposure to PM pollution can cause a number of different health problems, including stroke, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, and even premature death in those who have pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Industrial air filtration units help protect people’s lungs and prevent them from developing these diseases.

The IEA (International Energy Agency) estimates that every year around the world around 6.5 million people are killed by air pollution. Much of these deaths are directly attributable to particulate matter. PM pollution is so dangerous because it is so tiny. It’s small enough that it can enter the human lungs and bloodstream, damaging the cells in them.

“Particulate matter is grouped into three different categories, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. These particles are smaller than 1 µm across, smaller than 2.5 µm across, and smaller than 10 µm across respectively,” stated Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “The smaller the air pollution particles are, the more dangerous they are. PM1 is the most dangerous form of air pollution to human health because it’s so small and it is where 99% of all airborne particles reside.” (1)

Industrial HEPA Air Filters Absorb almost All Particulate Matter

Industrial HEPA air filters can be critical tools for defending people from exposure to particulate matter 1.

“HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and HEPA filters are capable of absorbing up to 99.97% of all particulate matter,” says Seyffer. “HEPA filters are available for HVAC systems and as part of stand-alone industrial air purifiers.” (2)

If you are considering purchasing an industrial HEPA air filter, make sure that the filters you buy are true HEPA filters. Some filters advertise themselves as being “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like.” This means they use similar construction and design to HEPA filters, but they may not actually capture the tiniest, most dangerous particles of particulate matter, the particles which make up PM1. It’s important the filters you buy actually trap these very small particles of particulate matter.

What Countries Need Industrial Air Filtration and Ventilation The Most?

The regions of the world that suffer the most from particulate matter air pollution include rapidly industrializing nations like India and China. Cities like Beijing, China, and Allahabad, India suffer from some extreme PM pollution that causes thousands of deaths and hospitalizations. These cites need proper industrial air filtration and ventilation more than many other cities.

“Developing nations struggle with air pollution due to a variety of factors, such as lack of regulation and heavy use of dirty fossil fuels for energy production,” states Seyffer. “Coal produces cheap, plentiful energy, but it is also extremely pollutive. It releases the most particulate matter out of any source of energy, and since coal is heavily relied upon in industrializing nations, pollution levels in these nations becomes higher.” (3)

Control Policies to Enhance the Effectiveness of Commercial Air Filtration Systems

Commercial air filtration systems, along with industrial air filters, are necessary for people’s health. Yet they must be combined with sustainable policies to reduce emissions of particulate matter if ambient air quality is ever going to improve. Strategies to reduce ambient levels of PM air pollution include switching to cleaner forms of energy, investing in emissions reduction technology, expanding public transportation systems, and instituting stricter regulations on emissions levels.

Restrictions can and should be made on emissions from industrial facilities and vehicles. Violations of restrictions can be punished with fines, and those who meet emissions targets can be given positive incentives like tax breaks.

Investments should be made in cleaner types of air pollution, such as solar energy or wind energy. These forms of renewable energy emit almost zero emissions and can be used to power electric vehicles that will further reduce air pollution levels. Environmentally-friendly technology like air scrubbers can also help reduce air pollution in addition to technology like electric vehicles. Investing in public transportation systems like bus and rail lines can reduce air pollution by cutting the overall amount of vehicles on the road.

Sources:

1. https://www3.epa.gov/pmdesignations/1997standards/documents/Sep05/factsheet.htm
2. http://www.ashe.org/compliance/ec_02_05_01/01/airfiltration.shtml
3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/10/03/cleanish-air-is-increasingly-a-preserve-for-wealthy-nations/?utm_term=.0556cb24936f

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Don’t Damage Your Health With Clogged Commercial Air Filters

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

Commercial air filters are necessary for protecting your health from different air pollutants. Commercial air filters will remove the harmful air pollutants that come from both indoor sources and those that are found outdoors which may enter a building through windows or air exchange devices. While these filters are integral to your health, they must also be replaced regularly. If a filter is not regularly replaced they will clog from all of the particles of pollution they capture over time. Clogged filters cause a number of different problems, but most crucially they fail to trap the pollution particles that can harm your lungs.

Pollutants Trapped by Industrial Air Filtration Units

Industrial air filtration units can capture a number of different toxic air particles. These particles include both indoor and outdoor air pollutants. Outdoor air pollutants include what the EPA terms “criteria air pollutants” and they refer to the pollutants which are most harmful to human health and most ubiquitous, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds. Commercial air filters also trap a variety of indoor air pollutants, such as dust, animal dander, and mold.

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide come from the combustion of fossil fuels. These compounds are often emitted by industrial facilities and the transportation sector. The burning of gasoline to power cars is a massive contributor to emissions of nitrogen oxide. Nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide can also be released by devices which burn fossil fuels in a home, such as a heater or an oven.

Volatile organic compounds refer to compounds which can interact with heat and sunlight to create ground-level or tropospheric ozone. While ozone is a beneficial chemical when it is in the upper atmosphere, as it protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, at ground-level it is a toxic air pollutant which harms people’s health. Volatile organic compounds can come from a variety of sources, including cleaning chemicals, paints, varnish, and other household chemicals.

“Biological pollutants such as animal dander and mold are frequent sources of pollution indoors,” stated Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Animal dander comes from pets, while mold can grow in any moist areas such as bathrooms or basements. Mold can even grow in ventilation systems themselves if they are exposed to moisture.” (1)

Particulate matter (PM) does not refer to any one source of pollution, but rather refers to a variety of different pollutants that are small enough to enter people’s lungs and bloodstream. Particulate matter is usually grouped into three different categories, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. These particles are smaller than 1 µm across, smaller than 2.5 µm across, and smaller than 10 µm across respectively. PM pollution can have a wide variety of sources including natural sources and man-made sources. Man-made sources include the combustion of fossil fuels and secondhand smoke.

Industrial Air Filtration and Ventilation Protects People’s Lungs from Damage

Exposure to the variety of pollutants that commercial air filters trap can harm people’s health, damaging their lungs, bloodstream, and even brains. Industrial air filtration and ventilation can prevent people from developing the diseases associated with exposure to common indoor and outdoor air pollutants.

Exposure to nitrogen oxide irritates the lungs and respiratory system in general. It can lead to difficulty breathing, as well as intense coughing and wheezing. Exposure to large amounts of nitrogen oxide can require visits to the emergency room, and prolonged exposure to nitrogen oxide is correlated with respiratory infections and the development of asthma. This is all true of sulfur dioxide as well. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide also contribute to the development of acid rain which harms the environment.

“Ground-level ozone can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and inflammation of the lungs,” says Seyffer. “It can lead to decreased overall lung function, as well as the development or exacerbation of respiratory diseases like emphysema, asthma, and bronchitis. People with pre-existing conditions and those who don’t get enough vitamin E or C in their diet are at special risk for harm when exposed to ozone air pollution.” (2)

Biological pollutants such as animal dander can trigger symptoms of asthma in those with the condition, and exposure to mold can lead to infections within the lungs or other areas of the body. Exposure to mold can be extremely dangerous requiring a trip to the emergency room and treatment with anti-fungal medications.

Exposure to particulate matter is correlated with a number of different health problems including asthma, stroke, heart attacks, the development of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and even an increased risk for lung cancer. Exposure to particulate matter can permanently decrease an individual’s lung function as well.

Problems Caused by Clogged Commercial Air Cleaners

Clogged commercial air filters lead to a number of different problems throughout a home or commercial building. One of the problems that clogged commercial air filters cause is increased exposure to harmful air pollutants. Clogged filters cannot remove air pollutants as effectively, meaning more air pollutants exist and can accumulate within the air in a building. This means that people in a building with a clogged filter are exposed to higher levels of air pollutants, endangering their health.

Clogged filters can also cause a number of other issues including problems heating or cooling a building, water damage of drains and vents in an HVAC system, or damage to air compressors or heat pumps.

“Air conditioners and heat pumps can be damaged by clogged filters, as the evaporator coil will begin to freeze due to the fact that less air can flow through the system and across the coil,” says Seyffer. “This is because refrigerant can still be flowing through the evaporator coil, but the lack of airflow means that the cold isn’t being absorbed by the refrigerant or coils. The frost that builds up on the evaporator coil can cause water damage to a home or business, requiring serious repairs be done.” (3)

Clogged filters can also stop a building from heating effectively. Restricted airflow due to a clogged filter means that the heat level within the heat exchanger grows ever higher. There are fail-safes built into heat exchangers that turn off the heat when it exceeds a certain temperature. An HVAC system that may restart and stop continuously until the issue with the clogged filter is fixed, failing to generate the proper amount of heat in the meantime.

Best Maintenance Practices for Commercial Air Filtration Systems

Because of the dangers associated with having a clogged air filter, it is important that maintenance is performed regularly on commercial air filtration systems and that filters are changed regularly. Filters need to be changed based upon the filter manufacturers recommendation.  If a building is situated in a heavily polluted area, or there are many sources of indoor air pollutants within a building, then the filter may have to be changed more frequently. Consult with your local air filter supplier or air quality expert for change intervals that will be beneficial in your application.

HVAC systems should be inspected regularly to ensure that any openings or gaps within the system are plugged or sealed with metal foil or duct sealant. This helps save energy costs by ensuring that fluctuations in temperature are minimized.

HVAC systems should also be inspected to ensure there are no gaps between the filters. Gaps between filters can lead to a situation called filter bypass, where air simply bypasses the filter, recycling air through the building while still being full of air pollutants.

What about Industrial HEPA Filters?

Industrial HEPA filters are capable of removing the smallest and most dangerous particles from the air. HEPA filters have a special filter media that can capture 99.97% of all air pollutants. Yet this highly efficient filter media also means that an HVAC system must work harder to push air through the system, translating to increased energy costs. This is especially true if a HEPA filter becomes clogged, as both the density of the filter media itself and the trapped particles will prevent air from moving through the system.

For these reasons, it is important to change filters as recommended and to check to make sure the filters aren’t clogged. This applies to filters used within an HVAC system as well as filters that are part of a standalone air purifier.

Camfil USA can provide you with high-quality commercial air filters less prone to clogging than other filters. They can also advise you on best maintenance practices for filters and HVAC systems, so click here to contact Camfil USA today.

Sources:

1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/biological-pollutants-impact-indoor-air- quality
2. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
3. https://highperformancehvac.com/effects-clogged-air-filter-hvac/

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How Digital Technology and Industrial Air Filters Can Work Together

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

The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the world. Despite the amount of air pollution caused by the transportation sector, efforts to reduce emissions from cars have been only marginally successful and in many ways, the landscape of emissions from motor vehicles looks much like it has over the past few decades. Could emerging digital technologies lead to a revolution in vehicle transportation, creating cleaner and safer vehicles?

The emergence of technology like ride sharing programs, more powerful batteries and artificial intelligence could create a transportation culture where emissions from motor vehicles are drastically reduced. How can digital technologies reduce emissions from cars and reliance on industrial air filters to capture pollutants?

The Need for Industrial Air Filtration Units

“The transportation industry releases millions of tons of air pollutants into the air every year,” says Kevin Wood, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Camfil USA. “These air pollutants include nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. In the United States alone, the transportation sector is responsible for over 55% of all emissions of nitrogen oxide, almost 10% of all volatile organic compounds and almost 10% of all particulate matter. All of these air pollutants must be absorbed by industrial air filtration units, or the pollutants  will do substantial damage to people’s health.” (1)

The pollution emitted by the transportation sector is thought to be responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and premature deaths every year. Cleaning up emissions from cars and trucks will prevent almost 40,000 premature deaths and 34,000 hospitalizations, as well as 4.8 million lost work days by 2030.

Diesel engines are notorious polluters, being used to power large trucks and boats which move cargo across the nation. Though it was once thought that diesel engines were cleaner than traditional fuel engines, recent research has suggested the diesel engines actually release more pollution than regular fuel engines.

Commercial Air Filtration Systems Handle Criteria Air Pollutants

Commercial air filtration systems can capture the various harmful pollutants released by the transportation sector. The combustion of fossil fuels releases a variety of air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Particulate matter refers to a variety of small particles that can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system. PM is grouped into three different categories, particulate matter is usually grouped into three different categories, PM1, PM2.5,  and PM10. These particles are smaller than 1 µm across, smaller than 2.5 µm across, and smaller than 10 µm across respectively. The smaller that these particles are, the more dangerous they are to human health. Their small size lets them penetrate into the human lungs and bloodstream where they can cause problems like heart attacks, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and an increased risk for cancer.

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are colorless gases that are released by the combustion of fossil fuels. Nitrogen oxide leads to problems breathing and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like asthma or potentially even cause it. Sulfur dioxide irritates the lungs and throats, and exposure to high levels of both chemicals can reduce lung function permanently. The two compounds can also cause the buildup of fluid in the lungs.

Volatile organic compounds refer to a wide range of chemicals compounds that can interact with sunlight and heat in the atmosphere to create tropospherically or ground-level ozone. Ozone at ground level is a key ingredient of smog, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and irritates people’s eyes, throat, and nose. Frequent exposure to ozone pollution can permanently damage a person’s lungs, and VOCs like benzenes are carcinogens which increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Portable Industrial Air Purifier and Industrial HEPA Filters

“People who live in highly polluted regions of the nation, often those regions with the most vehicle traffic, may wish to use Industrial HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to protect their lungs,” says Wood. “HEPA filters can be found in portable industrial air purifiers, in addition to in HVAC systems. HEPA filters can trap the smallest and most dangerous airborne particles, up to 99.97% of the time. HEPA filters capture particulate matter and prevent it from getting into people’s lungs. (2)”

Though most buildings should be fine with using regular HVAC air filters rated 8-11 MERV, those buildings found in cities with substantial traffic may want to use higher levels of filters, including HEPA filters.

It isn’t always optimal to choose HEPA filters because HEPA filters demand that HVAC systems work harder to push air through them, increasing energy bills. Buildings will want to choose industrial air filters that achieve a compromise between particle capturing efficiency and air flow ability.

How Digital Technologies Can Reduce the Burden on Commercial Air Filters

There are multiple ways that emerging digital technologies could reduce the need for commercial air filters to defend people’s health. Digital technologies like ride-sharing apps, autonomous vehicles, and more efficient batteries can all reduce levels of ambient air pollution.

“Ride-sharing apps allow people to carpool, sharing rides and reducing the amount of gasoline used by individuals. Not only are ride-sharing apps reducing the number of emissions, advances in electric technology is leading to the creation of more energy efficient batteries that charge faster,” states Wood. “This means that the range and charging speed of electric vehicles is constantly increasing. As electric vehicles become more efficient, their level of adoption grows. Electric vehicles emit almost zero emissions, so as more electric vehicles are adopted the overall level of emissions will decrease.” (3)

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have enabled the creation of vehicles with automated functions. Most new vehicles created today have some kind of automated function, and it is likely that completely autonomous vehicles will be on the market in the next five to ten years.

The combination of advances in communications technology, energy efficiency, and artificial intelligence could lead to a revolution in the transportation industry. Some analysts predict that within the next couple decades most people will get to their destination by summoning an autonomous, electrical, zero-emissions vehicle to take them to their destination. It will be so cheap to travel in an automated electric vehicle that people will largely abandon personal fossil fuel driven vehicles and as such emissions of air pollutants will drop dramatically.

New infrastructures will need to be created to support these new electrical vehicles though, such as charging stations and special lanes or zones for autonomous commuter vehicles.

Augmenting Industrial Air Filtration And Ventilation with Pollution Control Strategies

While digital technologies may revolutionize the transportation sector and lead to fewer air pollutants for industrial air filtration and ventilation to remove, it remains important to pursue traditional methods of air pollution reduction.

Traditional methods of reducing air pollution include establishing limits on levels of emissions from industrial or chemical facilities, in addition to the transportation industry. Industrial facilities are massive sources of pollution, along with cars, so regulation should be used to reduce the number of pollutants emitted by them. Positive incentives to reduce levels of air pollution can also be employed, such as reduced fees for companies who cut air pollution levels.

Individuals should also be encouraged to reduce their own emissions and carbon footprint by taking steps to reduce the amount of energy they use and the number of fossil fuels their devices emit. Lights and appliances should be turned off when not in use and people can carpool or take public transportation to their destinations.

Though digital technology may help reduce overall levels of air pollution in the future, industrial air filters are still important for your health. Contact Camfil USA today to purchase high-quality industrial air filters and defend your lungs from harmful air pollutants.

Sources:

1. https://www.epa.gov/air-pollution-transportation/smog-soot-and-local-air-pollution
2. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/guide-air-cleaners-home
3. https://blogs.worldbank.org/transport/traffic-jams-pollution-road-crashes-can-technology-end-woes-urban-transport

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Commercial Air Filtration through Air Cleaners and Air Purifiers

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

To those who are new to shopping for commercial air filtration technology, the number of terms and phrases used to describe filters and related technology can be confusing. Some of the most confusing terms used in reference to commercial air filtration are air cleaners and air purifiers. How are the two terms used, and what are the differences between them if any? Knowing how the terms are used and what they refer to is important because without knowing what the terms mean, it is difficult to make informed decisions about purchases of commercial air filters and industrial air filtration units. Let’s explore air cleaners and air purifiers further.

The Difference between Industrial Air Filtration Units: Air Cleaners and Air Purifiers

“There are different kinds of industrial air filtration units, some are portable and some are part of HVAC systems within a building,” stated Camfil’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “When it comes to portable air purifiers, devices which remove harmful particles of pollution from the air, air purifiers may also be called air cleaners. There is no functional difference between air purifiers and air cleaners, and the terms may be used interchangeably.” (1)

Air purifiers and air cleaners are the same things and they both use powerful fans to circulate the air in a building through a filter. As for air filters, they are the components in the air cleaner that actually capture particles of pollution, cleaning the air. The filter traps particles of contaminated air pollutants, preventing them from being inhaled by the occupants of a building. By trapping these air pollutants within the filters, the devices are able to protect the health of a building’s occupants.

Portable Commercial Air Purifiers Absorb These Harmful Chemicals

Portable commercial air purifiers can trap a wide variety of harmful air pollutants. These pollutants include what the EPA has categorized as “Criteria Air Pollutants.” Criteria air pollutants are the air pollutants which are most abundant in the air and do the most damage to human health. The air criteria pollutants include ozone, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

“Ozone is a chemical that shields us from ultraviolet radiation when it is located in the upper atmosphere, but when ozone is at ground level, in the troposphere, it is a harmful pollutant and one of the key ingredients of smog,” says Seyffer. “Ozone is created by the interaction of automotive exhaust or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with heat and sunlight. VOCs can be harmful by themselves, and refer to a variety of organic compounds released by the use of things like fossil fuels, cleaning agents, paints, and industrial chemicals.” (2)

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is one of the most dangerous kinds of air pollution. Particulate matter refers to small liquid and solid particles that float around in the air. The particles can be many times smaller than the width of a human hair, and at this size, they can penetrate both the lungs and bloodstream to do irreparable damage. Particulate matter can come from a variety of sources, yet one of the primary contributors to particulate matter air pollution is the combustion of fossil fuels.

Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are both colorless gases released by fossil fuels and by industrial chemicals. Both compounds are capable of damaging the linings of the lungs, leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma.

Industrial Air Cleaners Protect People from Disease and Death

Diseases caused by ambient air pollution kill thousands and hospitalize millions of people every year. The most common diseases linked to air pollution include stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, asthma, lung cancer and lower respiratory infections. It is important for people to use industrial air filters and industrial air cleaners to protect their health against these diseases.

Coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease is correlated with the buildup of calcium or fat within the coronary artery. The blockage in the arteries leads to heart damage because it prevents blood from reaching the heart and other regions of the body. Air pollution, particularly particulate matter pollution, is thought to increase the rate at which the arteries of the body are blocked. PM air pollution has also been correlated with strokes, which happen when the brain does not get enough blood and oxygen.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) doesn’t refer to a single disease but instead refers to multiple diseases which make breathing difficult. Bronchitis and emphysema are examples of COPD, and both conditions can be caused by exposure to air pollutants like VOCs, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Infections of the lower respiratory system are usually related to pneumonia. Children are more vulnerable to infections of the lower respiratory system because their lungs and bodies are still developing. Nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide exposure have been linked to higher incidences of pneumonia.

Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled division of cells. Exposure to particulate matter, especially from sources like secondhand smoke, is known to increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.

Industrial HEPA Filters Remove 99.97% of All Air Pollutants

The filters that are most effective at absorbing particles of air pollution are referred to as industrial HEPA filters.

Industrial HEPA filters are capable of capturing 99.97% of all sub-micron size particles, preventing occupants of a building from inhaling them. HEPA filters are extremely useful in areas of the country exposed to high levels of air pollution. They may be less useful in cities with cleaner air, and if there isn’t a pressing need for a HEPA filter, a building may want to get by with a filter rated 8-13 MERV. This is because HEPA filters force HVAC systems to use more energy because of the additional fan power required to move air through them.

HEPA filters are available in both portable commercial air cleaners and as part of a building’s HVAC system.

Commercial Air Filtration Systems or Electrostatic Precipitators?

Not all commercial air filtration systems are created equal, and some commercial air cleaners are better at trapping harmful pollutants than other cleaners. Portable air cleaners that employ filters are the main type of cleaner, but there are other types of air purifiers as well. Other kinds of air purifiers include ion or ozone generators and electrostatic precipitators.

Ion generators, sometimes called ozone generators, work by reversing the charge of pollutants and causing the particles of pollution to stick to surfaces in a room, where they can be cleaned up. Yet these ozone generators often release ozone as a byproduct of their use, which can be dangerous to people’s health. Electrostatic precipitators do the same thing that ion generators except that they are designed to be installed within an HVAC system. They require frequent maintenance to maintain efficiency and may also produce ozone.

“The EPA recommends avoiding ion and ozone generators in the home because of the ozone they emit and the fact that they only work to clean small areas of a home,” says Seyffer. “To truly improve your health and reduce levels of indoor air pollution in your home, use air purifiers that have replaceable HEPA filters. You should also be sure to use them alongside traditional commercial air filters in HVAC systems.” (3)

Camfil USA can provide you with the right filters for your commercial air filtration needs and assist you in determining what kinds of portable air purifiers to purchase. Click here to contact Camfil USA today.

Sources:

1. http://www.ebay.com/gds/Whats-the-Difference-Between-an-Air-Cleaner-and-Air-Purifier-/10000000177632771/g.html
2. https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution/health-effects-ozone-pollution
3. http://bit.ly/2pYD5ZJ

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