Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Health Risks of Using Wood-Burning Stoves

Learn whether filters such as HEPAs, high efficiency and molecular filters are capable of capturing and removing particulate and vapors  from the smoke of wood-burning stoves and furnaces.

high efficiency or molecular air filters, they could be putting their health and safety at risk.

Wood-burning stoves continue to be popular even in an era of sophisticated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. They’re inexpensive, easy to maintain, though some would say difficult to clean, and they’re able to reduce heating bills by as much as 30 percent. 

And then there’s the obvious appeal of a fireplace, which becomes the centerpiece of many living rooms in the winter months. It’s hard to deny the nostalgia and romance that comes with lighting a fire on a cold night and sitting near the fire for some quality time, with the mood punctuated by the occasional cracking of firewood. It’s no small wonder why fireplaces can add to the value of a home. 

But wood burning also introduces a wide range of indoor air pollutants that reduce indoor air quality and trigger severe allergy symptoms. This reaction is especially true when indoor air is unable to vent properly.

Burning of gas heaters produces NO2 and CO which must be vented to the outdoors. Space heaters emit particles, CO, NO2, and sometimes SO2,” says Mark Davidson, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials at Camfil USA. “In reality, gas wood and coal stoves all emit particles  as well as gases.”

Emissions from Wood Stoves that Reduce Indoor Quality

Anyone who has ever smelled smoke coughed after inhaling it or seen darkened surfaces near a smoke source understands there are both particles and gases involved.

But what exactly is smoke? 

The answer depends on what is burning at the time. We know that smoke is made up primarily of gases and particles, mostly water and carbon—a major component of soot. If the smoke comes from the process of burning wood, the particles can be made up of organic compounds and chemicals such as:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Acrolein
  • Propionaldehyde
  • Benzene
  • Butyraldehyde
  • Acetaldehyde
  • Furfural

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the key to reducing the presence of these chemicals in the air is to burn the wood efficiently by using an EPA-certified wood stove and dry, seasoned wood.

A Warning on the Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

Every winter there are tragic stories in the news due to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty furnaces, portable space heaters or automobile exhaust entering enclosed spaces. All facilities including homes, retail spaces, and commercial office buildings that rely on the combustion of fuel as a heating source or for power generation as well as any that have indoor garages or any other type of equipment that generates carbon monoxide, must ensure the facilities are inspected and up to local building codes. While molecular filters do exist that capture this dangerous gas, no one should ignore building and equipment inspections that ensure proper ventilation procedures have been followed. A filter is NOT the primary defense against these carbon monoxide tragedies.

What Will Help Against Smoke from Wood-burning Stoves and Fireplaces?

Smoke from inefficient combustion can be especially dangerous to at-risk segments of the population like pregnant women, children, infants and the elderly. When inhaled, the chemical compounds in wood smoke can cause lung cancer and trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, sinus irritation, runny nose and headaches. Smoke can be especially dangerous to people suffering from asthma.

There are two main issues associated with fireplace smoke.

First, there is the particulate matter (PM) in the smoke itself. Second, there are the chemicals released in the actual process of burning wood. 

For particulate matter, Camfil high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are designed to remove the smallest particles down to .3 micron in size. Other air filters, while not as efficient as HEPA filters, are considered to be high efficiency and can capture up to 90% of particles 1 micron and above.

Molecular filters are an effective way to help control the gases and vapors found in smoke. Molecules that make up the VOCs are up to 10,000 times smaller than the particles that are captured by HEPA and other high efficiency filters, so they are able to pass right through the filters.  However, molecular filters are produced from media with millions of sub-micron sized cave-like structures that are able to trap molecules deep in these miniature caves and hold them in place. Molecular filtration media has an enormous surface are relative to its size. While difficult to believe, a single gram of molecular media could have surface area, if laid flat, up to 1,000 square meters.

When HEPA or high efficiency air filters are paired with a molecular filter, this creates a filtration system that doesn’t just capture and remove PM (particulate matter) but also removes chemicals in smoke. 

Additional Ways to Minimize Wood-Burning Stove Pollution

Aside from installing HEPA, high efficiency air filters or molecular filters to help control the VOCs from fireplace smoke, homeowners can turn to a wide range of measures to limit their exposure to wood-burning stove pollution, such as:

  • Ensuring the fireplace is well-constructed and inspected regularly 
  • Installing well-sealed doors in front of the fireplace to contain smoke emissions
  • Burning only natural wood—never trash or treated wood
  • Using only dry wood
  • Using smaller pieces of wood instead of larger pieces to limit inefficient combustion

If you are interested in learning more about protecting your indoor quality with commercial air filters from Camfil USA, please click here.

 

Media Contact: 

Lynne Laake 

Camfil USA Air Filters 

T: 888.599.6620 

E:Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend  Camfil USA on Facebook

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Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Benefits of Air Filtration Against Biological Contaminants

Learn why air filters are being used to limit the presence of biological air pollutants inside buildings. 

One of the main reasons buildings use air filters is to control the presence of biological contaminants in the air.  According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), these biological contaminants include:

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Animal dander
  • Cat saliva
  • House dust
  • Pollen
  • Mites 
  • Cockroach droppings
  • Rat and mice urine

Controlling the presence of biological pollutants in indoor spaces is easier said than done because of the countless sources of these pollutants:

  • Pollen comes from plants; people, animals, and pests carry viruses and bacteria.
  • Animal dander and saliva come from household pets.
  • Even urine from mice and rats can cause an allergic reaction in many people. When the urine dries, it leaves behind particles that can become airborne and then inhaled.
  • When not properly maintained, dirty, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can circulate with the heated or cooled air in the rooms of a building or home

In other words, even if a building appears spotless, it can still have biological contaminants growing without the owner knowing. In fact, completely removing biological contaminants from indoor spaces is next to impossible. without However, installing high efficiency air filters or stand-alone room air purifiers is one way to significantly improve the air quality. Attacking the sources that generate these pollutants is an additional method that should also be undertaken.  

“Biological contaminants usually come from biologic organisms like fungi, mold, mildew, animals, and humans,” notes Greg Herman, National Accounts Manager at Camfil USA. “So, unless a building is uninhabited or devoid of any furnishings, doors, and windows, it will always have airborne biological contaminants.”

As such, the challenge for home and building owners is to create an environment that discourages the presence of biological contaminants. For example, the EPA suggests the following measures:

  • Keeping indoor humidity levels at 30 to 50 percent 
  • Removing standing water
  • Cleaning up wet surfaces
  • Addressing materials damaged by water

 

Anything damp and moist serves as a breeding ground for mildew, mold, bacteria, and even insects. In fact, dust mites, the bane of anyone suffering from allergies, love to grow in warm, damp environments.

What Are Biological Pollutants and How Do They Affect Indoor Air Quality?

Biological contaminants are living or dead organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality by causing a host of health issues such as asthma, allergy attacks and a host of respiratory and skin problems. 

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), allergies affect more than 28 million children, with 7.1 million suffering from asthma. Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and headaches are also the second most common reason adults miss work. 

Airborne biological contaminants can also wreak havoc on surfaces inside and outside buildings. Mold and mildew growth on plumbing, attics and basements can take thousands of dollars to repair; severe mold infestations also represent a serious health threat to the building’s occupants.

“Biological contaminants require two conditions to grow: nutrients and moisture,” said Herman. “Unfortunately, these conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, wet appliances like air conditioners and humidifiers, wet carpets, or flooded basements.” And don’t be fooled into thinking these conditions only exist in homes. Commercial office buildings, retail spaces and industrial facilities are all susceptible to conditions like these.” 

Proper ventilation is one possible solution for preventing the buildup of moisture in indoor spaces, allowing damp air to escape and replacing it with air drawn through filters. However, ventilation can introduce another set of problems, especially if the building location is in an area with high outdoor pollution levels. 

Where high efficiency air filters Come In

The challenge with ventilating facilities and buildings is that it becomes dangerous when the outside air brought inside contains high levels of pollutants like smoke, industrial runoff and carbon monoxide. This problem is where air filters with a high capture efficiency rating come in. 

Many of the biological contaminants identified by the EPA are far too small to be seen by the naked eye. Capturing them  requires better air filters than what are often installed in HVAC systems. ASHRAE Standard 52.2 indicates a MERV 13/13A filter will capture 90% of all particles 1 micron and larger and is a good starting point when upgrading air filters. 

HEPA Filters in existing HVAC systems and Stand-Alone Air Purifiers  

HEPA filters are a step up from MERV rated air filters. A true HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of particles down to as small as .3 microns. It’s possible to install these filters in some existing HVAC systems, but not all. A qualified air filtration professional near you will need to make that determination.

If the existing HVAC system is not capable of handling a HEPA filter, a stand-alone air purification system with a HEPA filter should be considered. Portable systems with HEPA filters have the advantage of being able to be placed in specific areas where contamination is highest or near the most likely points of entry into a building.

HEPA filters are especially important in medical facilities, where airborne contaminants may disrupt the health and well-being of patients. Poor indoor air quality and exposure to biological contaminants and dangerous chemicals can add to the list of risk factors that may cause patients to develop minor and potentially fatal illnesses. 

Check out Camfil Megalam Energuard HEPA filter for the cleanrooms and life sciences industry.

Can Commercial HEPA Filters Remove Bacteria and Viruses?

Commercial HEPA filters have been used in biomedical applications since the 1940s to control the spread of airborne organisms like viruses and bacteria. Like most air filters, HEPA filters are rated based on their ability to capture a percentage of various particle sizes.  

As mentioned earlier, true HEPA filtration has a 99.97 percent rate of efficiency when capturing particulate matter down to 0.3 microns in size. However, HEPA filters can be produced that capture an even higher percentage, up to 99.9995%.  

The good news is that HEPA filters in properly maintained air filtration systems, have proven effective against bacteria, viruses and other microbiological contaminants. 

Final Words on Industrial Air Purification Systems

Remember that while air filters can be effective at capturing airborne biological contaminants, an overall strategy includes  having proper ventilation and removing the source of these pollutants if possible. 

  • In the case of mold and mildew growth, no amount of ventilation will fix a mold or mildew infestation if the root of the problem isn’t addressed. 
  • For pet dander, the best solution is to brush the pet’s hair outside. 
  • For allergens, it pays to stay away from known causes of allergic reactions.

For everything else, air filters should help reduce issues with biological pollutants. If you are interested in learning more about commercial air filters by Camfil USA, please click here. We can also guide you in deciding which filter to get based on your biological contaminant 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

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/biological-pollutants-impact-indoor-air-quality
  2. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/allergies-at-work#1

 

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Sunday, October 13, 2019

Reasons Why Homes Near Freeways in L.A. Need Home Air Filters

Learn about the air pollution situation in L.A. and why homes near freeways experience poor indoor air quality without the protection of home air filters.

For years, the Los Angeles City Council has sent health advisories to housing developers, warning them about the health risks of building real estate developments near freeways. Unfortunately, some of these warnings went unheeded, which is why many homeowners living near freeways have had no choice but to turn to alternative air filtration solutions to maintain safe and breathable indoor air. 

But when the city government tried to shift its focus to warning residents instead, some officials rejected the move.

In 2015, city planning commissioners rejected an environmental ordinance requiring the installation of warning signs for new multifamily developments constructed near high traffic areas. The signs would have warned about the dangers of air pollution created by nearby vehicles. Why was the ordinance rejected? The commissioners felt it would have placed too high a burden on real estate developers and hurt the local housing market.  

Los Angeles’s History of Poor Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality

The move was concerning, given L.A.’s long history of struggling to control the high volume of cars in the city. And, as almost anyone knows, cars are a major producer of airborne pollutants, hence the city’s outdoor and indoor air quality issues.  

Internal combustion engines can be a source of indoor air pollution in offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, shopping centers, and retail stores, especially where garages are attached,” explains Steve Smith, CamCleaner & Portable Air Cleaner Segment Manager at Camfil USA. “In large cities with a high number of vehicles present, the ambient air normally contains a high number of particles and various gas or molecular contaminants.”

“Efficient particle filtration of submicron and ultrafine particles as well as molecular filtration of the air coming into the building can reduce this contamination significantly,” he adds. “The challenge is evaluating the air handling systems to determine whether  they are capable of utilizing air filters able to accomplish this. If the air handling system is not capable, than portable air cleaners may be a consideration. ” 

Why Understanding Air Filters and Air Purification Systems Has Never Been More Important in L.A.

Critics of the decision said that it was proof city officials are reluctant to do anything that will discourage homebuilding, even if it means taking action to protect public health. The move, which could have helped disincentivize building near freeways, is just one of many examples of L.A. and other cities in California flouting state air quality guidelines on building near freeways. . 

Furthermore, since 2005, state air quality officials have repeatedly advised city governments to avoid building dwellings within 500 feet of roads with heavy traffic. Since then, the body of literature linking air pollution generated by vehicle traffic to health problems like asthma, cardiac arrest, cancer, and preterm births among others has only grown. 

The result is affected home and building owners have no choice but to seek out experts in air filtration and air purification systems to protect themselves. The solution could be simply installing a better filter in your existing air handling system. Based upon the configuration of your building’s equipment, you may need to consider a stand alone air purification system.  

How Air Filters Are Helping Turn the Tide in Los Angeles

In 2017, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered building inspectors to assess whether suitable air filters  are being installed in buildings and homes near freeways. Personnel from the Department of Building Safety were assigned to ensure dwellings had the appropriate type of air filters, to better protect residents from air pollution from cars and trucks.

The city also enhanced its building inspection systems, which now help staff stay abreast of current air filtration standards and keep track of filter installation information. This change was after the Department of Building Safety reported that it did not have procedures for monitoring whether new developments near freeways were complying with the enhanced air filter installation requirements.

It’s not quite what critics of the 2015 decision had in mind, but nevertheless,  it’s a welcome development after the City Council acknowledged the health risks of residential development near traffic pollution hotspots.

A Future Where Clean Air is Demanded by All.

Reports, such as the 2016 State of the Air (SOTA) by the American Lung Association (ALA), point out that Los Angeles continues to have some of the worst levels for particle pollution and ozone pollution in the country, respectively taking the fourth and first spot.  What most people don’t know is that in recent years, Los Angeles has actually done a better job of improving its ambient air quality. 

Much of the city’s success can be attributed to California’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Clean Air Act, which was supported by the state’s own initiatives to improve ambient air quality. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has implemented additional anti-air pollution measures such as:

    • Rideshare incentives for employers
    • Improving public transport
    • Promoting electric vehicles
    • Land-use restrictions for polluted neighborhoods

How to Choose air filters and Home Air Purification Systems

When shopping for air filters or home air purification systems, it’s important to base your purchase decision on the type  of contaminants you are dealing with, the size of the rooms being “treated,” and the level of air quality you desire. You should factor in any known health issues of those living in the building as well.  For example, asthma sufferers report an improved quality of life with when able to spend more time in buildings with improved indoor air quality.  

An air filter manufacturer will be in the best position to help buyers make an informed decision. At Camfil USA, we understand our customers’ concerns about outdoor and indoor air quality, which is why we are committed to providing the best home air filters for their needs. Get in touch with our team or explore our product line.

 

Media Contact:

 

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

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

How the Air Purifier Industry Can Help Save the U.S. Billions of Dollars

Time and again we hear that air pollution is bad for the health of the public, hence the important role played by the air purifier industry in keeping the air inside our homes, offices and schools safe to breathe.

But just how bad is the problem of air pollution? 

According to a 2016 report, air pollution is one of the factors contributing to 16,000 premature births in the United States each year, costing Americans more than $4.33 billion annually. Of that number, $3.57 billion comes from lost productivity related to the physical and mental disabilities—side effects of being born prematurely. The rest comes from hospital visits and other healthcare expenses caused by premature birth. 

The study looked beyond the regular culprits of air pollution such as carbon monoxide and ozone; instead, it used particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) as a stand-in for air pollution. This particulate matter includes liquid and solid particles such as metals, acids, organic chemicals, and dust among others, all of which can be floating in the air at any time. 

“Prolonged exposure to ultrafine particles can dramatically increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increasing the mortality rates of people living in highly dense and polluted urban areas,” notes Camfil USA’s Charlie Seyffer, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials for commercial air filters and 37-year ASHRAE member and active committee participant. “Below PM2.5, particles become more dangerous because they have the potential of penetrating deeper in the smaller alveoli of the lungs, crossing blood vessel walls and affecting the different organs of the body.”

While the study was the first of its kind to look at the economic effects of polluted air from the perspective of preterm births in the United States, it is far from being the only study to look at the economic implications of air pollution as a whole. 

Global Need for Commercial High Efficiency Filters

That same year, the World Bank published a report stating that air pollution costs the global economy more than $5 trillion in welfare costs alone every year. The report also suggests that people in developing nations are the ones needing commercial high efficiency filters the most.

The welfare figure includes financial factors associated with air pollution such as consumption and health. When looking at the effect on income, air pollution costs the global economy over $225 billion each year. The report accounts for both outdoor and indoor air pollution. The latter, which includes pollution sources like heating, cooking, and lighting, has remained constant over the last few decades despite technological advancements in these areas. 

On the other hand, while first world nations have made significant progress in reducing outdoor air pollution levels, the same can’t be said for the developing world, where rapid growth in industry and transportation have also increased air pollution levels.

“Reports on high air pollution levels around the world are an urgent call for governments and ordinary citizens to take action,” said Seyffer. “Unfortunately, of the many risk factors we know that lead to premature death, the air we breathe is something we have little control over.”

This lack of control is mostly true when spending time outdoors, but we can do something about the air inside homes and buildings thanks to the advent of air purification systems. 

Why the Developing World Desperately Needs Commercial High Efficiency Filters

The effects of air pollution and need for commercial high efficiency filters are perhaps most evident in the developing world, where in some places, the economic impact of lost labor income accounts for one percent of an entire country’s GDP. 

Countries in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, lose approximately 0.83 percent of their respective GDP because of air pollution. As for the human price of pollution, nine out of ten people in low to middle-income nations live in areas where outdoor air pollution levels are dangerously high.

Take Nigeria, for example, which is home to four of the world’s worst cities for air pollution: Onitsha, Kaduna, Aba, and Umuahia. Nigeria and other African cities are rapidly experiencing increasing levels of outdoor air pollution due to a booming economy and industrialization, which often come at the expense of the environment due to the lack of or absence of regulatory controls.

Subtle Dangers of Low-Level Pollution Highlight Need for High Efficiency Air FiltersMost studies on air pollution, however, look at the health and economic effects of severe air pollution. Yes, we know that things like smog and exposure to traffic pollution have a negative impact on respiratory and cardiovascular function, hence the need to spend as much time indoors under the protection of high efficiency air filters.

But another study suggests that even at low levels, air pollution can have the subtle impact of impairing our ability to perform everyday tasks. The researchers theorize that because the brain is one of the most oxygenated organs in the body, any contaminants inhaled may impact our brain function as well. 

In fact, the researchers found that air pollution at levels below regulatory standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can still have an impact on work productivity within the call center, manufacturing, and agricultural industries.

There is also a growing body of literature showing that exposure to low-level air pollution by the fetus, or when the brain is still developing, can leave long-lasting and possibly permanent cognitive issues, which manifest themselves in demonstrable deficiencies on mental performance in school. 

Commercial Air Filtration Systems Are Not Permanent Solutions

Unfortunately, commercial air filtration systems only address the symptoms of air pollution. It will take concerted actions by both the private and public sector to make a lasting effect on reducing air pollution levels. The good news is that we now have a record of environmental success, proving that concrete steps towards solving environmental crisis work.

In the 1980s, the world woke up to the news that harmful gases in the atmosphere had punched a hole in the ozone layer, increasing the risk of people developing skin cancer from UV exposure. In response, governments around the world came together to sign the Montreal Protocol, a treaty that banned ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs.

Today, studies show that these efforts have worked and continue to work—the ozone layer may be finally healing. 

Go for Quality When Choosing a Room Air Purification System

If you do decide to install an air purification system in your building or home to address specific problems within an area, remember to avoid cheap, bargain units that promise to remove 99.99 percent of indoor air contaminants. Portable air purifiers should remove particulates and gaseous contaminants. The best air purifiers incorporate a HEPA filter and activated carbon.  A true HEPA filter will have this kind of performance, but it will not come cheap. More often than not, you get what you pay for when it comes to air purifiers. Save your time and money and invest in a high-quality unit instead.\

To avoid any problems when choosing an air purifier or commercial high efficiency air filters, be sure to consult with a trusted supplier or manufacturer of air filtration systems. Remember, the best air filter isn’t necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the most features—it’s one that matches your containment needs and budget. To learn more about the importance of indoor air quality control, talk to Camfil USA. You may also explore our catalog of air filtration systems to learn more about our products.

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

 

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Saturday, October 5, 2019

How Electric Buses Can Help High Efficiency Air Filters Supply Clean Air to Airports

Learn how a Houston airport is using electric buses to help high efficiency air filters improve indoor air quality for airports.

In an effort to protect the health and safety of airline passengers and airport workers, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded more than $1 million in funding to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas for the purchase of electric shuttle buses. Administered under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), the funding will help the airport’s air filtrations systems improve air quality inside the airport by reducing emissions from diesel buses.

According to the EPA, DERA’s clean-diesel grants are designed to help cities improve ambient air quality and meet regulatory standards. Aside from improving indoor air quality inside the airport, the procurement of greener electric buses will also improve the quality of life for communities situated near the airport, which are exposed to high levels of air pollution from planes and airport vehicles.

Likewise, Carlos Ortiz, Houston Airport System environmental manager, said that the Houston Airport System prioritizes the improvement of air quality through alternative technologies, which is exactly what the $1,032,104 grant allows them to do. The money will be used to purchase four electric-power shuttle buses to replace the airport’s aging and pollution-spewing diesel buses, a move that is expected to cut tons of pollution emissions each year.

Why Airports Need Air Filtration Systems with High Efficiency Filters. 

Airports and nearing communities are constantly surrounded by jet fumes, dust kicked into the air by thousands of moving people, biological contaminants from people, particles from construction activities, and chemical fumes from cleaning activities. It’s no surprise then why air filters performing at a high capture efficiency ratio are so important in airport terminals, which are often recognized for being hotbeds of pollutants and germs.

“Fortunately, most airports, especially those in major cities of the world, have installed powerful air filtration systems to address the problem of poor indoor air quality inside terminals,” explains Greg Herman, National Accounts Manager at Camfil USA. “Air filter systems are designed to capture and remove two common types of airborne pollutants inside airports: particulate matter and VOCs.”

Particulate matter (PM) comes from exhaust from planes, trucks, buses, and moving equipment like tugs and tractors. These are particles small and light enough to be suspended in the air and inhaled by people.

The human body also generates its own particulate matter by shedding dead skin at a rate of 0.001 – 0.003 ounces of skin flakes every hour, which only increases with a rise in activity level like walking or running. It’s not surprising then why many people report feeling stuffy or have allergic reactions after spending a few hours inside an airport.

How Molecular Air Filtration Systems Capture VOCs

On the other hand, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the gaseous pollutants, composed of various molecules, released by construction materials, paints, varnishes, and common cleaning products and disinfectants. All of these release varying concentrations of VOCs. One solution to this potential health hazard is molecular air filters installed in existing HVAC systems or stand-alone air purification units.  Molecular filters are produced using materials with extremely high surface areas. They capture molecules through a technique referred to as adsorption. These molecules are up to 10,000 times smaller than particles typically found in the airstream. 

“The new office or new car smell that people love is actually caused by fabric, plastic, and carpet off gassing VOCs,” said Greg Herman. “At low levels, many VOCs are often relatively harmless, but high concentrations can be dangerous.”

Research on the effects of VOCs on the human body is showing worrying results. One study found that exposure to VOCs has led to an increased risk of cancer and non-cancer health effects. Similarly, another study found that the flame-retardant chemicals commonly used in furniture and other household items resulted in a “higher risk of thyroid disease in women who have higher concentrations of this chemical in their blood, and an even greater risk for women who are postmenopausal.”

And these problems only scratch the surface of the potential health effects of VOCs, as they only looked at a few specific classes of VOCs. There are other VOC types, such as those used in chemical products that remove stains, which have been suspected to increase the risk of cancers and even blood pressure problems. 

Why Buildings and Homes Near Airports Need High Quality and Highly Efficient Air Filters 

DERA is especially important for communities near airports, which face a greater need of air filters designed to capture both small particulate matter and VOCs. According to one study, heavy airplane traffic may have a more lasting effect on air quality of an area wider than previously thought. Moreover, the amount of air pollution in and around airports may be equivalent to the air pollution produced by car traffic plying through hundreds of miles of freeways.

In other words, the study’s authors suggest that the impact airports have on ambient air quality may have been seriously underestimated. And for urban dwellers living near airports, a substantial portion of their exposure to outdoor particulate matter can be attributed to airports instead of roadway traffic. 

EPA’s Efforts Go Beyond Industrial Air Filters

The value that higher quality indoor air delivers for airport passengers and workers, government interventions such as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) plays a vital role in responding to the actual source of the pollution, rather than reacting to its effects.

DERA funding helps improve ambient air quality through grant money awarded to municipalities, schools, and other local government units, allowing them to move away from inefficient and dirty diesel fleets. These grants are prioritized for cities and communities that suffer from poor air quality, who can either use the money to retrofit diesel trucks with new emissions-reducing technology or replace aging vehicles with cleaner models.

Thanks to the help of EPA regulations, today’s generation of diesel-powered trucks and cars have never been cleaner. But because of how cheap and robust diesel engines tend to be, those manufactured decades ago are often still in use. DERA comes in by providing the funding to replace these vehicles at no cost to local government groups.

Better Safe than Sorry with High Efficiency Particulate and Molecular Air Filters.  

Remember, airplane air pollution contains a host of pollutants that can be controlled by using air filters with a high efficiency on both particulate and molecular matter. These include:

  • Black carbon (also known as soot)
  • Smoke 
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Nitrogen dioxide
  • Volatile organic compounds

When inhaled, these ultrafine particles and gaseous pollutants can penetrate the deepest recesses of the lungs, where they can enter the bloodstream. When that happens, these foreign bodies can reach the body’s vital organs, causing lung problems, heart disease, thyroid issues, cancers, and even obesity.

If your home or place of work is located near an airport, or a major expressway for that matter, it’s a good idea to contact a filtration company with the knowledge and experience necessary to install high efficiency particulate or molecular filters to keep yourself and the other occupants safe from air pollution. 

For more than 50 years, Camfil USA has been a leading provider of state-of-the-art air filtration systems designed to protect homes and buildings from polluted air. To learn about the importance of protecting indoor air quality from outdoor air pollution, talk to Camfil USA. As one of the world’s top industrial air filter manufacturers, we have a wide range of industrial HEPA air filters or HEPA air purifiers for you to explore.

Get in touch with our branch locations team to learn how we can help solve your air quality problems.  

 

Media Contact:

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

 

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