Why People with Certain Blood Types May Benefit More from Air Filters

Learn why blood type may be a risk factor for heart attack after exposure to low indoor air quality, and why certain people may need air filters more.

Although much of what we know about the dangers of air pollution focuses on exposure to specific airborne pollutants and how to mitigate these risks with air filters, a new study suggests that the risk of air pollution exposure may be higher than usual for a specific group of people.

To be more specific, the kind of blood flowing through your veins may increase or decrease your risk of developing heart ailments caused by exposure to high levels of airborne pollutants. The study’s authors found that a variant ABO gene, commonly found in A, B, and AB blood types, has been connected with increased incidences of cardiac arrest during periods of exposure to airborne pollutants. 

On the other hand, people with the O blood type were found to be less susceptible to heart attacks from air pollution exposure. 

According to Benjamin Horne, a clinical epidemiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, this prompted his team to wonder if a specific variation of this ABO gene may be a contributing factor to higher or lower risk of heart attack in times of poor air quality.

Horne’s team examined the medical data of Intermountain Healthcare patients admitted between 1993 and 2007 and found that a specific group of patients experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during short-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5—fine, inhalable particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns.

When the researchers cross-referenced the data, they found that patients who carried a variant ABO blood type had a marginally higher risk of heart ailments during exposure to PM2.5.

What Makes Particulate Matter So Dangerous to Indoor Air Quality?

Particulate matter, or PM, refers to liquid droplets or solid particles that are small and light enough to be transported by the airstream. The largest PM are visible under beams of sunlight as dust-like particles. While the human body can protect itself from these particles, smaller PM represent a more serious problem to indoor air quality.

“Anything below PM2.5 is where the problems begin to happen,” notes Camfil USA’s David Blackwell, Director of Healthcare Segment.  “These particles are more harmful because they are small enough to penetrate the smallest alveoli of the lungs, where they can cross into the bloodstream and reach the body’s vital organs such as the heart, liver, brain, and immune system.”

Particulate matter comes from outdoor sources such as vehicle traffic, factories, and power generation facilities, as well as indoor sources, typically from combustion processes like cooking, heating, and lighting.

And while organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have published guidelines and standards on recommended ambient air quality levels, exposure to even trace levels of particulate matter can be problematic to at-risk members of the population, such as children and infants, as well as the sick and elderly. 

Everyone Stands to Benefit from High Efficiency Air Filters  

Still, the researchers noted that regardless of blood type, everyone’s risk level increases when concentrations of PM2.5 breach the threshold of 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air, proving that anyone can benefit from the protection provided  by higher efficiency air filters. It’s just that people with non-O blood types may be more susceptible to heart issues associated with air pollution.

Indeed, for every incremental increase of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter, the risk for people with A, B, and AB blood types shoots up by 25 percent. On the other hand, the risk for people with O blood goes up only by 10 percent.

But, as mentioned earlier, the 15 percent difference in risk level becomes negligible when you include factors such as age and existing medical conditions. In other words, someone with an O blood type and asthma, for example, is still at a higher risk of developing heart ailments during exposure to polluted air. 

The study’s authors, however, urged the public not to panic over the findings of the study, but only to be aware of it. Bottom line? They encourage everyone to stay indoors, exercise indoors when they can, and take their heart medication to reduce their risk of heart disease. 

Why High Efficiency Air Filtration Systems Are Needed for Buildings

“There is a problem with that recommendation however. Generally speaking, the quality of indoor air is often worse than outdoor air. The EPA reports that the levels of indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. People on average spend 90% of their time indoors and following the advice of this studies authors could increase that.” said Blackwell.  

Where do indoor air pollutants come from?  It really depends on the type of building. Burning wood for heating, cooking or within a fireplace in our homes is a significant source as is pet dander or secondhand smoke from cigarettes. A commercial office building has many sources such as copiers, chemicals used for cleaning, and general pollutants stirred up from the constant movement of people. Industrial facilities potentially have the worst indoor air quality simply due to the pollutants generated from the manufacturing process.  

A certain percentage of indoor air is recirculated through the building’s HVAC system and mixed with a smaller percentage of outdoor air. Those percentages vary according to the building type and intended activity inside. It’s during this process where an opportunity to filter the air occurs.  

How Do High Efficiency Air Filters Work?

High efficiency air filters generally rely on a nonwoven filter media composed from various sized fibers to capture and trap airborne pollutants as air flows through the filter.  

The finer the fibers used in the media, the more efficient the filter is at capturing smaller particles. 

While there are many different types of air filters on the market, any serious attempt at improving indoor air quality should consider a starting point with a filter carrying a capture efficiency rating of MERV  13/13A based on ASHRAE 52.2 or you could also begin with a filter rated according to ISO 16890 and ePM1-70%.  

A Final Word on High Efficiency Air Filters

With the growing body of literature on the dangerous health effects of polluted air, it’s not surprising that the interest in high efficiency air filters is surging. It’s important to remember, however, that an air filter is just one component of a more complex HVAC system which includes fans, ductwork, and monitoring controls.  At Camfil USA, we recommend you contact an established company staffed with HVAC professionals who are able to offer guidance on selecting a filter that is compatible with your system and one that addresses your specific indoor air quality needs.

At Camfil USA, our mission is to ensure the air inside of buildings is safe and breathable. We specialize in designing air filters for a wide variety of applications, including schools, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities among others. Get in touch with our team or explore our catalog of air filters to learn more about our product line.

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Fight Against VOCs Involves Source Reduction and Air Filtration

Utah has passed air quality guidelines to fight VOCs, easing the burden on commercial air filtration systems when improving indoor air quality. 

Many small to medium enterprises in Utah are taking steps to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the production of their products which eases the burden on their commercial air filtration systems. Measures include switching to water-based paints for auto shops and cabinet makers, using electric-powered lawn tools for gardening companies, and adding exhaust controls for coffee roasters. 

Why Some Employers Are Stuffing their Offices Full of Plants

Utah’s state legislation on air quality has been instrumental in requiring local businesses to comply with air quality guidelines. Rules include the use of water-based paints by auto repair shops, reducing VOC content in consumer products (such as hairspray, insecticides, and bathroom cleaners), and limiting the burning of solid fuels like wood to certain days of the week. These solvent measures are expected to reduce VOC emissions by 10,000 pounds every single day, according to the Department of Air Quality.

 

What Are VOCs and How Do They Affect Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

 

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can be broadly defined as substances that evaporate or otherwise disperse (volatilize) molecules into the air. We typically detect them by smell as one effect VOCs have on indoor air quality is odor.  

 

Many of the everyday products found at home, in retail shops or in the office are sources of VOCs. This is especially true for many businesses. Take automotive shops, for example, which use all kinds of paints, solvents, and other chemicals. 

 

“Paint spraying facilities require a constant supply of fresh air, not just for production quality, but for safety reasons. The airflow design for paint booths seems straightforward and relatively simple, but that’s simply not the case,” explains Chad Peay, Salt Lake City Branch Manager at Camfil USA. “

 

“The sheer scale of a production line presents a challenge in maintaining airflow uniformity through the filters and avoiding a wind-tunnel effect from one paint booth to the next. Airflow can be deflected and disrupted – negatively impacting the painting process and the quality of the final product.”

 

Solvent VOCs Impact More than Just Indoor Air Quality

 

The benefits from Utah’s new air quality rules on the production of VOCs will take time to make an impact so the problem of solvents presents a current air pollution challenge Why? Because VOCs are also a primary component of ground-level ozone, which in turn, contributes to the formation of smog — a chronic problem in the Wasatch Front. 

 

The counties of Salt Lake and Davis, as well as parts of Weber, Tooele and Box Elder, produce 35 tons of VOCs a day, according to DEQ data. Solvents account for roughly half of all air pollution emissions from area sources, which include small businesses, light industrial facilities, and homes.

 

If the region fails to meet the EPA’s standards for ground-level ozone, the DEQ will have to formulate a plan to reduce ozone precursor pollutants by 15 percent over a six-year period. 

 

Industrial Air Filtration Systems Offer a Solution to VOC Indoor Pollution

 

Apart from their effects on ambient (outdoor) air quality, VOCs can also dramatically affect air quality in offices, stores, clinics, and other establishments. Unfortunately, it is next to impossible to completely eliminate VOCs inside indoor commercial environments. As mentioned earlier, sources of VOCs are too commonplace. These gases are constantly being generated by everyday items, from furniture, dry cleaning, and even cosmetic products. One way to lessen the buildup of VOCs is to open the windows. However, for workplaces and buildings in polluted areas, opening the windows only replaces VOCs with outdoor air pollution. The more practical solution is to install industrial air filtration systems.

Is There a Single Solution to Remove VOCs?

 

On their own, high-efficiency particulate filters (those with ratings ranging from MERV 13/13A up to HEPA filters) cannot completely remove volatile organic compounds from the air as these filters can only target particulate matter (PM). But when paired with molecular filtration solutions, such as those with activated carbon, these air purification systems can be effective at removing both particles and VOCs. 

Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material that goes through a process that essentially creates a multitude of pores and caverns across its surface. This greatly increases the surface area to the point where if a small nugget of this material were spread out flat, it may be able to cover two full-size tennis courts. This massive surface area of pores and caverns allows the carbon material to adsorb the molecules we refer to as VOCs. 

Going Beyond Particulate and Molecular Air Filter 

Aside from using a combination of high-efficiency particulate filters and molecular filters, there are other ways to reduce VOC exposure in commercial buildings, including source control (i.e. removing products with high levels of VOCs from the house or workplace), ventilation, and using low-VOC products (most common in paints). 

Still, any protection is better than none at all. Be sure to work with a trusted air filter manufacturer specializing in both particulate and molecular air quality solutions for commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Get in touch with the air quality experts of Camfil USA to talk about how our commercial air filtration systems can help your needs.

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How Air Filters Capture Mold Spores in the Air

Learn how mold spores adversely affect indoor air quality and why commercial office buildings, retail stores and personal residences require quality air filtration to reduce the risk from mold.

 

Mold is almost every home or business owner’s biggest nightmare.  The very thought of it can send them to the store for the sole purpose of buying an air filter to remove mold spores from the air.

 

To learn more about Camfil air filters for mold spores, get in touch with Camfil USA.

 

Mold is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in almost any environment. Outdoors, mold is a microorganism that plays a critical role in decomposing dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. In indoor environments, however, mold growth should be discouraged. 

 

Mold reproduces through tiny microscopic spores. Unfortunately, almost every house or indoor environment has mold spores—it’s nearly impossible to keep mold out of the house. Mold becomes an issue, however, when the concentration of spores inside a home or building is greater than concentrations outside. This unbalanced ratio could mean that the environment inside the house is turning into the ideal environment for mold growth.

 

“Ideally mold needs three conditions to grow: moisture, food source, and the right temperature,” explained Greg Herman, National Accounts Manager at Camfil USA. “It’s why mold is pretty common in home basements, and out of the way spaces in commercial office buildings and retail facilities which tend to be cool, damp, and full of dust and dirt, which mold spores feed on.”

The problem is that the temperatures most people find comfortable are also ideal for mold growth. And when it comes to their food source, it’s practically impossible to eradicate all dust and dirt in a facility or home. The solution, then, is to remove moisture from the equation—although there are many types of mold, none of them will grow without moisture.

 

But what exactly makes mold so dangerous to people?

 

Impact of Mold on Indoor Air Quality

 

Different types of mold such as allergenic mold, toxic mold, and black mold among others, are always in the air we breathe, especially in indoor environments. At low levels, however, mold and mold spores are relatively harmless and rarely affect indoor air quality.

 

But when mold and mold spore concentrations rise, they can affect people with allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, or weak immune systems. When left unchecked, molds can thrive in dark and humid areas, such as closets, bathrooms,  even within furniture or under cushions. These ideal areas for growth are not found only in homes, but in office buildings, retail stores or industrial facilities as well. When these places and objects are disturbed, they can release mold spores into the air that, when inhaled by residents, customers or employees, can lodge themselves in the airways of the upper respiratory tract and even deep in the lungs. 

 

When this happens, a number of things can occur. 

 

“People react differently to mold, so you could have nothing more than itchy eyes, sneezing, or coughing,” said Greg Herman. “But for others, inhaling mold can lead to full-blown asthma attacks and anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can suffocate victims.”

 

Common reasons to suspect the presence of mold inside your home, office, or building include:

 

• You are sneezing, coughing, or have watery eyes and nose inside, but not outside.
• You are aware of a water problem such as flooding, broken plumbing, or a hole in the roof.
• There is a significant amount of condensation in the room or building, perhaps caused by air conditioning reacting with warm air outside.

 

Your first instinct may be to look for signs of mold growth, but there’s usually a better telltale sign. 

 

Moldy Smell Means It’s Time to Upgrade Your HVAC System’s Air Filters or Consider Stand-Alone Room Air Purifiers.  

Sometimes, a mold problem is quickly identified by smell, not sight. The process of mold “feeding” on dirt, dust, and other debris for nutrients creates different chemical reactions that involve enzymes and substrates that, in turn, produce water, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When you smell that musty odor associated with molds, it’s the VOCs produced by mold that you smell, not the mold itself. 

 

When it comes to mold growth, there are many types of VOCs being produced, including alcohols, aldehydes and hydrocarbons among others. VOCs are volatile because of how they quickly evaporate at room temperature and pressure. Unfortunately, VOCs only add another layer to the dangerous nature of mold, irritating the mucus membranes and both directly and indirectly causing medical issues. 

 

Best Home Air Filtration Solution for Mold

 

Air filters with high capture efficiency can be a great help for people who are sensitive to mold. These filters purify the air by removing most mold spores, along with other allergens like pollen, dander, and dust, preventing them from circulating in the air. By capturing mold spores, air filters help prevent the spread of mold. 

 

Mold spores come in many sizes but are generally greater than 1 micron in diameter. Air filters rated Merv 13/13A using ASHRAE’s standard 52.2 with Appendix J are constructed to capture 90% of particles 1 micron and larger. Even air filters with ratings of Merv 9/9A will offer some level of protection. These filters can be installed in current HVAC systems or into stand-alone room air purification systems that target specific areas.

 

Molecular filters, often referred to as carbon filters, are often suggested to control mold. However, care must be taken because molecular filters target the VOCs that produce the moldy-musty odor. It’s possible to mask a mold problem by removing the odor and assume the mold is under control when it is not. 

 

Other Measures Against Mold Aside from High Efficiency Air Filters. 

 

Aside from using higher efficiency air filters to capture and remove airborne mold spores, the EPA recommends the following tips and methods for removing mold at home, some of which apply to business facilities as well.

 

• Replacing carpeting in moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms, with tile or linoleum
• Cleaning bathrooms and shower stalls regularly using disinfectants specifically designed for mold removal
• Switching on the bathroom’s exhaust fan when showering, as well as the fan in the kitchen when cooking
• Using a dehumidifier during the summer months or any other times when indoor humidity goes over 50 percent
• Drying clothes thoroughly before storing them in dressers or closets
• Using paints that specifically discourage mold growth
• Conducting regular maintenance of pipes and plumbing
• Repairing water leaks in the basement as soon as they begin
• Repairing gutters and downspouts that cause water to pool near the foundation of your home

It’s important to understand that filters only capture mold spores and the gases produced by mold as they grow. Purifiers are not able to kill mold that’s already growing on surfaces. The only way to remove mold is through routine cleaning and preventing moisture from creating the ideal environment for mold to grow.

Choosing Air Purification Systems for Mold

At the same time, merely cleaning up traces of mold is just half of the solution. You also want to remove mold spores to discourage other infestations and to keep everyone living in the house or patronizing your business safe. The very act of removing mold from surfaces can cause mold spores to become airborne, only making higher capture efficiency filters or stand-alone air purification systems more necessary. And if your home or business is frequently visited by people who are likely susceptible to mold spores, such as an infant, elderly person, or someone with existing respiratory problems, higher quality air filters can make a world of difference in their homelife or visit to your business. 

We specialize in designing air filters for all kinds of particulate matter, including mold, pet dander, dust, and pollen. We also carry a wide range of air filters for schools, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities among others. Talk to the Camfil USA or explore our catalog of home air filters to learn more about our product line.

Lynne Laake 

Camfil USA Air Filters Locations 

T: 888.599.6620 

 

 

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How Drones Are Helping Commercial Air Filters Fight Air Pollution

With air pollution levels in Bangkok reaching dangerous levels, forcing residents to stay indoors under the protection of air filters, the country is looking at novel ways to fight the problem of toxic air quality. Among these measures include a fleet of drones deployed into the air to spray water and non-toxic chemicals designed to reduce air pollution levels. 

 

Complementing the Job Done by Air Purifiers

 

Bangkok officials used this method as part of an experiment to determine whether drones could be used to literally spray the pollution out of the atmosphere, providing much-needed relief to air purifiers, which work harder when cleaning toxic air. The effort comes after concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 which refers to particles equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter, reached dangerous levels in late January. 

 

“Long-term exposure to ultrafine particles can induce respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It increases the mortality rates for people living in highly polluted urban areas,” points out Camfil USA’s Mark Davidson, Manager of Marketing & Technical Materials for commercial air filters and active ASHRAE member and committee participant. “Particles below PM2.5 are more harmful because they are able to penetrate deeper into the lung alveoli, cross blood vessels walls, and diffuse into the blood circulation affecting organs function.”

 

Bangkok’s Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Crisis Not Unique

 

As levels of PM2.5 in Bangkok soared to more than double the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended safe limit of 85 µg/m3, the government quickly announced a “code red” for 10 areas around the city, warning residents to stay indoors. Unfortunately, because PM2.5  particles are small enough to enter gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings, they can also affect indoor air quality through indoor sources, such as cooking, heating, and lighting. 

 

But Bangkok’s air quality struggles are by no means unique. In the United States, cities such as Los Angeles, Bakersfield, New Jersey, and New York all suffer from regular spikes in air pollution, causing ground-level smog to form in the lower atmosphere. This environment can cause a wide range of health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even issues like kidney problems, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease.

 

The World Health Organization estimates that around seven million premature deaths can be attributed to air pollution. 

 

Why Air Filtration Systems Are Not Enough

 

People in cities with a high volume of traffic, such as Bangkok, try to protect themselves from air pollution by spending most of their time indoors under the protection of air filtration systems.

 

Unfortunately, these solutions do little to protect people outdoors, which is why it could be beneficial to explore using drones or other experimental interventions. Short of banning diesel-fueled cars and coal-fired power plants, which depend on burning fossil fuels and generate high levels of air pollution emissions in the process, governments and officials around the world need to talk about ways to control air pollution levels. 

 

The good news is that the drones were able to reduce dust particles, albeit at a modest scale of 10 µg/m3. If successful, these solutions may be used in other parts of the world suffering from frequent air pollution episodes. 

 

What this Means for Air Purification Systems

For now, not much. While the drones work on a small scale, it remains to be seen if the results can be replicated to cover a larger area and capture more airborne pollutants. More testing will have to be done to see how these drones can help air purification systems maintain healthy indoor air quality in homes and buildings. 

For now,  air filters continue to be one of the most practical solutions for keeping indoor spaces free of air pollution, particularly particle pollution. 

Get Air Filtration Systems from Trusted Air Filter Manufacturers

Given the important role played by air filters in indoor environments, it only makes sense to look for trusted air filter manufacturers and suppliers. These companies can recommend the best air filter systems based on the client’s air quality needs, the presence of specific pollutants, and the size of the rooms that need to be “treated.”

To learn more about how commercial air filters can improve indoor air quality in buildings and homes, get in touch with the team at Camfil USA. You may also browse through our catalog to explore the wide range of high-quality air filtration solutions for yourself. 

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