Friday, November 24, 2023

Improving Air Quality in Operating Rooms Reduces Risk of Infections

Proper air ventilation systems equipped with the right filters are crucial in operating rooms to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Read on to learn why and how. 

A clean environment is vital for every healthcare facility to prevent and control infections. One major way to ensure this is by managing indoor air quality, which helps in reducing the spread of airborne diseases that can threaten the well-being of patients, staff and visitors.

When people infected with a virus sneeze or cough, they release microbes into the air, which can lead to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Shockingly, over 100,000 people die from HAIs every year.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has air quality guidelines for healthcare buildings. ASHRAE  has a design standard (Standard 170) devoted solely to ventilation in healthcare facilities. 

Different spaces, like patient rooms and pharmacies, have varied requirements. Operating rooms intended for high-risk surgeries  have the highest standard of air quality because during these types of surgeries, patients’ organs are often exposed, making them more prone to infections.

Apart from viruses, other pollutants can compromise the sterility of surgical areas:

  • Leaked anesthetic gases during procedures
  • Dust and smoke particles from medical tools
  • Infectious aerosols released during surgeries
  • Bacteria from skin scales shed by people in the operating room

Ensuring top-notch air quality is more than just a protocol – it’s a lifeline for patients.

How Airborne Contaminants Cause Surgical Site Infections 

Surgical site infections (SSIs) can occur due to airborne contaminants. These post-surgery infections not only delay a patient’s recovery but can also lead to severe conditions. SSIs account for a large chunk of HAIs, resulting in longer hospital stays, unexpected readmissions, increased costs and negative patient outcomes. Consequently, they can lower a hospital’s quality rating. Two to five percent of patients suffer from SSIs after a surgical procedure.

The link between SSIs and airborne bacteria in operating rooms is clear:  the more bacteria in the air, the higher the risk of infection. Surprisingly, 80% of bacteria found in post-surgery wounds originate from the operating room’s air. Factors affecting contamination levels include the size of the surgical room, the equipment used, the number of staff, and the length of the surgery.

Air Ventilation Reduces SSIs

Proper air filtration can lower the chances of SSIs and HAIs, by minimizing nosocomial contamination. It’s worth noting that standard HVAC systems aren’t sufficient to purify the air in operating rooms.

Research from the National Library of Medicine highlights the crucial role of ventilation systems in operating rooms. These systems help control airborne impurities, thereby reducing SSI risks.  By effectively capturing contaminants near sterile areas, like the operating table, and reducing their reintroduction from non-sterile zones, we can see a decrease in SSIs. A well-ventilated room can lead to fewer infections in surgeries, ensuring improved patient outcomes.

Appropriate Air Filtering Rates

The International Society for Infectious Diseases recommends that operating rooms should be virtually free of particles larger than 0.5 µm when unoccupied. In addition, the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 provides guidelines for patient care area air filtration, including operating rooms. 

ASHRAE’s guidelines define Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) for filters used in air systems. These filters are designed to capture a variety of particles, including harmful pathogens and common dust. When coupled with molecular filters and installed in special exhaust systems and fume hoods, these filters can trap gases, vapors and particulates. 

To understand how effective a filter is, we look at its particle removal efficiency. MERV ratings are listed in the table below from page 45 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017. It ranks filters from 1 to 16 based on their efficiency. A rating of 16 indicates the highest efficiency in trapping the tiniest of particles.

MERV Ratings for Filtering Applications 

MERV Rating Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns Controlled Contaminants Applications Typical Air Filter
1-4 Greater than 10.0 µm Pollen

Spanish moss

Dust mites 

Sanding dust 

Spray paint dust Textile fibers 

Carpet fiber

Minimum filtration, Residential, Window air conditioners Throwaway: Disposable fiberglass or synthetic panel filters 

Washable: Aluminum mesh, latex-coated animal hair, or foam rubber panel filters 

Electrostatic: Self-charging (passive) woven polycarbonate panel filter

5 – 8 3.0 to 10 µm Mold Spores 

Hair spray 

Fabric protector Dusting aids 

Cement dust 

Pudding mix 

Snuff 

Powdered milk

Commercial buildings, Better residential, Industrial workplaces, Paint booth inlet air Pleated Filters: Disposable, extended surface, 25 to 125 mm (1 to 5 in.) thick with cotton-polyester blend media, cardboard frame. 

Cartridge Filters: Graded density viscous coated cube or pocket filters, synthetic media. 

Throwaway:  

Disposable synthetic media panel filters.

9 – 12 1.0 to 3.0 µ Legionella Humidifier dust 

Lead dust 

Milled flour 

Coal dust 

Auto emissions 

Nebulizer drops Welding fumes

Superior residential, Better commercial buildings, Hospital laboratories Bag Filters: Nonsupported (flexible) microfine fiberglass or synthetic media. 300 to 900 mm (12 to 36 in.) deep, 6 to 12 pockets. 

Box Filters: Rigid-style cartridge filters 150 to 300 mm (6 to 12 in.) deep may use lofted (air-laid) or paper (wet-laid) media.

13 – 16 0.3 – 1.0 µm All bacteria

Droplet nuclei (sneeze)

Cooking oil

Most smoke and insecticide dust 

Most face powder Most paint pigments

Hospital inpatient care General surgery  Bag Filters: Nonsupported (flexible) microfine fiberglass or synthetic media. 300 to 900 mm (12 to 36 in.) deep, 6 to 12 pockets. 

Box Filters: Rigid-style cartridge filters 150 to 300 mm (6 to 12 in.) deep may use lofted (air-laid) or paper (wet- laid) media.

Best Filter or Ventilation System Choices

For HVAC systems in residential, commercial and general hospital settings, filters rated up to  MERV 14  are recommended. For more critical areas of a hospital including certain surgical operating rooms, airborne infection isolation rooms, burn units  and protective environment rooms,  HEPA filters with a minimum tested efficiency of 99.97% @ 0.3-microns are required because they effectively capture finer particles.

ASHRAE has revised its standards, raising the filtration requirement from MERV 14 to MERV 16 for specific surgical areas including:

  • Operating rooms
  • Outpatient surgical facility operations rooms
  • Inpatient and outpatient Class 3 imaging rooms
  • Operating/surgical cystoscopy rooms
  • Cesarean delivery rooms

In these spaces, HEPA filters are often preferred due to their higher efficiency. Installing HEPA filters ensures that hospitals achieve the needed filtration level for any operating room.

The table below outlines  the intent of the ASHRAE 170-2021 committee when determining filtration efficiency recommendations for space categories in healthcare facilities.

Best Filter or Ventilation System ChoicesIt’s important to note that HEPA filters typically don’t function independently in an operating room’s ventilation system. A comprehensive overview below explains how various filters can collaborate or tackle specific challenges in surgical environments.

Filter Overview

HEPA Filters

The common minimum definition of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters most commonly available in North America are those filters tested to remove  99.97% of tiny airborne particles, down to 0.3 µm in size. They play a crucial role in:

  • Filtering out pathogens and contaminants in operating rooms
  • Ensuring clean air in patient wards, nurseries, and treatment rooms
  • Venting air from fume hoods and safety cabinets, especially those handling infectious or radioactive substances.

HEPA Filters

These filters come in diverse designs and materials, such as aluminum, plastic, various steels, wood and particle board. Notably, Camfil provides specialized HEPA filters: panel-style for terminal filtration and box-style for make-up air or recirculation units, enhancing the protection of primary HEPA filters.

In large-scale installations, air that flows through the HVAC also travels through the HEPA unit.

General Ventilation Bag Filters

Bag filters often serve as prefilters in air handling units with HEPA filters located downstream. These prefilters target  larger particles like dust before they reach the primary HEPA filter. By doing so, they extend the lifespan of the costlier, high-efficiency final filters. Camfil offers the HI-FLO ES multi-pocket, high-efficiency bag filter, as a prefilter for cleanroom process applications such as operating rooms. These filters come in various MERV ratings and configurations.

The chart below shows how prefilters increase HEPA filtration life. When the life cycle cost of the HEPA is considered, MERV-13 or MERV-14 ASHRAE prefiltration is the norm.

How prefilters increase HEPA filtration lifeMolecular Air Filters

Often referred to as chemical or gas-phase filters, molecular air filters remove gases, vapors and molecules from the air via a specific process known as molecular filtration. These filters are remarkably effective, trapping airborne chemical molecules that are 1,000 to 10,000 times tinier than those caught by conventional HEPA or ultra-low particle filters.

Hospitals use these filters to eliminate odors from substances like formaldehyde and gases such as hydrogen peroxide used for sterilization.  

In one hospital application, a Camfil molecular air filter was used to remove fumes and particles generated from vehicle combustion s that were polluting operating rooms. The air circulated from the exhaust vented directly into the operating room. Even with adequate filtration, noxious gases were still infiltrating the hospital via the building’s HVAC  system. To address this, the molecular filter, equipped with activated carbon, was integrated into the  system.

The challenge was finding room within the HVAC system to accommodate a filter equipped with carbon media. Camfil’s solution was its 2-in-1 City-Flo Air Filter. This innovative filter combines media to capture particles and molecules, and it was strategically placed within air handling units  across various hospital buildings. As a result, issues related to dust, fumes, and unpleasant odors were effectively addressed.

Ultra-Low Particulate Air (ULPA) Filters

ULPA filters are a step above HEPA filters in terms of air purification. They capture an impressive 99.999% of particles as small as 0.1 µm, ensuring unparalleled air cleanliness. These filters are especially efficient in removing harmful elements, including  bacteria and viruses.  Some healthcare facilities may specify ULPA filters for critical areas of the operating room or staged after prefilters or HEPA filters to remove the smallest particles.  

The Role of Filters in Curbing HAIs

In U.S. hospitals, roughly one out of every 25 patients contracts an infection related to their hospital care, with some of these infections originating from surgical procedures in the operating room. Proper air ventilation systems equipped with the right filters can play a pivotal role in preventing these infections.

HEPA filters are generally recommended for critical surgical settings. However, to optimize air cleanliness, these can be combined with high-efficiency MERV filters, molecular air filters, or ultra-low particulate air filters. This combination not only captures minute particles, gases, and odors beyond the capability of HEPA filters alone but also prolongs the lifespan of the filters.

Different hospital zones have distinct filtration needs. While surgical or operating rooms benefit most from HEPA filters, spaces like common rooms, maintenance zones and waiting areas can rely on filters with lower MERV ratings. 

Camfil Filtration Recommendations Specific Hosptial AreasBy choosing the right filter or combination of filters, healthcare facilities can greatly improve indoor air quality. This not only aids in infection control but also fosters a safer and more conducive environment for patient recovery.

The post Improving Air Quality in Operating Rooms Reduces Risk of Infections appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.



from Air Filters for Clean Air

Monday, November 20, 2023

Can Air Pollution Cause Migraines? Indoor Air Quality Experts Weigh In

Migraines are a form of severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and heightened sensitivities to light, sound, and other sensory input. Recent research has shown that migraines can be triggered and made worse by exposure to certain air pollutants. In this article, air quality experts from Camfil explain how air pollution affects migraine sufferers and what you can do to prevent severe migraine episodes from occurring. 

What Causes Migraines? 

Migraines are a complex condition that can vary widely in duration, intensity, and the kinds of symptoms experienced from person to person. A migraine episode often includes an intense headache, lasting between four and seventy-two hours, accompanied by a combination of the following symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Sensory sensitivity
  • An “aura,” or visual problems such as light flashes, blindspots, or hazy vision
  • Confusion and difficulty speaking
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in one side of the face or body 

The etiology of migraine headaches is unknown, but migraines are believed to be associated with changes in brain pathways and neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating pain, such as serotonin. The onset of a migraine headache is triggered by a neurovascular event called cortical spreading depression. This event activates the cranial nerves that regulate cerebral blood flow, causing the onset of a migraine. 

Additionally, slight changes in barometric pressure can result in the dilation of cerebral blood vessels and an increase in serotonin release from platelets. As a result, this can lead to vasoconstriction induced by serotonin and the onset of migraine with aura. Subsequently, a decrease in blood serotonin levels causes rapid expansion of cerebral blood vessels, resulting in the onset of a migraine.

 Triggers for migraines vary between individuals, but may include:

  • Certain strong odors 
  • Bright lights
  • Sudden weather changes
  • Sleep changes
  • Excessive stress
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Excessive caffeine 

Recent evidence also points to certain air pollutants both as triggers for migraine onset and as factors responsible for making migraine episodes worse. 

Can Air Pollution Cause a Migraine? 

There is increasing evidence that links air pollution exposure to migraines. Certain common air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, as well as airborne lead particles, have been found to be linked to the intensity, frequency, and duration of migraine episodes. 

Of the pollutants that researchers have linked to migraines, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter have the largest and most statistically significant (i.e. least likely to be attributable to random chance) effects. Scientists posit that because PM2.5 activates the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the heart, pollution exposure can trigger alterations in blood flow to the brain that lead to migraines. Particulate matter can be removed from the air with a  tested and certified actual HEPA filter or premium (MERV-A rated) mechanical filter.

Exposure to ozone and carbon monoxide, which are both common products of traffic pollution, is known to be migraine-inducing, particularly in cold climates. Research has also shown a correlation between increased relative humidity and a higher risk of migraine headache onset, specifically in warm climates.

Overall, the presence of air pollution in both ambient and indoor air is a significant trigger for migraine headaches, especially in combination with rapidly shifting weather conditions. 

How An Air Purifier Can Reduce Migraine Frequency, Intensity, and Duration

In addition to harmful pollutants and poor air quality conditions leading to migraines, as explained above, the presence of strong smells in the air is a known trigger for migraine episodes for many migraine sufferers. 

A 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports showed that the most common odor associated with migraine onset was perfume, with 55.4% of study participants citing it as a trigger. Other smells likely to trigger migraines were tobacco (47.5%), fabric softener (32.7%), body odor (32.7%), garbage (24.8%), hairdressing products (22.8%), cars (22.8%), and sweat (19.8%). Some of these everyday smells are often unavoidable in indoor spaces such as homes, schools, and offices, and can cause debilitating symptoms for people who experience migraines. Activated carbon can remove many odors from the air in indoor spaces, thus removing some of the potential for migraine onset to occur.

By using an air purifier that uses both an activated carbon filter and a factory-tested and certified actual  HEPA filter, people who struggle with chronic and acute migraine episodes can combat odors that trigger migraine headaches as well as harmful air pollutants that make migraines worse. 

Read more about air purifiers for combating migraines here.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 30​ manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,600 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/ 

 

##

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

 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31446321 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2677474/#r34-6362 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35211-7 

The post Can Air Pollution Cause Migraines? Indoor Air Quality Experts Weigh In appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.



from Air Filters for Clean Air

How Air Purifiers Can Reduce the Risk of Airborne Illnesses this Flu Season

As temperatures start to drop across the United States and people gather indoors more often, influenza and other respiratory illnesses will begin to make the rounds. Continue reading to learn more about how air purifiers can be used to prevent the spread of the flu, the common cold, COVID-19, and other airborne illnesses this winter. 

Why Do More People Get Sick in the Winter? 

Increased respiratory and other infections during the fall and winter have been attributed to various factors, as suggested by health experts. These factors include:

  • Many pathogens are more effective at multiplying in lower temperatures. 
  • During cold weather, people tend to gather indoors in both large and small groups, often for extended periods. Respiratory illnesses are less likely to spread outside due to better air circulation and less physical closeness between people compared to indoor spaces. 
  • During winter, our immune systems tend to be less effective. As our bodies prioritize vital functions like regulating internal temperature, less urgent functions such as the immune system take a backseat. This leaves us more susceptible to viruses and bacteria when exposed to them.

Read More:  Why Do We Get Sick More In Cooler Months

Common Airborne Illnesses

It is important to be aware of some of the most common airborne illnesses so that you can take the appropriate strategies to prevent specific illnesses as infection rates rise in your area. Common and highly infectious airborne illnesses include:

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza (the flu)
  • Most strains of the common cold
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 
  • Strep throat
  • Chickenpox 

Other serious, often deadly, illnesses, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis, are also transmitted primarily through airborne routes. However, it is important to note that the preventative strategies shared in this article are only effective against airborne illnesses, and other strategies must be implemented against pathogens that spread primarily through direct contact. 

How do Illnesses Spread through the Air?

When we breathe, microscopic droplets of fluid are released into the air with every exhale, which linger in the air for varying periods of time depending on the size of the particle. This also happens when we cough and sneeze, or talk and laugh. When someone is carrying a pathogen—which does not always cause them to exhibit symptoms of illness—these respiratory droplets contain virus or bacteria particles. When others inhale infected droplets and become infected themselves, this is known as airborne transmission. There are two types of airborne transmission: droplet and aerosol transmission. 

Droplet transmission occurs when an infected person is in close contact with others, who directly inhale their infected respiratory droplets.  

Aerosol transmission occurs when smaller droplets (which remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time due to their lightweight—speech aerosols can remain suspended in stagnant air for as long as nine hours) are dispersed away from the infected individual, carrying the virus to be inhaled by others for hours.  

Respiratory droplets are classified as particulate matter, which means that they can be removed from the air (thus preventing infection) using the same air filtration technology that targets dust, pollen, black carbon, and other particle pollutants.

Air Filtration Experts’ Tips for Preventing Airborne Illness Infections this Winter

Wash your hands regularly. To prevent the spread of pathogens picked up from surfaces, make sure to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating or doing anything that requires touching your face, and after handling objects that others regularly handle. Don’t forget to post signs reminding employees, guests, and building tenants to do the same. Stay safe and keep those hands clean!

Keep surfaces clean. Keep surfaces pathogen-free by regularly disinfecting them, particularly in shared spaces, to eliminate any lingering germs and infectious droplets. For offices, gyms, and other public or shared spaces, provide tenants and guests with disinfectant wipes and sprays so that they can easily clean surfaces and equipment immediately after use. 

Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Coughing and sneezing is unavoidable, even if you aren’t sick. In contrast to coughing and sneezing into your hands—which covers less of your face, allows droplets to slip through your fingers, and increases the risk of transmitting pathogens to surfaces and objects—using the inside of your elbow reduces the amount of droplets that are released into the air (although it doesn’t entirely eliminate the risk) and is the official recommendation of the CDC to reduce pathogen spread. 

Isolate when sick. Although it may not always be possible to miss work or school or otherwise limit your exposure to other people when you are sick, the CDC recommends self-isolation when you are infected with COVID-19 to avoid exposing others to the infection. This is also an effective strategy to prevent the spread of other illnesses. 

Consider masking. Even though it’s no longer required in most places in the United States, wearing a properly fitted N95 mask is still a good option for preventing the spread of airborne illnesses. This isn’t limited to just COVID-19 — masks are an effective preventative measure against any airborne illness. While it may not be practical to wear a mask all the time, scientists recommend masking when you are experiencing minor symptoms of respiratory illness (such as coughing, increased sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, or a sore throat), or if you know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the flu, or other airborne illnesses. 

Increase ventilation and air circulation. Research has demonstrated that poor ventilation is instrumental to the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. By increasing the amount of air that is moved through an indoor space, concentrations of infected particles are reduced, which decreases the chance of infection. One simple way to increase ventilation is by opening windows, but this becomes increasingly less appealing as the weather gets colder. Using your HVAC system’s heating function, if available (as opposed to other heating methods such as baseboard heaters and radiators that just heat the air around them) helps to increase circulation because it moves warm air into the room. 

Install an air purifier. Ventilation is important, but repeatedly recirculating air without cleaning it can cause pathogens to be spread around further, entering rooms that haven’t even been occupied by infected individuals. This is a notable concern for offices and other commercial buildings, because many tenants that never make face-to-face contact with each other may share an air supply. If your HVAC system isn’t equipped to handle high-efficiency filters, which many  commercial and almost all residential systems aren’t, consider using standalone air purifiers to effectively eliminate droplets and other harmful particles from the air.

How Do Air Purifiers Help Prevent Flu?

Air purifiers can help prevent the spread of the flu in two main ways:

  1. By increasing ventilation. Poor ventilation allows infected particles and other contaminants to build up in indoor air, leading to an increased likelihood of inhabitants inhaling an infected respiratory droplet or nuclei and contracting an infection themselves. 
  2. By removing contaminants from the air. Simply recirculating indoor air through a building’s HVAC system to increase ventilation may not adequately protect its inhabitants from pathogens because the system’s air filters are not likely to have a high enough capture efficiency, ie. MERV value. The air must be filtered to remove infected respiratory droplets. An actual HEPA filter, one that has been tested and certified as such, is rated to remove 99.995% of the smallest particles in the air, including viruses. 

Premium air purifiers operate independently of a building’s HVAC system and plug into standard electrical outlets, meaning that no specialized equipment, building specifications, or installation methods are required to reap the benefits of clean air. 

The City M Air Purifier by Camfil is a medical-grade air purifier that effectively removes pathogens, dust, contaminants, and allergens from the air using factory-tested and certified HEPA filters. In addition to a HEPA filter, which addresses airborne respiratory droplets responsible for spreading winter illnesses, the City M uses an activated carbon filter to target gaseous pollutants such as irritating odors and volatile organic chemicals. The City M is able to deliver over 250 cubic feet of clean air per minute while producing minimal noise and consuming 50% less energy than comparable purifiers of a similar size, making it ideal for bedrooms, homes, offices, schools, public meeting spaces, and more. 

Find out more about the City M here. 

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 31​ manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,200 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/ 

 

##

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

Sources:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html 
  2. https://news.mit.edu/2011/stop-the-flu-1207 
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8349476/

The post How Air Purifiers Can Reduce the Risk of Airborne Illnesses this Flu Season appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.



from Air Filters for Clean Air

Friday, November 10, 2023

Comprehensive Guide to Dairy Processing Air Quality Management

Dairy processing involves highly complex steps and stages that lead to the creation of safe, consumer-ready products such as milk and milk powders, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, whey protein, and infant formula. This process and these products are highly susceptible to contamination, which can create serious regulatory risks, legal risks, and health risks that can have a long-term impact on the reputation of the dairy brand. 

By implementing a modern, robust air quality management solution, dairy processing companies can dramatically reduce the likelihood of contamination. Let’s take a closer look at dairy processing, the challenges and risks involved, why air quality management is important to every dairy processing facility, and key considerations when upgrading an air quality system. 

Dairy Processing:  A Deep Dive

Dairy processing is comprised of techniques and technology used to receive raw milk, transform it into a finished product, and store and package the product for sale in stores. Given the high risk of contamination, dairy processing facilities must adhere to strict regulations and meet high standards for air purity.

The importance of dairy processing is hardly new. In fact, the history of dairy processing goes back thousands of years to early civilizations when humans first began to domesticate animals. Although cows, goats, sheep, and other animals were first kept for meat and skin, humans soon discovered their milk and likely preserved milk through fermentation.

Innovations during and after the Industrial Revolution, such as pasteurization, mechanical processing equipment, and refrigeration, dramatically improved the efficiency and hygiene of dairy processing. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, standards were introduced for dairy processing and mass production of dairy products. Automation, robotics, and new types of packaging would continue to improve safety, operational efficiency, and product consistency.

Progress in dairy processing has had a significant impact on the global economy as the dairy market was valued at $893 billion U.S. in 2021. Millions of people around the world work in the dairy industry, which plays a major role in global health, nutrition, and child development, as well as humanitarian efforts to fight hunger.

The Role of Air Quality in Dairy Processing

Even in ancient times, dairy processors recognized the need for clean air by simply opening windows and doors. Mechanical ventilation solutions were introduced during the Industrial Revolution, while sanitary practices and air quality management became more advanced in the 20th century. For example, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters were gradually introduced to industrial and commercial concerns  after World War II.

While air quality is essential to product quality throughout the food and beverage industry, this is especially true in dairy processing. Airborne contaminants in processing and storage can reduce shelf life and lead to spoilage and potentially dangerous health risks. 

Because dairy products tend to absorb odors and flavors from the environment, maintaining pure, clean air is critical to preserving the intended taste and aroma of each dairy product. Contamination can also affect the texture and appearance of some dairy products, which can affect the customer experience. 

Dairy processing facilities, as well as storage and packaging facilities, must invest in modern air quality control solutions to prevent the downstream effects of contamination.

Potential Contaminants in Dairy Production

Now that we know the impact of contaminants, let’s look at the contaminants themselves. The first group of contaminants is microbial, including:

  • Bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, Enterobacter sakazakii (now called Cronobacter sakazakiiand), and listeria, all of which can affect the safety of dairy products and cause illness
  • Molds and wild yeasts, which can affect flavor and odor and cause dairy products to spoil.
  • Microbial clouds from humans.

The second group of contaminants includes dust and other particulate matter, which can settle on the products themselves and dairy processing equipment if air quality is not properly managed.

The third group of contaminants are odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, lactic acid is a natural byproduct of fermentation and can contribute to a sour smell, while lipid oxidation during the processing of high-fat dairy products can produce VOCs.

To eliminate or minimize the potential for contamination, dairy processing facilities should have air filtration and ventilation systems that ensure pure, filtered air in the receiving, processing, and packaging environments. Because the average size of microbial contaminants is 0.6 microns, even the smallest gaps must be secured to prevent impure air from coming in contact with products.

In addition to air filtration and ventilation, proper cleaning procedures are needed to prevent the growth and spread of contaminants, not only on surfaces but from cleaning products themselves. For example, peracetic acid (PAA) is a strong oxidant and virucide that can contaminate dairy processing facilities and cause serious health issues when used incorrectly.

Key Stages in Dairy Processing

Although there are various processes, techniques, and technology involved with the processing of different dairy products, there are five key stages to dairy processing that require the highest level of air control management.

  1. Raw milk reception: The initial collection of raw milk from dairy farms and transportation to the dairy processing facility is followed by comprehensive quality analysis, including visual inspection, odor and temperature assessment, and testing for contaminants.
  2. Pasteurization: Prior to the first pasteurization implementation in 1862, bacteria in milk commonly caused tuberculosis and a variety of fevers and infections. Today, pasteurization is required for all milk or milk-based products with few exceptions. Pasteurization involves heating milk to kill harmful bacteria while preserving healthy nutrients. Common techniques include high-temperature short-time (HTST), ultra-high-temperature, and batch pasteurization.
  3. Homogenization: Over time, fat globules that occur naturally in milk will rise to the surface and create a cream layer. Homogenization breaks down these fat globules into smaller sizes. This process prevents cream separation, allows for consistent fat distribution, improves texture and flavor, and can extend shelf life by stabilizing milk emulsion.
  4. Separation: The centrifugation process separates milk into cream and skim milk. Cream is used to make butter, while skim milk proceeds with additional processing before being used to make additional products.
  5. Further processing: Multiple techniques are used depending on the desired product. For example, cream is blended back into skim milk to achieve the necessary fat content to make whole milk. Fermentation involves adding certain types of bacteria cultures to milk to create yogurt and certain types of cheese, while enzymes or acid are added to milk through coagulation to form the curds and whey used to make cheese. Some cheeses are aged to create deeper flavor and texture.

Air Filtration Solutions: A Critical Review

Choosing the right air filter is critical to meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining a safe environment in dairy processing plants. Criteria for choosing air filters is driven by many factors, including but not limited to:

  • Air quality requirements
  • Airflow requirements
  • Contaminants and particles
  • Compatibility with existing HVAC and air purification systems
  • Rating systems, including:
    • MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): Uses a rating scale of 1 (largest particles) to 16 (smallest particles) to determine a filter’s ability to capture particles of various sizes.
    • ISO16890: Uses a performance rating system based on particulate matter size classifications of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10.
    • HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air): A type of filter tested and certified to a minimum efficiency level of 99.97% on 0.3-micron-sized particles. The high pressure drop of this filter requires specialized frames and gaskets, but this level of air filtration is crucial in certain dairy processes 
    • ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air): ULPA filters can be 99.9995% efficient for use in environments that require exceptionally clean air.

Be sure to ask your HVAC and air filtration provider about the latest technologies available. For example:

  • Modern HEPA filters have been enhanced to capture smaller and smaller particles, such as viruses, bacteria, and allergens with lower pressure drops, making these filters ideal for dairy processing plants. 
  • Activated carbon filters offer superior  adsorption of odors, gases, and VOCs. 
  • Ultraviolet technology is used in HVAC systems to kill airborne pathogens and break down VOCs.

Case Study:  Dairy Processing Plan Benefits from Better Performance, Extended Life, and Lower Costs

When one of the top five dairy processors in North America needed to evaluate and upgrade its air filtration systems, they turned to Camfil to complete the analysis and recommend options. To overcome air quality management challenges in production areas, Camfil recommended a combination of filter types to maximize performance in two types of air handling units.

Ongoing filter changes, pressure drop calculations, and analysis of captured contaminants revealed that the filter upgrades resulted in fewer filter changes, more contaminants captured, reduced wear and tear on final filters and coils, and a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. Read the full case study.

Proactive Air Quality Management

The best way to maximize ROI from your air quality management investments, enhance performance, boost the life of your system, and satisfy compliance requirements is through proactive inspections and maintenance. These activities should be managed and documented by a  qualified technician and analyzed to maintain optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

Air filters and filtration technology should be inspected for damage, debris, and sealing. Check ventilation systems for pooling water, which can be a breeding ground for microbial contaminants. Replacement of filters at the appropriate time and cleaning of equipment will prevent the buildup of particles that contaminate dairy processing plants and impede airflow. 

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Many of us have likely experienced contaminated dairy products on some level, whether that involves observing what happens to exposed cheese or milk that spoils prematurely. Ensuring safe, healthy dairy products begins when raw milk is brought to the dairy processing plant and continues right up until the point of packaging the final product for sale or delivery. Proper air quality management is essential to meeting the strict requirements of government and industry regulations. 

Expect new processing technologies to improve operational efficiency and product quality, and to support the production of plant-based dairy alternatives. Similarly, consumers will continue demanding more transparency into where and how dairy products are made and what ingredients are used. Sustainability is likely to be a top priority as processors and consumers seek to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and the use of natural resources.

If you’d like to have the air filtration and HVAC systems at your dairy processing facility inspected and assessed, please contact Camfil today to schedule a consultation. We’ll provide a thorough analysis and review of your systems, identify areas of concern and opportunities for improvement, and make recommendations to improve air quality management and reduce risk.

The post Comprehensive Guide to Dairy Processing Air Quality Management appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.



from Air Filters for Clean Air

Monday, November 6, 2023

2023 Study Shows that Risk of Fatal Heart Attacks May Double When Temperatures and Particulate Matter Increase

According to a 2023 study of over 200,000 heart attack deaths in China published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation, the risk of death from heart attack may double due to the combination of extreme heat and high levels of fine particulate pollution.

In this article, air quality experts from global air filtration manufacturer and engineering company Camfil explain the findings of the study and their implications for

Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Heart Health

Previous research in the field has established that fine particulate matter exposure, both short- and long-term, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Fine particulate matter, which is defined as any solid or liquid particle suspended in the air with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, is small enough to bypass the natural defenses in the lungs and trachea, allowing it to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause irritation to blood vessels around the heart.

According to scientific statements and policy statements from the American Heart Association, addressing air pollution and its effects on heart disease and stroke is crucial in reducing health disparities, particularly in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities, as well as communities with high levels of air pollution exposure.

Researchers Link Heart Attack Deaths to Heat Waves and Short-term Air Pollution Exposure

The researchers analyzed 202,678 heart attack deaths that occurred between 2015 and 2020 in China’s Jiangsu province. Located on the coast of the East China Sea and just north of Shanghai, Jiangsu experiences four distinct seasons and a wide range of temperatures and particulate pollution levels throughout each year. The average age of death was 77.6 years, and 52% of patients were male.

The analysis included particulate exposure on the day of each death and the day prior to the death. Researchers used the daily heat index (the “feels like” number in weather forecasts that considers the effects of both heat and humidity on the human body) to define extreme weather conditions:

  • Heat waves were defined as periods of at least 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days when temperatures fell in the 90th, 92.5th, 95th, and 97.5th percentiles of daily heat indexes (82.6 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit); these heat waves were further categorized by their intensity (higher temperatures) and length.
  • Cold snaps were defined as periods of at least 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days when temperatures fell in the 10th, 7.5th, 5th, and 2.5th percentiles of daily heat indexes (27 to 40.5 degrees Fahrenheit); cold snaps were also further categorized based on length and intensity (lower temperatures).
  • Days with an average level of fine particulate matter exceeding 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter were classified as having high particulate levels.
  • During these periods, the number of deaths caused by heart attacks, or case days, were compared to control days. Control days were chosen as the same day of the week in the same month. For example, if a death occurred on a Wednesday, all other Wednesdays in the same month were considered control days.

The risk of a fatal heart attack was observed at the following levels when compared to control days:

  • 18 percent higher during two-day heat waves with 90th percentile heat indexes or higher
  • 74 percent higher during four-day heatwaves with 97.5th percentile heat indexes or higher. Rates were twice as high during four-day heatwaves with particulate matter concentration higher than 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter compared to those with lower particulate matter concentrations.
  • 4% higher during two-day cold snaps with 10th percentile heat indexes or lower
  • 12% higher during three-day cold snaps with 2.5th percentile heat indexes or lower. (Particulate matter did not have a statistically significant effect on death rates during cold snaps.)
  • Notably, risk of fatality was greater among women than men during periods of extreme weather, and patients over the age of 80 were the most likely to be affected by the increased risk.

In summary, particulate matter and excessively hot temperatures both increased the risk of heart attack death significantly, but when both occurred at the same time, there was a synergistic effect, meaning that it was greater than the sum of the individual effects. 

Based on the data, researchers estimated that 2.8% of global heart attacks may be attributable to the combination of record-breaking temperatures and levels of fine particulate matter exceeding World Health Organization target levels (greater than 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter).

Indoor Air Pollution & Particulate Matter Exposure

Particulate matter in indoor air is a major concern, as it can significantly contribute to poor air quality and increased risk of heart attack death. Studies have shown that high levels of particulate matter in the home, such as from cooking and heating activities, can increase exposure to harmful particulates. Taking steps to reduce sources of indoor air pollution and limiting exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter is essential for avoiding adverse physical and mental health effects. 

For the best results, choose a high-efficiency, premium air filter compatible with the building’s HVAC system. Consider adding supplementary room air purifiers with individually factory-tested and certified HEPA filters to remove 99.995% of the finest  particulate matter from the air. 

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 30​ manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,600 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/ 

 

##

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

 

https://newsroom.heart.org/news/risk-of-fatal-heart-attack-may-double-in-heat-wave-high-fine-particulate-pollution-days 

https://www.epa.gov/air-research/air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-disease-basics

The post 2023 Study Shows that Risk of Fatal Heart Attacks May Double When Temperatures and Particulate Matter Increase appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.



from Air Filters for Clean Air