Indoor Air Quality
FAQ
- What is a HEPA Air Cleaner?
- How Polluted is Indoor Air?
- What are the Sources of Indoor Air Pollution?
- What about Electrostatic Air Cleaners?
- What about Ozone Generators and Ionizers?
- What are the health effects of air pollution?
- I have allergies and would like to insure that the air indoors is clean. What can I do?
- What if I do not change my air filter on regular basis?
- Is indoor air pollution as harmful as outdoor air pollution?
- How important is indoor air quality to people?
- What causes indoor air pollution?
These days indoor air pollution is a fact. Canada Health has stated that,
“Because Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors, the quality of indoor air is very important.” [Source]
Building techniques that emphasize a combination of airtight buildings and poorly maintained ventilation systems have brought about a condition called the “Sick House Syndrome.” In addition The American College of Allergists states that 50% of all illnesses are aggravated or caused by indoor air pollution. The sources are numerous: asbestos, insulation, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, animal hair, bacteria, pet dander, cleaning products, tobacco smoke, out-gassing from carpet, drapes and plastics, and many others.
Home Safe Home Solutions
The Home Safe Home Company can perform a wide variety of tests with the aid of the ALS Laboratory group to provide analytical chemistry and testing services. Once those tests are done and the reports are analyzed we can provide systems to fix these problems. Frequently the solution is as simple as installing an air filter that works with the furnace (the most powerful air mover in most homes). In that kind of system we use a negative electrical charge to gather and destroy the debris as they are trapped (the debris have a positive charge and are attracted to the negative charge). Using this type of system 95% of the air-borne materials can be removed rather than re-circulated.
These are some of our Home Products that might help: (link here)
Potential Dangers
Asbestos
Asbestos is the generic name for minerals found all around the world. The fibers are very resilient and resist fire and were formerly commonly used in construction for many years (they are still used in many developing countries). The fibers themselves are inert but if they are released into the air and inhaled there are significant health risks to the lungs including asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissues) and lung cancer. Home Safe Home can perform tests to determine whether there is asbestos in the air you are breathing.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an invisible gas with a sharp, irritating odor. It is widely used around the world as a preservative and disinfectant and as an agent in finishing textiles and it is also present in tobacco smoke. In laboratories very high levels of Formaldehyde cause cancer but at low levels humans experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms including burning of the eyes and a sore throat. Fortunately Home Safe Home can easily identify sources of Formaldehyde and help fix the problem.
Mold
Mold spores are a very serious problem. Please see our Mold Remediation section.
Radon
Radon is an invisible, naturally occurring radioactive gas that occurs when uranium in the soil starts to break down. High concentrations of Radon are carcinogenic and these concentrations might occur in certain circumstances in a person’s home where there is low air flow. Testing for Radon is fairly easy and involves the use of a detector which collects data that is then analyzed in the laboratory. If high levels of Radon are present then countermeasures can be taken.
These are just some problems we have seen.