AIR
QUALITY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How severe a health
problem is air contamination in the U.S.?
A: Every
year some 64,000 people die prematurely from diseases linked to particulate
pollution, according to an analysis of the National Resource Defense
Council. According to the American Lung Association, more than 92
million people live in areas where air quality does not meet standards.
Q: What
high risk groups should be particularly concerned in protecting their air
from harmful contaminants?
A: Groups
most at risk from pollution related illnesses are young children, especially
asthmatics, and elderly people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic
pulmonary diseases. Over the past 20 years, the number of asthmatics has
increased from 6.8 million in 1980 to more than 15 million today. Environmental factors are the
most likely explanation in the recent rise in asthma. Increased ozone and particulate levels in
the outdoor air are beyond an individual’s control. However, most exposures are in the home
environment. Cleaning agents, detergents, out-gassing of formal-dehyde from carpets and building
materials trigger and aggravate respiratory conditions.
Q:
What contaminants in indoor air in the home cause
health problems?
A: There are over 240
chemical contaminants that have been found in homes and offices. Sources of
contamination are: out-gassing of chemicals from carpets, furniture and
construction materials.
Q:
What contaminants in indoor air in an office cause
health problems?
A: In the office environment, out-gassing from copy
machine toner, inks, computers and smoke from other parts of the building
can cause health problems. Bacteria such as Legionella found in air
conditioning cooling towers can cause respiratory and environmental disease.
Q: What
are some of the symptoms of indoor air quality problems such as Sick
Building Syndrome?
A:
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Burning and itching eyes
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High instance of respiratory infection
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Headaches
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Increased sneezing and coughing
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Nausea
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Multiple chemical sensitivities
Q: What are some
of the solutions to reducing exposure to indoor air contamination?
A: In the
summer, you should not exercise outdoors, especially where there are ozone
alerts. Clean the filters on the air conditioners. Reduce usage of cleaning
agents and switch to non-toxic cleaning agents. Use a HEPA vacuum and a high
quality air filtration device in the home.
Q:
What are the best air filtration products on the
market today?
A: There
are many different types of air filter on the market today. However, we do
not recommend ozonators because ozone irritates the lungs and irritates
people with respiratory conditions and triggers asthma attacks.
The best filters have a HEPA / carbon filter but don’t have
enough carbon to remove particulates, chemicals and gases. You need a larger or sufficiently
sized air filtration unit to take care of all ranges of bacteria and viruses which are prevalent in the
air.
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