Between July and September of 1994 technicians in the clinical microbiology laboratory of Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas found Aspergillus niger in 17 clinical samples submitted for 15 patients at the hospital. This caused a great deal of consternation for two reasons: 1. The incidence of Aspergillus niger … More
What is a MERV? Air Filter Testing Explained
It is important to understand what a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) means when it comes to air filters. This article explains how a MERV is calculated and gives information on how it should be used to evaluate air filters.
How to Select the Right HVAC Filter
What is the right filter for your job? Today, more than ever, there are a large variety of filter choices for every application. Filters come in a wide range of efficiencies, pressure drops, depths, media types and methods of filtration. There are filters that will withstand very wet environments as well as filters designed for … More
There is Still Something in the Air
The May 2005 issue of Consumer Reports presented new concerns about ionizing air cleaners (ionizers). The magazine reported the results of tests they had conducted with 5 ionizers including the Ionic Breeze sold by Sharper Image, the market leader. Other units tested included the Brookstone Pure-Ion, the Ionic Pro, the IonizAir and the Surround Air. … More
Ozone Reactions with Skin Oils Create Irritants
Ozone found in indoor environments reacts with human skin oils to produce chemicals that irritate the skin and lungs according to researchers in Austria and the United States. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science Armin Wisthaler of the Leopold Franzens University in Austria and Charles Weschler of Rutgers University … More
Ozone Levels Linked to Higher Asthma Risk
The body of evidence keeps growing that higher ozone levels lead to higher asthma risk. In this recent study it was found that the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was about 4% higher at high ozone sites as compared to low ozone sites. In order to neutralize the effects of the other components of air pollution … More
Is There a Connection Between Increased Use of Central Air Conditioning and Asthma?
A recent article claims that the increased use of central air conditioning systems in homes over the past 30 years has lead to an increase in asthma. But is this really the case or is it that both factors have increased and the association between the two is just coincidental? There is good reason … More
Asthma Symptoms Increase With Higher Indoor Particle Levels
This recent study provides some insight into the relationship of indoor air quality and respiratory health. It is clear that higher indoor air pollution leads to an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. But do we really know any more about what leads to the problems and what to do about it?
You’ve Got Mold! Now, What Can You Do About It?
You’ve got mold! Well, guess what? So does everybody else. Mold is ubiquitous. It is in every breath that we breathe. It is the one thing that is in the “pollen count” for most areas of the world every day. While some types of mold are allergenic for some people and mold has been linked … More
Proper Air Filtration for Healthcare Facilities
There are few places where indoor air quality (IAQ) is of greater concern than hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Proper air filtration including filter selection, installation and maintenance plays an important role in this area. This article will focus on the requirements for central ventilation filter selection in healthcare facilities, show how proper installation is … More