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
Articles
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
Study Shows Children At Risk From Pesticides Longer than Expected
Even though there has been considerable action on the reduction of home use of pesticides, this study from UC Berkeley shows that children may be at a greater risk for a longer time than originally believed.
Do Some Air Filter Materials React With Ozone to Create Building Related Symptoms?
Does a Recent Analysis of BASE Data Really Show a Connection Between Synthetic Air Filters and Building Related Symptoms?
Air Filter Testing: MERV is not a game show host or an ancient city in Central Asia
Air filter testing is a complicated and sometimes confusing subject. This article provides the definition of MERV or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value for air filters. It also provides information on how the MERV should be used to select air filters and the limitations of this testing system. Understanding MERV helps the air filter buyer … More
Do Some Air Filter Materials React With Ozone to Create Building Related Symptoms (BRS)?
By Jim Rosenthal, Published in Spring Issue of Air Media Does a Recent Analysis of BASE Data Really Show a Connection Between Synthetic Air Filters and (BRS) or Sick Building Syndrome? A number of recent studies have shown that the products of ozone reactions can impact human health and perceived indoor air quality. An analysis … More
Study on Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Raises Questions About Formaldehyde as a Byproduct in Indoor Air
Research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) reduces indoor VOC’s but could produce formaldehyde as a byproduct. A very promising new technology for the reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) in indoor environments is Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO). This process exposes ultraviolet light to a catalyst such as titanium dioxide to produce … More