How to Manage and Improve Indoor Air Quality
Brian Figlioli asked:
Indoor air quality suffers when gases or particles are released into the air of homes and businesses. When too little outdoor air is brought inside to dilute the pollutant concentration and too few pollutants are “blown” outside, the problems multiply.
Some possible sources for indoor air pollution include the following:
• Any materials that can burn such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal and wood. Remember to include tobacco products on that list.
• Furniture and building materials of various sorts emit fumes, especially when new. Examples include compressed wood products, new carpets and vinyl flooring; wet or damp carpet and wallboard; insulation with deteriorating asbestos.
• Household cleaning products, especially ammonia, bleach, and other caustic products.
• Solvents, such as mineral spirits and acetone.
• Pesticides and herbicides.
• Furnaces, stoves, and space heaters can be deadly if not properly adjusted and vented.
• Personal grooming products such as hair spray, aerosol deodorants; plus perfume, cologne, and aftershave.
If you suspect there is a problem with the air quality in your home or workplace, there are at least three steps to consider in addressing the problem.
• Locate the source, if possible. When you see and/or smell exhaust fumes inside your car, you (or the mechanic) would know to start with the exhaust system and work your way back to the leak. Given that you probably know your home better than anyone else, you should become a detective. Once you isolate the problem, work on containing it. Plug the leak. In most settings, containing the source is the least expensive and most effective way to tackle the problem.
• Ventilation improvements or modifications are the solution to some problems. Most central heating and air conditioning systems are “closed” and do not intentionally, mechanically, bring outside air into the building. If fresh air is needed to reduce the concentration of pollutants, try opening a window (sometimes it just takes a little crack) and/or using kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans to vent pollutants to the outside. If you plan to do a short term project that involves painting, stripping, welding, soldering, etc., either do it outside (weather permitting) or open a window and use a box fan to exhaust the fumes.
• Air cleaners range from inexpensive table-top units to expensive systems that service entire buildings. The two main considerations are the collector (filter) and the air circulation rate. Bottom line, the higher the air circulation rate and the finer the collector, the more efficient and effective the end result will be.
NOTE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not currently recommend homeowners use air cleaners in an attempt to reduce radon and its decay products from the home. Also, air cleaners do not cut down on the amount of radon entering the building.
Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide
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Indoor air quality suffers when gases or particles are released into the air of homes and businesses. When too little outdoor air is brought inside to dilute the pollutant concentration and too few pollutants are “blown” outside, the problems multiply.
Some possible sources for indoor air pollution include the following:
• Any materials that can burn such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal and wood. Remember to include tobacco products on that list.
• Furniture and building materials of various sorts emit fumes, especially when new. Examples include compressed wood products, new carpets and vinyl flooring; wet or damp carpet and wallboard; insulation with deteriorating asbestos.
• Household cleaning products, especially ammonia, bleach, and other caustic products.
• Solvents, such as mineral spirits and acetone.
• Pesticides and herbicides.
• Furnaces, stoves, and space heaters can be deadly if not properly adjusted and vented.
• Personal grooming products such as hair spray, aerosol deodorants; plus perfume, cologne, and aftershave.
If you suspect there is a problem with the air quality in your home or workplace, there are at least three steps to consider in addressing the problem.
• Locate the source, if possible. When you see and/or smell exhaust fumes inside your car, you (or the mechanic) would know to start with the exhaust system and work your way back to the leak. Given that you probably know your home better than anyone else, you should become a detective. Once you isolate the problem, work on containing it. Plug the leak. In most settings, containing the source is the least expensive and most effective way to tackle the problem.
• Ventilation improvements or modifications are the solution to some problems. Most central heating and air conditioning systems are “closed” and do not intentionally, mechanically, bring outside air into the building. If fresh air is needed to reduce the concentration of pollutants, try opening a window (sometimes it just takes a little crack) and/or using kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans to vent pollutants to the outside. If you plan to do a short term project that involves painting, stripping, welding, soldering, etc., either do it outside (weather permitting) or open a window and use a box fan to exhaust the fumes.
• Air cleaners range from inexpensive table-top units to expensive systems that service entire buildings. The two main considerations are the collector (filter) and the air circulation rate. Bottom line, the higher the air circulation rate and the finer the collector, the more efficient and effective the end result will be.
NOTE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not currently recommend homeowners use air cleaners in an attempt to reduce radon and its decay products from the home. Also, air cleaners do not cut down on the amount of radon entering the building.
Wood Pellet Stove And Boiler Guide
