Why Air Purifiers Are Not Always The Answer To Indoor Air Quality Problems
Air purifier filters are not always the answer to air quality problems. Solving the problem is a much better approach than masking the symptom. The following are the basic approaches to improve indoor air quality; 1) Eliminate or control the pollutant source. 2) Dilution of the contaminants through ventilation. 3) Removal or reduction of the contaminants through filtration or purification with the use of air purifier filters or air purifiers. Proper ventilation in a building is a must! Before the energy crunch in the 1970's, fresh air in buildings was not really an issue. When energy costs started to rise, we started making our buildings more energy efficient with better insulation and sealing techniques that made the building tighter, reducing the amount of fresh air into the buildings and increasing indoor pollution. After indoor air quality issues came to the surface, we learned how to reduce energy costs while not compromising the health of the occupants, through the practice of building science. Great strides have been made in this area, leading to more comfortable, healthier, safer homes. The goal of good ventilation is to bring in the right amount of fresh air, not too much or not too little. This is accomplished by using mechanical ventilation (exhaust fans, energy recovery units, etc.) that are sized to the volume of the house and/or according to lifestyle. Mechanical ventilation not only dilutes contaminants but also removes excess moisture that can become a mold problem if not properly addressed. Moisture can show up as high humidity (under-ventilated bathrooms, indoor pools or hot tubs and very tight homes) or water that enters a building either from the outside (rainwater) or from undetected plumbing leaks. Addressing these problems using the right approach, elimination or control of the source (in this case repair the leak from the outside or finding and repairing the plumbing leak) makes more sense than trying to rid the mold with air purifier filters or air purifiers. Pollutants such as formaldahyde and benzene can be produced from certain furniture, carpets, plywood and drapes.
Other sources of benzene are gas cans, gas powered lawn mowers that are stored in garages that are attached to the house. If elimination of these sources is not an option an air purification device would be the obvious choice. Toilets, air conditioning coils, heating/cooling ducts and humans are producers of bacteria. The right plan in these cases would be an air purifier device. Carbon Monoxide is caused by incomplete combustion of appliances that depend on combustion to operate. ELIMINATION IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER WHEN IT COMES TO CARBON MONOXIDE! FIND THE PROBLEM-FIX THE PROBLEM! Leave this to a company that is well-versed in carbon monoxide. Pet and human dander are controlled through proper humidity control (mechanical ventilation) and air purifier filters. By using the combination of source control (elimination), ventilation (dilution) and good air purifier filters and/or purification system ,your environment will be much heatlthier. For air quality info visit www.expert-air-purifier-reviews.com About the Author: A pioneer in residential contracting, Ed is a thirty-year industry veteran trained in the "House Is A System" approach to HVAC design. He was formerly a building analyst instructor, providing certification training for New York's Home Performance with ENERGY STARŽ program.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Ayurveda, Indias Science of Life, Health and Longevity
Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It is thought of by many scholars to be the oldest form of health care in the world. It originated in India over 5000 years ago, and was taught for thousands of years in an oral tradition from accomplished masters to their disciples. The purpose of Ayurveda is to heal, to maintain a high quality of life, and to increase the longevity of the individual. It is an art of daily living that has evolved from practical, philosophical, and spiritual insight. Even though they have been used for thousands of years, Ayurvedic principles have never changed, since they derive from universal laws of nature that are eternally true.
Tai Chi Breathing Reduces Residual Air in Ineffective Retention Space
Breathing is the source of life: if breathing stops, do does life. On average, an adult breathe 16-18 times per minutes, each time about 500ml of air exchanged in the lungs. When breathing in from the outside air, oxygen content is about 21% while carbon dioxide is 0.03%. On the other hand, breathing out produces about 16.5% oxygen and 4.5% carbon dioxide.
Green Apple: Refreshing Taste, Uplifting Fragrance
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"
That Popeye Knew a Thing or Two!
For a few weeks the lumps in my throat were driving me mad. To make them go away I was eating more, just to try to push them down!! Of course this is the time when all kinds of crazy things go through your mind, especially as a close friend had died recently from thyroid cancer.
A Grounded Look at the Nature of Healing
In "Evidence for the Sixth Sense", Hazel Courteney interviews an American scientist, Gary Schwartz, regarding the nature of energy and its relationship with the physical world. He explains three worldviews; one, that matter produces energy, it is a side effect of the physical world. For example, the sun is a physical object, and it produces energy in the form of light. The second theory was put forward by Einstein, theorises that energy and matter are both sides of the same coin, neither of them being before the other. Energy can create matter and matter can create energy. Regarding this theory, Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955), a French Catholic Priest and Philosopher, theorised that matter is the outward manifestation and conscious energy is the inward manifestation of the world. This implies that everything is conscious regardless of how basic or apparently 'lifeless' it is.
Using Chinese Techniques For Your Health and Strength
Chi Kung and T'ai Chi are only two of the keys to self trust and to physical harmony. With the use of these techniques you can succeed with many accomplishments, without having to put yourself through great psychological or physical efforts, violent conflicts or aggression. You may be sure that, once you dominate the genuine laws of the universe, which you assimilate by these methods, it will be impossible for you to be dominated by someone else.
Alternative Health Treatments for People Who Give Too Much
Being a modern traveler, you probably get onto an airplane these days, find your seat, pull out a paperback and tune out those all-important instructions from the flight attendant about emergency procedures. Let me refresh your memory. At some point in the presentation, the flight attendant usually says something like, "Please place the oxygen mask on yourself, before assisting others." Let's follow that profound message for a moment and apply it to your everyday life.
Natural Aphrodisiacs - The Right Way
Aphrodisiacs are amongst the oldest cures, being ones of the ancient natural medicines used by mankind. From China to Mayan Empire or Inca, these plants and aliments were often considered magical, belonging only to the gods.
Independent Research Proves Effectiveness of Magnotherapy Wristbands
"Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the findings of a scientifically peer reviewed clinical trial published in the British Medical Journal (Dec 17 04) The trial used specially designed 'Bioflow' magnets which use Central Reverse Polarity? made by Cornish company Ecoflow Plc.
Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility
The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and exotic scent that gives an elevating experience for those who use it. The oil extraction process of the sandalwood is lengthy; the tree has to be about 30 years old before the process can take place.
The Macrobiotic Approach To Health And Wellness
It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week, but on Sunday mornings this little room in Toronto's west end is transformed by the smells of steamed vegetables, seaweed and miso into Anna Rosenberg's Macro Mornings cooking class. Here Rosenberg provides her students with a basic introduction to macrobiotic cooking.
Home Remedies
Ever have a bee sting? Try rubbing an aspirin on it.
Gum in hair? Soak the gum-coated hair in CokeŽ and it should wipe out easily. While not being a replacement for medical attention, and you should always seek your doctor when you feel you have to and please take these home remedies with a grain of salt.Here you go and enjoy
Detoxification and Your Health: The Bodies 7 Channels of Elimination!
If you want to be healthy you need to understand the seven systems that the body uses to eliminate waste and toxic matters.
When these systems are working effectively the result is good health. When they are compromised all types of complications can result. If you want to understand detoxification you need to have a clear understanding of the bodies channels of elimination.
Once You Discover and Act on This ?Secret? to Health and Energy, You May be Changed for the Better
I discovered something completely, 100% amazing about 5 years ago. The first thing it did for me health- wise was get rid of my back problem to the point that I no longer needed the chiropractic treatment that I would get once or twice per month. Another thing it did after a while was give me the energy to get things done. Do you know what I mean?
Fight Cancer With Broccoli Sprouts
Mom was right to insist on us eating our vegetables. She
knew they built health and gave us the minerals we need.
Now scientists have found that we can eat foods to help
us both prevent cancer and fight cancer.
Treat Cold Sores, Sore Throats, and Warts Naturally
Tired of costly medications, prescriptions and time lost for doctor's appointments, I found myself on a constant search for alternative, affordable health solutions to heal such common painful infections as sore throats, cold sores and warts. Everyone has had at least one of these in their lifetime. The quick methods below will remove warts, clear painful sore throats and heal unsightly cold sores. A benefit of these treatments is that they can be started immediately. No waiting for appointments, waiting for your prescription from the drug store or lengthy suffering before starting the healing process.
Homemade Bath Products...the Pros and Cons
When you surf the Internet to find proper bath products for your home spa bathing you can see many websites offering homemade bath product receipts:" Why to pay more for expensive bath products if you can make your own products?Forget (give up) these expensive bath products at bath (drug, department etc) stores?You can make your own inexpensive bath product at home etc?etc?etc?"
Guide To Some Common Herbs That Heal
Herbs have long been an acceptable way to fight common ailments and while they should not take the place of medical advice, can be a great supplement to your current medical care. There are many common herbs that have healing properties which you may not even know about.
What Is A Holistic Practitioner?
Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in one or more areas of healing. From bodyworkers to homeopaths to hypnotherapists, the term holistic practitioner has become one that is often challenging to describe or understand. Hopefully this article will provide you with some clarity on what a holistic practitioner is and how to find one that meets your individual needs.
Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?
Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist an ankle?
|
