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Sources of Indoor Air Pollution and Mitigation Strategies – Alfaa UV

Posted on June 21, 2022 Sources of Indoor Air Pollution and Mitigation Strategies – Alfaa UV

People often think that outdoor air pollution is harmful and indoor air is safe. However, a growing body of scientific evidence in the last several years indicates otherwise. A study published in the journal ‘Science of the Total Environment found that indoor air can be deadlier than outdoor air. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also states that the levels of indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

Defining Indoor Air Pollution

The physical, chemical and biological contamination of air in the indoor environment of buildings, workplaces, industrial and commercial establishments, and homes is considered indoor air pollution.

Effects of Indoor Air Pollution on Health

Indoor air pollution lowers the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and has an adverse impact on human health in the following ways:

  • Respiratory diseases
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Cancer
  • Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Sick Building Syndrome

Effects of Indoor Air Pollution on Health

Image Courtesy

Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

There are three primary sources of indoor air pollution:

  1. Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, dust mites, and pollen accumulate in the indoor air. They often breed in areas that have moisture, dampness, and water.

  1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Certain products and activities emit gases known as VOCs. Examples of VOCs are building materials, cleaners, disinfectants, office printers and copiers, fuels, tobacco smoking, vacuuming, etc.

  1. Combustion Sources

Several industrial and commercial establishments, especially in food, and manufacturing niches use combustion sources. These sources such as gas stoves, wood stoves, boilers, chimneys and fireplaces release inhalable Particulate Matter (PM) in the indoor air.

Strategies to Mitigate Indoor Air Pollution

You can reduce indoor air pollution through the following four strategies:

  1. Clean Spaces Regularly

Routine cleaning can keep indoor contaminants at bay. The frequency of cleaning is based on the source of pollution. For example, you should do dusting and vacuuming every day. However, cooling coils and humidifiers need bi-yearly or yearly cleaning.

  1. Control the Source of Pollution

Source control refers to judicious product selection, modification, or use restrictions to eliminate or reduce emissions of harmful substances into indoor air. For example, you can use eco-friendly cleaners and disinfectants. Replace wood stoves with electrical or gas stoves. Keep building materials locked in a cabinet or storeroom. Seal or enclose products that contain asbestos.

  1. Improve Natural Ventilation

The CO2 levels and other airborne pollutants can build up easily in the indoor environment if the ventilation is inadequate. A study highlights that a higher ventilation rate can dilute indoor contaminated air more rapidly than a lower ventilation rate.  You can improve ventilation by opening doors and windows for at least 5-10 minutes every day to let in the fresh air.

 

Natural Ventilation

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  1. UVGI AIR PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR HVAC SYSTEMS

The main purposes of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system is to maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort.

However, the coils, filters, and ductwork of HVAC systems may accumulate pollutants and spread them indoors. UVGI air purifiers can address these issues. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation – UVGI air disinfection is an advanced technology that uses UV-C energy to destroy and inactivate viral, bacterial, and fungal microorganisms in the air and on the surface. It prevents the transmission of airborne infections, including coronavirus. According to a study, UVGI has a high rate of air disinfection.

Alfaa UV Solutions to Mitigate Indoor Air Pollution

Alfaa UV offers the following UV air sterilization solutions for indoor air disinfection:

UltraCoil

Unlike conventional chemicals and scrubbing which damage the coils, the UltraCoil helps in deep cleaning of coils in the safest and most eco-friendly way. The Ultracoil has a unique Parabolic Reflector System that proactively removes the biofilms to prevent air contamination through coils and drain pans.

UltraDuct

UltraDuct improves air quality by providing assured single pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses. It is installed in supply or return ducts. It increases the life of HEPA filters and eliminates poor building syndrome and cross-contamination.Ultracoil & Ultraduct

Get in touch with Alfaa UV at +91-86579 23938 today to know more.

 

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