Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Education
Why are air purifiers needed?
Because of increasing energy costs, People today are sealing their homes and buildings with better windows, insulation, and moldings.
When homes and other buildings are sealed, contaminants can build up, such as mold. As air passes through the home, the mold – along with chemicals given off by paints, cleaners, glues, particle board furniture, pesticides, and of course, cigarette smoke – is picked up and circulated throughout the structure without ever being “cleaned.”
According to the World Health Organization, 40% of all buildings are a serious hazard to our health because of their polluted air.
Symptoms caused by indoor air pollutants can include:
Eye and skin irritation
Lung irritation
Nose and throat discomfort
Fatigue
Unpleasantness from offensive odours
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate that indoor levels of air pollutants may be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels.
Indoor pollutant levels can reach 100 times that of outdoor levels when we effectively “seal” our houses even tighter from the elements during winter months.
High levels of indoor air pollutants may be of particular concern because most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors.
AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers safely and effectively kill bacteria, mold, viruses, neutralize VOCs, odours and many other contaminants. The AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers use patent pending technology to effectively reduce indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollutants fall into three categories:
Particulates
Term used for the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Over 99% of particulate matter is invisible to the naked eye and can easily infiltrate the lungs. On average, every cubic foot of untreated indoor air contains 20 million particles. While AIR FOR LIFE products are not intended to combat large particulates, such as dust, they are much more effective at reducing microscopic particulates than a HEPA filter.
Microbes
Includes three major types of organisms: bacteria, protozoa, and fungi/mold. Most of these contaminants rely on a humid and moist environment for growth & survival. Some molds can produce certain chemicals, such as mycotoxins and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). Studies conducted at West Texas A&M University confirm that AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers are highly reliable at reducing microbes.
Gases & Odours
Indoor gases, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide, are released from furniture, carpets, hair sprays, cleaning chemicals, insulation, and pesticides. Gases include VOC’s which evaporate into the air easily. Odours are often made up of VOC’s or other gases. Studies conducted at West Texas A&M University confirm that AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers are highly reliable at reducing VOCs and odours.
Millions of people suffer from allergies. Are you one of them?
Most people tend to think that dander or pollen are the only culprits. Did you know that allergies may stem from allergies to molds, VOCs, particles in smoke or you many simply have a sinus infection caused by bacteria?
Below is an abbreviated list of possible indoor air pollutants that can cause you irritation. With the exception of dust, AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers can help you combat the pollutants below. If dust is your main concern, then try using AIR FOR LIFE air purifiers in combination with a HEPA filter for the dust and you will have the cleanest air possible.
| Category |
Pollutants |
Sources |
| Particulate |
Dust |
Humans, drapes, outdoor air |
| Particulate |
Pollen |
Clothing, outdoor air, pets |
| Particulate |
Tobacco Smoke, Hydrocarbons |
Smokers |
| Particulate |
Dander |
Humans, pets |
| Microbial |
Mold Spores |
HVAC ducts, carpets, outdoor air |
| Microbial |
Bacteria |
Waste containers, toilets, humans, A/C coils & ducts |
| Microbial |
Fungi |
Pets, foods, outdoor air, waste containers |
| Gas |
Methyl mercaptan |
Plastics, natural gas and propane additive |
| Gas |
Carbon disulfide |
Solvents |
| Gas |
Butyl acetate |
Lacquer, industrial chemicals |
| Gas |
Methyl mthacrylate |
Solvents |
| Gas |
MEK |
Solvents |
| Gas |
d-Limonene |
Solvents |
| Gas |
Toluene |
Solvents |
| Gas |
Hydrogen sulfide |
Toilet vents, water |
