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Cause for Concern
Outdoor air is continually being cleansed by nature using
the natural processes of weather, rain, wind, lightning, and
ultraviolet energy from the sun. Nature’s methods of
cleaning outdoor air are not naturally present in our indoor
air environment. Man-made synthetic building materials,
furnishings, and household cleaning products have created a
virtual chemical soup in our homes with no natural method of
control.
One of the main reasons for heightened public concern about
deteriorating indoor air quality is the alarming increase in
the number of children and young adults with severe
allergies and asthma.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 2001
National Health Interview Study, over 7.6 million children
(5-17 years) and over 12.7 million young adults (18-44
years) suffer from asthma. The United States Environmental
Protection Agency ranked indoor air pollution among the top
five environmental dangers to the public. EPA research also
concluded that indoor air can be two to five times (and
sometimes as much as 100 times!) more polluted than the
WORST outside air! Since research indicates Americans spend
90% of their time indoors, it’s no wonder that asthma and
allergy suffering is on the rise.
Why the Increase?
Why has indoor air quality substantially deteriorated over
the last 30-40 years? Because changes in new home
construction practices that evolved out of the 1970’s energy
crisis created “tight homes” that are tightly sealed,
heavily insulated and very energy efficient. While these
practices help to conserve energy, they also “lock in”
allergenic particles, infectious agents, and toxic compounds
which are bad for the health and well being of our families.
Allergenic particles such as pollen, dust, mold spores,
fungi spores, tobacco smoke, dust mite feces, pet hair and
pet dander all contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Additionally, common household furnishings such as
draperies, carpeting, wallpaper, paints, stains, and
furniture may continue to “off-gas” potentially toxic fumes
for a long time after application or installation. Heating
and air conditioning ducts which are dark, damp and rich in
“nutrients” provide an excellent breeding ground for mold,
fungi, and dust mites which can spread rapidly when these
ducts are in use to heat or cool the home. Poor ventilation
and dirty filters are also major contributors to unhealthy
contaminates in the home.
What Can be Done?
There are many products on the market today that work with
your existing home comfort system to provide unparalleled
filtration and cleansing. There are basically three
categories of infectious agents that need to be addressed by
your IAQ (indoor air quality) system:
- Allergens and Particulates that can cause
health effects such as nose and throat irritation, runny
nose, congestion, and asthma flares. This is controlled
by high quality filtration.
- Infectious Agents that can cause bacterial
and viral infections. This is controlled by a UVC light.
- Toxic Compounds that include formaldehyde,
carbon monoxide, smoke, and mold mycotoxins that can
create such symptoms as memory lapse, depression,
headaches, and fatigue. This is controlled by a UVV
light.
We have Comfort Advisors standing by that would be happy
to visit your home for a free IAQ analysis. They can
answer any of your questions about what would be best
for you and what options on the market today would best
fit your needs. Call us today at (843)851-9951.
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"Prompt service. Quick installation!"
- C. Elkins - Goose Creek
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