Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 @ 02:06 PM
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is not a term you often hear, but can be a major problem for any building occupant—either residential or commercial.
SBS is defined as a combination of ailments in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
There are more than 50 possible known symptoms including, but not limited to: headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, and eye, nose, or throat irritation.
The possibility exists for multiple persons to report anyone of the symptoms, and may be dismissed without investigation, whether or not they are connected. The key indicator is if these symptoms are reported within a short time frame of several weeks.
There are potentially multiple causes for SBS, with possibly no single reason as the culprit.
One of the major causes, however, is inadequate ventilation. Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must effectively distribute airflow to people throughout a building. Failure of this system, or lack of maintenance, may cause indoor or outdoor air pollutants to buildup. Chemical and biological contaminants may also become trapped and linger in areas, causing people to experience these symptoms.
The best way to combat this issue is with proper and frequent maintenance of HVAC systems.
A building investigation should be conducted to test the Indoor Air Quality, to ensure all systems are operating as intended. Additionally, air sampling for airborne contaminates should be monitored frequently.
The use of chemicals such as paints, solvents, and pesticides should be used in well-ventilated areas and when no one else is around.
Removal of any pollutants such as toxic mold or other microbial contamination should also be considered and conducted by trained professionals.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Thu, Jan 22, 2009 @ 07:44 AM
As one of the most important systems in the home or office building, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is also the central point for the collection of a variety of contaminants, which can affect the occupant's health. One important aspect considered in improving indoor air quality, is the removal of pollutants such as mold, fungi, hair, pollen, and bacteria.
While there is no set timeframe on when to have air ducts cleaned, several factors must be taken into consideration not the least of which is the preference of the homeowner or building superintendent. Some of the more frequent factors include:
- Smokers in the home or building.
- Pets/animals, which shed high amounts of hair and dander.
- Water contamination, or damage to the home/building or ventilation system.
- Occupants with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the HVAC system.
- After home/building renovations or remolding.
- Prior to occupancy of a new home or building.
Depending on the size of the home or building, the number of systems, the extent of the contamination, and how many persons are conducting the cleaning determines the amount of time it will take to clean the HVAC system. The most beneficial way to ensure the cleaning was effective is through a visual inspection. If any dust or debris can be seen, then the system should not be considered cleaned.
Posted by Lyndsey Walker on Mon, Oct 13, 2008 @ 10:15 AM
With the colder months approaching, many of us will spend the majority of our time indoors. But, the indoor air we breathe is often more polluted than the air outdoors.
So when opening windows for fresh air is not an option, air duct cleaning can be an important home-winterizing approach to keep clean air circulating during these next couple of months.
Though no study has proven contaminated air ducts cause health problems, air ducts filled with dust, pollen, animal dander and microbes can circulate these harmful spores throughout your home or office, contributing to allergies or illness.
What’s more, air duct cleaning has been shown by
NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) to improve efficiency and, therefore, heating savings, by 10-30 percent. Dirt — the No. 1 cause for failing heating systems — not only absorbs heat, but also restricts airflow.
To determine whether or not your air ducts need cleaning, check out the
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) checklist.
Once you’ve detected a contaminated system — you’ve inspected your air duct for visible spores, mold and dust — what should you look for in an air duct cleaning company?
• First, be sure to evaluate their process. Proper cleaning services should include cleaning of all registers, the interior of the ducting, the furnace fan and the interior of the heating and ventilating system. It is extremely important that all components are properly cleaned or else the entire system can be exposed to recontamination.
• Then, be sure the company uses a high-efficiency filtration system, such as HEPA, to protect your carpet and furniture from the extracted contaminants.
• Lastly, to be sure your air duct received proper cleaning, review the EPA’s
Post Cleaning Consumer Checklist.
Lyndsey Walker is a PR 20/20 Internet Marketing Consultant and content developer for Carrara Companies.