With October being National Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Awareness Month, it is crucial to consider how indoor air quality affects occupants. According to the US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations”. Long-term exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and could even induce asthma attacks in those who are vulnerable.
Fortunately, a well-maintained HVAC system can eliminate air pollutants indoors and provide a clean cycle of fresh air inside your building. Below are some of the most common air pollutants that solutions, including GPS Air Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization, Carrier i-Vu building management controls, and preventative maintenance, can improve.
Bacteria and Viruses: Pathogens, mold spores, and viruses can spread quickly, especially during the colder months when people spend most of their day inside a building at work. Thorough ventilation can significantly reduce the amount of airborne bacteria and viruses, as well as incorporating GPS Air’s Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) technology in your HVAC system.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Many cleaning products, air fresheners, and aerosol sprays release “Volatile Organic Compounds” or VOCs. According to the US EPA, “Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.” VOCs are inevitable as cleaning products are a staple in every building regarding regular maintenance. Carrier i-Vu building management controls can use IAQ sensors to monitor indoor air quality, including VOCs and carbon dioxide, so any issues can be addressed before there are any issues.
Airborne pollutants are much more prevalent than you may think, and no building is truly immune to these common vulnerabilities without a well-maintained and efficiently running HVAC system. In addition to GPS Air Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization and Carrier i-Vu building management controls, preventative maintenance is crucial to keeping your indoor air quality.