The Importance of Controlling Air Quality with Air Filters
Particulates, chemicals, and microorganisms in our indoor air can be directly linked to aggravation of allergies and other respiratory conditions. For example, radon is a radioactive gas that is considered a health hazard. Radon gas can accumulate in buildings and reportedly causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States alone.
The hazards of air pollution are compounded if you live in a region that gets air quality advisories warning people to stay inside during times when air pollution is especially bad. After all, your house is a rather large gas chamber that relies in part on air exchange to limit the effects of indoor contaminants. This means the purpose of ventilation, to get better air quality from outside, is defeated.
Air pollution is particularly unhealthy for certain people. Elderly people suffer because their lungs may not work as well as younger individuals. People with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or a cardiovascular disease, are at risk since their lungs do not function as well.
Air pollution from smoke and various chemicals kills 3 million people a year. In the United States alone about, 3 million tons of toxic chemicals are released into the environment — contributing to cancer, birth defects, immune system defects and many other serious health problems.
Air filters are used for a wide variety of purposes like protecting the general well being of the occupants living and working indoors. Air filters help to defend the decor of occupied spaces by removing the staining portion of airborne dust. Filters reduce interior maintenance by reducing the frequency of washing things like Venetian blinds and fluorescent bulbs.
Air filters can protect the contents of occupied spaces including paintings, tapestries, and other items of historic or cultural value. Fire hazards can be reduced by removing lint and other materials that might accumulate in ductwork. Air filters help to remove airborne mold and bacteria from room air.
53 million school children and 6 million teachers, administrators and others spend their days in school buildings every day and at least 50% of these schools have been diagnosed with indoor air quality problems. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 14 Million school days are lost because of asthma exacerbated by poor indoor air quality in schools. Because schools represent a much denser population percentage than a typical commercial office building, the bio-burden becomes even greater.
While we know many indoor air quality problems can be solved with good engineering practice and proper maintenance, operation, and repair, cleaner air provided by air filters provide the solution by preventing problems before they develop.
Overall, air filtration reduces medical and property maintenance costs that can be significantly more than a good air filter. Shop around to find the best solution for an air filter that suits your needs because indoor air quality is an important part of maintaining your Habitat for Health.
