Clean Air FAQ
- Will an air purification system help with allergies?
- How does EMF compare to HEPA?
- Has duct cleaning been shown to prevent health problems?
- How can my carpet cause indoor air quality problems?
- What is radon and how does it effect my home?
- Is asbestos a problem in my house?
- What should you do if you have asbestos in your home?
Q. Will an air purification system help with allergies?
Absolutely!!! In fact Air Purifiers have been recognized as being a supurb and often vital tool for improving the overall health of an individual – including those searching for allergy relief. (Found by the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Medical Association, the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immuniology). Research has shown that Air Purification Systems may tremendously improve the quality of living for allergy sufferers by reducing the amount of airborne pollutants and allergens. We at Reliable Water Systems advocate air cleaners with EMF technology especially in the bedroom to create a “breathing oasis” for the 7-8 hours of sleep. This helps to build your immunity and respiratory wellness.
Q. How does EMF compare to HEPA?
EMF stands for Enhanced Media Filtration. EMF is an air cleaning process developed from a germ warfare project by the U.S. that later evolved into creating 100% clean rooms for manufacturing processes where air was required to be particle-free. The process creates a high energy field within the air cleaner that raises the efficiency of the filter to 99.9% at 0.3 microns particle size. The unique and revolutionary benefit of this process is the creation of a germ killing zone within the unit which actually breaks down the DNA of bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses, not only trapping them but killing them once and for all. The system is listed as a Class II medical device as certified tests have shown a 98-100% bacteria kill, 94-100% mold and fungi kill, and a 99-100% virus kill include those such as Anthrax, SARS, and so on. Lastly the unit is quiet. Because of a less desnse filter media a large blower is not necessary and thus sound is kept to a minimum.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arresting. The standard for HEPA efficiency is 99.97% at .3 microns. However this is typically only the case in true Medical Grade HEPA systems. Many machines that state HEPA type are actually only using a HEPA paper type media. This means that the media alone may provide 99.97% efficiency, but often total system efficiency is much lower – in most cases around 50%. The cause of this is the bypass of air around the filter media in the filter frame and poor or no sealing in the unit. Further more HEPA does NOT provide any defense against bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses. In fact if HEPA filters are not replaced regularly, they often become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold! Environments with relative humidity above 50% provide perfect conditions for this to occur. On high speed a TRUE HEPA system SHOULD provide clean air at 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns – however because of the desnse paper media, a strong blower is required, often resembling the sound of a jet taking off.
Q. Has duct cleaning been shown to prevent health problems?
Contrary to popular belief, duct cleaning has NOT been shown to prevent health problems. According to studies by the American Lung Association, there is no scientific evidence currently available to conclusively demonstrate that particle levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts! In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does NOT recommend that you should clean your air ducts regularly. Instead they recommend to only clean air ducts when needed. If you find that health problems are due to the results of contaminants from indoor air it is important to first identify that the ducts are in deed part of the problem. Often times the source of the problem will remain elsewhere. If you do decide to have your ducts cleaned, be sure to verify that the service provider takes the necessary steps to protect you from exposure to chemicals used during the process as well as dislodged pollutants that may remain. Be sure to vacate during the process and filter the air in your house during and after the process.
Q. How can my carpet cause indoor air quality problems?
Like many other household products and furnishings, new carpet can be a source of chemical emissions. Carpet emits volatile organic compounds, as do products that accompany carpet installation such as adhesives and padding. Some people report symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; skin irritations; shortness of breath or cough; and fatigue, which they may associate with new carpet installation. Carpet can also act as a “sink” for chemical and biological pollutants including pesticides, dust mites, and fungi.
Q. What is radon and how does it effect my home?
An estimated one out of every 15 homes in the United States has radon levels above 4pci/L, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency-recommended action level. Radon, a naturally occurring gas, can enter the home through cracks in the foundation floor and walls, drains, and other openings. Indoor radon exposure is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. A recent report by the National Research Council estimates that radon is responsible for between 15,000 and 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
Q. Is asbestos a problem in my house?
Asbestos is rarely used alone, and it is generally safe when combined with other materials with strong bonding agents. As long as the material remains bonded so that fibers are not released, it poses no health risk. But occasionally asbestos fibers become loose and airborne, most often when contained in soft, easily crumbled materials.
Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Common products that you may find in your home that could have contained asbestos in the past include: Furnace ducts, floor tiles, adhesives, insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves, door gaskets, patching and joint compounds.
Q. What should you do if you have asbestos in your home?
If the material is in good condition, LEAVE IT ALONE! To be certain, however, you may want to have the materials inspected, and, if necessary, repaired or removed. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Sealing involves coating materials so that the asbestos is sealed in. This process is only effective for undamaged asbestos-containing substances.
If materials are soft or crumbly or otherwise damaged, sealing is not appropriate. Covering involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent release of fibers. Asbestos removal is an expensive and hazardous process and should be a last resort. Situations where removal may be required include remodeling, major structural changes, and if the asbestos material is damaged and can not be otherwise repaired.
"Todd and his team at Reliable Water Systems did a great job! They installed a new water softener, RO system, and pressure tank at my house and everything from start to finish went very smoothly." (continue)
