What are odors? Why is it a concern for IAQ? First of all odors are an indication of something else going on. For instance: musty odors could signal mold growth and off gassing. Rotting odors could signal bacteria growth. Odors signal something beneficial or harmful in our indoor environment. Odors can signal VOC off gassing which is harmful to the occupants. Odors can signal mycotoxins as small organisms digest their food source of dust, skin cells etc. All of which cause our bodies to have to react to the invaders in our breathing passages. Odors are to be taken seriously, not just a bother.
Closely related are the bio-pollutants which we will cover next time.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
7 Facets of IAQ
What are the 7 facets affecting indoor air quality? Particulates, odors, bio-pollutants, gases, temperature, humidity, and comfort. What does this mean? We are going to break it down over the next couple of posts.
Particulates--particles of matter floating in the air that we breathe. What are these particles?
Some of it includes dirt, small insect parts, smoke (if fireplace is present or smoker in home), pollens, and what we all refer to as "dust". What is dust in our indoor environment? Scientists tell us over 80% of dust floating around in homes is dead skin cells from humans and pets. On those dead skin cells are dust mites eating the cells and digesting them. What happens after digestion? Well you know what it is and we wind up breathing it. Since our homes are more energy efficient we are kind of living in a bubble as far as air is concerned. Our pets put off 5 times as many skin cells as we do--resulting in--pet dust mite--well "stuff" that we breathe-politely called dander. Great huh? Next time we'll discuss odors and why it is a concern.
Particulates--particles of matter floating in the air that we breathe. What are these particles?
Some of it includes dirt, small insect parts, smoke (if fireplace is present or smoker in home), pollens, and what we all refer to as "dust". What is dust in our indoor environment? Scientists tell us over 80% of dust floating around in homes is dead skin cells from humans and pets. On those dead skin cells are dust mites eating the cells and digesting them. What happens after digestion? Well you know what it is and we wind up breathing it. Since our homes are more energy efficient we are kind of living in a bubble as far as air is concerned. Our pets put off 5 times as many skin cells as we do--resulting in--pet dust mite--well "stuff" that we breathe-politely called dander. Great huh? Next time we'll discuss odors and why it is a concern.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
