The Biochar Blog

Archive for the ‘Air Pollution’ Category

Asthma is a horrible condition where periodic lung inflammation occurs leading to breath shortening, chest pains and coughs.

One of the fastest growing allergies, currently one in six children develop it. Having the ability to change the way we live our lives, this potential killer should be minimized at all times. Causes of asthma can be minimized in the home environment.

Dust, a term covering all the air-borne particles in a house, is often found at 3 million particles per cubic foot of air. When inhaled this dust can act to aggravate our air passages inducing allergies, one of which is well known, asthma.

Dust can consist of viruses, cigarette smoke, bacteria, dust mites, dead skin flakes, talcum powder, materials fabrics, solvents, kitchen waste, dry pet food or bedding, and pollen. All these constituents range in size massively from just under 0.001um, typical of many viruses, to just above 100um, e.g. dust mites.

Hayfever, asthma and other similar allergies are often aggravated in people by pollen. Pollen tends to be around 20-60 micron in diameter and therefore relatively easy to remove from the air column with an air purifier. Pollen, spores and mildew are routinely removed with many purifier models. HEPA and electrostatic air cleaners are best used to reduce these air pollutants.

Pathogens like bacteria and viruses can be removed with some powerful air purifiers. Common pathogens like E-coli, Staphylococcus, Influenza, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacillus subtilis are able to be targeted and eliminated. Air purifiers with ultra violet capabilities are effective at destroying pathogens.

Noxious gasses such as formaldehyde, car exhaust fumes, cigarette fumes and the like can be combated by effective air purifiers in a number of ways. High speed electrons can be used to break down odors, photocatalytic filters with titanium apatite can absorb polluting particles, further breakdown can be promoted with yet more deodorizing catalytic action. Specific air purifiers aimed at reducing this type of pollutant are Blueair and IQAir GC Multigas air purifiers with SmokeStop filters, and Austin Air Plus purifiers.

Pet odors can be reduced by regularly cleaning their bedding, toys, food bowls, clumps of fur on or around the animal. This reduces all kinds of irritant particles, namely the air-borne dried saliva that has a large effect on allergy sufferers. HEPA and electrostatic air purifiers work best here.

As with all filtering machines, constant servicing is essential, i.e. cleaning or replacing the filters and other cleaning mechanisms regularly. A whole range of air purifiers exists from the basic heavy, loud operating mid to low effectiveness models to state of the art lightweight, quiet, multifunctional and effective, prices increase correspondingly.

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According to the latest reports, Spain is one of the top five worst ozone polluters in the world, and one of the furthest away from meeting protocols on greenhouse gas emissions as set out by the Kyoto Agreement.

In the Environmental Ministry Report released earlier this month, fifty of Spains biggest cities are more than exceeding governments guidelines for limits on air pollution. The worst offenders are Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona.

In Barcelona, the biggest contribution to these alarming figures are a massive increase in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions produced from an influx of personal vehicles on the roads.

CO2 levels have more than doubled since the 1990s, when Cataloni’s most rapid phase of growth and development occurred. The Catalonian Generalitat’s Environment Ministry reports that 98 % of CO2 pollution is directly caused by road transport activity.

In 2006, a report released by the Encuasta de Movilidad indicated that just over 40% of Catalonians use a private vehicle for an average of three trips per day. Three times the figure for those that use public transport. This is despite a high awareness of the damage cars cause the environment as well as the higher costs of using a household vehicle compared to public transport costs.

It wasn’t until 2005 that the Spanish government actually passed laws relating to greenhouse gas emissions but these early reports reveal that laws in themselves are not enough.

A spokesman for Pollution Prevention confirms that air pollution is ‘one of the biggest problems threatening Spains environment today. Almost all cities in Spain are failing to comply with air quality regulations’.

With the naked eye it’s easy enough to observe the thick, dark haze that sits just above Barcelona’s skyline. But there are other signs of the damage affecting not only the environment, but also threatening to affect one of the citys biggest growth industries: tourism.

A recent increase in the amount of jellyfish, locally known as medeusas in waters of the Catalan coast have for the last few years been responsible for beach closures in and around Barcelona, preventing visitors access to one of the area’s biggest summer attractions- the Mediterranean Sea.

A jellyfish plague was first noticed in Catalonia in 2005. The Oceana Environment Group reported that numbers had tripled and that an average of 10 jellyfish per square meter were counted close to beaches surrounding Barcelona.

In 2006, 30,000 people were treated over the summer for jellyfish stings and a number of beaches were closed to prevent further injuries. Whilst not usually fatal, a jellyfish sting can cause pain and discomfort and in severe cases of allergic reaction, a heart attack may be triggered.

Increasing numbers of jellyfish have been attributed to rising sea temperatures, which are now at least 2 degrees above average for this time of year. Rising sea temperatures are caused when a buildup of greenhouse emissions prevent the dissipation of the suns heat. The smog produced from pollution acts like a layer of insulation, trapping the heat close to the earths surface.

Warmer waters boost the rate at which jellyfish grow and multiply, and their natural predators, larger fish such as tuna and swordfish have been migrating further away from the Mediterranean in favour of cooler currents found in the Atlantic ocean.

Small boats can be seen trawling for jellyfish and their larvae just off the coast in an effort to reduce the amount that make their way close to shore, but if a solution is not found to combat the problem on a long term basis, holiday makers will soon have to find alternative summer leisure activities other than a visit to the beach.

Aside from environmental problems, air pollution has been labeled responsible for an increase in the number of cases of illnesses including heart problems, cancer, asthma, allergies and other cardiovascular complications in patients. It appears that Catalonians are now choking on their own smoke.

On July 12th, the Catalonian Regional Government approved a plan to reduce the permitted traveling speed for cars on major roadways in Catalonia to less than 80 kms per hour in an effort to lower car emission levels.

These new limits will come into effect by this autumn and will affect Barcelona as well as 15 other municipalities in Catalonia, with a target reduction figure of 30%.

The affects of this plan remain to be seen. One can only hope that Catalonians will take action to reduce greenhouse gas emission, for the security of their health and the health of the Spanish coast.

Dubai may not rank as one of the most polluted cities. But research recently carried out by Gulf News has revealed that Deira, Garhoud and International City have the highest levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Karama, Media City and the Marina also rank highly with some results higher than international standards’ annual averages.

With so many sites under construction and ever increasing traffic, UAE is likely to face trouble in the future. This may be the reason why around 15% of UAE residents (mostly children) are suffering from asthma (the most common allergy in the county). The surrounding desert landscape is also adding to the problem; which is why Dubai residents are continuously suffering from particulate matter (PM 10) circulating in the air. Many have contently settled at accepting that the air pollution because of PM 10 in Dubai is a result of its geographical location. But research has placed other possibilities, like the formation of PM 10 directly in the atmosphere.

It so happens that 90% of the people in Dubai spend less time outdoors. But this doesn’t solve the problem. According to the EPA, indoor air is supposed to be more polluted than outdoor air. Prolonged exposure to pollutants like tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander can cause asthma and allergies. Only an air purifier can improve indoor air quality.

Oxynet Solutions recommend HEPA air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. It is important that your air cleaner provides both, a deep bed activated carbon filter and a medical grade HEPA filter. Oxynet Solutions can provide an air purifier for any indoor air cleaning requirement you might have.

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Furnace filters are added fixtures of a furnace or heating system.  They help purify the air we breathe.  There are plenty of options of home furnace filters that are sold the market, but their function is different from one another.  Selecting a excellent filter can greatly reduce the amount of airborne particles that circulate around your home, improving air quality and reducing indoor air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes poor indoor air quality as one of the biggest environmental risks.  In fact, it placed at top five ranking.

Indoor air pollution in in many households can be two to five times more severe than the pollution found outside.  With those kinds of facts, it’s easy to see why selecting a high quality replacement furnace filter is so important. When it comes to furnace filters, there are a number of different types and styles.  Certain models of filters do not fit into some heating systems, so it is recommended to first check the owner’s manual of your system to see which types of filters are fitted for your system. There are plenty of sizes and thicknesses to go with different models of heating systems.

They also come in disposable models, which are replaced and thrown away after a specified period of use, or in permanent models, which can be subjected to cleaning at ceratin intervals, but still keep their function. Most cold air return filters function by using an electrostatic charge that captures airborne particles as they flow through the filter, capturing them so that they are not sent into the air that is blown throughout the home or building.  Models can work with a pleated style, while others accomplish the task with a flatter style.

Depending on the model, there may be multiple layers of replacement furnace filter material that capture as many airborne particles as possible. It is vital to replace or clean your heater and air conditioning filters at scheduled intervals.  Not only does this keep the air quality in your home as high as possible, but it also produces a more efficiently operating heating or cooling system.  When particles buildup heavily the filter, the efficiency of the airflow through the system is lessened. Furnace filters can dramatically lower levels of indoor air pollution. High quality return air grille is especially important in homes where there are inhabitants with allergies or compromised immune systems.

Not only do the filters capture dust, but they can also trap particles that carry bacteria and viruses as well as animal dander, pollen and mold spores.  Maintaining the sanitation of your living quarters begins with using quality furnace filters.

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Product Description
Indoor Air Pollution has become a major topic in environmental research and health. Most people spend more than 80 % of their time in buildings and are exposed to a broad range of pollutants from indoor sources like buil… More >>

The regular uses of a good high performance air purifier will continually clean your workplace air and keep employees healthier.  By continually destroying germs and chemical pollutants, it improves the indoor air quality by cleaning it and preventing harmful illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease, asthma, and humidifier fever. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the cleaner the air you breathe, the longer you will live.

Is Indoor Air Pollution Making you Sick at Work?

Indoor air quality problems are not limited to just homes. According to the World Health Organization 30% of Buildings Affected by Contaminated Indoor Air.  In this article, we will discuss options to fight indoor air pollution and clean your air for healthy living.

Air Purifier Prevents Illnesses

Many office buildings have several sources of indoor air pollution. Some buildings may be inadequately ventilated. There ventilation systems may not be designed to provide adequate amounts of outdoor air. People generally have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in their homes. As a result of this, there has been an increase in reported health problems. A number of illnesses, such as Legionnaires’ disease, asthma, and humidifier fever, have been directly traced to sick buildings.

Use the Sanibulb Air Purifier to protect employees in the workplace by destroying microbial and chemical pollutants. To learn more about improving your indoor air quality, visit sanibulb.com for a simple bright idea. They’ve made cleaning the air as easy as changing your light bulb. Simply switch to SaniBulb™ Air Purifier to provide quality lighting and kill harmful germs without toxic chemicals. SaniBulb™ uses advanced nano technology and light to destroy lethal germs. SaniBulb™ also deodorizes air while reducing energy costs and  saving you money.  SaniBulb™ is the new EcoSmart, EnergySmart and HealthSmart Air Purifying Solution.

Air Purifier Applications

SaniBulb™ Air Purifier can be used in many commercial applications to help clean the air by simply changing your light bulbs:

Medical: Hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, morgues, funeral homes…

Hospitality: Hotels, motels, resorts, cruise ships, restaurants, bars, spas…

Retail: Pet stores, salons, supermarkets, bathrooms…

Educational: Schools, universities, colleges, dorms…

Commercial: Offices, gyms, day cares, labs, drycleaners, warehouses, manufacturing

Advantages to Using an Air Purifier

The regular use of a good reliable air purifier continually cleans your workplace air and keeps you healthier.  By continually destroying germs and chemical pollutants, it improves the indoor air quality by cleaning it and preventing harmful illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease, asthma, and humidifier fever. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the cleaner the air you breathe, the longer you will live

Product Description
Science in Action series features a youthful on camera host illustrating and explaining basic scientific concepts and principles in an easy to understand, relaxed manner. This is accomplished through both live action vid… More >>

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A recent U.S. study published by the New England Journal of Medicine has found significant links between small particle air pollution and heart disease and strokes in women. The researchers were based at the University of Washington and used data provided from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study involving 65,893 women in and around 36 U.S. cities. Of major importance in the WHI study was the establishment of a stronger statistical association between fine particulate air pollution and death from coronary heart disease than that found in previous studies.

The average particulate levels in the study ranged from about 4 micrograms to almost 20 micrograms per cubic meter. The researchers found that each 10 microgram rise was matched by a 76% increase in the chances of death from heart disease or stroke. Many of these particles are so tiny that it would take over 2 dozen to equal the thickness of a human hair.

It has long been known that particulates can contribute to lung and heart disease, with women perhaps more susceptible than men to heart problems because of their smaller blood vessels and other biological differences. Researchers believe that when dirty air is inhaled, invisible pollutants can become embedded in the lungs or travel through the bloodstream. They may then harden arteries or cause inflammation leading to cardiac disease or stroke. Unlike earlier studies, this one looked not just at deaths, but also at heart attacks, coronary disease, strokes and clogged arteries. In their calculations, the researchers tried to adjust for lower income and other health problems that have been blamed for the higher rates of disease in past studies.

Indoor air quality professionals have known for years that fine particulate air pollution can cause respiratory problems, especially in infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. The Environmental Protection Agency tightened its daily limit on exposure to fine particulates in September 2006, but left the annual limit at a concentration of 15 millionths of a gram for every cubic meter of air. Many health professionals and air quality experts felt that the new EPA rules didn’t go far enough to protect the public. Several environmental groups and individual states sued the EPA last year for disregarding advice from its own scientists regarding tighter rules on fine particulate matter. The EPA’s Air Quality Index provides daily updates, including fine particle pollution and can be found at http://airnow.gov/

Although there isn’t much you can do about outdoor air pollution, indoor air quality is something you can have control over. Commercial air cleaners are not just for businesses, they have residential applications as well. For example, the SE-400 can remove large quantities of airborne particles that enter your home. The unit features a tightly woven aluminum mesh pre-filter that first removes large particles. Next, the smaller particles are trapped by the collector cells, which collect the particles like strong magnets. Help reduce the threat to your health from fine particulate matter by using superior commercial air cleaners.