Boston, MA – March 10, 2021 –Indoor air quality has become a key concern for achieving and maintaining healthy home and business environments. To know what air quality issues can impact physical and psychological effects on occupant, it is important to be able to measure and monitor those environmental pollutants that can affect respiratory health. The Particles Plus AQM Series of air quality monitors provide professionals the tools necessary to accurately and reliably sample indoor air quality for investigation and remediation purposes.
One crucial environmental pollutant is airborne particulate. Higher levels of particulates have an adverse impact on respiratory health. Investigating the sources of high levels of particulates and being able to pinpoint these sources can help identify the remediation or corrective actions needed to decrease the particle levels. Another factor that has an affect on human health and mental acuity is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels. High levels of CO2 can produce a variety of health effects including Tiredness, Dizziness, increased heart rate just to name a few. Typically, in a closed indoor environment, this can be combated by opening a window. That negates any indoor air filtration by inviting outdoor particulates and pollutants to enter the indoor space. Modern HVAC systems incorporate make-up air from outdoors to allow for proper ventilation by introducing filtered fresh air from outdoors to help maintain lower levels of CO2. Being able to measure these CO2 levels provides the necessary data to effectively balance the mix of outdoor air that needs to be brought into the indoor environment. The AQM series can reliably measure CO2 levels to provide an accurate indication to help guide decision and actions to lower indoor CO2.
One of the most insidious indoor pollutants is volatile organic compounds. These VOCs are a variety of chemicals that are outgassed from various materials within the indoor environment. VOCs can cause a number of health issues including eye, nose and throat irritation. In some cases reactions can also include shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and skin problems. In environments with severely high levels of VOCs it can cause lung irritation, as well as causing damage to major organs or the central nervous system. There are significant health hazards associated with exposure to indoor air contaminants in residential and office spaces.
The sources of indoor VOCs are varied and comprise a long list of materials and chemicals. VOCs can come from building materials, paints, thinners, detergents, perfumes, aerosol sprays, household cleaners, disinfectants, furniture, carpets, upholstery, cooking, and even dry-cleaned clothing. With proper tools like the AQM series air quality monitors, the sources of the VOCs can be identified so remediation to alleviate those sources can take place. Increasing ventilation rates, keeping temperature comfortably lower also help to control and keep VOC levels down.
There are a number of varying standards for indoor air quality, with many having loose guidelines. Many of these standards are clear on what safe indoor levels should be for various indoor pollutants and publish these guidelines for reference. As an example, both LEEDS and WELL Building provide guidelines that help to educate and inform professionals investigating air quality on the upper exposure limits that are acceptable for things such as VOCs, and CO2. Many government agencies worldwide have published guidelines outlining what acceptable levels vs. harmful levels of indoor pollutants.
The Particles Plus AQM Series instruments are ideal for these types of indoor air quality investigations. In all cases with the various standards and guidelines, the AQM Series monitors, and handheld instruments exceed the standards required for these types of investigations. Internationally traceable certified calibrations are critical for meaningful data that can be used by professionals and building owners to better mitigate the risks and lessen losses that can be attributed to poor indoor air quality.
For technical questions about the Particles Plus AQM Series of products, other product information or pricing, contact Particles Plus today.
