Indoor vs. Outdoor Air: Which is Safer? In my last post, I spoke about how Clean Air Matters: More Than Just Comfort, It’s Essential for Health and Our Future. But there’s a question I find essential to dive deeper into: where exactly is air cleaner—in or out? When it comes to air quality, we often assume the “fresh air” outdoors is filled with pollutants, while indoor air—within the confines of our homes or offices—is inherently safer. But the truth is more nuanced. Outdoor air, despite its pollutants, benefits from natural ventilation, allowing contaminants to disperse and dilute. Indoor air, on the other hand, can be surprisingly more polluted, especially in closed spaces with limited ventilation, where contaminants like dust, allergens, and VOCs from furnishings and cleaning agents accumulate. The enclosed space can make it difficult and long for recirculation of fresh air to occur. This buildup can lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a set of symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritation that can subtly affect health and productivity. SBS is often overlooked or misinterpreted as common “work stress,” yet it directly links to poor indoor air quality, especially in spaces that lack proper airflow or rely on a poorly designed systems. This is where a well-designed HVAC system becomes invaluable. By filtering and refreshing indoor air, it reduces contaminants, alleviating SBS symptoms and promoting a healthier environment. But if neglected, an HVAC system can instead circulate pollutants, affecting the well-being of everyone within its reach. Ensuring clean air, both indoors and outdoors isn’t just about comfort; it’s about our collective health. Are there steps you’re taking to maintain air quality in your spaces? I would love to hear them also! #IndoorAirQuality #SickBuildingSyndrome #HVAC #CleanAir #HealthAndWellness #IAQ #WorkplaceWellness #Environment #HVACR #HVACEnlightenment
Chibuzor Ngaduonye’s Post
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Topic: Outside Air Quality If the air quality in your area is compromised, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself and your family, particularly if you have compromised respiratory, lung, or heart health. Children and older adults are also more vulnerable and should be given special attention. According to the American Lung Association, here are a few recommendations to keep you and your family safe: Check daily air pollution forecasts: These forecasts are color-coded to indicate when the #airquality is unhealthy. You can find them on local radio and TV weather reports, in newspapers, and online at airnow.gov. Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high: When the air quality is poor, move your workouts indoors, such as walking in a shopping mall or using a gym. Limit the amount of time your child spends playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy. Additionally, even if the air quality forecasts are green, avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, as vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby. By following these guidelines you can help protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of poor air quality.
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Did you know that the air inside your home or office could be more polluted than the air outside? 🏠🏢 With most of us spending up to 90% of our time indoors, understanding the quality of the air we breathe is more critical than ever. 📖 Our latest blog dives into the hidden dangers of poor indoor air quality and how regular monitoring can protect from serious health risks. 👉 Read more to discover why professional air quality testing is the key to a healthier indoor environment. https://lnkd.in/dZe-jZuq #IndoorAirQuality #AirPollution #HealthAndSafety #IAQMonitoring #Wellness #HomeSafety #HealthyLiving #EnvironmentalHealth #CleanAirMatters
Unseen Threats: The Importance of Regular Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
https://envirocarelabs.com
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Navigating the New Normal: Prioritising Indoor Air Quality Post-Pandemic In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our collective understanding of health and safety has undergone a profound shift. Among the many lessons learned, perhaps one of the most significant is the critical importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). As businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities cautiously reopen their doors, the emphasis on clean, healthy air has never been more pronounced. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, igniting a heightened awareness of IAQ in shared and public spaces. Suddenly, the air we breathe became a focal point of concern, prompting a surge in interest and investment in technologies designed to optimise indoor environments. Advanced HVAC systems, air purifiers, and monitoring systems have emerged as indispensable tools in the quest for cleaner, safer air. In schools, where children gather in close quarters, ensuring optimal IAQ is paramount to safeguarding their health and well-being. Similarly, in offices where employees spend a significant portion of their day, maintaining a conducive indoor environment is not just a matter of comfort but also productivity and morale. And in healthcare facilities, where vulnerable individuals seek treatment, clean air can make all the difference in preventing the spread of illness. The adoption of advanced IAQ technologies represents a proactive step towards creating healthier indoor environments. These systems not only filter out harmful particles and pollutants but also provide real-time monitoring and feedback, allowing for timely interventions when air quality falls below acceptable levels. By investing in these technologies, businesses and institutions demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their occupants. As we navigate the transition to a post-pandemic world, the importance of prioritising IAQ cannot be overstated. By taking proactive measures to improve indoor air quality, we not only mitigate the risk of airborne transmission but also create spaces that promote overall well-being. Together, we can build a future where clean, healthy air is a non-negotiable standard. At Enviro, we recognise the significance of this paradigm shift and are committed to providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. From state-of-the-art MVAC systems to cutting-edge air purification technologies, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services designed to optimise indoor air quality. Join our mission for healthier indoor environments. Contact us to elevate your IAQ standards for a safer, more comfortable future. 🔗 @envirogroupasia | ☎️ 1800-88-7900 | 🌐 envirogroup.asia #IndoorAirQuality #HealthySpaces #PostPandemic #BuildingSafety #HVAC #AirPurification #IAQMonitoring #DOSH #SafetyAndHealth #EnviroGroupAsia #EnviroGroup #Enviroverks #EnviroIFM #EIFM #EVCares #EV #ProtectingPeopleSecuringAsset #KL #Malaysia
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Why Indoor Air Quality Matters, From My Perspective With colder months ahead, spending more time indoors means increased exposure to indoor air quality (IAQ)—something I value deeply, both professionally and personally. Living with hydrocephalus, managed by a VP shunt, along with epilepsy and past respiratory challenges, I know firsthand how essential clean air is. A recent mold exposure from a faulty HVAC system was a powerful reminder, leading to complications I’m still overcoming five months later. Why Indoor Air Quality Matters - Extended Indoor Exposure: Spending more time indoors increases our exposure to the air quality within our homes and workplaces. This prolonged exposure means that indoor pollutants and allergens can have a stronger impact on our health, making good air quality essential year-round. - Health Vulnerabilities: Poor IAQ can be especially harmful for those with health conditions, leading to worsened symptoms, higher risks of respiratory infections, and increased sensitivity to airborne irritants. For individuals with asthma, allergies, or neurological issues, this can mean more doctor visits, longer recovery times, and reduced quality of life. - Environmental Factors: Limited ventilation, enclosed spaces, and high indoor humidity create ideal conditions for mold, dust, and other pollutants to build up indoors, significantly impacting overall air quality. Without proper airflow and humidity control, these pollutants can linger and worsen over time, increasing health risks for everyone, especially those with respiratory or immune sensitivities. With that being said, prioritizing IAQ can make a meaningful difference, especially for those more susceptible to indoor pollutants. Simple Steps to Improve IAQ This Winter: ✅ Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to reduce mold, dust, and bacteria buildup ✅ Use HEPA air purifiers to capture allergens and pollutants ✅ Control humidity levels to discourage mold growth ✅ Ensure ventilation, even during colder months ✅ Replace filters frequently for cleaner air Let’s make Indoor Air Quality a priority! Proper care can make a huge difference in the air we breathe and, ultimately, in our health. Investing in HVAC maintenance, whether for home or business, is worth it—not just for comfort but for health. Medical visits related to poor IAQ can be costly; wouldn’t you rather invest in prevention? If you’re seeking HVAC support, reach out—I’d be glad to connect you with specialists in our trusted network through AIR Control Concepts. Let’s keep our indoor spaces healthy this season. #IndoorAirQuality #HealthAndWellness #HVAC
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The Push for Cleaner Indoor Air Continues in the Post-COVID Era By Nick Pipitone Indoor air quality has long been a concern in commercial buildings, but the COVID-19 health crisis brought it to the forefront. In 2022, the White House hosted its first-ever indoor air quality summit, urging businesses and schools to upgrade their filtration and ventilation systems. The summit was in response to the heightened worry of airborne diseases from the pandemic, highlighting the crucial role that healthy buildings play as the first line of defense against infectious diseases. The desire for better indoor air quality has not waned with the fading of pandemic concerns. Public health officials, in particular, are steadfast in their advocacy for improved indoor air. This commitment was recently reaffirmed in an article published in Science, where over 40 international experts called for national IAQ standards among leading developed countries like the U.S. The absence of national indoor air standards leaves indoor environments vulnerable to pollutants and airborne disease risks. Led by Joseph Allen, Director of Harvard’s Healthy Buildings program, the authors of the article draw attention to the stark disparity between stringent outdoor air pollution regulations and relatively lenient indoor air standards despite the significant amount of time people spend indoors. They advocate for proactive IAQ monitoring, which can be facilitated by lower-cost sensor tech. With their “transformative potential,” these sensors can monitor IAQ parameters like particulate matter and CO2, enabling building managers to detect and manage sources of IAQ issues. A coordinated push for enhanced indoor ventilation targets well above the acceptable minimum is gaining traction. There’s a growing consensus among public health experts to revise ventilation rates beyond the minimum targets that have become the standard for the past two decades. The experts recommend 14 liters per second of fresh air per person, which aligns with previous recommendations, such as the Lancet COVID-19 Commission’s 2022 report. The new minimum is approximately 30 cubic feet per minute per person. Continued......please click on image in banner below to access and finish reading this article. Posted by Larry Cole
The Push for Cleaner Indoor Air Continues in the Post-COVID Era
https://propmodo.com
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The demand for cleaner indoor air is sweeping through the #commercialrealestate sector. The growing importance of #wellness has also put more emphasis on certifications. Wellness-certified properties - like WELL and Fitwel - globally grew by more than 40-fold between 2017 and 2023.
The Push for Cleaner Indoor Air Continues in the Post-COVID Era
https://propmodo.com
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Indoor air quality: the silent threat to our health and well-being. 🌿 Indoor air quality is an often overlooked aspect of our daily environment, yet it significantly impacts our health and well-being. In our latest blog post, we explore the reasons behind the negative effects of poor indoor air quality and offer practical solutions to improve it. From identifying common pollutants to implementing effective ventilation strategies, we provide all the essential information needed to create a healthier indoor space. Read the full article to learn more! #IndoorAirQuality #Health #WellBeing #AirPollution #HealthyLiving #ESG #BuiltEnvironment Mike G. Callum Willey Sophie Medd Nicola Templeton FRSA 🏴🇸🇪 Neha Sawjani Wonder Consultancy https://lnkd.in/dmvgGE2E
Why Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Make Us Ill? - METL
https://metl.solutions
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With indoor air quality often flying under the radar when it comes to health-related regulations, experts are now making a strong case for global indoor air standards. Highlighting the fine balance between health benefits and economic feasibility, they're pushing for clear guidelines on ventilation and pollutant levels in public spaces, such as CO2 and PM2.5. #AirQualityRegulations #IndoorAirQuality https://lnkd.in/exxWqpMJ
Calls for indoor air quality standards to be introduced worldwide - AirQualityNews
https://airqualitynews.com
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Wellbeing and health in the #BuiltEnvironment are often overlooked. Contact me if you'd like to hear more about our work in this area. #wellbeing #ESG #METL
Indoor air quality: the silent threat to our health and well-being. 🌿 Indoor air quality is an often overlooked aspect of our daily environment, yet it significantly impacts our health and well-being. In our latest blog post, we explore the reasons behind the negative effects of poor indoor air quality and offer practical solutions to improve it. From identifying common pollutants to implementing effective ventilation strategies, we provide all the essential information needed to create a healthier indoor space. Read the full article to learn more! #IndoorAirQuality #Health #WellBeing #AirPollution #HealthyLiving #ESG #BuiltEnvironment Mike G. Callum Willey Sophie Medd Nicola Templeton FRSA 🏴🇸🇪 Neha Sawjani Wonder Consultancy https://lnkd.in/dmvgGE2E
Why Does Poor Indoor Air Quality Make Us Ill? - METL
https://metl.solutions
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Physics Graduate||UI Designer||Freelancer
1moVery informative Chibuzor Ngaduonye