The quality of indoor air greatly affects human health; allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory ailments are all made worse by poor air quality. Indoor levels of pollutants may be 2–5 times higher than outdoor levels, emphasizing the importance of clean indoor air. To enhance indoor air quality, air filtration is essential for eliminating airborne contaminants like dust, dirt, pollen, mold, bacteria, and air pollution. Advanced filters are also capable of eliminating smells and gases. Air purification systems reduce people's exposure to these harmful substances, which can significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory disorders and allergic reactions.
Air filters work by forcing air to pass through a specialized physical barrier, trapping particles based on properties like size. HEPA filters and MERV ratings are common standards used to classify air filters based on their efficacy. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles that can be removed. HEPA filters remove over 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns, including dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, particles that carry viruses and bacteria, and smoke. This level of filtration is critical for reducing infectious and noninfectious triggers of health issues.
Allergens and Respiratory Illness
Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander are examples of airborne allergens that can cause allergic reactions and aggravate asthma in people who are already sensitized. Research indicates a direct connection between hospital admissions for asthma episodes and elevated levels of outdoor pollen. These particles are taken out of the air and kept from inciting an immune response by air filters installed in homes and occupied buildings. Fewer allergens in the air translate directly to reduced allergy and asthma symptoms and less need for medication. Air filtration can also lessen asthma-related school absenteeism to support better educational outcomes.
Likewise, airborne viruses and bacteria contribute heavily to respiratory infections. Proper ventilation and air filtration reduce airborne virus levels and infection risk, especially in high-density indoor spaces like classrooms. Installing HEPA filters and MERV-13 filters, in particular, can significantly cut down on the transmission of airborne illnesses, including common colds, pneumonia, tuberculosis, chickenpox, and more, by capturing the infectious particles. This further impedes the spread of disease by preventing these pathogens from adhering to surfaces.
Common Sources of Dust Indoors
A wide range of inorganic and biological materials can be found in indoor dust. These are some sources that contribute to the presence of dust in indoor environments, highlighting the importance of dust removal and air purification measures.
1. Human and Animal Activity: Human skin cells, animal fur, and dander contribute to the dust load in indoor spaces
2. Textiles and Fabrics: Dust can originate from fabric fibers, bedding, curtains, and upholstered furniture
3. Outdoor Particles: Approximately 60% of household dust comes from outside, brought in through windows, doors, and on the soles of shoes
4. Biological Contaminants: Pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and human skin flakes and hair are common components of indoor dust
5. Consumer Products: Particles from consumer and personal care products, as well as industrial chemicals, plastics, flame retardants, and pesticides, can contribute to indoor dust
For homes, the most prominent source of dust is fibers and particles shed by furniture and fabrics that accumulate in places like carpets, bedding, and stuffed animals over time. Cooking, fireplaces, and any hobbies like crafting also disseminate substantial dust through indoor air circulation. Pets contribute heavily to the household dust burden through dander, skin flakes, and tracked-in soil. Dust mite feces and mold growth in dust reservoirs also increase allergic potential.
In schools, dust loading stems from students and personnel shedding debris off clothing and disturbing settled dust reservoirs. Certain school subjects and sports generate more dust- asbestos in old building insulation, wood/metal dust from shops classes, chalk dust, the baseball field's infield mix, etc. Insufficient cleaning further allows inhaled dust, skin squames, hair, paper fibers, textile fibers, and food crumbs to accumulate.
For workplaces, particle generation depends on industrial processes in sectors like manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and construction. Combustion byproducts, paper dust in offices, and cosmetic powders in beauty salons demonstrate some settings with substantial dust contributions needing mitigation. Identifying and controlling dust sources forms the foundation for improving respiratory health via air filtration.
Locations Needing Specific Air Filtration Systems
These are just a few examples of the many places where dust removal and air purification are important for maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment:
Homes: Air purifiers can help remove dust from the air, improving indoor air quality
Industrial settings: Industrial air cleaners are used to prevent dust from becoming a problem in the first place, leading to happier and healthier workers and improved productivity
Offices and commercial spaces: Air purifiers can filter dust from the air in these environments, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor atmosphere
Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Air purification is crucial in these settings to maintain clean and healthy indoor air, as well as to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens
Indoor spaces like schools, hospitals, and industrial sites have an especially high need for diligent air purification due to abundant dust and particle generation from their key functions. For example, industrial sites like metalworking, welding, and woodworking shops produce particulates from processing activities that severely degrade indoor air quality. Meeting occupational health standards relies heavily on localized exhaust ventilation coupled with air cleaners to provide necessary filtration.
Schools similarly contend with high occupant density and activity levels, yielding substantial dust accumulation in classrooms. One study documented an over 80% reduction in indoor particulate matter just two weeks after installing central air filtration across an entire school. Maintenance interventions like routine vacuum cleaning with HEPA filters, replacing HVAC filters, and using independent portable air cleaners provide essential dust removal and purification functions.
Healthcare settings, including hospitals, must also control airborne contaminants effectively to prevent healthcare-associated infections, necessitating proper air-handling design. Air filtration is a key defense for protecting vulnerable populations from threats posed by air pollution.
Cardiovascular and Other Effects
In addition to lessening respiratory issues, air purification reduces particle pollution levels and has systemic health effects. Particulate matter air pollution, especially PM 2.5, is a dangerous mix of solid particles and liquid droplets from sources like cars, power plants, and wildfires. Clinical studies have shown that exposure to PM2.5 promotes the development of atherosclerosis, vasoconstriction, hypertension, and the instability of arterial plaques, all of which raise the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The installation of high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) cleaners has been shown to remove over 90% of indoor-generated particulate matter, significantly lowering gas concentrations. This mitigation of pollution exposure protects the heart and blood vessels, along with the lungs.
Furthermore, airborne mold spores exacerbate symptoms for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can even contribute to the development of the disease. Air filters defend against mold and other biological and chemical pollutants emitted from building materials and household products. Removing these toxicants bolsters the immune system, decreases inflammation, and supports overall well-being.
Aloraircrawlspace offers a wide range of air purification solutions tailored to individual use cases. Our air filtration systems feature variable speeds and broad particle removal efficiencies to reduce indoor pollution, allergens, odors, and more. Bulk orders provide additional value for large-scale air quality improvement projects across commercial and institutional spaces. With versatile designs and purification capacities, their featured products promote cleaner indoor breathing environments through customized filtration systems to meet end-user needs.
