BOSTON, Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Senseware today announced that Boston Properties, Inc. (NYSE: BXP), the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of Class A office properties in the United States, has selected Senseware’s technology solution to implement real-time indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring across BXP’s portfolio as part of its healthy building strategy.

Senseware’s air quality monitoring technology is the latest addition to BXP’s healthy building initiatives.

“As a leader in sustainable and healthy property development and operations, we are pleased to be adding real-time indoor air monitoring to our portfolio,” said Doug Linde, President, BXP. “Our data-driven approach to operations, including IAQ management, will be informed by real-time, objective measurement to assure that our buildings are providing optimal conditions for our clients and employees.”

Air quality monitoring technology is the latest addition to BXP’s healthy building initiatives, which have been focused on IAQ management, increased ventilation, filtration, testing, and monitoring. With Senseware, BXP will add sensor data collection points in the building supply and return air ducts. Real-time air quality measurements from duct-mounted sensors, including carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter, will enable BXP to monitor the effectiveness of ventilation and filtration systems.

“The science is clear that better indoor air quality mitigates infectious disease transmission, improves cognitive performance, and contributes to the wellness of building occupants,” said Ben Myers, Vice President, Sustainability, BXP. “The added capability of real-time indoor air quality monitoring from Senseware is an extension of our commitment to the integration of healthy building best practices and technologies that support operational excellence.”

BXP continues to be recognized for its leadership in healthy buildings and overall ESG including as a 2020 Best in Building Health awardee by The Center for Active Design. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BXP completed Fitwel Viral Response Module enterprise and asset-level certification at all actively managed office properties. BXP has been recognized as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, ranking first in its industry and 31st overall in the 2022 list.

Senseware is a customizable Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides real-time assurance into areas impacted by ESG, including indoor air quality, energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, and HVAC digitization. BXP selected Senseware’s IoT platform after a thorough request for proposal (RFP) process. Senseware’s modular hardware and software architecture has been tailored to BXP’s IAQ monitoring needs providing an adaptive and dynamic solution.

“We’re proud to be part of BXP’s vision of improving health and wellness, while achieving carbon-neutral operations. With our future-proof IoT platform we’re confident BXP will be well equipped to meet their objectives for this important initiative.” said Serene Almomen, CEO of Senseware.

About Boston Properties:

Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP) is the largest publicly traded developer, owner, and manager of Class A office properties in the United States, concentrated in six markets – Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC. The Company is a fully integrated real estate company, organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), that develops, manages, operates, acquires, and owns a diverse portfolio of primarily Class A office space. Including properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures, the Company’s portfolio totals 52.5 million square feet and 202 properties, including nine properties under construction/redevelopment.  For more information about Boston Properties, please visit www.bxp.com or follow on LinkedIn or Instagram.

About Senseware:

Senseware is a first of its kind sensor-based technology platform with 42 patents. It provides real-time assurance to the entire built environment stakeholders. Building owners, engineers, and facilities managers gain visibility into critical areas such as indoor air quality, energy consumption, risk of water leaks, equipment status, and more. Since no two buildings are the same, the Senseware platform is fully customizable. Get assurance today through real-time data and into the future with the flexibility to monitor more. For more information visit: www.senseware.co or follow on LinkedIn

Press/Media Contact:

Rosy Khalife

[email protected]

 

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SOURCE Senseware

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that affects breathing. Quitting smoking is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing COPD.

COPD causes problems with the lungs and airways that worsen over time. It can lead to symptoms including a persistent cough, coughs with excess mucus, wheezing or whistling while breathing, and shortness of breath. People with COPD may also experience chest tightness and difficulty performing physical activity.

COPD results from long-term exposure to lung irritants, such as tobacco smoke. These irritants cause emphysema, a condition in which there is damage to the air sacs of the lungs that support breathing. Irritants can also cause chronic bronchitis or inflammation in the airways.

There is currently no cure for COPD. However, treatment can include a combination of lifestyle changes, medicines, or surgery.

Because COPD symptoms may worsen over time, people with COPD will require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve their quality of life. Effective treatments can allow people with COPD to continue their daily activities.

This article discusses COPD risk factors and their prevention.

The American Lung Association states that exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways can lead to COPD. These irritants cause emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which make up COPD.

Risk factors can be anything that increases the chances of a disease occurring. Risk factors for COPD might include living or working in environments that increase exposure to irritants or a biological vulnerability to damage to the lungs or airways.

Tobacco smoke is a significant factor in around 85–90% of COPD cases. Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the lungs and airways and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of COPD.

Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, but many people will develop the condition without smoking. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists other risk factors that include:

Exposure to these risk factors makes it more likely that someone will develop COPD.

The most effective way of preventing COPD is quitting or never starting smoking.

Giving up smoking is challenging, but people can use many methods to make it easier. For example, some people use varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy to reduce cravings.

Quitting smoking may also involve lifestyle changes such as avoiding social settings that induce pressure to smoke, for example, going to bars with friends who smoke. People can take similar approaches to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, which also increases COPD risk.

The National Health, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends people join support groups to help with quitting smoking. Asking family members and friends for support might also help.

Additionally, the NHLBI suggests reducing exposure to other lung irritants that can contribute to COPD. For example, people who work in factories or warehouses that contain chemical fumes or dust should wear protective gear or change working environments, where possible.

People who develop COPD may follow these steps to prevent complications or slow disease progression. The WHO suggests regularly exercising to lower these risks in people with COPD. Exercise can increase lung functioning and improve breathing.

They also suggest getting vaccinated against pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus. People with COPD are vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory infections and must take additional precautions.

People with COPD require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve their quality of life. The disease typically starts with no signs or only mild symptoms. People may require some lifestyle changes in the early stages, including quitting smoking.

More intense treatments may be necessary as COPD symptoms worsen. For example, a doctor might prescribe bronchodilators to widen the airways and improve breathing. Some people with COPD could be eligible for surgery to remove some or all of a damaged lung in more severe cases.

Effective treatments can help people with COPD to manage their symptoms and continue their daily activities.

Anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of COPD should contact a doctor for a check-up. A doctor will use spirometry to test whether someone has COPD. Spirometry is a test of lung functioning.

Many people with COPD are unaware they have the condition or only recognize it when it becomes more severe. Being aware of COPD symptoms and consulting a doctor right away can increase the chances of an early diagnosis and better treatment.

COPD is a progressive condition that affects breathing. There is currently no cure for COPD, but people can take steps to reduce their risk of developing the condition.

Smoking is a major risk factor, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke will reduce the chances of developing COPD. Avoiding other lung irritants such as indoor air pollution or chemical fumes will also reduce COPD risk.

To learn more about COPD and access resources, please visit our dedicated hub.

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New Delhi, January 20 (UNI) O2 Cure, a renowned air purification solution provider has roped in Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty for it’s latest social media campaign #Letyourhomesbreathe, the company announced here on Thursday.

According to the company, the campaign aims to spread awareness around improving indoor air quality and safeguarding people against coronavirus amid the undercurrent wave led by the Omicron variant.

The campaign will drive discussion series on the preventive measures against inhaling contaminated indoor air resulting from various pollutants in the homebound environment, it said.

“Through research-based discussions on social media platforms, Suneil Shetty will help the company spread awareness around the pollutants that the nation is able to safeguard itself from. Also, this campaign is a step for educating the public on the health impact of these hidden particles,” the company said in a statement.

With the pandemic disrupting our lives, the nation has again chosen to strictly abide by the social distancing norms and stay indoors. While this is the wisest option of all, it also gives way to an alarming concern resulting from contaminants like bacterias, viruses, germs, gasses, particles, dust, pollen, and other hazardous substances that keep circulating between the four walls of the homes.

The health implications can be adverse as the poor indoor air quality has been linked to lung diseases like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, heart disease, and even stroke.

Commenting on the campaign, Kartik Singhal, Founder of O2 Cure said, “We are all exposed to the hidden particles that keep circulating us in our homes. Due to space constraints, most of the modern housing structures lacking proper ventilation lead to hazardous air standards in these safest premises as well. Also, landfills release poisonous gases which eventually lead to respiratory issues.”

“Additionally, with doors shut and no filtration mechanisms available, the air indoors becomes all the more unfit to breathe. Airborne contaminants are resulting in an alarming situation that needs immediate intervention,” he added.

Suniel Shetty, the strategic Partner of O2 Cure and an acclaimed actor, said, “While we all have been struggling to keep ourselves safe from Covid-19, we have also been ignorant to other forms of deadly pollutants that surround us in the form of bacterial, microbial, gaseous compounds, odor and viruses. Taking adequate precautions is the need of the hour.”

UNI ASH ACL2055

Originally Appeared Here

Air Pros TX is ranked as the Houston area’s top air duct cleaning service. The fully trained professionals complete a range of air duct-related services even in emergency situations.

Air Pros TX and Adam Nelson are pleased to announce that the air duct cleaning service TX company provides a full complement of services related to the proper functioning of residential or commercial air ducts. The company provides a professional team with the knowledge and experience to complete a variety of tasks to keep the air duct system operating efficiently. The technicians associated with the company are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to ensure peace of mind by customers. The pricing is always competitive, even for emergency calls. 

The Air duct cleaning service Houston TX company has provided services for many years to customers in and around Houston. The technicians are focused on presenting solutions to keep indoor air clean and free of harmful pathogens. The customers appreciate the professional demeanor, courtesy, and competitive pricing. The cleaning and needed repairs are done quickly and efficiently to protect indoor air for the customers. 

Further information can be seen at https://www.airpros-tx.com/

The fully trained and experienced staff members have many years of experience in all types of air duct issues and installation. They are a professional team with extra training to maintain air ducts properly. Staff members have the training to provide solutions for all types and brands of air duct systems. The technicians begin the visit with an assessment of what needs to be done to keep the system operating efficiently and effectively.  

The service team members are each equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment, and they receive all of the necessary training each year to keep their knowledge base up to date. All the technicians are well-equipped to use all the equipment when appropriate. 

The services menu is extensive. Air Pros’ tasks include air duct cleaning and installation, air duct replacement and repair, air duct maintenance, and coil cleaning are available.

About the Company 

Air Pros TX is a full-service company of professionally trained technicians. The firm operates with all the licenses, bonds, and insurance to ensure safety and peace of mind.   Prevention of fires and debris removal could negatively impact the quality of indoor air levels.

Media Contact
Company Name: Air Pros TX
Contact Person: Adam Nelson
Email: Send Email
Phone: (281) 576-8444
Address:6219 Reamer St
City: Houston
State: TX 77074
Country: United States
Website: https://www.airpros-tx.com/

Originally Appeared Here

To meet this demand Pure Air Control Services, part Fortune 500 company, has commenced a “100 in 30 days” hiring program to recruit and train technicians in HVAC testing, cleaning and restoration around their proprietary PURE-Steam, PURE-Duct and HVAC New Life restoration services for projects across the United States.

“This hiring boom offers candidates great pay, benefits and most importantly a great career,” says, Alan Wozniak, President of Pure Air Control Services, “it also provides new skills and growth opportunities as we continue to help our healthcare, government and education customers maintain safe buildings for their people!”

The company is actively recruiting for HVAC and Building Sciences Technicians, mechanical engineers, industrial hygienists and administrative and sales staff.

HVAC experience in coil cleaning, duct cleaning, mechanical maintenance and painting would be helpful. However, it is not all required and paid, on the job, training will be provided in these specialized areas of expertise.

“Pure Air Controls is a great company to work for!” says Geoff Stone, Building Remediation Sciences project manager, “In my 15 years here I have gained a wealth of industry knowledge and have worked my way up from HVAC Tech to Project Estimator and now Project Manager!

The company performs work for institutional and commercial buildings across the United States. HVAC Techs are expected to initially train and deploy from the Clearwater, FL headquarters in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Some of the exceptional full-time benefits of working for Pure Air Controls include:

• $17-$35 per Hour (depending on initial skill set)
• Paid Training and Overtime
• 10 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Travel with Per Diem
• Stay on Bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Funded Retirement and Pension Plans
• Traditional 401k and Roth 401(k) Plans
• Part of a Fortune 500 publicly traded company
• Career Growth Opportunities

To find out more about this exciting recruiting initiative, HVAC/IAQ restoration or to apply please contact Pure Air Control Services at 1-800-422-7873 or visit https://www.pureaircontrols.com

Contact: Troy Raszka, (727) 572-4550

SOURCE Pure Air Control Services

Originally Appeared Here

Article body

Lorenzo Cremaschi, a professor in Auburn University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been named the university’s director of undergraduate research. He started the new role Jan. 1.

In this role, Cremaschi oversees the Office of Undergraduate Research, which promotes research and creative scholarship among undergraduate students across all disciplines. As director, he also provides guidance for the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program and the Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Studies, in addition to providing leadership for the annual Auburn Research: Student Symposium.

“Dr. Cremaschi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of director of undergraduate research,” said James Weyhenmeyer, vice president for research and economic development. “We are delighted to have him on board to provide leadership for our undergraduate research programs, which are a vital part of the university’s success as a top-tier research institution.”

Cremaschi has mentored 22 undergraduate students in their research and scholarly activities and eight international visiting exchange scholars. He also serves as the faculty advisor of Auburn’s student branch of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

“The research and creative activities carried out by our undergraduate students bring much visibility to Auburn across the state and the nation,” Cremaschi said. “We are home to high-caliber students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters and have a track record of fantastic innovation and meaningful impact through undergraduate research. I am excited to work with and learn from all of them and help grow our impact and create more opportunities for Auburn University undergraduate research to impact the world. I am looking forward to building a shared strategic vision to help accomplish this goal.”

Cremaschi joined the university in 2016, following several years as a faculty member at Oklahoma State University and postdoctoral work at Purdue University. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Modena in Italy and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

His research interests include improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings, scalable energy systems, water desalination and purification, and HVAC and refrigeration systems for the built environment. His current work focuses on thermodynamics and heat transfer of refrigerants, indoor air dehumidification processes and moisture transport in thermal insulation systems.

Cremaschi teaches courses in the area of thermodynamics, refrigeration, renewable energy systems and cryogenics.

He succeeds the former director of undergraduate research, Lorraine Wolf, who served in the role for over 10 years until her retirement in 2021.

Originally Appeared Here

“You can’t see, smell or taste radon so the only way to know if this sneaky killer is inside your home is to conduct a test. If radon is detected, our new products can now help homeowners remedy the problem and we’re happy to share the facts,” said Jens Housley.

MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB)
January 20, 2022

AprilAire, the nationwide leader in delivering Healthy Air solutions to manage air purity, humidity, temperature, and fresh air supply, introduced a suite of radon testing and mitigation products nationwide this January for National Radon Action Month. Jens Housley, AprilAire’s senior product manager for radon, offers four facts about the odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is known to sneak into one in every 15 U.S. homes and cause 21,000 deaths nationally every year.

“With our national footprint and our relationships with hundreds of Healthy Air Professionals nationwide, we can reach an even greater number of people to help them mitigate a problem they may not even know they have—radon,” said AprilAire Senior Product Manager for Radon Jens Housley. “You can’t see, smell or taste it so the only way to know if this sneaky killer is inside your home is to conduct a test. If radon is detected, our new products can now help homeowners remedy the problem and we’re happy to share the facts.”

#1: Radon sneaks in and only a test will detect it.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. Radon typically moves up through the ground into a home through the foundation, is then trapped inside where it builds up and decays into radioactive particles. Over time, radon can get trapped in a person’s lungs and damage the tissue, leading to lung cancer. Radon can also be present in water, but it’s important to test a home’s air for radon first because that’s more common.

#2: Short- and long-term radon testing is easy.

Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that can only be detected with a test. At-home tests are affordable, and most tests are set it and forget it. AprilAire’s Short-Term Radon Test Kit measures radon gas levels over a period of 3–7 days. AprilAire’s test results are easily accessible online once the test has been completed and mailed in for analysis. A long-term radon test (for increased accuracy and usually performed by a professional) measures levels for a period no less than 90 days, but once the test is set, there’s nothing a homeowner needs to do except go about their regular daily life. A test should be performed annually.

#3: More than 4 picocuries is cause for alarm.

Radon is typically measured by pCi/L or picocuries per liter of air. A picocurie measures the rate of radioactive decay of radon and is one trillionth of a curie (“curie” means unit of radioactivity). Just one picocurie is about six times smaller than the thickness of a human hair, so this very small unit of measure packs a very large punch.

Having a radon reading of 4 pCi/L or higher is considered hazardous. Even if a test reads less than 4, it can still pose a health risk so reducing the level of radon to as low as possible is not only necessary, but easy. Remediation options will reduce a home’s radon levels to below 4 pCi/L, ensuring healthier indoor air.

#4: Radon is a silent killer.

Nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States have radon and any home can have it—new and old homes, well-insulated and drafty homes, and homes with and without basements. In 2019, residential radon exposure alone was estimated to have caused 84,000 deaths worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says radon exposure is responsible for about 21,000 U.S. deaths each year. It is the number one cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, according to the EPA, and the three factors that most impact a person’s risk of getting lung cancer from radon exposure are how much radon is in the home, the amount of time spent in the home, and whether or not a person smokes or has ever smoked.

For more about the EPA’s National Radon Action Month this January, click here. To learn more about AprilAire’s Healthy Air solutions, including the new suite of radon products, or to find an AprilAire Healthy Air Professional, visit http://www.aprilaire.com.

About AprilAire

AprilAire is on a mission to enhance people’s health by improving the air in their homes nationwide. Headquartered in Madison, Wis. since 1954, AprilAire has been creating and delivering Healthy Air solutions to manage air purity, humidity, temperature, fresh air supply, and radon for all homes in all environments. The company has an unparalleled reputation as the brand of choice among tens of thousands of professional contractors and the millions of homeowners who use their products every day. Our professional-grade solutions reflect a combination of practical science and human understanding, intuitively designed to create healthy environments so people can breathe the fullness of life in their homes. For information, call AprilAire at 1-800-334-6011 or visit http://www.aprilaire.com.

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A study published in Indoor Air simulated the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, on a flight from London to Hanoi and on another flight from Singapore to Hangzhou.

When simulating the dispersion of droplets of different sizes generated by coughing, talking, and breathing activities in an airline cabin by an infected person, researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 virus contained in such droplets traveled with the cabin air distribution and was inhaled by other passengers.

The scientists counted the number of viral copies inhaled by each passenger to determine infection. Their method correctly predicted 84% of the infected/uninfected cases on the first flight. The team also found that wearing masks and reducing conversation frequency between passengers could help to reduce the risk of exposure on the second flight.

We are very pleased to see that our model validated by experimental data can achieve such a high accuracy in predicting COVID-19 transmission in airliner cabins. Also, it’s important to know that wearing masks makes a significant impact on reducing the transmission.”

Dayi Lai, Corresponding Author, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate Head, Department of Architecture, School of Design of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Source:

Journal reference:

Wang, W., et al. (2022) Evaluation of SARS-COV-2 transmission and infection in airliner cabins. Indoor Air. doi.org/10.1111/ina.12979

Originally Appeared Here