Compiled by Facility Executive and Armstrong Ceiling Solutions
From the April 2023 Issue

Studies have shown that the indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational facilities makes a significant impact on students’ ability to learn and the overall health of all building occupants. In addition, poor IAQ leads to higher absenteeism, and poor acoustics are linked to lower test scores.

Panther Valley Elementary, built in 1953 in a low-income area, decided it was time to invest in solutions to enhance the experience for students in its older building. According to Scott Fisher, the school’s Director of Buildings and Grounds, after learning more about how lighting and acoustics play a role in building occupant health, the school embarked on this project in the summer of 2022, before the start of the school year.

To determine its indoor environmental quality (IEQ), Panther Valley placed AWAIR indoor environmental sensors throughout the school. The sensors measure seven key IEQ factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate matter (PM2.5), noise, and light.

During initial monitoring, the overall indoor environmental AWAIR scores moved between fair and good, averaging in the low 80’s. Air quality issues identified as primary areas of concern were ventilation rates and light levels. Secondary areas of concern included CO2 thresholds, noise, and thermal comfort levels.

This is what the ceiling in the elementary school looked like before it was updated.

Refreshed Ceilings

To help address these concerns, the school replaced the ceilings in a 780-sq.-ft. third grade classroom and a 450-sq.-ft. nurse’s office. The classroom houses about 27-32 students and is in use for the entire school day.

Ultima high light reflectant ceiling panels from Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions were installed in both spaces. The smooth-textured panels with a non-directional visual are both washable and impact-and-scratch-resistant.

An in-ceiling Armstrong StrataClean IQ Air Filtration System was also installed in the classroom to improve indoor air quality. The system captures and removes 90%of airborne contaminants, allergens, and other particulates using the proven MERV 13 filtration.

An internal fan draws air through one side of the grille. The air then moves through a MERV 13 filter and discharges back into the space through the opposite side. One unit can filter the air in a 1,000 square foot space every hour. With the fan running, air in the occupied space is constantly filtered to provide clean, purified air.

Like many schools in the northern part of the country, Panther Valley Elementary School in Nesquehoning, PA has no (or a limited) HVAC system. As a result, air changes per hour (ACH) in the classroom were only .5 ACH. Following installation of the StrataClean unit, ACH increased to 1.5 ACH. Increasing ACH helps reduce exposure to airborne contaminants. In addition, particulate matter and CO2 levels decreased.

“It’s certainly helped with the air refresh rate,” says Fisher. According to him, teachers are particularly excited about the classroom ceiling updates.

“I know how important indoor air quality is for both myself and my students,” says Tori Koerbler, a third grade teacher. “I’m a severe asthmatic and I haven’t had any episodes since the start of school and the room renovation.”

In addition, an in-ceiling Armstrong VidaShield UV24™ air purification system was installed in the nurse’s office. This unit operates by continuously drawing air into a self-contained chamber in the ceiling plenum where the air is treated safely with ultraviolet light air-cleaning technology. The cleaner, disinfected air then circulates back into the room reducing occupant exposure to viruses and bacteria.

Third party testing proves that this system neutralizes 97 percent of infectious pathogens on the first pass of air through the system. This contributes to healthier spaces by minimizing allergy and asthma triggers and by reducing the level of other infectious pathogens in the air.

The same classroom now has an upgraded ceiling, with an added air filtration system. (Photos: Panther Valley School, Contributed by Armstrong Ceilings)

Improved Lighting And Acoustics

In addition, the new ceiling panels provided improved lighting. Estimated light reflectance value of the existing ceiling was in the 40 – 60 range, while the Ultima ceiling panels have a light reflectance of 88.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Only 540 units of these colorful art versions of the Airmega 250, one of Coway’s top-rated air purifier models, will be released

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Coway, a leading wellness tech company, today launched the Airmega 250 Art, an air purifier designed to function as an eye-catching art piece while efficiently clearing the air. This is a limited edition model, with just 540 total units available in three abstract designs that fit seamlessly with any space’s decor.

Home, office, or anywhere in between—the spaces where you breathe air are the spaces where clean air is important. The all-new Airmega 250 Art is designed for open spaces where loved ones or coworkers gather, and to help keep all of us breathing clean, fresh air 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

From colorful refrigerators to TVs in picture frames, appliances are being transformed into statement pieces to create visual interest for homes beyond typical wall art. For the homeowner or renter who wants to create a healthier living space without sacrificing style, Coway partnered with Korean artist Haily Hills to treat the air purifier as a canvas, combining functionality with great design. Hills is known for her abstract paintings that make use of natural materials as motifs, and has attracted over 125K fans on Instagram. Her colorful collection of pieces for the collaboration are inspired by elements in nature: Vanilla Sky, Green Breeze, and Pink Pebbles.

“I thought that Coway’s design philosophy – which emphasizes the design of natural materials – would be a meaningful match with the motif of nature in my work,” Hills said. “As the home serves as the healing space from a tough daily life for many people, I hope my artwork will contribute to this healing process.”

At $499, the Airmega 250 Art shares all the features of the award-winning Airmega 250, including a washable pre-filter, activated carbon filter and certified Green True  HEPA™ filter technology that helps consumers breathe safer and cleaner air. The filter can remove 99.97% of airborne particles, such as bacteria, fungi, mold and pollen. It also efficiently inactivates various harmful sources and removes 99.999%1 of nano-size particulate matter down to 0.01 micron, which is even smaller than viruses and bacteria. Noted for its remarkable power despite its small size, the Airmega 250 is a favorite model of Gear Patrol and Design Milk.

The Airmega 250 Art offers additional convenient features such as:

• Real-time air quality indicator with LED color display
• Smart modes (auto, sleep, eco) that automatically adjust the three-level fan speeds based on space’s air quality conditions
• Rapid Mode that activates when air quality needs a boost, running at maximum power until the air quality is clean
• Filter replacement indicators
• Compact size (Dimensions: 19.7 x 18.5 x 8.3 inches)
• Covers up to 881 ft² (82 m²) (2 air changes/hr.) / 1,762 ft²(164 m²)(1 air change/hr.), more than the average US apartment size

You can now purchase the Coway Airmega 250 Art exclusively at cowaymega.com.

About Coway
Our obsession with home health began in Korea in 1989. Today, Coway is proud to bring our award-winning products and home health expertise to the US with Coway Airmega air purifiers, Coway Bidetmega for bathrooms, and Coway Aquamega water purifiers. Since our founding, Coway has become a global leader in intensive research, engineering, and innovation, amassing 6,737 intellectual property rights in all.

The Coway R&D Center, an environmental technology research institute, has 434 researchers, developing technologies around all aspects of life. The center also serves as our environmental quality, design, and cosmetics institute. Whether researching billions of data points to document air quality, conducting hundreds of tests to create the perfect seat for every body shape, or employing twenty-three certified water sommeliers—when we say we’re obsessed with health, we mean it.  For more information, please visit https://cowaymega.com or http://newsroom.coway.com.

About Haily Hills
Haily Hills is a graphic designer and artist who has been active in Korea and abroad for more than 15 years. Her work has received international accolades such as the Red Dot Communication Design Award, IF Communication Award, and Asia Digital Art Award. Haily graduated from Seoul National University’s College of Fine Arts. For more, please visit https://www.hailyhills.com/.

1 Coway air purifiers has been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested in a 30m³ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2018 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum fan speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

SOURCE Coway USA Inc.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

An HVAC system, or a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, is an integral part of any indoor environment. It regulates temperature, humidity levels, and air quality within the home. An HVAC system collects air outside the building and circulates it through its various components. Depending on the season or required temperature, the air is filtered to remove dirt, debris, and allergens before being heated or cooled. Finally, the air is sent back into the room through ducts or vents to ensure it has been treated adequately before entering your home.

Using your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality can significantly reduce air pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. By taking a few vital steps, you can dramatically reduce the amount of these harmful particles in your home or office environment. Here are some excellent tips on how to do this:

Change your air filters regularly

Regularly changing your air filters is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Most air filters should be changed every three months to keep them functioning correctly and trapping dust, debris, and other particles. Check with your HVAC manufacturer for specific instructions regarding when and how often you should change your air filters.

Clean or replace the air ducts

Your HVAC system’s air ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing air filtering efficiency. It is essential to periodically clean or replace these ducts to ensure they work correctly and do not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Install a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA)

In addition to changing your air filters regularly, consider installing a HEPA filter on your HVAC system. HEPA filters are designed to trap even smaller particles than regular air filters, further improving indoor air quality. However, these filters can be expensive and require routine maintenance, so it is essential to do your research before investing in one.

Install an ultraviolet light system

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems can be installed on HVAC systems to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants. They are relatively affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent option for improving indoor air quality. However, UV lights should be used carefully as they may cause skin or eye damage if exposed directly.

Check for gas leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) and other gases can build up in the home due to faulty furnaces or appliances. To ensure these dangerous gases don’t accumulate in your home’s air supply, have a qualified technician check the furnace and other gas-powered appliances for leaks.

Use a dehumidifier

High humidity levels can create an environment where mold and other allergens thrive, leading to poor indoor air quality. To reduce these contaminants in your home, consider using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, thus creating an environment unsuitable for mold growth and other pollutants.

Use a professional HVAC installer

Using an HVAC installer to install and maintain your HVAC system can ensure your system is running efficiently and effectively. Professional HVAC installers have the knowledge and experience to properly install, inspect, and maintain your system to meet your home’s comfort needs.

When you hire an HVAC installer, they can advise you on using your HVAC system most effectively. An experienced installer will also be able to diagnose any issues with your system quickly and accurately before they become significant problems. Furthermore, a professional installer will be up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and can incorporate them into your system if needed.

In addition, an HVAC installer can provide energy-saving tips that can help reduce energy costs while still keeping your home comfortable. They can show you how specific settings or techniques may maximize efficiency or conserve more energy over time. A professional installer may even suggest products that can improve air quality within the home by reducing allergens or other contaminants in the air supply.

A reputable HVAC installer should always provide warranties for their quality and any parts they install or use during maintenance or repairs. This type of guarantee ensures that the warranty covers any unexpected repairs or replacements should they arise in the future.

Using an experienced HVAC installer provides peace of mind knowing that someone with expertise is taking care of your HVAC system. With their help, you’ll have more confidence knowing that your unit is running at peak performance levels while saving money on energy costs and promoting improved indoor air quality for you and your family. 

Visit https://www.meadowair.com/cooling/professional-ac-replacement-in-arizona to find more information about HVAC installers in AZ. 

Conclusion

Following these simple tips, you can use your HVAC system to significantly improve the air quality inside your home or office. Not only will this reduce pollutants and allergens, but it could also improve overall comfort by making your living space more pleasant and healthy. Regular maintenance and upgrades to your HVAC system may also improve energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Caring for and maintaining your HVAC system ensures it works at peak performance while improving indoor air quality. The result could be a healthier living space with fewer allergies, fewer contaminants, and improved comfort all year round.

How to improve indoor air quality with your HVAC system

An HVAC system, or a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, is an integral part of any indoor environment. It regulates temperature, humidity levels, and air quality within the home. An HVAC system collects air outside the building and circulates it through its various components. Depending on the season or required temperature, the air is filtered to remove dirt, debris, and allergens before being heated or cooled. Finally, the air is sent back into the room through ducts or vents to ensure it has been treated adequately before entering your home.

Using your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality can significantly reduce air pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants. By taking a few vital steps, you can dramatically reduce the amount of these harmful particles in your home or office environment. Here are some excellent tips on how to do this:

Change your air filters regularly

Regularly changing your air filters is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Most air filters should be changed every three months to keep them functioning correctly and trapping dust, debris, and other particles. Check with your HVAC manufacturer for specific instructions regarding when and how often you should change your air filters.

Clean or replace the air ducts

Your HVAC system’s air ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, reducing air filtering efficiency. It is essential to periodically clean or replace these ducts to ensure they work correctly and do not contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Install a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA)

In addition to changing your air filters regularly, consider installing a HEPA filter on your HVAC system. HEPA filters are designed to trap even smaller particles than regular air filters, further improving indoor air quality. However, these filters can be expensive and require routine maintenance, so it is essential to do your research before investing in one.

Install an ultraviolet light system

Ultraviolet (UV) light systems can be installed on HVAC systems to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants. They are relatively affordable and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent option for improving indoor air quality. However, UV lights should be used carefully as they may cause skin or eye damage if exposed directly.

Check for gas leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) and other gases can build up in the home due to faulty furnaces or appliances. To ensure these dangerous gases don’t accumulate in your home’s air supply, have a qualified technician check the furnace and other gas-powered appliances for leaks.

Use a dehumidifier

High humidity levels can create an environment where mold and other allergens thrive, leading to poor indoor air quality. To reduce these contaminants in your home, consider using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, thus creating an environment unsuitable for mold growth and other pollutants.

Use a professional HVAC installer

Using an HVAC installer to install and maintain your HVAC system can ensure your system is running efficiently and effectively. Professional HVAC installers have the knowledge and experience to properly install, inspect, and maintain your system to meet your home’s comfort needs.

When you hire an HVAC installer, they can advise you on using your HVAC system most effectively. An experienced installer will also be able to diagnose any issues with your system quickly and accurately before they become significant problems. Furthermore, a professional installer will be up-to-date on the latest technological advancements and can incorporate them into your system if needed.

In addition, an HVAC installer can provide energy-saving tips that can help reduce energy costs while still keeping your home comfortable. They can show you how specific settings or techniques may maximize efficiency or conserve more energy over time. A professional installer may even suggest products that can improve air quality within the home by reducing allergens or other contaminants in the air supply.

A reputable HVAC installer should always provide warranties for their quality and any parts they install or use during maintenance or repairs. This type of guarantee ensures that the warranty covers any unexpected repairs or replacements should they arise in the future.

Using an experienced HVAC installer provides peace of mind knowing that someone with expertise is taking care of your HVAC system. With their help, you’ll have more confidence knowing that your unit is running at peak performance levels while saving money on energy costs and promoting improved indoor air quality for you and your family. 

Visit https://www.meadowair.com/cooling/professional-ac-replacement-in-arizona to find more information about HVAC installers in AZ. 

Conclusion

Following these simple tips, you can use your HVAC system to significantly improve the air quality inside your home or office. Not only will this reduce pollutants and allergens, but it could also improve overall comfort by making your living space more pleasant and healthy. Regular maintenance and upgrades to your HVAC system may also improve energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Caring for and maintaining your HVAC system ensures it works at peak performance while improving indoor air quality. The result could be a healthier living space with fewer allergies, fewer contaminants, and improved comfort all year round.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

• U.S. Military approved for mold reduction in field hospitals.
• U.S. and International Hospital approval for the fight against infectious diseases: 99% reduction of Staph (MRSA).
• Major U.S. city school reports 20% reduction in absenteeism.
• Tested and approved by the Chinese Government for protection against the deadly SARS virus.
• Approved by the USDA, FSIS, and FDA for use in food processing plants. Employed to reduce microbial contamination of food being processed.
• Cruise lines use it as a safety measure against Norwalk Virus outbreaks.

The REME HALO® can be installed in a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial applications where a ducted HVAC system exists. Here are some examples:
• Single family homes, apartments, condos
• In hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and doctor’s offices
• Schools, daycare centers, colleges and universities
• Fitness centers, locker rooms, athletic facilities
• Office buildings
• Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, kennels,
• Hotels, motels, and resorts.
• Food processing and manufacturing plants/facilities
• Restaurants, diners, and bars

The award-winning REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the next generation of indoor air quality (IAQ) technology and capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches. Designed to eliminate sick building syndrome risks by reducing odors and air pollutants, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier is the best solution for the whole house and building air purification. Invented to recreate nature’s process of purifying the air, it’s like bringing fresh outdoor air inside without ever having to open your windows. And it’s effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: Particulates, Microbial and Gases. You can now reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Say goodbye to odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms.

• Dual ionizers to reduce airborne particulates (dust, dander, pollen, mold spores)
• Kills up to 99% of bacteria, mold and viruses
• REME® reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.
• New zinc ions kill 99% of viruses on surfaces
• Unlike portable units that are limited to the room in which they are placed, the REME HALO® provides whole home and building purification.
• Easily integrated with your existing HVAC system. The unit doesn’t take away living space and operates silently.
• Two (2) quick release features for easy, no tool, cell replacement
• Incorporates an adjustable shroud around the REME® cell, which allows customization of the advanced oxidation plasma output.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

16 April 2023

Foley Hoag LLP

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

Last week, Inside EPA (subscription required) reported
that the Clean Air Science Advisory Committee has pretty much
agreed that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone
must be made more stringent. Apparently, the panel is looking at
recommending that the primary standard be reduced from 70 ppb to a
range of 55-60 ppb. CASAC is also recommending a reduction in the
secondary standard.

I’ve blogged numerous times about the role
that CASAC recommendations play in judicial review of EPA’s
decisions concerning setting the NAAQS. The short version is that
setting the NAAQS – any NAAQS – at a level consistent
with CASAC’s recommendations is both a necessary and sufficient
condition to surviving judicial review. In other words, if the
NAAQS set by EPA is consistent with the CASAC recommendation,
EPA’s rule will be affirmed. If EPA’s NAAQS is not
consistent with CASAC’s recommendation, EPA will lose.

This is not a hard and fast rule. Neither the Supreme Court nor
the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has ever said explicitly
that consistency with CASAC is either necessary or sufficient.
Still, it’s hard to read the decisions in cases challenging EPA
NAAQS decisions without coming to the conclusion that the CASAC
recommendation at the very least ways heavily on the scales of
justice.

CASAC’s likely recommendation is going to pose significant
problems for EPA. First, if CASAC recommends a range of 55 ppb to
60 ppb, that would be a significant decrease, making a decision to
stick at 70 ppb really awkward.

Secondly, in case you hadn’t figured this out, the stakes
are high. The cost of attaining a standard at or below 60 ppb would
be substantial. There isn’t much doubt that the GOP is already
preparing to attack Democratic candidates for continuing to support
job-killing regulations. Of course, they won’t mention in their
ads that none other that Justice Scalia, in his opinion in Whitman v. American Trucking
Associations, wrote that:

The text of § 109(b), interpreted in its statutory and
historical context and with appreciation for its importance to the
CAA as a whole, unambiguously bars cost considerations from the
NAAQS-setting process, and thus ends the matter for us as well as
the EPA.

A cynic might suggest that this is why EPA has stated that it
does not expect to finalize its decision whether to retain the
current ozone NAAQS or instead to revise it until December
2024.

Of course, cynicism is unhealthy and unhelpful and I don’t
believe in it.

To view Foley Hoag’s Law and the Environment Blog
please click
here

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.

POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Environment from United States

Certifications Matter

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Third-party environmental certifications are under misguided civil litigation attacks that will be counterproductive to environmental and social progress.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Indoor air quality, to some degree or another, has been a concern since at least the 1960s, when the term “sick building syndrome” began making its way into the public health conversation. It refers to a list of “non-specific” illnesses brought on by time spent in a particular enclosed environment. It wasn’t a huge concern then, and frankly, even when it became a bigger part of the conversation in the ’80s, it still wasn’t. But that’s history. 

Today, nearly three years into a global pandemic brought on by a respitory illness, a heatlhy home and more specifically indoor air quality is at the forefront of homeowners’ minds. It’s a top priority now, according to a survey from Panasonic, which found that nearly two-thirds of homeowners consider a healthy living space a chief concern when it comes to their personal well being. And for people like Dr. John McKeon (pictured), a former ER doctor who in 2000 founded Allergy Standards, a organization aimed at improving air quality throughout the built environment, that line of thinking couldn’t have come soon enough.  

Unfortunately, there may now be a disconnect between what builders and remodelers think hurts and, further, improves indoor air quality, and what actually impacts it. The goal of Allergy Standards, at least in part, is to attempt to bridge that gap. 

We caught up with Dr. McKeon and asked him to tell us more about Allergy Standards, indoor air quality, home construction, and how it all fits together. 

Residential PRODUCTS Online (RPO): You are the founder and CEO of Allergy Standards. What led to that? 

Dr. John McKeon (JM): I was an emergency room doctor, and patients with allergies and with asthma would have to come in their moms, and the moms would ask, “Is there something we can do to stay well rather than having to come in and you treating us?”  

Being well isn’t just about the absence of disease. It’s about actually being well. Physically well. Emotionally well. It’s becoming a big part of our life. We all wear wearables. We talk about our steps. And with the pandemic, the whole concept of indoor air quality is very much on people’s minds. We spend about 80% of our time indoors in the built environment. Scrutinizing material science and ventilation is an idea we’re very tuned into. We’re spending more time in our homes, where, thinking about trigger factors, you’re talking about Bioburden allergens, mold, biological pollutants, and moisture mold in the indoor environment. You’re also talking about chemical irritants. 

I would answer parents’ questions and give them advice about how to configure their built environment. And they would write it down so they could rely less on doctors and less on medication. The problem is that the concept works, but it’s quite complicated.

You think about furthest filters in the textiles and the paint, and so not everything. We bring into it the incidental furniture now, the actual building envelope, and how we construct those buildings, the insulation and floor coverings and paint, and so forth. It was one of those eureka moments, where I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a logo? If somebody tested products to confirm if they’d help improve the indoor environment, and if they remove allergens, or don’t contain irritants? Then you can actually certify those products like kosher food or organic food, or any of those other kinds of food-related logo programs.”

So that was the model. 

RPO: And how now does that initial model look translated into real-world action? 

JM: We have third party testing verification protocols. We started by looking at all building materials in the built environment. Once we had the parts in place, we partnered with patient organizations—which in America is the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America—and launched the certification program. As we grew and developed, we started testing children’s toys and then later electrical and vacuum cleaners, air filters, and more and more things that are present in the built environment. 

We’re now actually looking at the built environment as a whole, and we’re doing training for building professionals. We did a joint venture with EEBA, the Energy Efficient Building Alliance, and we’ve done one with the ISSA, the facilities management people with BOMA, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, and more. 

And then we’re actually looking into doing some clinical studies. Answering the question: If you install and use all healthy products, build a healthy environment, and then people live in that environment, are they actually healthier? Can you measure health impact outcomes? 

RPO: Allergy Standards has proliferated quite a bit since its founding in 2000. You’ve got your logo in a lot of product categories. That growth seems to align with the public’s seemingly rising interest in indoor air quality. Have you felt that same increasing focus on indoor air quality? 

JM: The answer is yes. There’s no doubt about that. 

When asked what is most important to their personal well being, a majority of homeowners responded, “a healthy living space.”

Source: Panasonic Industry Survey

RPO: The pandemic clearly stoked that concern over the last few years, but it had been growing for decades before. What are the big, long-term influences driving that concern? 

JM: The whole concept of sustainability has moved beyond planet to people. If you think about it historically, it has largely been sustainability and the green certification systems. But now we’re analyzing a product’s lifecycle, the impact we have on the environment when we make something as well as the impact we have when we throw that something, or anything, away.

Of course it’s important to have responsible wood and not to damage the rainforest. We’re widely thinking about building the home out of sustainable materials that are good for the planet. But that’s almost table stakes, the basics. People are now starting to really ask, “is that home good for me?” I believe people have moved beyond planet friendly to include people friendly in that equation. 

Obviously, this has been accelerated by the pandemic. But it’s also a natural progression. If you have smart technology where your toasters are connected to your fridge, or whatever, people will say, “That’s great. It’s efficient and smart.” But now they may also ask, “Is it also healthy?” 

It was always a natural progression, but it was massively accelerated by the pandemic.

RPO: When you think of specifically building materials, where are the big pain points for builders? What what types of materials are really making the biggest, most negative impact on the home potentially?

JM: I’d say, in a slightly dodging your question kind of way, is that builders shouldn’t be thinking in isolated terms of specific materials, like just flooring as a paint point. We should be thinking of building as an integrated management system. Even the incidental furniture we bring in can break a build. 

RPO: Talking about indoor air quality. I think a lot of builders and remodelers aren’t necessarily up to speed on the science, or even the nomenclature, that links building materials and indoor air quality. Talk to us about some specifics, like the role humidity plays in air quality. 

JM: Well, first of all, you’re right there. There is a real gap in the knowledge. Last year I went to a building show in Orlando, and then two weeks later went to a major allergy-related medical event. 
There was a healthy home module at the building show, and there was also a healthy home module at the medical one. But there were no builders at the medical one, and no doctors at the build show. So there is a real problem, especially with the nomenclature. You’ve got a group of people actually designing and building homes that don’t know much about health. And you’ve got all of these doctors concerned with health, but they know nothing about the design industry. 

We’re trying to be a bridge between those two communities. 

But to answer your question, moisture is a big issue. Too little moisture leads to dry air and that’s an irritant to mucous membranes. Too much moisture can lead to dampness and eventually mold, which harbors bacteria. There are also indoor pathogens, which can make somebody very sick, very quickly—either through an infection or an allergy. So balancing moisture is really important. 

On its website, Allergy Standards features a database of its certified products, featuring selections from a range of popular categories, including 

Image: Allergy Standards

RPO: In what product categories is Allergy Standards most reviewing products? 

JM: You think of somebody’s home: You probably spend the most amount of time in the bedroom, and people are very switched on about sleep now—recharging, detoxing, avoiding chemicals and noise and things like that. So textiles and bedding, mattresses, pillows, those kind of incidental furniture are big for us—and definitely something that’s good for designers to know. 

Laundry is another big one. It’s really important for fabrics and textiles, removing allergens from your clothes, your pillows, sheets and things like that. 

We also do a lot with floor coverings, paints, furnaces, air handling, appliances, and whole-house filtration systems. We with a lot of manufacturers, like Trane, 3M, and LG, to name a few. 

RPO: I’ve seen a lot of products, a lot of paints and appliances especially, thatare now incorporating antimicrobial and antiviral coatings. Have you looked into any of the science behind those? Is that an effective strategy for making a home healthier? 

JM: There is a role for some of those products; though, I think more research needs to be done. Mostly to answer: are they really necessary? 

If you have a floor floor covering, for example, fairly basic cleaning chemicals will remove 80 to 90% of packages. And it’s unlikely you could have a really nasty MRSA or any of those hospital pathogens in a home. I’m not convinced that basic cleaning practices are so insufficient that these coatings are needed. More likely there is a role for them in specialty environments, such as for people that are immunocompromised.

RPO: To wrap us up, one thing you mentioned earlier was training professionals and  acclimating people to the science of it all. Can you just talk a little bit about the resources that are available to residential construction professionals who are more interested in this type of education? 

JM: Absolutely. We have a wide range of resources available through our website, including a database of certified products. We also offer a number of training programs available through our Allergy Standards Academy. 

Partnering is also an important part of what we do. We’ve partnered with Construction Instruction and EEBA, both of which offer additional resources through their respective websites. 

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Birmingham City Council has no plans to make any changes to the Clean Air Zone’s midnight-to-midnight charging system. As the scheme’s second anniversary approaches on June 1, it said the current system provided ‘consistency’ with the rest of the country.

One might assume that if you were to cross the A4540 Middle Ring Road in a non-compliant car and be charged £8 for the privilege that you would have a 24-hour window in which to leave. But the way the scheme operates, the closer to midnight that you arrive, the sooner you will have to be on your way to avoid being charged twice.

Unlike a car park where you pay for however long you stay, usually by the hour, the Clean Air Zone does not take the length of your visit into account. The £8 fee for a non-compliant car is simply for crossing the line.

Read more: Birmingham Clean Air Zone shock on way for those living inside it as they face £8 daily charge

It does not take into account how long you are in town. Nor does it consider how far you might travel once inside the middle ring road boundary.

After publicly questioning whether there should even be a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham, Westside BID general manager Mike Olley said the charge had a disproportionate impact on ‘poorer’ drivers who couldn’t afford a more modern car. He said the policy also affected workers in, and visitors to, the BID’s bars, restaurants and other recreational facilities that were part of the night time economy.

One of the first road signs for the Clean Air Zone when it was being installed on the A4540 Dartmouth Middleway(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

Mr Olley said: “In Westside we spend more on security than anywhere else. Some of our staff might not start work til 7pm but then be working after midnight. If they have a non-compliant car, they end up paying twice – £16 instead of £8.

Clean Air Zone signs at the Islington Row Middleway entrance to Tennant Street(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

Traffic and car park signs welcoming visitors to Birmingham city centre via Horsefair off Bristol Street, with Centre City Tower in the background. In February 2023 it was named the ‘Ugliest building in the UK’ by photography company ParrotPrint who described the building as an architectural ‘disaster’(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)

Birmingham Clean Air Zone signage and cameras on Bristol Road near McDonalds(Image: Birmingham Live)

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

TOKYO, April 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Carbon Reform, a leading climate technology company specializing in decentralized carbon capture, has successfully installed its state-of-the-art indoor air quality sensors at Kajima Corporation’s Technical Research Institute in Tokyo. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Carbon Reform and Kajima, one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most respected construction companies with a strong commitment to decarbonizing their operations and supply chain.

Carbon Reform co-founders Jo Norris (CEO) and Nick Martin (COO) debuting indoor air quality sensors before installment at Kajima Technical Research Institute (KaTRI) in Tokyo, Japan.

Sensor installation is the first step in Carbon Reform’s business model. Carbon Reform’s upcoming plans for Kajima include the installation of the startup’s modular device, the Carbon Capsule®. The Carbon Capsule® is engineered for integration into commercial building ventilation systems, offering enhanced indoor air quality, significant energy savings for property owners, and the direct sequestration of CO2 each year.

Kajima’s Technical Research Institute, a hub for cutting-edge research and development, is the perfect location for this installation. The institute will serve as a demonstration site for Carbon Reform’s technology, showcasing the benefits of carbon capture to other companies and organizations interested in adopting sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.

“With this installation, we are excited to support Kajima Corporation in their pursuit of decarbonization and to demonstrate the benefits of our technology to a wider audience,” said Jo Norris, CEO of Carbon Reform. “Together, we are making great strides in reducing CO2 emissions and improving the overall air quality in commercial spaces.”

The partnership between Carbon Reform and Kajima Corporation highlights the growing trend of large corporations investing in eco-friendly technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet global sustainability goals. As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change, Carbon Reform’s innovative solutions are well-positioned to make a significant impact on the construction industry and beyond.

About Carbon Reform:

Carbon Reform is a clean technology company focused on democratizing access to carbon capture. By creating modular devices that can be easily integrated into commercial building ventilation systems, Carbon Reform helps building owners save energy, improve indoor air quality for occupants, and directly sequester tons of CO2 annually. For more information, visit www.carbonreform.com.

About Kajima Corporation:

Kajima Corporation is one of the oldest and largest construction companies in Japan. With a commitment to decarbonizing its supply chain and operations, Kajima Corporation is at the forefront of sustainable construction practices and innovative solutions. The company operates globally, with a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit www.kajima.co.jp.

Media contact:
Nick Martin
[email protected]
(302) 314-3410

SOURCE Carbon Reform, Inc.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

If you’re someone who values clean air, there are certain places in the United States that you should avoid. A recent analysis by The Guardian, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions, ranked the neighborhoods in the contiguous U.S. with the worst air pollution.

You might be surprised to learn that the place with the most polluted air in the U.S. isn’t a big city but a small town in California. Bakersfield, located in California’s Central Valley and about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has the most unhealthy air in the country. This is mainly due to the region’s oil and gas production and mining and petroleum refining. Unfortunately, the area has failed to meet the Clean Air Act’s target for most of the last 25 years.

But Bakersfield is one of many places with poor air quality. South Los Angeles ranked second on the list, with many landlocked neighborhoods surrounded by freeways, railyards, and warehouses. Compared to people who live across town in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood, South Los Angeles residents breathe 50 percent more polluted air.

Chicago’s south and west sides came in third, with neighborhoods like Back of the Yards and Riverdale that have been used to store toxic materials. North-west Indiana, Central Indianapolis, Houston, St. Louis, Central Pennsylvania, Central Atlanta, and Central Birmingham also made a list.

What’s concerning is that the analysis shows that neighborhoods with the worst air quality were predominantly Black and Hispanic. This highlights a more significant issue of segregation, with people and pollution being segregated.

So, what can we do about it? While individuals can make choices that reduce their carbon footprint, such as driving less and eating a plant-based diet, systemic change is needed to address the root causes of air pollution. This includes supporting policies and legislation prioritizing clean energy and reducing emissions from industries like oil and gas. We can also support community-led initiatives to reduce pollution and promote environmental justice.

It’s important to remember that air pollution affects everyone but disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. By advocating for cleaner air and supporting solutions that benefit everyone, we can help create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Planet B Not Found Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content.Click here to Support Us

Related Content:

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Along with climate change, air pollution is also responsible for the ongoing intense heatwaves across the country. But no significant initiative is being taken to reduce air pollution in the country. Rather, an unacceptable and controversial Air Pollution (Control) Regulation has been undertaken without enacting a comprehensive clean air act.

Environmental experts said this at a press conference organized after the publication of the research report at the National Press Club on Saturday (April 15).

In the press conference organized by Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) and Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) titled ‘Avoidance of dualistic policies is essential to reduce air pollution’, the report titled ‘Global Air Situation-2019’ was highlighted and said that at least 1.23 lakh people died in the country in 2017 due to air pollution. Air pollution accounts for 20 percent of premature deaths in the country. Currently, air pollution has increased to such an extent that it not only affects the human body, but also upsets the mental state. Therefore, if effective steps are not taken to prevent pollution at this moment, the present and future generations will have to face a lot of damage due to air pollution.

Taking part in the discussion, General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Sharif Jamil said the policies, laws and regulations of all the countries of the world are formulated in the public interest. But in case of Bangladesh, the picture is opposite. In many cases, laws and policies are framed in favor of certain groups, ignoring public interest through corruption. A recent such egregious example is the enactment of an unacceptable air pollution control regulation without enacting a comprehensive clean air act. He demanded to cancel the controversial rules and pass the integrated clean air act quickly. He called for building a collective social movement for the environment.

In the press conference, CAPS founding director Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said Bangladesh was at the top position in terms of air pollution in 2020 and 2019 and the capital Dhaka was second in terms of pollution among the capital cities of the world. Recently, environmental pollution has reached such a level that various towns of the country are becoming uninhabitable.

Air pollution is responsible for heatwave, Professor Kamruzzaman said, pointing out that due to the fact that dust particles and polluted gases are able to absorb the heat, currently most polluted dust particles and gaseous substances are playing a role in creating heatwave by absorbing the sun’s temperature. Besides, Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide play a role in increasing the temperature. So, it is important to reduce air pollution to decrease the rise in temperature.

Advocate Monjil Morshed, President of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) commented that the environmental court is getting bold verdicts like never before. He said the court is wasting time in various ways. Parliament is also not making laws in public interest. Businessmen are the majority in Parliament. They are mainly responsible for environmental pollution. As a result, who is influencing the law making. In this situation, people have no option but to wake up and start a movement.

In the president’s speech, the former vice-chancellor of Stamford University, Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, said, “We are committed internationally to reduce air pollution, but contrary laws are being passed in various policies, which is very worrying. The whole matter needs to be explained in simple terms for which public awareness is very important. In this case, universities and educational institutions should come forward. At the same time, journalists and media should try.”

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here