Leading air filtration expert Camfil outlines factors that have contributed to the “sick building syndrome” epidemic that has impacted many.
U.S. – Indoor air quality has been a major media focus following the release of surprising statistics about the number of deaths linked to contaminated indoor air. According to the World Health Organization, records show that in 2012, the number of people who died as a result of indoor air pollution related illnesses was 4.3 million, which was substantially higher than the number of fatalities linked to outdoor pollution. The data has compelled an expansion of research on the health risks linked to indoor air pollution, as well as factors that contribute to the problem and desired solutions.
“Sick Building Syndrome”: A Frightening Epidemic
“Sick building syndrome” is a term used to reference health complications that can be correlated with spending time inside of a specific building. Chiming in on the widespread debate about the best resolutions to overcome related challenges, leading clean air solutions provider Camfil recently released two publications discussing the issue.
According to the company the major factor that has contributed to the “sick building syndrome” epidemic is the construction of buildings in such a way that leads to contaminant buildup.
Camfil has said of the changing dynamics over time “During the 1970s, the global use of energy became an important political and economic topic due to the energy crises that took place in that decade. Subsequently, the cost of heating and cooling of air in buildings increased and changes in construction techniques took place. Many buildings were retrofitted with insulation, vapor barriers and new, tighter windows and doors.”
“New building construction techniques were developed to decrease the amount of heat transfer through walls and windows and reduce the volume of air infiltration or exchange through walls, windows and doors. As a result, the buildup of contaminants and moisture inside buildings that had previously provided a healthy environment became an issue.”
Overcoming the Challenges of Indoor Air Pollution
In the blogs “Indoor Air Pollution More Deadly than Pollution Outdoors?” and “Research Calls for More Emphasis on Indoor Pollution Monitoring,” Camfil suggests that in order to overcome challenges related to indoor air pollution, building owners or operators must take steps to maintain the efficacy of the HVAC systems within their structures. The company notes that choosing the right air filtration tools is of the upmost importance. Camfil states in one of the writings “Studies have shown that air quality can be significantly impacted by the type of air filtration tools that support HVAC systems in spite of the concentration of harmful pollutants. Even in tough scenarios where a high level of contaminants leave employees, residents, and others within polluted structures vulnerable to health risks, use of the right air filter technology can make dramatic environmental improvements.”
About Camfil
Camfil has made great strides in progressing air filtration industry standards for maintaining superior air quality in commercial, industrial, and residential facilities and other entities. The company’s green air filters have also proven to be highly effective in reducing labor, waste, and energy costs for customers.
To learn more about Camfil’s air filtration products and services and related case studies click here, or read the publications “Indoor Air Pollution More Deadly Than Pollution Outdoors?” and “Research Calls for More Emphasis on Indoor Pollution Monitoring.”
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