Clean Air Group Inc.

Have we seen our last pendemic? In my opinion a resounding NO! There has already been as many pandemic events in the 21st century as in the whole of the 20th century. Our world has become smaller than ever with the ease of international travel and a global economy where the spread of pathogens can be more prevalent than in years prior. This is why we must continue to be diligent to improve our indoor environments with proper ventilation and effective air cleaning. This is especially critical in our schools, assisted living and elder care facilities, and hospitals where those populations can suffer more severe illnesses. I’ve proud to serve on ASHRAE SSPC 241 where we published a standard to improve our indoor environments and reduce the spread of airborne illnesses. Now it’s time to adopt 241 as the standard for our indoor environments and be better prepared for when the next pandemic event happens. Chances are, it’s going to…

Who here has heard about Pink Mold? Pink mold which is actually a bacteria called Serratia Marcescens can be commonly found in bathrooms. It likes damp and warm environments and places with mineral deposits. Many personal care products used in bathrooms like shampoo and conditioners etc contain mineral deposits so pink mold has a good breeding ground to grow and spread. While not as concerning as black and green molds, pink mold has been the cause of some health related symptoms such as urinary tract infections and respiratory distress. The good news is common household products like bleach and water can prevent and disinfect it, and a scrub of baking soda and dish soap can clean it. The important thing is not to ignore it if you see it. Like all molds the problem will only get worse and the cures to mold remediation can be evasive and costly. So take action if you see it.

That Sneezin Season is Upon Us It’s not too early to start thinking about the allergy season ahead. Many are predicting allergy season will come earlier this year in light of a warm and wet winter for many. Also recent trends have shown the allergy season lasting longer into the summer than previously. What can you do? Minimize your exposure to the allergens. Wash your sheets and pillowcases often. Wash your hair especially before you go to bed. When you enter your home wipe your feet outside the door and remove and launder your clothes before your sit on your couch or bed etc. Allergwns are an airborne contaminant so pay close attention to your air. An active / passive strategy works best. Be sure HVAC filters are replaced and are a high efficiency MERV 13 filter. Set the HVAC fan to ON so it runs all the time even if your not heating or cooling. Install air purification like no-polar air ionization that can travel into the space and reduce allergens and make filters work even better. These proactive measures can make allergy season less impactful, reduce the need for medication, and many your home the safe haven it should be.

Unfortunately my wife Lauren was hospitalized for a MRSA infection in her hip. She had an injection in a medical office a few months ago and was how the infection began. This illustrates why we need air disinfection in healthcare settings of all types. AtmosAir bi-polar ionization has been tested on airborne staphylococcus to a 98% plus efficiency. This is a must in healthcare to help prevent the possibility of these types of infection as well as all the airborne pathogens we can breathe in and become ill. We need to all be concerned about what we breathe and the air around us and demand facilities are providing healthy and clean air.

Winter season is in full swing. If you live in the northern parts of the country likely your heating system is working hard keeping your home comfortable. This is also time to pay attention to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are installed and operating. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly. Many people have succumbed to CO poisoning some even fatal. If you haven’t be sure your heating systems have been inspected on an annual basis prior to heating season. Incomplete combustion can cause CO emissions so this is an important service. It will also help your heating system to run more efficiently. Also if you use a forced air system have your ducts cleaned. Recommend is at least every five years but remember things like dust and mold will collect in air ducts and eventually be pushed out into our breathing space so duct cleaning every one to two years is much better for the overall indoor air quality in your home. Sometimes small actions yield big results pay close attention to these critical systems.

The weather outside is frightful. Many of us on the east coast will be experiencing flooding rains over the next 24 to 48 hours. Moisture may bring a very unwanted intruder, mold. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours and because of its nature to thrive in dark hidden spaces like behind walls if you experience any water intrusion be quick to dry the area out as quickly as possible and address the source of the intrusion. Also if you have a flooding or soaked situation in your home or office consult a remediation professional. Small problems can become large and complex if not addressed correctly and can be devastating to property so pay close attention to water intrusion.