Electrocorp air cleaners available worldwide

Electrocorp's RAP series air purifiers

Electrocorp air purification systems have become a go-to product for businesses and workers in North America and beyond, who are looking for cleaner, more breathable air.

The customizable air cleaners feature a substantial activated carbon air filter as well as HEPA and pre-filters to remove not only fine particles and dust, but also airborne chemicals, fumes, odors and gases.

Now Electrocorp offers shipping to international destinations such as Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. 

For more information on Electrocorp's industrial and commercial air cleaners, contact Electrocorp by writing to info@electrocorp.net or by calling 1-866-667-0297. For international calls: 514-335-4277.

Electrocorp is the industrial division of AllerAir Industries.

Inventions we need: An air-cleaning bike

A photosynthesis system would clean the air during the ride.

Bicycles are often cited as the most efficient modes of transportation in the world. They’re five times more efficient than walking, and 100 calories on a bike can send a person three miles. In a car, 100 calories would only take a passenger 280 feet.

What if a bike of the future could perform more than one function, earning even more efficiency brownie points?

A group of Thai designers and engineers has developed a plan to turn the bicycle into a machine that actually cleans polluted air while cruising down the street.

The air-purifier bike currently exists only in concept, developed by Bangkok’s Lightfog Creative & Design Company. In theory, its aluminum frame would run on a “photosynthesis system” that generates oxygen through a reaction between water and electric power from a lithium-ion battery.

The details on precisely how the air purifier bike would work--like how often the filter and battery would need to be changed, and how much air the tool could filter at which speeds--have yet to be determined. The designers only have mock-ups, which recently won a Red Dot design award. The designers also haven’t yet built a prototype, but soon plan to.

While the air purifier bike might exist comfortably as an idea, reality could challenge the ease of operating such a fleet. There would be the question of where to charge the batteries, for one, and where byproducts, (like sugar, perhaps), might go.

Source: Fast Company

Breathe cleaner indoor air

Worried about air pollution and related health effects? While outdoor pollution is beyond individual control at this point, everyone can breathe cleaner and better air at work and at home.

Electrocorp has designed industrial-strength air cleaners with activated carbon -- the most effective air filter for airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors -- and HEPA for particle filtration.

The air cleaners come in different sizes and configurations to guarantee the best possible result at your workplace.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and a consultation.

Cleaner air a must to stop China tourism losses

Hotels and other providers of room and board accommodations need to take measures for cleaner indoor air

Activated carbon in air purifiers
can help remove fumes, gases,
chemicals, odors and more.

China has always been a major draw for tourists, but an ever growing problem of smog and poor air quality has caused a huge drop of visitors this year.

In January, China experienced extreme levels of smog, which were reported worldwide. Since then, the numbers of overseas visitors have declined and many long-term foreign residents have decided to leave the country.

China is the world's third most popular destination for international travel after France and the United States.

The decline could be long-term if Beijing fails to make visible progress in dealing with pollution, experts say.

An analysis of U.S. Embassy readings of smaller, more harmful airborne particles, show this year's pollution is significantly worse than in the past three years.

The Chinese government has announced ambitious anti-pollution measures but people whose jobs depend on foreign tourists aren't hopeful.

Source: The Telegraph

Cleaner air in hotels and other accommodations 

Visiting a country that suffers from high levels of air pollution is hard enough, but the thought of sleeping in a room with the same levels of poor indoor air quality might turn potential visitors away.

The tourism industry can respond by cutting prices - or by offering cleaner and healthier air inside their buildings.

In order to tackle the fumes, chemicals and particles inherent in city smog, an air purifier for smog not only needs a HEPA filter for particles and dust, but also a comprehensive activated carbon filter to remove chemicals, gases and fumes.

Electrocorp has worked with environmental consultants, the hospitality industry and many other professionals to provide cleaner indoor air. For hotel rooms and the hospitality industry, Electrocorp recommends air purification systems such as

Electrocorp's 9000 Series air purifier
is a versatile unit with carbon and HEPA. 

9000 Series - This air purifier offers a 15-60 pound activated carbon filter and medical grade HEPA filter and a pre-filter to prolong the main filters' life. The air purifiers can be mounted to the wall, attached to the ducts or used on the ground.

I-6500 Series for bigger spaces - The reception halls, lobbies, hallways, dining rooms and other larger spaces in hotels and vacation accommodations will benefit from clean air that has been filtered by activated carbon and HEPA.

RAP Series - Electrocorp's Radial Air Purifiers provide around the clock operation and a multi-stage filtration system to remove airborne chemicals, odors, particles and biological contaminants.

For more information and a consultation with an IAQ expert, contact Electrocorp by calling 1-866-667-0297 or by writing to info@electrocorp.net.

Health club fumes an occupational hazard

A recent chemical fumes leak in a health club in South Wales serves as a reminder about how important clean air is in a work environment.

In the incident last Sunday, more than 25 fire and rescue service officers were dispatched to the men-only Greenhouse Health Club in Newport just after 9 pm, when a chemical leak was reported in.

An explosion in the club's pump room is being blamed. The chemicals stored in the room include hazardous substances used for sauna and pool maintenance.

Indoor swimming pool and hot tub maintenance
often involves the use of harsh chemicals.

Due to the explosion, a small amount of bromine was released, a chemical that is used to sterilize hot tubs, for example.

One person was treated and taken to the hospital after inhaling the chemical fumes.

There were eight clients in the club at the time.

The fire and rescue service officers secured the site and evacuated all guests, wearing chemical suits and breathing apparatus. The incident took almost five hours to resolve.

Source: BBC News

Air purification systems for health clubs and spas

RAP series air purifiers feature
activated carbon and HEPA filters.

Health club and spa employees who regularly handle or use chemicals and hazardous substances may be inhaling fumes that can affect their health.

Proper handling techniques and personal protective equipment are a must, but a portable and efficient air purification system can easily provide healthier air for employees and guests.

The air handler should feature activated carbon and HEPA filters as well as a UV filter to remove odors, fumes, gases, chemicals, dust, particles, viruses, bacteria and mold.

Electrocorp offers a wide range of air purifiers for health clubs, spas and beauty establishments. Contact Electrocorp for more information and options.

3M Recalls 10,000 Air Purifiers for Potential Fire Hazard

3M has recalled approximately 10,000 Filtrete air purifiers due to a fire hazard. The ion generator in the air purifiers can overheat. 

3M has received two incident reports: one of an air purifier overheating and another of an internal room air purifier filter catching fire.  No injuries or property damage reported.  

The air purifiers are white, made of plastic and plug into the wall. They measure about 19 inches tall by 8 inches wide with a 13 inch tall by 4.5 inch wide air filter.  They have a two-speed fan knob with Filtrete embossed on the top. 

The two recalled models are Ultra Quiet, number FAP00-RS, and Maximum Allergen, number FAP00-L, which was sold only at Lowe's stores. The products serial numbers begin with E, F, G, H, I or J and the model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the product.  

Consumers should immediately unplug the recalled air purifier and contact 3M.

Respiratory disease widespread in Middle East, study shows

Desert climate, chemical warfare, water-pipe smoking contribute to lung diseases

Lung diseases in the Middle East range from the centuries-old pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) to modern manifestations caused by chemical warfare, according to a recent press release.

A new paper in Respirology, a journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, provides pulmonologists and patients with the first comprehensive review of respiratory illnesses specific to the Persian Gulf region, and the challenges in treating them.

Lung diseases affect many individuals
in Middle Eastern countries

A wide spectrum of pulmonary disorders affect individuals living in the Middle East, including bronchial and pleural diseases, respiratory tract infections and neoplasms (tumors), as well as chest traumas caused by traffic accidents.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burden of Disease Report there were 114,000 deaths caused by TB; 407,000 from respiratory infection; 25,000 attributed to lung, trachea and bronchus cancers; and 160,000 associated with respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma in the Eastern Mediterranean Region1 in 2008.

"The wealth of pulmonary pathologies encountered in the Middle East probably surpasses all other regions of the world," explains lead author Dr. Atul Mehta, Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

"Our paper highlights the diverse conditions specific to this region that contribute to the variety of respiratory illnesses found among individuals living in Middle Eastern countries."

Study cites various causes of lung diseases

Major categories covered in the review include environmental factors, infections, genetic-idiopathic diseases, sleep disorders, lung malignancies, pleural diseases, and miscellaneous respiratory conditions.

For example, the vast desert area of the Middle East experience extreme temperature changes which can exacerbate chronic lung diseases such as asthma.

The frequent wars in the Middle East have included chemical ammunitions that can cause immediate lung damage and have potential long-term effects, ranging from bronchiolitis to "desert-storm pneumonitis."

Additionally, water-pipe smoking, which is unique to the Gulf region and on the rise, particularly in women and children, has been linked to pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, and pregnancy-related complication in preliminary studies.

Cultural and environmental factors to blame

The authors suggest the broad array of lung disorders can be attributed to the large immigrant population and unique cultural and environmental conditions in the region.

"An integrated approach that involves public health, primary care, and pulmonary specialists is required to ensure effective management of the various lung diseases in the Persian Gulf," concluded Dr. Mehta.

"Consideration of the unique cultural and environmental factors will aid clinicians and public health officials in combating these health issues and ensuring compliance to medical care to improve patient outcomes."

Please note: WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region includes health statistics from countries that include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, The Occupied Territories, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, U.A.E., and Yemen Arab Republic. 

Worried about the indoor air quality in your home or workplace?

Electrocorp offers a wide range of portable, high-efficiency air cleaners for

Home and office air cleaners for
particle and chemical filtration.

• Homes and offices (see AllerAir's residential line of air purifiers)
• Facility Management
• Large offices and office printers
• Odor and heavy odor control
• Hotels and the hospitality industry
• Hospitals and healthcare institutions
• Dental clinics
• Laboratories
• Schools and Universities
• and many more...

Contact one of Electrocorp's IAQ experts at 1-866-667-0297.
  

Wildfires lead to busier ERs: Report

Wildfires can lead to poor air
quality and health complaints.

People who are exposed to wildfire smoke – particularly that from smoldering peat – are at risk of suffering from cardiac and respiratory illness, according to new research led by EPA.

The health complaints associated with wildfire smoke dramatically increased the number of emergency room visits, says the study, which examined the 2008 peat bog fire along the North Carolina coast.

ERs saw a 66 percent increase in people complaining about heart and lung conditions such as asthma, heart failure, heart attacks and others while the wildfires were burning and for several days afterwards.

Toxic chemicals released by wildfires 

Peat bog fires such as the 2008 fire the team studied release more irritating chemicals than normal forest fires, Cascio says, although scientists don’t yet fully understand how those chemicals affect the body.

Peat bog fires are different from more typical forest fires because the soil burns along with the vegetation, according to Chris Meggs of the N.C. Forestry Service.

The burning soil lends a different smell to the smoke and is the reason that these fires release more irritating chemicals.

There were at least two such fires burning in North Carolina this spring, and many more continue to rage across North America.

Officials, employers urged to act during wildfires

Researchers involved in the study hope to help public health officials manage wildfire events.

These types of studies have provided valuable insights to affected communities in the past and prompted officials to evacuate some schools and advise businesses to close during raging wildfires.

Another important goal of the EPA study, according to the article, was to shed light on which people are most sensitive to wildfire smoke.

It’s not just asthmatics who need to beware of smoke, researchers say, but also “patients with heart failure, (who) should be particularly aware.”

Source: News & Observer

Industrial-strength air cleaners for better indoor air

AllerAir and its industrial division Electrocorp offer air filtration systems with high efficiency particle filters and deep-bed activated carbon filters to help remove harmful chemicals, particles and odors associated with tobacco and wildfire smoke.

Clients can choose from powerful air purifiers for the home and office to industrial-strength units for use in various commercial and industrial applications, for spaces ranging in size from 500 sq. ft to 500,000 sq. ft.

Contact Electrocorp air quality experts at 1-866-667-0297 for more information.


Related Posts

• Environmental concerns related to wildfires
• Poor IAQ linked to half of illnesses worldwide

  

RAP Series: Robust air cleaners with a small-footprint design

Electrocorp's RAP Series:
Powerful air cleaners

Electrocorp’s Radial Air Purifiers (RAP) series features some of the most versatile and effective air cleaners in the company’s diverse lineup of industrial-strength air purifiers.

The RAPs are available in different sizes, from 23.5” height x 12” diameter up to 62” height and 22” diameter. They feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of chemicals, gases and odors as well as an electrostatic particle filter or a Super-HEPA.

The powerful micro-HEPA + carbon combination gives these air cleaners one of the largest and most extensive adsorbent areas, allowing them to capture odor-causing pollutants more efficiently than other units.

The RAP air cleaners can accommodate 15 to 120 pound activated carbon filters and can be customized even more with regards to the filter media and carbon blends.

Around-the-clock air cleaning

The RAP units are portable, free-standing, plug-and-go air purifiers with a round design for maximum efficiency.  They are engineered for around-the-clock operation with a quiet, modern design.

The main body of the air purifier is covered by metal mesh housing, combining a large-volume air intake with robust and protective features.

RAP air cleaners can have a UV
lamp for added protection.

The overall design and capabilities of the RAP Series makes these units the best choice for clients who need fast and effective chemical and odor relief and who are concerned about biological contaminants such as mold spores, bacteria and viruses, since the RAPs can also be equipped with a UV light.


Recommended industries for the RAP air filters:

• Individuals or companies who want a super-adsorbent unit with chemical and gas adsorption, plus UV germicidal filtration
• Law Enforcement agencies
• Art Conservation and restoration
• Funeral Homes and Embalming
• Hospitals and Healthcare
• Laboratories
• Laser Engraving and Cutting
• Pulp and Paper Mills
• Equipment rental places
• Retirement Homes
• Schools and Universities
• Any commercial or industrial setting where odors, chemicals or gases are an issue (odor control)

Electrocorp is a leader in the research and development of complete and reliable air quality management solutions for industrial and commercial applications.

For more information, visit electrocorp.net or call 1.888.667.0297.


Find out more about Electrocorp's air filtration systems:

• RSU Series
• I-6500 Series
• SSU Series
• AirRhino

Officials to investigate health and safety risks for woodworkers

Woodworking involves many
health and safety risks.

Health and Safety officials in the UK will be evaluating the occupational risks for those in the wood-working and furniture-making industries, according to a recent article in the Guardian.

It has been 10 years since they last checked the risks officially, but a growing number of nasal cancer cases reported in longtime woodworkers prompted the new investigation.

Doctors say that woodworkers face 70 to 80 times the risk of a particular for of nasal cancer, which may develop decades after exposure to wood dust. Many other woodworkers report developing asthma as a result of their exposure to wood dust.

Workers are exposed to wood dust of a certain size and it is people who are sanding or lathing wood in conditions where they have to have quite a long exposure that they can develop this particular form of cancer, doctors said.

Often, woodoworkers are unaware they have nasal cancer until it is in an advanced state. Symptoms could be non-specific, including a blocked or runny nose with a bit of blood.

Source:  The Guardian

Woodworkers' health and safety risks

Apart from the noise, tools and other safety concerns, many of the risks associated with wood shops are connected to the air they breathe.

Wood dust, mold and fungus, sap and oils, chemical additives, and toxic solvents and adhesives can cause respiratory damage to woodworkers. Wearing a face mask often isn’t enough to stop the airborne toxins from affecting the woodworkers.

Along with sufficient ventilation and personal protective equipment, wood workers can benefit from an industrial-strength air filtration system for woodshops that is designed to handle a lot of fine dust.

It’s important to note that a simple air filter would not suffice. Filters would become clogged quickly. With a special bag filter option designed for large particle filtration, Electrocorp products such as the Dirty Dog or the I-6500 with Cyclone attachment are well equipped to work in environments with heavy sawdust or drywall dust.

The bag filters are easy to clean and reusable. This is an excellent option for situations where a HEPA filter would become blocked too quickly to be effective.

Contact us for more information: 1-866-667-0297.

Worker blames chemical exposure for rare lung disease, wins lawsuit

Workers' chemical exposure can lead to
expensive lawsuits and settlements.

A Baltimore County man who says he contracted a rare lung disease from breathing a butter flavoring chemical at the workplace has been awarded $814,500, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The judgment was against Polarome International Inc., a New Jersey-based chemical manufacturer and distributor.

The former plant worker, Brian Hallock, was originally awarded $5.4 million by a jury, but a judge reduced the amount because of a cap on non-economic damages, lawyers explained. They plan to appeal the cap.

Hallock was diagnosed with the rare lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans in 2006, also known as "popcorn lung" after years of breathing the chemical diacetyl, a substance used to make food taste buttery.

Now in his 50s, he has severely depleted lung capacity and may need to retire soon.

This is not the first case involving diacetyl. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health already established a link between diacetyl and the lung disease, according to Dr. David Weissman, director of the division of respiratory disease studies, and the first cases of the disease were noted more than a decade ago.

Scientists discovered that diacetyl was a threat in large doses, whether it was made chemically or naturally by fermenting bacteria.

Many suppliers turned to substitutes, but they, too, may cause disease, Weissman said. The evolving information has meant no federal regulations on use, though Weissman said there is a team working on recommendations and they are expected in the fall.

Source: Baltimore Sun

What is diacetyl?

Diacetyl is a natural byproduct of fermentation and can also be manufactured. It is often used in certain foods such as margarine or microwaved popcorn to impart a buttery flavor.

The United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has suggested that diacetyl, when used in artificial butter flavoring (as used in many consumer foods), may be hazardous to workers when heated and inhaled over a long period.

The workers can get diacetyl-induced bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly called popcorn workers lung, which may require a lung transplant.

There have been a number of health and safety lawsuits involving long-term exposure to diacetyl, and some workers have been awarded millions of dollars because they have suffered permanent lung damage.


Keep ambient air in plants and manufacturing sites clean with industrial-strength air filtration systems

Activated carbon is the safest and most
effective way to remove airborne chemicals.

Electrocorp Air Filtration Systems has designed efficient and cost-effective air cleaners for chemical processing plants and odor and chemical control for manufacturing sites of all sizes.

The air purifiers remove the widest range of chemicals, gases and odors from the air with the largest activated carbon filters in the industry, and they also filter out particles and pathogens with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

Contact one of our air quality experts for more information on the right air purification system for your work environment at 1-866-667-0297 or by e-mail at info@electrocorp.net.
 

Why a bad smell can hurt bars and night clubs

Bad odors and the smell of alcohol or
stale tobacco can have a negative
impact on the nightlife experience.

In an effort to protect people from the damaging effects of secondhand smoke, smoking has been banned from most bars, night clubs and other nightspots.

This is great news for the healthcare industry.

The flip side is that customers have become more aware of unpleasant smells, including body odors and the smell of old beer that used to be masked by cigarette smoke.

A new study suggests that night clubs might want to use fragrances to hide unwanted odors and enhance the nightlife experience.

According to Dr. Hendrik Schifferstein from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and his colleagues, carefully selected fragrances can enhance dancing activity, improve the overall perception of the evening, and improve how nightclub goers rate the music as well as their mood.

However, most fragrances will introduce potentially dangerous chemicals into the air, and prolonged exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to serious health effects such as cancer or respiratory problems, so there is a danger that worker health and safety complaints may resurface.

Don't add too many untested chemicals and fragrances without first considering a cost-effective and safer alternative - industrial-strength air filtration systems.

"I am writing to inform you of how satisfied I am with the air filter system that your company sold to Duffy’s Bar. The air quality has improved immensely and our clients have mentioned that there is a noticeable difference. Thank you, again."
Brant Read, owner of Duffy’s Bar, Quebec

Provide cleaner, better air for customers and employees

Electrocorp has designed a number of portable, high-quality air purification systems for the hospitality industry as well as industrial-strength odor control systems for bars, restaurants and night clubs.

RSU Series: Powerful odor removal
(try one in the DJ booth)

Our units have been equipped with a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove a wide range of airborne chemicals, gases, fumes and odors as well as HEPA filters to trap particles, dust and allergens.

We have specialized smoking units that can get rid of lingering odors like stale tobacco and our diverse product line includes portable, stand-alone units, HVAC compatible filtration systems and units that can be mounted on the ceiling.

Our most popular units for night clubs and bars include the Numerical Series (5000 and 6000 Series), the RSU Series and the 9000 Series.

Electrocorp's air filtration systems make your customers' experience more enjoyable. Contact one of our indoor air quality experts to find out more or try our online chat option.


Related links:

• More information on the Delft University of Technology study
• The benefits of activated carbon filtration
• Secondhand smoke in casinos a risk, study reveals
• Traveling? Take note of the indoor air quality in your hotel

  

Hair treatment controversy continues

Hair straightening products can
release formaldehyde fumes.

Not too long ago, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor issued a health alert for hair smoothing products.

It warned that hair salon owners and workers could be exposed to formaldehyde from using Brazilian Blowout and other hair straightening treatments.

Many salon workers and stylists have reported difficulty breathing, headaches, stinging eyes and sore throats after working with these chemical hair smoothing products that involve flat-ironing the hair to make it smooth.

Calls for FDA to regulate hair products

Now, a Wall Street Journal article reports that members of congress are asking the Food and Drug Administration to issue a voluntary recall of two hair-straightening treatments sold in salons under the brand name Brazilian Blowout, citing concerns about unacceptably high levels of formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen.

They cited a 2010 study by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division that found formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout Solution and Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution.

Products often mislabeled

The Oregon OSHA study measured samples of the two products and found they contained average formaldehyde levels of 8% for Brazilian Blowout Solution and 8.8% for Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, a product labeled "formaldehyde free." Oregon OSHA's threshold for disclosure of formaldehyde is 0.1%.

"These dangerous products are still available and used on a daily basis in salons across the United States," the representatives wrote to the FDA. The lawmakers want the FDA to test chemical hair straighteners and recall those with high levels of formaldehyde, and they also want warning labels on the products.

The FDA is investigating and welcomes consumer input on their website.

Meanwhile, Mike Brady, chief executive of Brazilian Blowout, is quoted in the article as saying that the line is "a perfectly safe product that gives people the hair of a lifetime and generates money for the economy." As for the letter to FDA, he says, "it's not based on any fact. It's just based on emotion."

Salon workers to testify about their symptoms

At a Congressional staff briefing today, Wednesday, salon workers and technicians are scheduled to describe adverse health symptoms following their use of these hair smoothing products. The briefing is hosted by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and advocacy groups Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance.

Besides calls for more regulation, the company marketing Brazilian Blowout products also faces private-party legal complaints and a suit filed by the state of California. In April, the California attorney general filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop GIB LLC, the entity doing business as Brazilian Blowout, from selling the treatment line. The cases are being heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

In reaction to the controversy, the company has released Brazilian Blowout Zero, a treatment it says is free of formaldehyde and methylene glycol.

Source: Wall Street Journal



What we can do to help  

Clean Breeze 3: Air cleaner
for hair salons and spas.

Electrocorp has designed powerful yet portable air filtration system with a source capture attachment for hair salons and spas.

Equipped with pre-filters, Super-HEPA and an activated carbon filter that offers more inches of filter depth and enhanced adsorption capacity, the Clean Breeze 3 removes more airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles than ever before – right at the source.

Call one of our IAQ experts for more information: 1-866-667-0297.

Related articles

• Feds investigate safety of hair-smoothing product (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Additional News Update on Brazilian Blowout Hazard (ehssafetynews.wordpress.com)
• OSHA issues health alert for hair smoothing products
• Scientists work to develop safer hair dye products
• California Warns Against Brazilian Blowouts (news.instyle.com)
• Men and women react differently when exposed to dangerous substances at work

Hospital workers and patients breathing poisoned air

Air quality tests in hospitals have
revealed high levels of contaminants.

Air quality study reveals dangerous levels of PCBs in air at Copenhagen’s main hospital Rigshospitalet

Most people check into a hospital with the hopes of getting better. But what if they are exposed to contaminated air?

Indoor air quality in hospitals has always been a problem – the air is not only polluted by bacteria and viruses, but also by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold and fungi as well as chemicals such as glutaraldehyde (used for equipment sterilization), diethyl ether (anesthetic gas) and formaldehyde (used to preserve tissue).

And these IAQ concerns are not limited to North American hospitals either.

Recent random air quality checks at the Rigshospitalet hospital in Copenhagen have revealed dangerously high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the air patients and employees breathe.

The petroleum-based compounds, which are colorless and odorless, are known to be carcinogenic, as well as for causing hormone disruptions and neural damage. Studies suggest they may also contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

PCBs were widely used as additives in grouts and joint-fillers in buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s. Over time the volatile chemical additives evaporate into the air, in a process called off-gassing. Air quality checks reveal that is exactly what is happening at Rigshospitalet.

Two of the eight air quality checks conducted at Rigshospitalet exceeded the National Board of Health’s safe limit for PCB concentrations. In one of the measurements, the concentration was 20 percent above the limit. In the other, it was double.

The director of Rigshospitalet, Gunnar Theis Hansen, underscored that although the situation is serious, there is nothing to indicate that any patients or employees have gotten sick from the poisonous air.

“The concentration of the substance combined with the time span in which people stay in the rooms, doesn’t give any cause for anxiety,” Hansen told Jyllands-Posten newspaper. However, he added that the hospital is “taking it very seriously. We have a problem and we’re going to do something about it.”

More extensive and systematic air quality measurements are now being done at the hospital to see how widespread the PCB problem is. The new measurements will form the basis for an action plan on how to solve the problem.

Dorthe Steenberg, the vice chairman of the Danish Nurses’ Organisation, was surprised to learn that employees and patients at Rigshospitalet have been breathing in PCB gases for more than 30 years.

“The situation is worrying. But it’s good that Rigshospitalet is itself actively taking measurements and identifying the problem,” Steenberg said.

PCB production was banned in the US in 1979 and by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2001.

Source: Copenhagen Post


Clean the air with industrial-strength air filtration systems

I-6500 Series

Electrocorp is a global innovator in industrial air filtration, with more than 30 years of experience in chemical, odor, particle and airborne pathogen control. 

We manufacture the most extensive line of air quality management systems, and provide filtration for industry specific air contaminants, including air filtration systems for hospitals and the healthcare industry. 

Our high-performance industrial air purifiers provide versatile and effective solutions for even the most complex indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. Each air cleaner is equipped with activated carbon + HEPA technology, which is proven to be the most effective system for solving difficult indoor air problems.

We also offer custom carbon blends that target specific airborne pollutants. Contact us for more information.

Related posts:

• Indoor air concerns in the healthcare industry
• I-6500 Series: Special air cleaners for the healthcare industry
• Researchers develop tools to measure VOCs

Secondhand meth fumes could be dangerous, researcher says

Secondhand meth fumes could be
harmful, a researcher suggests.

If your city or town is located in the middle of a major methamphetamine trafficking corridor – like Gothenburg – residents may be subjected to the harmful effects of secondhand meth fumes.

With federal restrictions on the purchase of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (some of the ingredients used to make the drug) more meth is manufactured in Mexico and brought to the United States using major corridors like Interstate 80.

Dr. Sandra Wells of the public health department of University of Nebraska Medical Center told local Rotarians that much of that meth—and what is still made in homemade labs — affects not only the user but those who live in the household.

And, although there are numerous reports on the overall dangers of meth use and production, she said the actual health consequences of second-hand exposure are largely unreported.

The assistant professor in the department of environmental, agricultural and occupational health sees second-hand exposure to meth as an increasing health problem in Nebraska and the nation.

“But most published work is about the health effects on users,” she said. “There is very little there about secondhand exposure.”

Wells, who joined UNMC in 2009, started researching problems from exposure to meth while at the University of Montana at Missoula with help through the National Alliance of Drug Endangered Children.
At her UNMC lab, research is done on respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other environmental factors such as meth.

“We’re seeing kids with respiratory symptoms from homes where meth is used or manufactured,” Wells said.
Whether that is caused by the drug itself or poor household conditions is what the researcher wants to find out.

When meth is heated, Wells said the drug vaporizes and creates small particles that go deep into the lungs.
Even one-time moderate exposure to meth can cause injury to lungs, she said, which is why researchers want to know what happens over the long-term.

Source: Gothenburg Times

For portable air purifiers for homes and offices and industrial-strength air filtration systems with activated carbon + HEPA filtration that can remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, fumes, odors, particles and gases, talk to one of our air quality experts today.

Health and safety lawsuits: U.S. drug firm pleads guilty in lab worker's death

Companies need to protect workers and
lab technicians from chemical exposure.

In yet another occupational health and safety lawsuit, a U.S. drug firm is under fire and has pleaded guilty to one of five safety charges in the death of a lab technician who was exposed to toxic chemical fumes at his work station at a Nova Scotia plant.

According to the article by the Canadian Press, the company entered a guilty plea today in provincial court to a charge under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act that it failed to ensure an adequate venting system was in place.

In an agreed statement of facts, the Crown lawyer said the lab worker’s lungs were gradually destroyed by the chemical.

He eventually suffocated in hospital 18 hours after exposure on Oct. 7, 2008 to vapors from trimethysilyl diazomethane.

The court dismissed charges the pharmaceutical company failed to ensure adequate personal protection equipment and failed to ensure that the employee was instructed in the safe use of the chemical.

Charges that the company had failed to instruct an employee in safe use of a substance in the company's Windsor lab and failed to ensure that no person would disturb the scene of an accident were also dismissed.

Source: Canadian Press


Protect yourself when working with chemicals

For industries and laboratories that handle toxic chemicals, there is a constant threat of dangerous developments and near-accidents.

Electrocorp has developed a range of air filtration systems for laboratory workers, including the RAP series, the RSU series, the I-6500 series and Fume Hoods.

Our systems are equipped with the safest filtration technologies such as deep beds of activated carbon and custom carbon blends to remove the widest range of airborne chemicals, gases, vapors, fumes and odors.

Contact us for more information on our complete, cost-effective and portable IAQ solutions.


Related posts: 

• Chemical exposure caused heart and lung problems, suit claims 
• Protect yourself from explosive chemicals  
• Chemical accidents: A question of occupational health and safety   

Allergen-free hotel rooms – a home away from home for those with allergies

Hotels can offer much more than just a
nice clean room: Better air quality.

Indoor air quality is important – and hotel chains are catching on.

At a time when hotels promise everything from custom ice-cream room service to complete wedding proposal preparations, it's no surprise that they're also offering hypoallergenic rooms.

According to an article in the Tribune Newspapers, the Hyatt, Wyndham, Intercontinental, Fairmont and Mandarin hotel chains — among others — are experimenting with everything from small tweaks in bedding and air-purification systems to complete room remodels to help allergy sufferers have a symptom-free stay.

In hypoallergenic rooms in the Hyatt, the air is circulated up to five times an hour in these rooms, the mattresses and pillows are encased in a protective hypoallergenic covering, and the carpet and upholstery are cleaned and protected with Pure Clean and Pure Shield anti-allergen products, said Lori Alexander, spokeswoman for Hyatt.

Guests who want to stay in Hyatt's hypoallergenic rooms are charged $20 to $30 extra per night, depending on the hotel's location.

Hotel rooms considered problematic places

For those with allergies, a hotel room can trigger a swarm of reactions, said Philip Tierno Jr., director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University.

The hotel's mattress, pillow, rug, drapery and upholstered furniture can all easily collect dust, mites and bodily secretions — all of which are the bane of allergy sufferers, Tierno said.

"Unless a hotel has impervious covers on their mattresses and pillows, they're contributing to allergies and exacerbating them," Tierno said. "Even if you don't have allergies now, you can develop them over time. You don't need to be breathing in this garbage from mattresses and pillows."

But before someone with allergies pays extra for a hypoallergenic room, they should see exactly what the hotels are offering, said Stanley Fineman, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and allergist with the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Filtering the air and circulating it frequently is helpful, as is covering the mattresses with mite-proof allergenic casing.

"I have patients who complain about the reactions they get from sleeping in some hotel rooms, so for some people with allergies, it may be worth it to pay the premium to sleep in a room that's prepared that way," Fineman said. "This might be a benefit for certain patients."

Source: Danielle Braff, Special to Tribune Newspapers
Editor’s note: The original article has been edited for length.

Related posts:

• Traveling? Take note of the indoor air quality in your hotel 
• Secondhand smoke in casinos a health risk, study reveals

Electrocorp has designed portable, cost-effective and low-maintenance air filtration systems for the hospitality industry.
Talk to one of our air quality experts today to learn more.

SSU Series – an air filtration system for large-volume air handling

The SSU Series is a highly versatile and
configurable air cleaner for large spaces.

In spacious areas where conventional air purifiers hardly make a difference, Electrocorp’s SSU (Square Scrubbing Unit) Series has emerged as an industry-leading system to remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles quickly and effectively.

The custom-built, modular air filtration system can be constructed with up to three tiers. It is uniquely suited to remove pollutants from spacious, high-ceilinged indoor environments such as processing plants and warehouses since it can hang from the ceiling or stand on the ground.


Versatile air cleaner

Its versatility extends to the filtration media, as the SSU can be configured to draw the air through HEPA only, activated carbon only or a combination of the two.

With eight refillable cartridges, the SSU accommodates up to 576 lbs. of activated carbon, the safest and most effective filter media to adsorb chemicals, gases and odors. It moves a lot of air, with up to 5000 delivered CFM.

The SSU can be configured for three distinct functions:

1. Scrub and circulate the entire air volume in a large space. The SSU draws contaminated air in through the sides of the unit and ejects clean air towards the ceiling.
2. Scrub contaminated air via ducting. In this setup, the SSU draws in the contaminated air through ducts directly from the source pushes it through the filters and releases clean air through the sides of the unit.
3. Scrub contaminated air and direct the clean air into another room via ducting. In this configuration, the SSU draws in air through the sides of the unit and releases purified air into another room through ducts.

The SSU is ideally suited for the food processing or chemical processing industry, printing and graphics, pharmaceuticals and any other applications where large rooms with high ceilings need to be cleaned of dust particles, chemicals and strong odors.

Contact Electrocorp to find out more and get a customized solution to help solve your specific IAQ problem.

Asbestos slows down plans to remove PCBs from schools

Indoor air in schools can be contaminated
with PCBs and asbestos.

In a previous blog posting about PCBS and bad indoor air quality in schools we covered the issue of contaminated light fixtures in schools.

Tests in New York City schools had revealed that old lighting ballasts -- devices that regulate electric current for fluorescent lights -- leaked PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) onto the light fixtures and floors.

PCBs are toxic chemical compounds that have been linked to cancer. EPA issued recommendations in December urging schools across the country to replace all of the old light fixtures as soon as possible.

But it turns out that PCBs are not the only problem. NYC’s Department of Education said in a recent article that the hundreds of thousands of lighting fixtures it plans to replace in the city's schools because they contain PCBs are also contaminated with asbestos.

Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm told a City Council committee hearing that inspectors found asbestos that was used to insulate the problematic fixtures while examining them for signs of leaking PCBs. "Asbestos comes with its own special rules and containment procedures," said Grimm of the cancer-causing material.

"Asbestos comes with its own special rules and containment procedures."
— Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm

She said it can only be removed on weekends and holidays, not evenings "because we have to actually contain the area, and make sure that we're removing it properly and disposing of it properly."

This new problem will slow down the “quick action plan” that was sought to replace the PCB-leaking lighting fixtures. In fact, Grimm said it will take the city up to 10 years to remove and replace all of the lighting fixtures with PCBs from the public schools. Almost 800 schools have contaminated lighting fixtures.

The city has estimated its 10-year plan will cost $850 million. Quinn suggested that contractors might be able to do the job for less money as they make the city's lighting and heating fixtures more energy efficient.

Grimm told council members that companies will be invited to submit their bids after a Request for Proposals is issued in June. But she repeated that the EPA is "underestimating the complexity of performing work of this type in school buildings."

The group New York Communities for Change filed notice that it intends to sue under the federal toxic substances control act if the city doesn't update its PCB removal plans.

The group also wants teachers and other union members to be more involved in the process, said Miranda Massie of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, who's representing the group.

Source: WNYC

AirMarshal: Powerful air filtration system
for asbestos and mold remediation.

Electrocorp manufactures air filtration systems with activated carbon + HEPA filters to remove the widest range of airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles.

Contact us for our specialized units for asbestos and mold remediation and air filtration systems for schools and universities.

Study probes effect of dust, welding fumes on women

The welding industry has an increasing number of female workers.

A study underway at the University of Alberta (UoA) may shed light on health effects that exposure to welding fumes and metal dust have on female workers in metalworking and electrical trades.

The research project, called "Women's Health in Alberta Trades - Metalworking and Electricians" (WHAT-ME), is a collaboration among researchers from the UoA, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

It targets women in the province who have taken part in apprenticeship training in one of the relevant trades at any time during the last five years.

"It would include a variety of different trades where welding is a significant component," co-investigator Dr Jeremy Beach, associate professor with the UoA, says of the study.

Metalworking jobs include welders, boilermakers, ironworkers and blacksmiths, while electrical trades include cable installers, power line technicians, and construction/marine/plant electricians.

About 180 women recruited to date for study

Approximately 180 women, of which about 10 are pregnant, have been recruited for the study. Apart from reproductive health, the study will also look at health issues surrounding respiratory health, skin problems, nickel sensitization and musculoskeletal problems, Dr Beach says.

The initial motivation came from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), which has raised concerns about possible health risks to pregnant welders who are exposed to welding fumes, says Dr Beach. "There have been a number of different health hazards but nobody's looked in much detail about women as a group when they come into this trade."

David Hisey, chair of the safety committee on welding, cutting and allied processes for the CSA, says that there is a need for an "increased level of safety" considering more female welders are entering the workforce in Western Canada.

"We want to make sure we know the hazards that we are putting our kids into and if there's more protection that needs to be provided for all workers, then we need to be looking at that," he adds.

Dr Nicola Cherry, the study's lead investigator and head of the occupational medicine program at the UoA, was initially concerned that the numbers of women in these trades were so small "that you just couldn't find out anything useful," says Dr Beach. 

More women taking on welding jobs

The last few years have seen an increase in women, prompted by the shortage of tradespersons in the province. "There has been definitely a noticeable increase in females in welding trades for sure," agrees Dan Tadic, director with the Canadian Welding Association in Milton, Ontario.

Welding, a process that uses high heat to melt and join metals, is widely used across various industrial sectors such as construction, shipbuilding and bridge construction. "Just about anything that uses metal can and is usually welded," says Tadic.

There are hazards, however, which can include eye injury (from intense light and flying hot slag), radiation and toxic welding fumes consisting of oxides, silicates and fluorides, notes information from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

A 2008 study from Finland found that maternal exposure to welding fumes or metal dusts during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm delivery and reduce intrauterine growth.

There was also some suggestive, but inconsistent, evidence that the risk of preterm delivery and reduced fetal growth is related to paternal exposure to welding fumes, the paper notes.

Results were gleaned from observations of 1,670 women who worked during pregnancy, of which 68 (four per cent) were exposed to either welding fumes or metal dusts or fumes.

The paper found that nitrogen oxide, a compound found in welding fumes and/or metal dusts, was identified as a compound responsible for low birth weight and spontaneous abortion among dental assistants.

"Prenatal exposure to [a] complex mixture of combustion products, emissions from unvented or poorly vented stoves, and ambient air pollution may also increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes," the paper adds.

"It depends on how well you take care of yourself," suggests Gerald Bellehumeur, president of GRB College of Welding in Edmonton, says of welding and its effects on pregnant workers. "[I've seen] women in the trade for so many years. Women work until they are six or seven months pregnant."

Source: OHS Canada


Capture harmful welding fumes at the source

The FumeExtractor captures many
welding fumes at the source.

Electrocorp has designed air filtration systems for welding and soldering applications to protect workers from many chemicals and welding fumes at the workplace.

The portable, powerful units capture many toxic fumes at the source and adsorb gases and chemicals in a deep bed of activated carbon, using 40 to 80 pounds of this efficient filtration media.

The units are designed for TIG, MIG and arc welding operations and feature a spark arrestor, flexible arm and optional custom carbon blends as well as a HEPA filter for particles.

Electrocorp also offers air purifiers specifically designed for soldering applications, including a tabletop unit with an intake hood and a smoke particle filter as well as an activated charcoal filter.

Contact us to find an IAQ solution for you!


Related posts:

• Healthy welders may be at increased risk for brain damage
• New alloy gives welders a less toxic choice
• Sick welder sues welding rod manufacturers
• Welding hazards: Protect yourself from welding fumes and soldering fumes

Indoor air concerns in the healthcare industry

Patients can be exposed to
harmful pollutants at hospitals
and other medical facilities.

Facility managers in hospitals and medical facilities are faced with the daunting task of protecting both patients and staff from airborne pollutants that are known to cause health concerns as well as worsen existing conditions.

Facility managers must meet air quality limits in order to stay in compliance with government regulations.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the ambient air in hospitals is filled with chemicals like glutaraldehyde (used for equipment sterilization), diethyl ether (anesthetic gas), formaldehyde (used to preserve tissue) and of course biological agents.  Even more toxic chemicals can be added to that list if there are ongoing construction and renovation projects and out-gassing of building materials.

Mold - a serious health concern in hospitals

Inhaled fungi causes a stir in hospitals.  According to Disease Control and Prevention centers, an estimated 2 million people contract infections in the hospital while they have been admitted for entirely different ailments.  Frightfully, of these 2 million people, 100,000 die as a result.

Chemical exposure a concern in the healthcare environment

For hospital employees, chemical exposure is common.  Vapor and gases that can have both short and long-term effects on health are ubiquitous in hospital air.

A short list of these chemicals include:

• Xylene
• Glutaraldehyde
• Halothane
• Formaldehyde
• Mercury
• Acrylamide
• Methyl methacrylate
• Ribavirin
• Nitrous Oxide and volatile anesthetics
• Toluene
• Volatile Organic Compounds
• Benzene
• Ammonia
• Phthalates

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), exposure to waste anesthetic gases can cause a slew of negative health effects; for example:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Disorientation
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

These gases are able to escape during procedures, and many studies link waste anesthetic gas exposure to miscarriages, cancer, genetic damage and birth defects. The harrowing effect of these volatile chemicals extends to the spouses of hospital workers, with reports of higher incidences of miscarriage and birth defects.

In addition, hospital workers deal with hazardous drugs designed for cancer and other diseases, for example chemotherapy and antiviral medication. These toxic drugs pose the threat of infertility, leukemia and other forms of cancer.

Where are hazardous pollutants lurking in hospitals?

I-6500 Series: Superior air
cleaning for biological contaminants,
chemicals and particles.

According to OSHA, everywhere.  Hospital pharmacies, laboratories, operating rooms, radiation and x-ray areas, as well as morgues, have high concentrations of hazardous airborne pollutants.

Electrocorp is a global innovator in industrial air filtration, with over 30 years of experience in chemical, odor, particle and airborne pathogen control for applications like the hospital and healthcare industry.  Our customer portfolio includes the Mayo Clinic, the US Army and 3M. We manufacture the most extensive line of air quality management systems, and provide filtration for industry-specific air contaminants.

Our high-performance industrial air filtration systems provide versatile and effective solutions for even the most complex indoor air quality (IAQ) problems.

Each air cleaner is equipped with Carbon +HEPA Technology, which is proven to be the most effective system for solving difficult indoor air problems, and we also offer UV light technology to eliminate biological contaminants.

Contact us for more information.