Truck drivers and commuters can breathe easier

The mobile air purifier fits into any vehicle - in the trunk,
under the seat or in a preferred spot.

Daily commutes and long drives in the vehicle can expose passengers to harmful chemicals and fumes as well as fine particles.

These have been connected to health concerns such as respiratory disease, cancer and other medical issues.

Built-in car filters will keep out a few of these particles, but Electrocorp's partner company AllerAir wanted to offer their trusted carbon and HEPA filter combo to those who drive a lot.

They developed a mobile unit with a 32 oz. granular activated carbon filter to adsorb airborne chemicals, fumes and gases (including diesel fumes, benzene and toluene) and particle filters to provide a complete air purification solution for the vehicle.

Check out AllerAir's car air purifiers.

Note: Electrocorp is AllerAir's industrial and commercial division and also offers carbon + HEPA air purifier solutions.

Longterm air pollution exposure linked to heart attacks and angina

Association persists at levels of exposure below current European limits

Outdoor air pollution also means poor
indoor air quality and health risks.

Long term exposure to particulate matter in outdoor air is strongly linked to heart attacks and angina, and this association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limits, suggests research conducted at the Department of Epidemiology in Rome, Italy and published on bmj.com.

The results support lowering of the EU limits for particulate matter air pollution.

Ambient particulate matter air pollution is estimated to cause 3.2 million deaths worldwide per year, but the association between long term exposure to air pollution and incidence of coronary events remains controversial.

In the European Union the current annual limit for particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (μm) or less (known as PM2.5) is 25 µg/m3, which is far above that implemented in the United States (12 µg/m3). And a 2013 BMJ study found average PM2.5 concentrations over a five year period in Beijing was more than 10 times the World Health Organization air quality guideline value of 10 µg/m3.

So an international team of researchers, coordinated by the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, set out to study the effect of long term exposure to airborne pollutants on acute coronary events (heart attack and unstable angina) in 11 cohorts participating in the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE).

The study involved over 100,000 people with no history of heart disease enrolled from 1997 to 2007 and followed for an average of 11.5 years.

Mathematical models were used to estimate concentrations of air pollution from particulate matter at each participant's residential address. A total of 5,157 participants experienced coronary events during the follow-up period.

After taking account of several other risk factors, including other illness, smoking, and socioeconomic factors, the researchers found that a 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5particulate matter was associated with a 13% increased risk of coronary events and a 10μg/m3 increase in PM10 particulate matter was associated with a 12% increased risk of coronary events.

Positive associations were detected below the current annual European limit of 25 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and below 40 μg/m3 for PM10 and positive but non-significant associations were found with other pollutants.

Further analyses did not alter the results significantly.

"Our study suggests an association between long term exposure to particulate matter and incidence of coronary events," say the authors.

They point out that these associations remained for exposure concentrations below the current European limits, and suggest that the burden of disease attributable to outdoor particulate matter "might be underestimated if only estimates of mortality are considered."

The results of this study, together with other ESCAPE findings, "support lowering of European limits for particulate air pollution to adequately protect public health," they conclude.

This study "has specific relevance to the management of air quality in Europe," say Professors Michael Brauer and John Mancini from the University of British Columbia, in an accompanying editorial.

They also refer to the 2013 BMJ Beijing study and say: "The important impact of air pollution on cardiovascular disease highlighted by these two papers supports efforts to meet existing and even more stringent air quality standards to minimise cardiovascular morbidity and mortality."

Source: BMJ-British Medical Journal via EurekAlerts!

Do you work or live in a place where air pollution is a concern? Electrocorp has designed industrial-strength air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA to remove airborne pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, odors, chemicals, mold and more. Contact Electrocorp for more information.

Study to shed light on people's attitude toward health and safety

IOSH funds research into public's attitude toward health and safety regulations

Health and safety measures often include
personal protective equipment and air
cleaners, as shown above.

A study led by the University of Reading in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) will examine how the social standing and perceived value of health and safety regulation has changed over the last 50 years.

Researchers will interview key stakeholders from health and safety practice, including former regulators, politicians, policymakers, workers and trade union safety representatives, employers and managers, and others who have played an active role in health and safety law during the period.

Health and safety regulations affect everyone, and they have become an important area of the law, according to the project's principal investigator Prof. Paul Almond of the University of Reading.

He mentioned the recent Deepwater Horizon BP disaster in 2010 and events such as the Piper Alpha oil rig fire that brought the need of protective laws to the forefront of people's minds. The laws are designed to protect the public from harmful side effects of work.

The nature of the laws has changed from very specific and prescriptive complex laws to a broader law also covering the office-based service-sector economy.

Based on facts and figures, these laws have become a success story, with rates of death, injury  and illness falling significantly, but there seems to be a negative stigma attached to the concept of health and safety.

The researchers hope to uncover the reasons why the public is not embracing health and safety regulations, and what kind of actions may cause this situation to change.

Workplaces have changed over time, and the nature of the hazard is very different than what it was in the 1960s and 1970s, says Jane White,  IOSH Research and Information Services manager.

"Now we face a juxtaposition between the public perception of red tape and the reality of a legal framework that is fit for purpose."

The project is scheduled to last two years.

This article has been edited for length. Source: Occupational Health & Safety Online

Breathe cleaner air at work

Exposure to contaminated air can affect workers' health and well-being. Unfortunately, most building materials, textiles, finishing products and electronics can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Of course, the risk is even higher if workers also handle hazardous substances, machinery or products that expose them to airborne chemicals, fumes and gases.

Activated carbon adsorbs airborne
chemicals, gases and fumes.

Health and safety regulations may require personal protective equipment, adequate ventilation and air cleaning measures to keep workers safe and healthy.

For the most advanced air cleaning systems at your workplace, contact Electrocorp to speak to an IAQ expert.

Electrocorp has designed air cleaners with a triple-protection air filter system for the most comprehensive air purification systems, which includes an activated carbon wall with many pounds of granular activated charcoal for chemicals and fumes, a HEPA or micro-HEPA particle filter and UV germicidal filtration for biological contaminants.

Whether it's air cleaners for office environments, the health care sector, welding and soldering, law enforcement or many other chemical and odor control applications, Electrocorp will proudly supply versatile air filtration systems that last. Ask about special carbon blends and other options.

Police evidence rooms in need of good IAQ

Collecting and storing evidence is an important
part of police work and legal proceedings.

Collecting and handling evidence is often one of the weirdest parts of a police officer's work, but it is very important to properly store evidence for investigations and legal proceedings.

In most police evidence rooms, there is more than one custodian responsible for the evidence. The job is very technical, as any evidence that is lost or tempered with can't be used in a case in court.

To make sure they can tell where the evidence is, who's had access to it and when, the technicians need to put in place a rigorous process and go through regular internal audits. Digital record keeping helps with making evidence easier to track, and security is paramount.

The evidence room houses evidence such as illicit and prescription drugs, weapons as well as items connected to crimes, many of which will be returned to their owners, auctioned off or destroyed once the case has been closed.

Metal shelves and neatly labelled boxes make for an organized room, but the evidence technicians have to be careful about the indoor air quality in the evidence room.

Without proper ventilation and air exchanges, evidence room personnel may be exposed to airborne fumes, mold (especially Aspergillus mold from improperly stored marijuana), particles, dust, chemicals and other contaminants.

Measures for a healthy evidence room

Breathing contaminated air can affect a police officer's health and well being. Continuous exposure to poor indoor air quality has been associated with less productivity, respiratory disease and many other illnesses.

There are many measures that can be taken to make the evidence room (and other areas of the department) a safer and healthier place:

• Use a diligent process for storing evidence
• Use personal protective systems (such as masks and gloves) when moving and handling stored evidence
• Monitor and adjust indoor heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
• Use a portable air purifier with activated carbon, HEPA and UV germicidal filtration to remove chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust and biological contaminants
• Keep the evidence room clean and organized

Source: Press Publications, Electrocorp

Worried about indoor air quality in your evidence room or police department? Electrocorp has worked with law enforcement officers across North America to provide cleaner air in evidence rooms and at the workplace. For more information, contact Electrocorp or call 1-866-667-0297.

Study: Smoke-free laws do not hurt business

Anti-smoking laws protect workers and customers alike without adverse economic impact

Smoking bans may even have a positive
impact on businesses, data shows.

A large study on the economic impact of smoke-free laws, published in the scientific journal Preventing Chronic Disease, provides new evidence that such laws do not harm the restaurant and bar industry, even in regions with high smoking rates.

These findings came to light just weeks after the Township Liquor Industry Association (TOLIA) denounced new regulations that is expected to come into effect later this year that will ban smoking even in outside smoking areas, claiming that it will be detrimental to their businesses.

However, anti-tobacco groups claim that the tobacco and hospitality industries have used the same excuse when other smoking regulations were introduced, but it has never realized.

“The evidence is clear that smoke-free laws protect workers and customers alike from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke without harming business,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The new study analysed economic data from 216 smoke-free cities and counties across nine US states.

The study found that smoke-free laws did not have an adverse economic impact on restaurants or bars in any of the states studied. In one state, West Virginia, the local smoke-free laws were actually associated with a small increase in restaurant employment.

The new study’s findings are consistent with those of other studies, all of which show that smoke-free laws at worst have a neutral impact on the restaurant and bar business and may even have a positive impact.

“These findings highlight why the public, policy makers and media need to be leery of adverse economic claims made by opponents of smoke-free laws. These claims are discredited time and again by impartial economic data,” said Myers.

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and at least 69 that cause cancer. Secondhand smoke causes heart disease and lung cancer in non-smoking adults and respiratory problems, sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, ear infections and more severe asthma attacks in infants and children.

The study was conducted by RTI International and supported by the CDC Foundation.

Source: The South African Health News Service

Invite cleaner air to no-smoking establishments

Activated carbon and HEPA filters will remove
chemicals, odors and particles left behind by smoke.

Businesses that previously allowed smoking on their premises will have to make some changes once smoking bans come into effect.

Lingering tobacco odors may be noticeable, as the carcinogenic chemicals and smoke particles are known to stay behind for a long time.

Electrocorp offers business owners proficient air purifiers for large and small spaces, which feature the most comprehensive air filter systems available.

In order to deal with the effects of tobacco smoke, an air purifier needs a medical-grade HEPA filter and a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove both particles and chemicals.

Please see Electrocorp's air purifiers for the hospitality industry, and contact Electrocorp for more information.

Fragrance company claims to be committed to health and safety measures

The fragrance manufacturing company
promised to have odor controls in place.

A Japanese fragrance manufacturer plans to relocate operations from New Jersey to Harriman, officials say.

The international fragrance manufacturing company will spend $10 million dollars to renovate the 130,000-square-foot former Manhattan Beer site, which will employ 80 workers.

The company plans to open in stages and to be fully operational by the end of this year.

Concerns over possible odor problems in Harriman, which used to have some problems with chemical companies and the sewer district plant, have been met with assurances that odor controls will be in place.

Takasago International Corporation was founded in in Japan in 1920, and has developed flavors and fragrances for some of the world’s most successful food, beverage, fine fragrance, household and personal care products, according to the company’s Web site. It operates in 24 countries and has more than 3,000 employees worldwide.

Source: The Photo News

Control odors with activated carbon air cleaners

Air purification systems with granular activated carbon can help remove irritating odors, chemicals and fumes from the air.

Electrocorp's line of air purification systems for industrial applications is equipped to handle different kinds of air contaminants and provide cleaner air.

Beside activated carbon, the air cleaning units feature HEPA particle filters and other technologies such as UV germicidal filtration.

For more information about air cleaners for chemical processing plants or a consultation with an IAQ expert, contact Electrocorp.

Construction dust a big health and safety risk

Inhaling dust and particles at construction sites is a
major health and safety issue, officials say.

Construction workers that don't protect themselves from inhaling even small amounts of dust on the job could put their health at risk, health and safety officials say.

In Britain, about 500 workers die each year from conditions related to the inhalation of dusts from concrete, wood, sandstone, mortar and gypsum.

In order to reduce these numbers and improve the health and safety for construction workers, Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers a free seminar on Sept. 20 on the dangers of construction dust and measures of protection.

The seminar is organized by the Working Well Together group and will take place in Coalville, Leicestershire, to increase awareness among managers and supervisors about health effects associated with dusts.

Dust inhalation linked to ill health

One major health effect is the possible development of silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by breathing in silica dust.

Silica is a common, naturally-occurring crystal and it is present in many construction materials.

Intense exposure can lead to health problems right away, but typically, health effects only emerge after 10 to 15 years of regular exposure.

"Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it is a serious risk to workers' health," said Chris Lucas of HSE’s Health Risk Management Unit in a news article about the seminar. He'll be speaking during the seminar. 

"Regularly breathing in even small amounts of dust over a long time can cause life-changing and life-threatening lung diseases, including cancer," he added. "Common jobs like cutting or grinding concrete, chasing out mortar, drilling in enclosed spaces or sanding wood can be high risk if not properly controlled." 

For a free information sheet, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis36.htm.

Source: Occupational Health and Safety Online

Air purification systems for construction and renovation projects 

Apart from personal protective systems, a portable yet highly efficient air cleaner helps provide cleaner air at construction and renovation work sites.

Electrocorp's IAQ solutions for construction and renovation include:

Air Marshal Series 
Equipped with powerful activated carbon and HEPA filters, these portable air purifiers help control airborne dust, particles, chemicals and fumes. Variable speed controls, pressure light indicator, negative air ready and various options available for different construction sites or projects.

The AirRhino is a highly efficient and portable air
cleaner for construction and renovation projects
as well as other industrial applications.

AirRhino Series 
Job site employees and building occupants alike will breathe cleaner and healthier air with an AirRhino air purification unit on site. The AirRhino can easily go from a dust and particle filtration system to a chemical, gas and odor abatement unit or a combination of both. Various filter options available.

5000 Series 
For smaller areas and renovation jobs, Electrocorp offers the 5000 Series air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters for the abatement of dusts, particles, odors, chemicals and fumes.

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

Hidden office dangers: Poor IAQ

Office buildings can suffer from
poor indoor air quality.

Most people tend to feel safe in a full-time office job, since working at a computer or a phone doesn't exactly meet the requirements of a dangerous occupation. But studies show that working at an office can be more hazardous to health than previously known.

Not only can sitting for long hours affect workers’ health, the air they breathe is also a cause for concern. According to the EPA, “poor indoor air is estimated to cost the nation (USA) tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and countless hours of illness and discomfort.”

The air in offices can suffer from increased levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, particles, mold, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, radon and formaldehyde, among others.

All of these contaminants have been linked to temporary as well as possible long-term health problems among office workers. Discomfort and illnesses contribute to productivity issues and absences.

Possible causes of poor indoor air at the office

Poor indoor air quality can have many reasons, and many cases may require a specialist assessment. High levels of chemicals, particles and odor-causing contaminants in the office can be caused by insufficient air circulation, printer fumes, cleaning and cosmetic products, new building and construction materials, and more.

In case of water damage, office workers may be exposed to mold and mold spores. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases and other concerns. Some workers may be more sensitive to poor indoor air quality than others, but office management can help boost productivity and morale by taking a proactive approach to indoor air quality at the office.

Prevention is the best solution for IAQ

In offices, an assessment of IAQ problems and possible solutions can go a long way. Identifying and minimizing pollution sources and using reliable air filtration systems can help provide cleaner air instantly.

For the best overall protection, an air purification unit for the office should feature a multi-filtration system that includes activated carbon and HEPA to remove chemicals and odors, VOCs, fumes, particles and biological contaminants such as mold and bacteria.

Contact an Electrocorp Air Quality Expert to learn more about industrial air cleaners and specialized IAQ solutions for the office.

Sick buildings star in architecture exhibition

Many contemporary buildings suffer
from poor indoor air quality.

A new exhibition at the Canadian Centre of Architecture (CCA) in Montreal steps inside the contemporary urban environment to examine what is wrong with modern buildings.

Entitled Imperfect Health: The Medicalization of Architecture, the exhibition looks at how architecture is addressing common public concerns such as pollution, food safety, allergies, smog, asthma, cancer, obesity, epidemics and aging.

Indoor air quality has become a major factor for architects designing buildings and landscapes, who are taking steps to reduce allergens and provide cleaner air.

Exhibition looks at past mistakes

Part of the exhibition looks back at previous attempts of architects trying to improve living conditions with building design.

One such example is asbestos, the once widely used flame retardant material that has been identified as a major health threat and carcinogen.

Previous visions of having airtight buildings protecting inhabitants from outside air pollution has the opposite effect, resulting in accumulations of indoor air contaminants like allergens, chemicals, mold and bacteria and coining the term “sick building.”

New designs, new ideas

High-rise buildings rely on elevators and escalators, but new designs like the one at Cooper Union in New York promote activity and energy savings by offering wide staircases and not letting elevators stop before the fifth floor.

Other new ideas are the use of hypoallergenic plants in neighborhood parks, “breathing” buildings.
For more information, visit cca.qc.ca.

Source: Montreal Gazette

Improve indoor air quality with versatile air cleaners

Electrocorp's I-6500:
An air cleaner that delivers.

Better indoor air quality (IAQ) has been linked to more productivity, less absenteeism and improved well-being of the occupants.

Electrocorp has designed industrial-strength air cleaners for a wide range of applications, including facility management, offices and office printers, asbestos and mold remediation and environmental consulting, among many others.

The air cleaners are stand-alone or HVAC-compatible and they feature a multistage filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA and UV to remove the widest range of pollutants possible.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and the best option for your IAQ concern.

Poor IAQ a drain on company’s time and money

Poor IAQ at the workplace can be
detrimental to workers and the
company's bottom line.

Poor indoor air quality can have a profound effect on a company’s bottom line – and it’s time for management to step up and protect workers from indoor air pollutants, activists say.

A new initiative launched by the Campaign for Clean Air in London highlights the financial and health implications of poor IAQ and suggests solutions that can easily be implemented, according to an article online from Business Green.

One of the main recommendations is a high-quality filtration system, which can help remove up to 90 percent of indoor air contaminants for up to 90 percent of the time, the campaign founder says.

And while London's air quality is known to be poor in general, the dangers of poor IAQ affect workers worldwide.

Studies have shown that poor indoor air quality, often caused by humidity issues and mold infestations, poor ventilation, off-gassing building materials, equipment and furniture as well as cleaning agents and scented products, can affect the health and productivity of employees and cost the company a lot of money.

Portable air cleaners a cost-effective and simple solution

A good air filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA filters will remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants from the ambient air.

Portable air cleaners: RAPs

Electrocorp has developed an extensive product line of industrial air cleaners for various commercial applications, which feature the powerful multi-stage filtration system and which can be customized according to a client’s IAQ concern, space, budget and other requirements.

The air cleaners are either portable, plug-and-go units with a small footprint, or they can be hung from the ceiling or wall or attached to existing ventilation and HVAC systems. The air cleaners are designed for around-the-clock operation to clean the air continuously, with low energy consumption.

Indoor air management is an important objective for companies – and the right air filtration system is key to improved air quality.

Contact one of Electrocorp’s IAQ experts for more information.
  

Working in an office? You could be exposed to banned toxins

Many office workers are exposed to a
banned flame retardant.

A US study evaluating 31 offices in Boston, Massachussetts has found that most office workers have concentrations of a banned flame retardant on their hands, which was directly linked to the amount of the toxin found in their blood.

The flame retardant called polybrominated dipheny ether (PBDE) was found in the dust in these offices. It was once widely used in computers and other electronics as well as the polyurethane foam padding in office chairs, furniture, and carpeting.

Even though PBDEs were banned under the Stockholm Convention, a treaty to control and phase out major pollutants, they are still widespread in many offices.

In previous studies, PBDEs have been linked to thyroid hormone imbalance, fatigue, depression, anxiety, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, low libido and infertility.

What to do to reduce exposure to toxins

While you likely can't avoid PBDEs altogether, researchers said the best way to cut your exposure is to wash your hands often with soap and water.

In the study, workers who reported washing their hands four or more times per day tended to have lower levels of PBDEs on their hands than those who washed their hands less often.

They also had, on average, three times lower concentrations of PBDEs in their blood.

When it comes to upgrading office furniture and electronics, opt for products that don’t contain brominated fire retardants and choose PBDE-free furniture.

Keep your office space as clean as possible and dust regularly with a damp cloth.

During lunch time, you can also try to reduce your exposure: According to Health Canada, PBDEs are also found in some fatty meats, fish, and dairy products.

PollutioninPeople.org, a project of the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, says avoid farmed fish, especially farmed salmon from the UK or US, and reduce animal fats from your diet.

Source: The Independent

Protect yourself from poor IAQ at the office

PrintSafe air cleaner for
large office printers.

Electrocorp’s air filtration systems can help improve the air quality at the office, reduce dust and particle exposure and remove harmful chemicals from the air.

Electrocorp odor controllers and industrial air purifiers feature smart design solutions that provide the most efficient balance of performance, safety, quality and price to maximize your investment.

Electrocorp units are equipped with a simple yet effective cleaning system and the most relevant filtration media and largest adsorbent surface areas on the market.

For additional protection against the chemicals emitted by large office printers, Electrocorp has designed the PrintSafe air purifier with source capture attachment.

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

Asthma rates keep rising, CDC says

Asthma rates are rising, health
officials warn.

It's a development that is difficult to explain - even though outdoor air quality has been improved, there are more and more people being diagnosed with asthma, and the costs associated with treatments are staggering.

One of the reasons could be poor indoor air quality. The triggers that can cause an asthma attack can be found at work, in school and in most indoor environments we frequent, cautions a recent article from Occupational Health & Safety Online.

Asthma rates rising in the US

People diagnosed with asthma in the United States grew by 4.3 million between 2001 and 2009, according to a new Vital Signs report released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2009, nearly 1 in 12 Americans were diagnosed with asthma. In addition to increased diagnoses, asthma costs grew from about $53 billion in 2002 to about $56 billion in 2007, about a 6 percent increase. The explanation for the growth in asthma rates is unknown.

Asthma is a lifelong disease that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, though people with asthma can control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by avoiding things that can set off an asthma attack, and correctly using prescribed medicine, like inhaled corticosteroids. The report highlights the benefits of essential asthma education and services that reduce the impact of these triggers, but most often these benefits are not covered by health insurers.

"Despite the fact that outdoor air quality has improved, we've reduced two common asthma triggers—secondhand smoke and smoking in general—asthma is increasing," said Paul Garbe, D.V.M., M.P.H, chief of CDC's Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch. "While we don't know the cause of the increase, our top priority is getting people to manage their symptoms better."

Asthma triggers at work, in school, indoors and outdoors

Asthma triggers are usually environmental and can be found at school, work, home, outdoors, and elsewhere and can include tobacco smoke, mold, outdoor air pollution, and infections linked to influenza, cold-like symptoms, and other viruses.

Asthma diagnoses increased among all demographic groups between 2001 and 2009, though a higher percentage of children reported having asthma than adults (9.6 percent compared to 7.7 percent in 2009).

Diagnoses were especially high among boys (11.3 percent). The greatest rise in asthma rates was among black children (almost a 50 percent increase) from 2001 through 2009. Seventeen percent of non-Hispanic black children had asthma in 2009, the highest rate among racial/ethnic groups.

Annual asthma costs in the United States were $3,300 per person with asthma from 2002 to 2007 in medical expenses. About 2 in 5 uninsured and 1 in 9 insured people with asthma could not afford their prescription medication.

"Asthma is a serious, lifelong disease that unfortunately kills thousands of people each year and adds billions to our nation's health care costs," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "We have to do a better job educating people about managing their symptoms and how to correctly use medicines to control asthma so they can live longer more productive lives while saving health care costs."

How to manage asthma attacks

In an effort to reduce asthma attacks and the human and economic costs of asthma, CDC recommends:

• Improving indoor air quality for people with asthma through measures such as smoke-free air laws and policies, healthy schools, and workplaces.
• Teach patients how to avoid asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke, mold, pet dander, and outdoor air pollution.
• Encouraging clinicians to prescribe inhaled corticosteroids for all patients with persistent asthma and to use a written asthma action plan to teach patients how manage their symptoms.
• Promoting measures that prevent asthma attacks such as increasing access to corticosteroids and other prescribed medicines.
• Encourage home environmental assessments and educational sessions conducted by clinicians, health educators, and other health professionals both within and outside of the clinical setting.

Source: Occupational Health & Safety Online


Improve IAQ at the workplace with powerful air cleaners

One of the many ways people can improve the indoor air quality in their buildings or workplaces involves a powerful air filtration system with deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filtration technologies that provides the safest, most complete and most effective solution for the removal of airborne toxins, chemicals, particles and other irritants.

Electrocorp has designed a range of industrial-strength air filtration systems for various commercial and industrial applications, including

• Hospitals and healthcare
• Environmental consulting
• Facility management
• Schools and universities
• Offices and office printers
• Mold and asbestos remediation
• Welding fume extraction
• Law enforcement
• Home and office air cleaning (AllerAir air purifiers)

Contact one of our air quality experts to find the right air cleaning solution for your needs.

 

The damaging effects of mold in libraries and archives

Valuable books and collections
can be destroyed by mold.

Mold is a serious issue for people as well as for materials and documents – as the archives staff at Emporia State University in Kansas recently found out.

In a detailed three-part series, The Bulletin’s editor in chief Kelsey Ryan explained how employees at ESU’s archives have struggled with this serious indoor air quality concern.

The Anderson Library building, which houses a portion of Emporia State’s historical archives and historical collections, has a major mold problem. The university’s archivist first discovered active mold bloom in September 2009 and subsequently found mold on more than 300 records, papers, photographs and books in the rare collections.

The Anderson building stores the majority of ESU’s archives, including over a hundred years’ worth of historical photographs, academic journals, archived issues of The Bulletin and bound issues of The Sunflower, ESU’s yearbook.

Some of these documents are in jeopardy because of alleged moisture and humidity problems in the building due to roof leaks, inadequate HVAC, high humidity levels and poor building maintenance.

The personnel have been asked to take care of the problem in-house, even though a better and quicker option would be to outsource the job to mold remediation professionals.

Mold can create health problems

The archive employees were hesitant to give details, but they spoke in general terms about their worries regarding their health.

Mold can affect human health, depending on the type of mold and exposure. According to EPA, all molds have the potential to cause health effects because they produce allergens, irritants and in some cases toxins.

Building occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold exposure.

There are no regulatory guidelines or regulatory issues on mold at this point by Environmental Protection Agency or Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to the director of the university facilities, but the workers were given personal protective equipment if they wanted it.

A lengthy process

In order to properly clean the documents and get the mold spores off of them, items that have mold on them must be separated from others and dried out. Once the mold is flakey, it can be vacuumed using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

The archives staff keeps a clean room within William Allen White Library where they clean documents before they are stored into compact shelving.

The university has considered selling the building, but finding a buyer may be difficult since the building requires extensive renovations and maintenance. This, even though the university spent $250,000 to fix Anderson Library in the last six years, on things like the new heating system, roofs, gutters, pointing, maintaining and dehumidifiers.

The building has been plagued by mold, water intrusion and mice.

Source: Emporia Gazette

Manage mold problems with air cleaners

Source control and remediation is important when it comes to mold problems. But for a complete mold solution, to avoid health and safety complaints and enhance the protection of valuable documents and materials threatened by mold, the indoor air quality of the building needs to be improved and protected.

Electrocorp has designed air filtration systems for

• Libraries and archives
• Facility management
• Mold and asbestos remediation

Contact us for more information.

Related posts:

• Prevent and control mold growth in commercial settings
• The mold factor - mold issues, health effects and cleanup
• Indoor air concerns in the healthcare industry
• Poor IAQ linked to half of illnesses worldwide

Asbestos: the hidden health hazard in many homes

Workers and homeowners can be
exposed to asbestos during
renovations and construction work.

The use of asbestos has been common in the industrialized world since the mid-19th century until it was banned in most countries.That does not mean, however, that the asbestos problem has gone away.

If you live in the UK, your home has a 50% chance of harboring asbestos, which could be lethal if disturbed.

In the United States, health agencies warn of asbestos in homes and commercial buildings. According to the Asbestos News website, estimates are that asbestos containing materials remain in most of the nation's approximately 107,000 primary and secondary schools and 733,000 public and commercial buildings.

While this may sound alarming, asbestos is likely to be dangerous only if it is released into the air and you breathe it in. Then you could be at long-term risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma (a cancer that forms in the lining of the chest or abdomen). Experts say that there should be little or no risk if the asbestos is enclosed and left undisturbed but it must be regularly checked for signs of deterioration.

But accidents happen and the previously dormant devil within could be released when "improvement" work is being carried out, for example, or when a burst pipe causes damage to ceilings.

In older UK homes, asbestos is often present in ceilings decorated using Artex textured coating. This is because, until the mid-1980s, Artex was made with white asbestos to strengthen it. However, Joe Oakins, a surveyor at Vintec Environmental Management, says: "We find asbestos products used in the strangest places and sometimes apparently for no reason. Often builders used whatever they had lying around, so you often find off-cuts of asbestos boards used as packing and filler."

Asbestos is also often present in pipe wrap and vinyl flooring tiles, in roofing and flooring felt and roof coatings, according to EPA.

Peter Coling, technical director at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Chartered Surveyors, estimates that 30% of asbestos is found in ceiling coatings, 15% in boiler flue pipes and ducts, and 15% in floor tiles. A further 15% is found in areas such as cold water storage tanks, insulation materials, eaves, gutters and rainwater pipes, while 10% is in cement panel ceilings, 10% in outbuildings and 5% in fire protection materials, for example on the underside of integral garage roofs and in cupboards enclosing boilers.

5000 Pro: Strong air cleaner
that is easy to move around.

Source: The Observer

Electrocorp has designed portable air filtration systems to be used during and after asbestos remediation projects to further protect workers and residents of the building.

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

Chemical exposure caused heart and lung problems, suit claims

Occupational health and safety
lawsuits can be costly.

Companies that expose workers to chemicals need to have stringent safety procedures in place – or they may have to suffer the consequences such as formal health and safety complaints and occupational lawsuits.

In a recent example, a Galveston County man alleges he was exposed to a chemical leak while working as a security guard at a Texas City petrochemical plant almost two years ago, court documents say.

Acute exposure to naphthalene

In a lawsuit filed against Valero Refining-Texas LP, Marathon Petroleum Co. L.P. and Texas-New Mexico Power Co. on April 11, 2011, in Galveston County District Court, Karon Johnson claims he had an acute exposure to naphthalene on June 16, 2009.

Johnson patrolled the Marathon refinery at the time of the alleged leak. He says the chemicals wafted from the nearby Valero facility, according to the lawsuit.

The next day, the plaintiff reported to his employer that he was feeling limp, nauseous, fatigued, and achy and that he saw blood in his urine, the suit says.


Exposure to chemicals affected worker

According to the original complaint, Johnson claims he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy -- a weakening and enlargement of the heart -- and chemical pneumonitis -- a lung inflammation caused by inhaling irritants -- citing the Valero release as "the legal cause of his injuries."

The suit faults Valero for failing to operate its refinery in a safe manner in compliance with the law, while Marathon is blamed for not preventing workplace hazards and TNMP is accused of not running their company safely.

"The defendants ignored the known obvious risks of harm, damages and losses that would result from an extended exposure to naphthalene-containing chemicals," the original petition says.

Consequently, Johnson sues for compensatory and exemplary damages. He also seeks a jury trial.

R.G. Taylor II & Associates is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox is presiding over the case.

Source: South East Texas Record

Industrial-strength air purifiers can boost safety

For an industrial-strength air purification system that can add chemical and particle filtration power to the HVAC system, or for a powerful portable unit that has been designed for commercial and industrial settings, contact one of our air quality experts today.

Electrocorp’s air purification systems have been equipped with many pounds of highly adsorbent activated carbon as well as other filtration technologies to remove a wide range of airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles.

Electrocorp air cleaning systems use only safe and proven technology and are designed for reliable, 24/7 operation.

Please note: The information contained herein is not meant to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat or cure a disease or condition. It may be necessary to consult a physician.

Pediatricians want tougher chemical safety law

Children are most at risk when it comes to
exposure to common household chemicals.

We are exposed to chemicals virtually everywhere, and doctors urge authorities to provide better protection.

Earlier this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics called for an overhaul of the 35-year-old federal law governing toxic chemicals in the environment, saying it fails to safeguard children and pregnant women.

"It is widely recognized to have been ineffective in protecting children, pregnant women and the general population from hazardous chemicals in the marketplace," the academy said in a policy statement that will be published in the May issue of the journal Pediatrics.

They are not the only ones sounding the alarm bells. The American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Nurses Association have previously called for changes in the Toxic Substance Control Act.

Among the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations:

• The consequences of chemical use on children and their families should be "a core component" of the new chemical policy.
• Chemicals should meet standards similar to those required for new drugs or pesticides.
• Decisions to ban chemicals should be based on reasonable levels of concern, rather than demonstrated harm.
• The health effects of chemicals should be monitored after they are on the market, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should have the authority to remove a chemical from the market if it's deemed dangerous.

Since the Toxic Substances Control Act took effect in 1976, the EPA has tested only 200 of the 80,000 chemicals in commerce and regulated just five.

"Right now, a company manufactures a chemical and puts it out on the market and reaps the economic reward," said Dr. Jerome Paulson, lead author of the policy statement. "And then the public is responsible for trying to figure out if there is any harm associated with the use of that chemical. And then it's almost a criminal procedure, requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt."

Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey this month introduced the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. The law would require chemical manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of industrial chemicals used in everyday household products.

Experts agree that swift action is required to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children.

Children face special risks because they eat, drink and breathe more pound for pound than adults, and they spend more time on the floor or the ground than adults, a possible source of exposure, the American Academy of Pediatrics pointed out in its policy statement.

As part of its policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended its 60,000 member pediatricians familiarize themselves with the potential adverse health effects of chemicals in the environment.
The American chemical industry is a $674 billion enterprise, employing 800,000 people, according to the industry group. Chemical manufacturers reported annual production volume of 27 trillion pounds, according to the most recent EPA data available.

Numerical Series: An air purifier for a room
of any size.

Source: CNN

If you are worried about airborne chemicals, gases, odors and particles in your home or office, consider using an air purifier from AllerAir Industries. Electrocorp is the industrial division of AllerAir.

For industrial-strength air filtration systems for the healthcare industry, schools, daycares and universities and many other applications, contact one of our air quality experts today.

Pre-fab homes can be earth-friendly

Modular homes don't have
to be cheap and boring.

When you think of your dream home, would you think of a prefab house?

Probably not. After a brief heyday of kit homes offered by Sears, Roebuck and Co. and other vendors in the early 1900s, most people would agree that factory-built houses — also called prefab or modular homes — went cheap and boring.

Most were little more than self-contained cartons for shelter, and their humdrum looks involved a lot of plastics, formaldehyde-gassing wood panels and other non-eco-friendly features.

Now that “green” materials, sustainability and customized design are among the new buzzwords of home construction, prefab homes would seem to be more outdated than ever – but it turns out that they can meet these requirements.

Good design decisions are the foundation for a “green” home, and the environmental benefits of doing most of the actual fabrication in a controlled indoor space far outweigh the virtues of on-site construction.

While there are many variations on the theme of a “green” home, some core tenets always apply, including

• Responsible use of materials and natural resources,
• Low energy consumption,
• First-rate indoor air quality and
• Good site stewardship (especially soil and water management).

According to Michelle Kaufman, author of the book “Prefab Green”, it’s best to design a home around five key “eco-principles”:

• Smart design: Use common sense. Keep the size modest and plan/allow multiple uses for spaces. Choose a site placement that lets you manage the sunlight, prevailing winds, water issues and so on. And always keep technological features accessible so you can upgrade or adapt to new technologies later.
• Eco-materials: Of course, renewable or recycled materials score big points here. Consider a product’s complete life cycle — where it originated, how it was processed and transported, how durable it is, what maintenance requirements are and what happens to it when it wears out or needs replacement.
• Energy efficiency: Since the 1970s, energy use issues have been front and center in residential design. Now, recent developments such as nontoxic foam insulation and advanced window glazing can create an efficient “envelope” that reduces energy consumption. Also, good natural ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning.
• Water conservation: While we often take it for granted, clean healthy water is at the heart of any ecosystem. A home’s design should encourage wise use and re-use, whether through low-flow plumbing fixtures or a system to catch and use rainwater.
• Healthy indoor environment: Indoor air that is clean of toxins or carcinogens is another critical component in a healthy home. Avoid the use of paints and solvents containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and don’t install engineered wood products or carpeting made with urea-formaldehyde resins, which can off-gas for months and contaminate the air.

Source: Bill Lahay, Universal Press

Electrocorp has designed air filtration systems with activated carbon and HEPA filters that can be used before, during and after construction and renovations to minimize exposure to toxic airborne pollutants. For residential and office air purifiers, have a look at the wide range of products offered by AllerAir Industries.

OSHA issues health alert for hair smoothing products

Many hair straightening treatments contain dangerous chemicals.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor and several State OSHA programs are investigating questions and complaints from hair salon owners and workers about possible formaldehyde exposure from using Brazilian Blowout and other hair smoothing products.

Many agencies have already issued warnings about these products to salon owners, stylists, other salon workers, and clients.

 
Most hair smoothing products contain or release formaldehyde

OSHA has found formaldehyde in the air when stylists use hair smoothing products. Some had "formaldehyde-free" on the label or did not list formaldehyde on the product label or in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS is required to provide users information about the chemicals in a product, the hazards to workers, and how to use a product safely.

In most cases, OSHA found that hair salon owners did not know that a hair smoothing product contained or could expose workers to formaldehyde because manufacturers, importers, and distributors did not include the correct warnings on product information.

 
What is formaldehyde and how can it affect your health?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that presents a health hazard if workers are exposed. You can be exposed to formaldehyde if you breathe it into your lungs, if it gets into your eyes, or if it is contained in a product that gets onto your skin. You can also be exposed accidentally if you touch your face, eat food, or drink after using a product containing formaldehyde without first washing your hands.

Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and nose, and cause coughing and wheezing. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes, and lungs such as asthma-like breathing problems and skin rashes and itching.

When formaldehyde is in a product that gets sprayed into the eyes, it can damage the eyes and cause blindness. It is also a cancer hazard that is linked to nose and lung cancer. Formaldehyde is a health hazard, whether in a product or in the air.

 
Formaldehyde in beauty salon products

Formaldehyde in keratin-based hair smoothing products might be listed as methylene glycol, formalin, methylene oxide, paraform, formic aldehyde, methanal, oxomethane, oxymethylene, or CAS Number 50-00-0. All of these are names for formaldehyde under OSHA's Formaldehyde standard.

Workers can be exposed to formaldehyde during the entire hair straightening process, especially when heat is applied (e.g. blow-drying, flat ironing).

 
Reduce exposure to formaldehyde when using hair smoothing/straightening products

Salon owners should:

• Test the air if formaldehyde-containing products are used.
• Install air ventilation systems in the areas where these products are mixed and used to help keep formaldehyde levels below OSHA's limit and perform regular maintenance to make sure the systems work correctly;
• Ensure workers understand the information on a product's label and MSDS;
• Tell workers about the health effects of formaldehyde, how to use the product safely, and what personal protective equipment to wear while using the product;
• Give employees appropriate gloves and other personal protective equipment (e.g., face shield, chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant aprons) and train them on how to use this equipment while mixing and applying the products;
• Give workers respirators, if needed; train them to use the respirator properly; and meet the other requirements in OSHA's Respiratory protection standard;
• Train workers how to safely clean up spills and properly throw products out.
• Make sure the workplace has eye and skin washing equipment if products that contain formaldehyde could be splashed onto the workers’ skin or into their eyes;
• Get workers the right medical attention (e.g., doctor exams) if they develop signs and symptoms of an exposure to formaldehyde or are exposed to large amounts of formaldehyde during an emergency (e.g., a large spill).

Employers must also keep records of the air tests they perform, any medical attention needed by their employees, and respirator fit-testing.

Workers have a right to a safe workplace. Workers may file a complaint to have OSHA inspect their workplace if they believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards.

Source: OSHA Health Alert

Clean Breeze 3 captures pollutants
at the source.

Air purifiers with source capture attachment provide cleaner air

Electrocorp designs air filtration systems for beauty salons and spas. Our units feature proprietary blends of activated carbon filter media that specifically target the chemicals and odors from dyes, solvents, polishes, fragrances, drying agents, peroxide, and other common salon hazards, including formaldehyde, ethanol and toluene.

The CleanBreeze 3 is designed to capture many harmful airborne contaminants at the source. Equipped with pre-filters, HEPA and an activated carbon filter that offers more inches of bed depth, the CleanBreeze 3 captures more chemicals, gases, odors and particles than ever before.

Contact one of our air quality experts for more information.

Demand for purer air and water on the rise

Portable air cleaners like the
RAP Series are in demand.

Consumer demand in the US for water purification and air cleaning systems will increase 5.2% per year to US$1.7 billion in 2014, according to a new report.

This is a result of a projected rebound in consumer spending on durable goods and in residential construction spending, which both suffered during the 2007-2009 recession, says The Freedonia Group, Inc in its Consumer Water Purification & Air Cleaning Systems study.

Consumers will also have increasing concerns about the quality of the air and water in the home and increased awareness of the health and aesthetic benefits of these systems, it suggests. In general, the market size depends on the quality, or the perceived quality, of local tap water supplies. 

Water purification systems incorporating conventional filtration media accounted for the majority of demand for water systems in 2009, with 76% of sales value. Faster growth will be registered by higher-value reverse osmosis and distillation systems.

In 2009, point-of-use (POU) systems, which are installed at a single outlet, had the larger share of demand for water purification systems and sales of these types of systems are expected to grow faster through 2014, albeit from a very low base, due in part to the rebound of single family home construction.

Among air cleaners, conventional filtration systems accounted for the largest share of value demand with 47% in 2009, while electrostatic air cleaners, which often operate more quietly and efficiently, are projected to achieve faster gains through 2014.

Portable air cleaners accounted for the larger share of air cleaner sales in 2009 and sales of the cleaners are expected to continue to grow at a rate faster than that of whole-house air system sales.

Source: Filtration + Separation

Poor indoor air quality in university

Bad air quality in schools and universities can inhibit the learning process

Universities are designed for higher education, but what if the university air quality was affecting your grades by causing headaches, nausea and fatigue?

With old buildings, on-going renovation projects, laboratories, art studios and print shops, schools and learning institutions are a hub for indoor air pollution.



Here are a few areas of concern: 

Administration Offices and Print Shops

Carpeting, copy machines, printers, upholstery and even cleaning products all contribute to indoor air pollution in your school, the associated offices and print shops. Administrative staff, print shop workers and students are all susceptible to short and long-term effects associated with printing.

Acute symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and skin rashes; however, repeated long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and paper particulate may cause damage to the lungs, liver and central nervous system.

Fine Arts & Art Studios

Your university may produce some of the most brilliant artists, but the fine arts department and art studio contributes to poor university air quality. Art studios may be producing some of the most hazardous chemicals, gases, odors and particles. Many Fine Art disciplines require supplies such as paints, pastels, ceramics and plasters that produce both gaseous and particle pollutants.

Paint, used with brushes or as an aerosol, contains turpentine and other solvents and pigments that can prove hazardous to your health. Similarly, ceramics contain lead, which may cause anaemia, as well as damage to the brain and nervous system. Additionally, plastics, pastels and ceramics may produce wood, rock, pigment and silica particles that are capable of causing a number of respiratory problems when inhaled.

Architectural Modeling

In Civil Engineering and Architectural departments, laser engraving is used for exterior, interior, landscaping and urban modeling.  Materials such as wood, plastics and foam are often used to create these models.  As a result, students and staff are regularly faced with particulate smoke from wood, metals, polyethylene and acrylic, most of which produce noxious particles, VOC gases and carcinogens.

Air Quality in the Science Department

A science laboratory is an excellent place for learning and research; however, science departments and laboratories are home to numerous biohazards, pathogens, airborne chemicals, bacteria, animal dander and toxic dust particles.

Libraries and Archives

Libraries and archives are a place of study and research, but some of the most caustic pollutants in museums, galleries and archives are chemical gases released from the books and artifacts as they decompose.  Combined with mold, dust mites and particles, the university air quality in these areas make it hard to concentrate.

Improving university air quality will help both students and staff members perform better.  When you’re not coughing, sneezing or fighting a painful headache, it is a lot easier to concentrate.  Department heads should consider investing in air purification, because cleaner air equals brighter minds.

Electrocorp's portable, plug-and-play air filtration systems with activated carbon and HEPA filters provide a fast and effective way to mitigate chemicals, odors, fumes and particles in schools and universities. Contact us today for more information.