Retirement homes: For a greener future

Seniors are at greater risk for
respiratory and auto-immune diseases

As people live longer, the need for retirement homes, nursing homes and adult congregate living facilities increases.

To date, approximately 10 million seniors in the United States are or will live in one of these types of homes.

For the average healthy person, exposure to harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, furniture and paints may not have immediate or long-term effects. Seniors, however, are particularly at risk.

As we age, our immune systems become less effective, making us more vulnerable to disease and infection. As a result, autoimmune diseases and cancers are more prevalent, as are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

What the experts suggest

Indoor environmental experts have come up with three important elements necessary for ensuring good indoor air quality:         

• Source control
• Ventilation
• Air cleaning

Source Control

Source control is the process of eliminating the causes of air pollution at the source, such as in building materials. The EPA agrees that source control is the only way to eliminate indoor air pollution, but it is impossible to completely rid the air of contaminants. As a result, it is suggested that buildings are outfitted with furniture, paint and cleaning products that are low in volatile organic compounds. It is also important to regularly test for high humidity. This is a sure-fire way of detecting early signs of mold. By starting as simply as that, the quantity of pollutants will be reduced.

Ventilation

A good HVAC ventilation system will allow for a constant flow of air to pass. It can also aid in minimizing the threat of mold. But an HVAC system alone is not enough. It can bring in pollutants, such as pollen and dust from the outside as well as circulate pollutants that are already indoors. Ensuring a regular cleaning of the filters in the HVAC system will aid greatly in reducing built-up contaminants indoors.

Air Cleaning

A good ventilation system is incomplete without an air cleaning solution. Because HVACs are limited in their capacity to rid the air of allergens and pollutants, air cleaners will pick up the slack. These cleaning units will adsorb airborne chemicals with activated carbon filters. HEPA filters will trap particles and the need for constant cleaning will be significantly reduced.

Source: GREENGUARD

Electrocorp’s air cleaners

Electrocorp's air filtration systems can outfit retirement homes with air cleaners that will help reduce the risk of illness through airborne chemicals. With options for HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and even UV germidical lamps, Electrocorp can provide cleaner air solutions for seniors.

Do you or someone you know live in a retirement home, nursing home or adult congregate living facility? Tell us your indoor air quality stories.

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To learn more about Electrocorp’s products, contact us through our website.

How senior residences can embrace clean air and green living

Seniors can be affected by
polluted indoor air.

Poor indoor air quality can have an effect on anyone – but seniors count among especially vulnerable groups.

Polluted indoor air has been linked to sneezing, coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation, allergic reactions, aggravated asthma, even cancer.

Assisted living facilities and retirement homes can improve their indoor air quality in many ways and also adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

Here are some tips:

• Open windows regularly and turn off the A/C when possible. Opening windows is a cost-effective way to increase ventilation in the residences and provide fresh air. Make sure the outdoor conditions are agreeable in terms of temperature, air pollution and noise.
    
• Opt for individual HVAC systems for each unit in the residence. This makes it easier for seniors to control their living environment and can reduce costs and complaints.
    
• Install programmable thermostats. The thermostats can make sure the temperature drops overnight, for example, to save on heating costs.
    
• Use low-flow toilets. These can save a lot of water and are much better for the environment.
   
• Clean with environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning agents. Common cleaning products can add to poor indoor air quality because they may contain harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds.
   
• Vacuum cleaning the right way: A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is more effective and won’t release as many particles into the air.
   
• Use low-VOC paints when renovating: Normal paints can off-gas volatile organic compounds for a long time, so low-VOC or even zero-VOC paints are a much better alternative.

Source: The Commercial Appeal

Improve the IAQ in senior residence and facilities

Cleaner indoor air can help improve the health and well-being of residents, who may be affected by a wide range of pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, bacteria, viruses, mold, particles and dust.

Electrocorp offers portable air cleaners with a multi-stage filtration system that can effectively remove these pollutants from the ambient air.

The air cleaners are equipped with deep-bed activated carbon filters, HEPA filters and optional UV lamps to provide the most enhanced filtration power.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and more options.