Category: air quality

Cozy Fireplaces, Clouded Lungs: Why Wood Burning Stoves are a Holiday Health Hazard

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The holidays conjure up images of crackling fires, warm hearths, and cozy evenings. But for many, especially those living in communities with widespread wood burning, this idyllic picture masks a grim reality: a significant decline in indoor and outdoor air quality. Wood burning stoves, while charming and nostalgic, are a major contributor to indoor and outdoor air pollution, posing serious health risks to both the occupants of the house and the surrounding community.

Indoor Air: A Smoky Trap

Burning wood releases a cocktail of harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These microscopic particles can easily infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing a range of health problems:

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Holiday Cheer, Hazy Air: How Festive Practices Can Harm Indoor Air Quality

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

The holidays are a time for celebration, filled with the warmth of family gatherings, delicious meals, and festive decorations. However, amidst the joy, some seemingly harmless traditions can have unintended consequences for our indoor air quality.

1. Culinary Combustion: The Peril of Holiday Feasts

Holiday dinners often involve hours spent in the kitchen, with ovens cranking and stoves blazing, filling the air with a medley of aromas. While tempting, this culinary combustion releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking oils, burning meat, and even vegetables. VOCs can irritate eyes and lungs, exacerbate respiratory issues, and contribute to poor air quality. Keep ventilation on!

2. Fragrant Fumes: The Unseen Threat of Candles and Incense

Candles and incense are staples of holiday decor, adding warmth and ambience to our homes. Unfortunately, their burning releases pollutants like particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, impacting air quality. For those with asthma or allergies, these irritants can trigger unpleasant reactions. Say no to candles and incense burning!

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Holidays and Air Quality Presents 🎁❤️

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I know it sounds very consumeristic, but we all have to give some kind of a gift to friends and family as this is the social norm. Why not give something that will also help people be aware of the air quality in the ambient they spend most of their time, indoors?

Air Quality Monitors

You can find air quality monitors for all wallets. The most important thing to consider is not the amount of sensors the monitor has, but the effectiveness of the monitor in communicating the air quality information to the users and always consider products that are meant to last. Super cheap products are not a good investment for your wallet and the environment. e-waste is a real issue on a global scale.

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BS 40102 – A Two Part Standard on Health, Wellbeing, Thermal Comfort, and Indoor Air Quality

Sotirios Papathanasiou2 Comments

The BS 40102, a fresh standard introduced in 2022 (draft released) by the British Standards Institute, focuses on assessing the health, wellbeing, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of buildings. It incorporates an updated best-practice method for addressing thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and overheating in buildings.

Regarding the new exposure limits, they are derived from various sources, including the DEFRA Daily Air Quality Index, WHO Air Quality Guidelines 2021, BREEAM and WELL Guidelines, and British Standard BS EN 16798-1.

Part 1 – Health and Wellbeing in Buildings

  • BS 40102-1 gives recommendations for the measuring, monitoring and reporting of the well-being and IEQ performance of an occupied building and the associated building services.
  • BS 40102-1 provides an evaluation and rating system (IEQ performance score), the aim of which is to enhance IEQ, to create healthier buildings and improve the well-being of building occupants; including but not limited to staff, visitors, tenants and customers. 
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Interview with Change The Air Foundation

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Our outdoor and indoor air is filled with particulate matter (PM) that consists of tiny solid and liquid particles that are often invisible to the naked eye. 

But just because we can’t always see these particles, doesn’t mean they aren’t there and negatively affecting our health. In fact, the tinier the particle, the deeper into our bodies it can go! 

The good news is there are steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality.

Be sure to check out this interview to learn more about how everything from your gas stove to your humidifier can be contributing to poor indoor air quality and how you can take steps today to improve the air inside your home!

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Understanding ASHRAE Standard 241: A Boon for Building Occupants

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Understanding ASHRAE Standard 241: Control of Infectious Aerosols

ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, is a global professional organization committed to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. They have recently introduced a new standard, ASHRAE 241-2023, which focuses on the ‘Control of Infectious Aerosols.’ This new standard is a significant step forward in addressing the transmission of airborne diseases in non-healthcare settings.

The Genesis of ASHRAE 241

The genesis of ASHRAE 241 was during the COVID-19 pandemic, where there was a widespread realization that ventilation rates in non-healthcare settings were not designed to mitigate airborne disease transmission. The pandemic highlighted the inadequacies of our buildings’ ventilation systems, and organizations scrambled to upgrade their systems without a clear understanding of ‘how much’ ventilation was needed.

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Correlation Between Air Pollution Exposure, Dementia Risk, and Blood Concentrations of Vitamin B and Amino Acids

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A recent study has unveiled a potential link between exposure to air pollution, the risk of developing dementia, and the levels of certain nutrients in the blood. The research, published in the journal Neurology, suggests that individuals with blood certain concentrations of vitamin B related amino acids (Homocysteine and Methionine) may be more susceptible to dementia after exposure to air pollution.

The study, led by a team of researchers, analyzed data from over 2,500 adults participants aged 60 and above. The participants’ blood samples were examined for levels of certain amino acids, while their exposure to air pollution was assessed using their residential history and air quality data.

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Air Quality & Life Span

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Most of us have heard of Bryan Johnson, the Silicon Valley tech mogul who sold his startup for a reported $800 million. But what you may not know is that Johnson is taking an unconventional approach to extending his life span. Excellent indoor air quality is one of the regimes that he is paying very close attention to.

The process, which will cost Johnson a reported $2 million a year, is expected to include a variety of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. Of course, Johnson will likely focus on the basics – healthy eating and exercise. But he’ll also be looking at cutting-edge treatments, such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy, to give his body the best chance of staying healthy.

Moreover, it’s not just about the treatments – Johnson also plans to invest heavily in improving his home environment (IAQ). He wants to make sure his home is free from pollutants and that the air he breathes is of the highest quality. He’s already installed a HEPA air filter and plans to invest in monitoring devices that will allow him to track his health and make informed decisions about the treatments and lifestyle changes he’s making. This will give him an unprecedented level of control over his body and allow him to make the most out of his investment.

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Podcast: Indoor Ventilation’s Impact on Performance & Health | Room by Room #28

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Welcome to “Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast”! Air quality expert Sotirios Papathanasiou joined host Gabriella Joustra to discuss the crucial topic of poor indoor ventilation and its impact on one’s health and performance.

Sotirios, an esteemed advocate for clean air initiatives, shared his expertise in indoor air quality. In this episode, they explored the detrimental effects of inadequate indoor ventilation, including common pollutants and associated health risks. They provided practical guidance on improving indoor ventilation and empowered listeners to create healthier, more productive environments.

Join them as they delve into the impact of poor indoor ventilation on health and performance, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for a better living and working space.

Sotirios Papathanasiou: Indoor Ventilation’s Impact on Performance and Health | Room by Room #28 – Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast

In this episode of "Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast," host Gabriella Joustra welcomes Sotirios Papathanasiou, an esteemed air quality expert, to shed light on the impact of poor indoor ventilation on both our health and performance. With extensive experience in the field of environmental issues, particularly indoor air quality, Sotirios is a strong advocate for clean air initiatives and has authored four books on air pollution for adults and kids. Sotirios's passion for clean air and his expertise in analyzing air pollution data makes him a valuable resource for understanding the factors critical to evaluating indoor air quality. He also curates a popular web blog, where he shares valuable insights and information on the subject. In this episode, Gabriella and Sotirios delve into the intricate relationship between indoor ventilation and our well-being. They explore how inadequate indoor ventilation can have a detrimental impact on our health and performance, discussing the common pollutants that can be found in indoor air. With a focus on long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality, they shed light on the associated health risks and the importance of addressing these issues proactively. Furthermore, Gabriella and Sotirios provide practical guidance on improving indoor ventilation in our homes and workplaces. By implementing effective ventilation methods, we can reduce the risk of health problems and create an environment that promotes optimal performance. If you're concerned about the quality of the air in your living or working spaces, or if you want to understand how poor indoor ventilation can affect your overall well-being, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Join Gabriella and air quality expert Sotirios Papathanasiou as they explore the impact of poor indoor ventilation on performance and health, helping you create a healthier and more productive environment for yourself and your loved ones. Follow Sotirios's work through his website at https://seetheair.org/ and check out his book at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sotirios-Papathanasiou/author/B06Y4FT3YV. Also, connect with him via social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sotirios-papathanasiou  Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFotonium  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seetheair/  Produced by the Home Organization Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://ho.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Home Organization Labs. Follow us on Social Media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCODVhYC-MeTMKQEwwRr8WVQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeorg.science.labs/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeorg.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HOScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/home-organization-science-labs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@home.org.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/room-by-room-the-home-organization-science-insights-podcast/id1648509192 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kUgWDXmcGl5XHbYspPtcW Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/37779f90-f736-4502-8dc4-3a653b8492bd iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/102862783 Podbean: https://homeorganizationinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402163 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/room-by-room-the-home-organiza-4914172 
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Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality

Sotirios PapathanasiouLeave a comment

It was brought to my attention by Dr. Howook Chang that most media are talking about wildfires, what the color of the sunset looks like, and that people shouldn’t go outside. However, no one is talking about the fact that smoke can infiltrate houses quite easily. Wildfire smoke can join you during dinner or while you are sleeping.

Air quality matters more indoors where we spend most of our time. So here is a series of things to keep in mind in order to breathe healthy air.

Monitor Air Quality

First of all, measure the air quality indoors and outdoors. The reason we need to measure both environments is that we need to benchmark the conditions and take decisions based on the data we have collected. Pollutants can easily come inside the house during ambient pollution events, whether is a wildfire, traffic, or a dust storm (e.g. Sahara Dust). Windows, doors, HVAC systems, or simply not good insulation are some of the main entrances of pollution indoors.

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