Category: indoor

Ventilation Is Not Always An Option & Ventilation Needs to Be Done Correctly

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Part 1: Ventilation Is Not Always An Option

Ventilation isn’t always an option in all areas and indoor spaces. Here are some key reasons why:

Environmental challenges:

  • Extreme weather: In very hot or cold climates, opening windows can be impractical or counterproductive. In scorching temperatures, opening windows might invite more heat in, while in freezing temperatures, it can cause heat loss and discomfort.
  • Air pollution: In areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution (e.g., traffic fumes, industrial emissions, wildfires), opening windows can actually worsen indoor air quality by bringing in the polluted air.

Space limitations:

  • Windowless rooms: Basements, interior rooms, and some commercial spaces like server rooms often lack windows, making natural ventilation impossible.
  • Small or airtight spaces: Tiny apartments, trailers, and even some modern, energy-efficient houses can be so tightly sealed that natural ventilation is insufficient.
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Let’s Talk about the Elephant in the Room, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

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As an indoor generation, we spend our lives between walls, making the quality of the air we breathe there essential for our health and well-being. While many pollutants lurk within our buildings, carbon dioxide (CO2), often associated with climate change, might be closer than you think – impacting not just the environment, but also your cognitive abilities.

In low concentrations, CO2 is naturally present in the air we breathe, primarily released from our own respiration. However, poorly ventilated indoor spaces can lead to a buildup of this colorless, odorless gas, potentially reaching levels detrimental to occupants. The effects go beyond drowsiness or headaches, potentially impacting our ability to think clearly and perform tasks effectively.

Studies have shown a clear link between elevated CO2 levels and declines in cognitive function. In one study, researchers exposed healthy adults to various CO2 concentrations while they performed cognitive tasks. They found that even at moderate levels (around 1,000 parts per million, ppm), compared to fresh air conditions, participants experienced:

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Ventilation Challenges and Pathogen Spread in High-Polluted Environments

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Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of human health and well-being. However, achieving adequate ventilation in homes and other indoor spaces can be challenging, particularly when outdoor air pollution levels are elevated due to smoke from wood-burning stoves. This article explores why poor ventilation in polluted environments poses a heightened risk of pathogen spread.

Factors Hindering Ventilation in Polluted Environments

Wood-burning stoves, used for heating and cooking, release particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) into the atmosphere. These pollutants can accumulate in extended areas, especially under certain weather conditions. Normally, warm air rising from the ground carries pollution upwards, dispersing it into the atmosphere. However, during the winter, a warm layer of air can settle over a city like a lid, trapping cold air and pollutants near the ground. This phenomenon, known as a thermal inversion, occurs when a warm air mass above restricts the upward movement of cold, denser air, trapping it along with pollutants close to the surface. Thermal inversions are particularly prevalent in cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, Granada, and Mexico City, where cold, dense air gets confined within mountain basins or valleys.

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Air Pollution Chronicle (Granada, Spain Edition)

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They say that good air quality is a fundamental right for all, and at the same time, they say that 99% of the population worldwide is exposed to air pollution above WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Mixed messages here. Even though I have already shared the story on a Tweet thread, I decided to write an article as well because of the permanence of the article and because it is easier to share.

December 17th, 2023

I arrived in Granada, Spain for the holidays. A blanket of smoke was covering Granada and the small towns around with a total area of over 100 km2. Although I was super tired, the intense smell of smoke inside the apartment and the fact that I knew that there was a lot of particulate pollution indoors didn’t permit me to sleep well.

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

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

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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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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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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

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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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Why every Car needs a CO2 Monitor/Sensor?

Sotirios Papathanasiou3 Comments

Let’s forget at the moment that combustion vehicles emit carbon dioxide (CO2), and focus on the occupants that spend time inside a confined space where they emit CO2 due to metabolite of cell respiration. Vehicles form part of the indoor spaces where humans spend a lot of time due to traffic or because they have to travel long distances.

Regulatory bodies have been controlling many aspects of modern vehicles; tires, mirrors, seat belts, airbags, screens, etc. However, they have forgotten to look into the air quality inside the vehicles and how it affects the driver’s cognitive performance.

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