“Bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, animal dander, cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches and pollen are listed among the types of biological contaminants often present in homes or offices.”

Water vapor can affect air pollution as well. It results in wet surfaces and/or high humidity. This, in turn, promotes the growth of biological toxins such as mold, bacteria, and dust mites.

The amount of pollution a particular source gives off can vary widely, depending upon how old that source is and/or how well it has been maintained. For example, new carpeting can emit high levels of toxic gases while older carpeting has relatively few. A gas stove can give off much more carbon monoxide if it has not been properly adjusted compared to one that has been properly maintained.

Some sources of indoor air pollution release their toxins fairly continuously…these include things like building materials, central heating and cooling systems, air fresheners, etc. Other sources release pollutants erratically-these sources are typically related to activities in the building such as smoking, cooking, the use of solvents in hobbies, redecorating, or cleaning activities; and the use of pesticides and cleaning products. High levels of these toxins can remain in the air long after the source activity has ceased.

If standing water, water-damaged materials, or wet surfaces are present, they also become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, bacteria, and insects. House dust mites are a strong biological allergen for many people and these breed in damp, warm environments.

Ultraviolet germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated effect of ultraviolet energy than can be found naturally. Such lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the UV rays. Musty, moldy type odors can be eradicated, along with tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses, smallpox, anthrax, and other airborne diseases.

“When biological contaminants enter the central/forced air heating and cooling systems, these HVAC systems become their breeding grounds. Mold, bacteria, germs and other pollutants are then distributed throughout the home or office.”

Infectious illnesses are often transmitted through the air-diseases such as colds, flu, measles, and chicken pox. Molds and mildews release toxins that can causes disease. Biological contaminants can cause health problems with symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, lethargy, fever, digestive problems, coughing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Those particularly at risk for such problems are the elderly, children, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases.

Biological agents can trigger allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Only after repeated exposure to a biological allergen will an allergic reaction occur. This reaction may happen on the second exposure or after many exposures over time. Because of this, even those who have noticed no reactions at all or only mild reactions might suddenly become very sensitive to particular allergens.

Humidifier fever is an illness associated with exposure to toxins from biological contaminants that breed in large building ventilation systems, as well as home heating and cooling systems and humidifiers. Our UV air purifiers help eliminate this problem.

“Indoor air pollution, the risks and the solution.”

Everyone faces many risks, including various pollutants and toxins in their daily environments. Most people know that outdoor air pollutants such as car exhaust, city smog, factory waste, etc. are toxic. But many people do not realize how dangerous the air inside buildings can be to their health. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) states that the air in even the largest and most industrialized cities is less toxic than air found in typical homes. Many people do not know that indoor air pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution and can sometimes be 100 times higher!

It is estimated the most people spend 90% or more of their time indoors. Because of this, the quality of the indoor air we breathe every day becomes critical. Additionally, those who are indoors for the longest periods are often those who are the most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution-including the elderly, the young, and the chronically ill.

Various micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi often become airborne and this is a common cause of illness or allergy. With the threat of biological warfare, the eradication of airborne pathogens becomes even more important.

Today, most newer office buildings have no operable windows, buildings are sealed tightly, and mechanical systems are the only way to exchange indoor air for the relatively cleaner outdoor air. Ventilation rates, or the rate at which outdoor air is supplied to a particular building, is specified by the building code. If these mechanical ventilation systems are poorly designed, operated, or maintained, the systems themselves can add to indoor air pollution levels. Sometimes in an effort to save energy costs, ventilation systems do not bring in proper amounts of fresh outdoor air. Air supply and return vents in particular rooms can be blocked or poorly placed so that the fresher outdoor air does not reach the people in the building.

The ventilation systems themselves can be a source of pollution by spreading biological contaminants that have been breeding in cooling towers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or the ductwork. Lastly, outdoor air intake vents may be placed in areas that bring in air that has been contaminated with vehicle exhaust, dumpster fumes, boiler emissions, or air vented from restrooms. In the event of biological warfare, these intake vents may be in areas accessible to the public and thus, susceptible to pathogens being placed in the intake vents. High output UV systems can destroy many of these bio-terrorism agents like Anthrax or Small Pox.

How the building is used can also contribute to indoor air pollution if it is not properly ventilated. Buildings that house multiple uses or businesses such as restaurants, print shops, dry cleaning stores, etc. have various emissions that may be circulated back into offices in the same building if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation has been studied since the 1930’s and has been used to destroy the same microbes that cause indoor air pollution. For many years, the medical industry has used UV light to sanitize rooms and equipment. The Centers for Disease Control recommend UV lamps for their germicidal effect.

Right now, any home or building with forced air heating and/or cooling can utilize our system. Anyone with rudimentary home improvement skills can install this system in their house or condominium in about 15 minutes. To do this, 2 holes are made in the ductwork of your ventilation system using our stick-on template and a hole saw. The unit is slid into the holes and screws hold it in place. Alternatively, a heating and air conditioning serviceman can install it for you.

The CaluTech air purifiers are a superior UV air purifier.
The UV lamps are so efficient that once all air in the building has passed this system an average 98% of microorganisms are destroyed. And the cycle continues…namely, when all the air in the building is cleaned a second time.