5 Ways to Instantly Reduce Dangerous Indoor Airborne Particulate Matter

“Hear no evil, see no evil,” the saying goes, but your body feels the damaging effects of tiny particles that penetrate deep into your lungs.  Ultrafine particulate matter are comprised of tiny microscopic airborne particles containing biological and inorganic matter such as pollen, dander, mold, and minerals. These particles are so pervasive that they can enter] the blood stream and cause a wide variety of illnesses.  As a rule, If you can see the dust particle in the air, there is a good chance your lungs can filter it. For a point of reference the width of a human hair is about 100 microns; damaging particles are significantly smaller: 5.0 and 10.0 . It is these invisible particles that contribute to persistent coughing, watery eyes, and chronic illness such as asthma. In order to prevent this, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of ultrafine particulate you breathe:

Step 1: Replace any carpeting with hard wood floors. Your carpeting traps ultrafine particulates.  The same principle goes for area rugs. Infants and toddlers are most prone to the ill effects of these lung-damaging particles, as the crib or bed is often much lower to the floor. The particulate levels at carpet level can be up to 100 times higher than at regular breathing height. If you cannot afford to replace the carpeting, schedule professional carpet cleaning using an experienced technician.

Step 2: Invest in a quality vacuum. Most vacuums show a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) label and actually perform as advertised on the box. The problem becomes when the HEPA filter fails in a few months or year as it gets coated and clogged. The motor still runs, forcing the ultrafine particulates through loose vacuum seals into the air. Let’s put the “P” back into HEPA by maintaining your HEPA filter with regular cleaning or replacing. Look for a true HEPA filter that passes higher standards of emission certification.

Step 3: Encourage Air Flow. How? Simple. Open the windows. If it’s cold or hot outside and you are running a heating or cooling system, add a heat or energy recovery ventilator system (HRV/ERV) to bring fresh conditioned, filtered air year round into your home. It’s like leaving the windows open without the energy loss! Instead of recirculating the same stale air you are now creating true air exchanges into the home and reducing overall particulate levels.

Step 4: Run A Quality Air Purifier. But which ones? There are  hundreds of air purifiers out there that all claim to do about the same thing. We started evaluating these various purifiers during the course of our daily air quality assessments using a laser particle scanner to measure the ultrafine particulate emission. Our studies found lower particulate levels in the homes where people were regularly running an IQair (www.iqiar.com) and Austin Air (www.austinair.com) brand purifier. 

Step 5: Maintain and Clean Your Systems. Your furnace, air ducts, and even chimney can backfire with exponential ultrafine particulates. Yearly attention to these critical systems will ensure proper exhaust and filtration. We recommend hiring an independent licensed technician who is experienced with your particular system. Your technician should advise you without bias about whether a MERV 16 filter is too much filtration and will cause your system to be clogged and should show you why your furnace is not exhausting the harmful particles and fumes. 

Why Your Front Loading Washing Machine Can Make You Sick from Toxic Mold

Instead of keeping you clean, many front-loading washing machines can make you green with toxic mold and harmful bacteria’s. Water accumulates behind the seals. You may not notice visual signs of mold but every time you open and close the washer door you could be releasing tens of thousands of toxic mold spores, usually of the Cladosporium type.  In addition to inhaling this pathogenic spore cloud you could exposure yourself to dermal issues by touching mold on the surfaces of the door followed by ingesting the mold by not washing your hands.  Manufacturers of front loading washing machines are snarled in Class Action Suits (see links below). 

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/call-6-investigators/lawsuits-many-front-load-washing-machines-contain-hidden-mold

http://classactionsnews.com/consumer/front-loading-washing-machines-class-action-lawsuit

http://wreg.com/2013/08/09/washer-stink-may-bring-new-class-action/

http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/5144-frigidaire-front-load-washer-class-action-lawsuit-gets-certified

Surprisingly, the manufactures of such defective washing machines continue to downplay the issue by contending mold formation and the foul odor is a normal part of use.  The foul odor is actually a chemical release from biological growth known as a microbial volatile organic compound (mVOC) which contain similar attributes to traditional VOCs like paints, aerosols and petroleum based products.  The ill effects from the mVOCs is significantly worsened with the introduction of toxic spores. Some people may not be affected by short term mold exposure, however, many people suffer immediately from mold exposure and others from chronic exposure. To minimize your mold risk when using a front loading washing machine we recommend:

1)      Leaving the door open after washing.

2)      Sanitize the door seals, gaskets and glass after laundering.

3)      Dehumidify or condition the laundry room if the relative humidity remains above 60%.  

4)      Run a hot water wash with no clothes and use bleach or white vinegar instead of detergent.

5)      Remove Clothes Promptly

6)      Use High-Efficiency Detergent

7)      Add a manufacturer recommended fan kit to your washing machine to accelerate the drying process after use.

8)      Run the cleaning cycle at least as often as the manufacturer suggests 

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) and Health Consequences

Clients often tell us that they smell mold and it's causing adverse health symptoms. However, they are confused when an air sample sent to the laboratory shows little to know spore activity in the areas of concern. Does this mean there is no mold and not to worry? No, what they are actually smelling is decay off-gassing from biological growth which includes molds, bacteria and biofilm. These odors contain microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC). People may compare this odor to a dank locker room, old cheese, dirty socks, or wet dog.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compound Overview:
The dank musty odor signifies the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Traditional volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are mainly industrial made chemicals with low molecular weights, high vapor pressure and low water solubility. MVOCs are released from metabolic processes of decay agents like fungi, bacteria and biofilm. The off gassing of MVOCs include a wide range of alcohols, ketones, aldehyde, esters, carboxylic acids, lactones, terpenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds.

MVOCs produced during primary fungal metabolism include: Ethanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-octen-1-ol, and benzyl cyanide. MVOCs produced during secondary metabolism include 2-methyl-isoborneol, geosmin (1-10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol) and terpenes.

Significance:
The perception of MVOC's is an indication that microbial growth is occurring. In the indoor environment, exposure to MVOC's has been blamed for headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Information on MVOCs produced in indoor settings and health effects is limited. The specific toxic properties and concentrations of MVOC's needed to produce symptoms are still unknown.

Recommendations:
Prudent and preventative measures should be taken to eliminate or reduce musty odors and associated MVOCs. These measures include but are not limited to:

• Professional HVAC system and air duct cleaning
• Disengage any built in humidification devices within the HVAC system
• Control humidity below 45% year round 
• Replace carpeting with a more synthetic floor system 
• Remove water damaged building materials 
• Improve airflow in the home or building by encouraging fresh air with windows open or with an air recovery system (HRV/ERV)

No Solution for Toxic Spray Foam Removal

The application of spray foam is easy, but the removal is nearly impossible. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mal-odors resulting from spray foam can absorb into nearby building materials and furnishings, allowing odors to permeate for years. Residual foam will remain embedded within the wood structures.


People concerned about the toxic off-gassing of spray foam have resorted to various methods of removal: dry ice blasting, soda blasting, physical cutting and even replacing the structure.The catastrophic financial loss from incorrectly-applied spray foam insulation only compounds the long-term health impacts from the toxic fumes. Further studies and protocol are required for the safe removal of toxic spray foam.

We recommend first having your home and areas impacted by spray foam tested for Formaldehyde, Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Toluene Diisocyante (TDI), Carbon Dioxide and total volatile organic compounds (VOC) to establish initial baseline levels in order to measure the effect of any remedial efforts.

Fox News Report on Toxic Spray Foam

Health Effects Toxic Spray Foam

Toxic spray foam off-gasses or releases harmful chemicals in the air, some of which you can smell and some of which you cannot. Many of these chemicals cause immediate or acute reactions and can cause long-lasting and permanent damage to your body. 

Isocyanates, specifically methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) are the leading cause of work-related asthma.  MDI and TDI are linked with toxic spray foam.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), additional health effects of MDI and TDI include:

• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Skin and Eye Irritation 
• Dyspnea
• Nasal and Lung Lesions
• Neurological Disorders

 Formaldehyde may be used to produce MDI in spray foam. This cancer-causing chemical is characterized by a peculiar, sweet odor. Typical reactions to formaldehyde include:

• Watery Eyes
• Mucus Membrane Irritation 
• Headaches
• Burning Sensation in the Throat
• Difficulty Breathing
• Aggravated Asthma Symptoms 

 People react differently to indoor air pollution and report a variety of symptoms. Some people, especially children, are much more sensitive to chemical exposure, even at levels below the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) guidelines. People with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or  have been exposed to isocyanates in the past are much more susceptible to adverse health effects at low levels.

Symptoms may not occur immediately. Several IndoorDoctor clients have reported adverse health effects months or even years after moving into a home or working in a building with toxic spray foam insulation.

We encourage anyone living or working in a building with toxic spray foam not to ignore their symptoms and to see their physician immediately. Make sure to follow-up by scheduling independent testing to document the presence of poisonous off-gassing. 

Toxic Spray Foam Insulation Overview

In an effort to reduce home energy costs, more and more homeowners are retrofitting their homes by installing spray foam insulation. While this material is effective at reducing heat loss, it can also emit airborne, cancer-causing agents. At IndoorDoctor, we’ve seen an increased number of indoor air quality concerns from clients who have recently installed spray foam; they report prolonged foul odors throughout the home and experience adverse health symptoms.  

 
Spray foam manufactures and installers claim the product to be safe for home residents and for the environment by advertising the material as “non-toxic,” “volatile organic compound (VOC) free,’ “formaldehyde free,” and “green.” Some installers even suggest the spray foam will improve your air quality by preventing outside air pollution from entering the home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, points to the harmful chemicals IndoorDoctor clients report; “Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is an effective insulation and air sealant material; however, exposures to its key ingredient, isocyanates such as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and other SPF chemicals that may be found in vapors, aerosols, dust or on surfaces during and for a period of time after installation may cause adverse health effects such as asthma.”

How do the key ingredients mentioned by the EPA become harmful? Spray foam consists of two compounds—an isocyanate and a mixture of polyols, additives, and catalysts—that are mixed together at the job site to form the hardened insulation. When these compounds become unbalanced or the chemicals are not heated to the correct temperature before being sprayed, harmful chemicals can be released into the air. One such chemical is phenol-formaldehyde, which replaced urea formaldehyde (UFFI) when it was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1982. Current spray foam mixtures containing formaldehyde can produce the airborne MDI against which the EPA warns. Such chemicals can cause cancer and contribute to unsafe air quality. The symptoms of these chemicals will be addressed in another blog post.

While mixing toxic chemicals in a controlled setting such as a laboratory can be challenging, conducting this practice in the confines of a hot attic or restricted crawlspace poses even greater challenges. Other variables that can increase the risk of dangerous off-gassing include temperature and humidity, thickness of spray foam application, and the cleanliness and functionality of equipment. Lastly, the air flow in confined spaces increase the number of chemicals and VOCs released into the air; often installers fail to properly ventilate the airspace to make up for the air flow loss resulting from the spray foam application.

How do you know if your spray foam is off-gassing these cancer-causing chemicals? IndoorDoctor recommends conducting independent testing for formaldehyde and VOCs in addition to a civil-engineered assessment of current ventilation within your home.

Indoor Carbon Dioxide Levels and Your Health

Last week we discussed the significance of testing for carbon monoxide (CO). This week I wanted to shed some light on its cousin, carbon dioxide (CO2).  Our state of the art air quality meters test for both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in parts per million (ppm) as part of every indoor air quality inspection. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide indicate that an insufficient amount of fresh, outdoor air is being delivered to the occupied areas of the building. This also indicates that other pollutants in the building may exist at elevated levels since there is not enough fresh air to dilute them.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas formed by metabolic activity (humans and other animals exhale carbon dioxide when they breathe), combustion activities, and motor vehicles in garages. In solid form, it is called dry ice. Though carbon dioxide is not toxic itself, the amount found in the indoor environment is used as an indicator for human comfort. Since carbon dioxide is an unavoidable, predictable, and easily measured product of human occupancy, it is used as a marker for whether pollutants introduced from humans or other sources in the building are likely to become a nuisance or a hazard. Carbon dioxide is mostly a threat to health when the concentration is high enough to displace the oxygen, which can lead to suffocation in a confined space.

Occupants may experience health effects in buildings where CO₂ is elevated, but the symptoms are usually due to the other contaminants in the air that also build up as a result of insufficient ventilation. At high levels, the carbon dioxide itself can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. This could occur when exposed to levels above 5,000 ppm for many hours. At even higher levels of CO₂ can cause asphyxiation as it replaces oxygen in the blood-exposure to concentrations around 40,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. CO₂ poisoning, however, is very rare.

The levels of CO2 in the air and potential health problems are:

• 250 - 350 ppm + background (normal) outdoor air level

• 350- 1,000 ppm - typical level found in occupied spaces with good air exchange.

• 1,000 – 2,000 ppm - level associated with complaints of drowsiness and poor

air.

• 2,000 – 5,000 ppm – level associated with headaches, sleepiness, and

stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart

rate and slight nausea may also be present.

• >5,000 ppm – Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation symptoms

Keeping levels less than 700 ppm above the outdoor air concentration is an indication that sufficient outdoor air is being brought into the environment and will help control other pollutants at acceptable levels. IAQ research has shown that building occupant complaints will be observed as the indoor concentration of carbon dioxide increases about 700 ppm to 800 ppm above the outside level; the carbon dioxide level is a surrogate indicator that other pollutants from indoor sources may exist at irritating and observable levels.