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Air Quality

The indoor air you breathe.

Our homes are supposed to be sanctuaries, places of comfort and safety. But what if the air we breathe within them isn’t as pure as we think? The truth is, a surprising number of chemical compounds and particles can make their way into our indoor air, potentially impacting our health. Let‘s delve into some of the most common culprits found in typical homes.

Understanding and combating indoor air pollution.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Ever notice that “new furniture smell”? Those are VOCs emanating from paints, adhesives, and manufactured wood products like cabinets, flooring, and furniture. Formaldehyde, a specific VOC, is a major concern.1 These compounds have levels that are higher in:

  • Homes with smokers. Tobacco smoke contains formaldehyde. If someone in your home smokes tobacco products, the smoke may be the greatest source of formaldehyde in your home.
  • Homes with new products or new construction. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newly manufactured wood products such as flooring and furniture. Formaldehyde can also be found in some fabrics.
  • Homes built after 1990. Newer homes are better insulated, so less air is moving into and out of the home. Less air movement can cause formaldehyde to stay in the home’s air longer.2
  • Some manufactured wood products such as cabinets, furniture, plywood, particleboard, and laminate flooring.
  • Permanent press fabrics like those used for curtains and drapes or on furniture.
  • Household products such as glues, paints, caulks, pesticides, cosmetics, and detergents.
  • Gas stoves and open fireplaces can also contain formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde frenzy.

Formaldehyde deserves special mention because of its potential health effects. It can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure is linked to some respiratory problems. People with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, the elderly and people with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and illness from VOCs.

Studies of workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde, such as industrial workers and embalmers, have found that formaldehyde causes myeloid leukemia and rare cancers, including cancers of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx. 3

These microscopic particles, often referred to as PM2.5, can come from various sources. Dust, animal dander, wildfire smoke, and outdoor air pollution can all contribute. While some particles are relatively harmless, others can irritate lungs and worsen respiratory conditions. 4 

The tiny troublemakers: Small airborne particles.

These microscopic particles, often referred to as PM2.5, can come from various sources. Dust, animal dander, wildfire smoke, and outdoor air pollution can all contribute. While some particles are relatively harmless, others can irritate lungs and worsen respiratory conditions. 4 

Biological contaminants.

Airborne biological contaminants can cause allergic reactions for a significant portion of the population. 6

  • Molds and Mildew: These fungi thrive in damp environments and release spores that can cause allergies and respiratory issues.
  • Pollen: Outdoor allergens, like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, can enter homes through open windows and doors.
  • Bacteria: Bacteria, including those that cause tuberculosis and staphylococcus infections, can be transmitted through the air.
  • Airborne viruses are a significant health concern, capable of spreading rapidly and causing widespread illness. These microscopic pathogens are transmitted through respiratory droplets, which are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • Common Airborne viruses:
    • Influenza (Flu): This seasonal virus infects millions of people each year, leading to respiratory illnesses and, in severe cases, hospitalization or death.
    • COVID-19: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, has had a global impact, leading to widespread illness and economic disruption.
    • Measles: Highly contagious, measles can cause serious complications, especially in children.
    • Chickenpox: A common childhood illness, chickenpox can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and secondary infections.
    • Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, TB can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
    • Legionnaires’ disease: Caused by Legionella bacteria, this type of pneumonia can be contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets.
    • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Particularly harmful to infants and the elderly, RSV can cause severe respiratory infections.
    • Avian Influenza: While primarily affecting birds, certain strains of avian influenza can transmit to humans, causing serious illness.

Combustion byproducts: Hidden dangers in your environment.

Combustion byproducts, often overlooked, can pose significant health risks. These harmful substances are released into the air when fuels like natural gas, propane, or kerosene are burned. 7, 8, 9

Common combustion byproducts:
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas, CO can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. It reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. 
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A reddish-brown gas, NO2 is a major component of smog and can irritate the respiratory system. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems.
  • Particulate Matter: Tiny particles, including soot and dust, can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
  • Ammonia: A colorless gas with a pungent odor, ammonia is a common byproduct of combustion, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and, in severe cases, lead to respiratory problems.
Other notable byproducts:
  • Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon can seep into homes and increase the risk of lung cancer.
  • Nitrogen Oxide: A byproduct of natural gas combustion, nitrogen oxide contributes to air pollution and can aggravate respiratory conditions.
  • Acid Aerosols: Produced by kerosene combustion, acid aerosols can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

Surface microorganisms: Silent threats in our everyday environment.

Surface microorganisms are tiny organisms that can live on various surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs, and electronic devices. While many of these microorganisms are harmless, some can cause illness if they come into contact with our bodies. 10

Common surface microorganisms:
  • SARS-CoV-2: The virus responsible for COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for varying periods, making it crucial to disinfect frequently touched objects. 11
  • Staphylococcus aureus: A type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nose, Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): A drug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA can lead to serious infections.
  • Escherichia coli Infection (E. Coli): A bacterium commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans, certain strains of E. coli can cause foodborne illness. 12

AEIRO’s needlepoint bipolar ionization technology can reduce common surface microorganisms and viruses in indoor air.

At AEIRO, we have been dedicated to improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Our patented soft ionization technology effectively targets particulate matter (PM), a critical indoor air pollutant.

Reducing indoor PM exposure involves a three-pronged approach:

  • Source control: Minimizing the sources of PM within the building.
  • Ventilation: Diluting indoor air pollutants by bringing in fresh air.
  • Air cleaning: Actively removing PM from the air.

While source control and ventilation are important first steps to reduce and dilute indoor pollutants, optimal indoor air quality requires the addition of air cleaning technologies. These technologies can enlarge particles, making it easier for HVAC systems to filter them out. 13

Breathe cleaner: How soft ionization fights particulate matter.

AEIRO’s soft ionization technology can help reduce indoor particulate matter (PM) through a process called agglomeration. Here’s a simplified explanation:

  1. Installation: Soft ionization devices are installed within your HVAC system’s ductwork.
  2. Ion Generation: As your HVAC system circulates air, it passes over the ionizer, which generates positive and negative ions. These ions are then distributed throughout your indoor space.
  3. Particle Clustering: The ions attach to airborne particles. This causes the particles to clump together, forming larger clusters.
  4. Improved Filtration: These larger particle clusters are more easily captured by your HVAC system’s air filter. Soft ionization also helps clump together many of the medium-sized particles floating in the air, further reducing the overall particle count and leading to cleaner indoor air.

Read more about How needlepoint bipolar ionization works.

Sources:
  1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), “Formaldehyde,” last modified December 21, 2022,  accessed February 14, 2025
    https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/formaldehyde/home/index.html#:~:text=If%20someone%20in%20your%20home,be%20found%20in%20some%20fabrics. ↩︎
  2. Persily, Andrew K., William F. Angell, and Michael H. Sherman. Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction, and Commissioning. Atlanta: ASHRAE, 2010. ↩︎
  3. National Cancer Institute. “Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk.” accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde. ↩︎
  4. Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Particulate Matter.” accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-particulate-matter. ↩︎
  5. Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Particulate Matter.” accessed February 14, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/indoor-particulate-matter. ↩︎
  6. Environmental Protection Agency, “Biological Pollutants’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality,” accessed February 14, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/biological-pollutants-impact-indoor-air-quality. ↩︎
  7. Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon Monoxide’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality,” accessed February 14, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality. ↩︎
  8. United States Environmental Protection Agency, “What Are Combustion Products?,” Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), accessed February 14, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-combustion-products. ↩︎
  9. California Air Resources Board, “Combustion Pollutants and Indoor Air Quality,” accessed October 26, 2023, https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/combustion-pollutants-indoor-air-quality. ↩︎
  10. Edward Sobek and Dwayne A. Elias, “Bipolar Ionization Rapidly Inactivates Real-World, Airborne Concentrations of Infective Respiratory Viruses,” PLOS ONE 18, no. 11 (2023): e0293504, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293504. ↩︎
  11. Edward Sobek and Dwayne A. Elias, “Bipolar Ionization Rapidly Inactivates Real-World, Airborne Concentrations of Infective Respiratory Viruses,” PLOS ONE 18, no. 11 (2023): e0293504, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293504. ↩︎
  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About E. coli,” accessed February 14, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html. ↩︎
  13. David P. Schurk, “Bipolar Ionization: What You Need to Know,” ASHRAE Journal (November 2021): 40–47, https://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/Technical%20Resources/ASHRAE%20Journal/2021JournalDocuments/November2021_40-47_Schurk.pdf. ↩︎