Air elements
The two most prevalent oxides of nitrogen are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO). Both are toxic gases with NO2 being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive. The primary sources indoors are combustion processes, such as unvented combustion appliances, e.g. gas stoves, vented appliances with defective installations, welding, and tobacco smoke. See Also: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/no2.html
Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, and pollen. There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems more »
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, more »
EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air. Thus far, there is no more »
The Environmental Protection Agency describes the air in our homes and businesses as more polluted than the air outdoors. Our Indoor Air Quality is generally three times worse than outside air. In some cases, much worse! Indoor air quality is inaccurately referred to as “dust”. Certainly dust particles are part of the air pollution we filter with our lungs. In fact, particles of dust, pollen and dander amount to about 35% of the air contaminants that cause allergies according to the more »
Dr. John Gorrie came up with an idea to circulate air over ice, helping cool a patient’s room. This practice was in use during the late 1800s, when President Garfield was in ill health, when an ice contraption lowered room temperature by 20 degrees. In the early 1920s, Willis Carrier invented air conditioning units similar to modern models. Air conditioning is an invention many people take for granted, but one that is very important in both homes and businesses. A more »
If after making all the home adjustments you can to stay cool, but you just can’t seem to beat the heat, an air conditioner will do the trick. Air conditioners aren’t the most energy efficient solution to keeping cool, but an older model of an air conditioner can result in larger, unnecesary costs. Replace your old air conditioner with a more effecient one by contacting a Heating and Cooling Contractor today. MYTH: It’s more efficient to leave the air conditioner running at a minimal level during the day than to shut it off more »
