The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that we spend around 90 % of our time indoors.1 Therefore, it is not difficult to believe that the air we breathe—the indoor air quality—crucially determines our health and can drastically affect our efficiency, comfort, and well-being.
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Understanding indoor air quality
Various pollutants reside outdoors, from microbial contaminants like bacteria, mold, and viruses to gases such as carbon monoxide and radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and allergens.
Although there are no strict regulations, the EPA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the World Health Organization, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers recommend maintaining good indoor air quality.1,2,3,4,5,6
Microbial contaminants and VOCs affect air quality and health
Microbial contaminants, such as mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and allergens like animal dander and pollen, negatively threaten indoor air quality and human health.2
Their tiny size allows them to penetrate our respiratory systems, causing numerous health complications. Proactive methods, such as frequent cleaning, sanitizing, and controlling humidity levels within the advised 30–50 % range, can maintain healthy indoor air quality.
VOCs, typically found in daily items, such as cleaners, furnishings, and paints, are another aspect of indoor air quality concern, contributing considerably to indoor air pollution.3
Measuring and managing indoor air quality
Monitoring indoor air quality utilizing indoor air quality monitors promotes healthier conditions in domestic and professional environments. Professional consultations or indoor air quality monitors measuring CO2, VOCs, and particulates can provide valuable insights into improving indoor air quality.
These monitors also examine how human behavior directly impacts indoor air quality, encouraging educated decisions that positively affect air quality.
Safe cleaning practices for healthier indoor environments
Sustaining a clean and sanitized indoor environment guarantees optimum indoor air quality, but utilizing the wrong cleaning and disinfection products can introduce harmful airborne chemicals and VOCs. This can worsen respiratory issues and promote indoor air pollution.
Conventional cleaners typically contain harsh chemicals and pose threats. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a safer alternative, as it breaks down into harmless water vapor and oxygen after use, reducing VOC emissions and promoting a healthier indoor environment.
Choosing safer cleaning and disinfection solutions like H2O2 protects health and indoor air quality and ensures the air remains clean and fresh. Innovations in disinfection technologies, such as SteraMist iHP disinfection, significantly enhance indoor air quality.
This groundbreaking solution provides unmatched efficiency in eradicating microorganisms, improving indoor air quality without sacrificing safety.
The importance of indoor air quality should not be ignored. As we work toward healthier indoor spaces, we must focus on understanding the issues, taking proactive steps, and embracing innovative solutions to protect health and well-being.
Innovations in air quality with SteraMist
SteraMist neutralizes chemical and biological warfare agents in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems without needing specialty filters with high operating costs. SteraMist neutralizes instead of trapping agents, creating no secondary cleanup and disposal.
H2O2 is a fairly benign compound, and extensive material compatibility studies were completed to identify any long-term impacts that may threaten the HVAC system.
Experiments revealed that even under the most extreme operating conditions, the HVAC system would suffer no significant material damage in its lifetime when running 24/7.
About SteraMist Disinfection and Decontamination Technology
SteraMist is a global line of powerful disinfection and decontamination products and services that utilizes patented ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP) technology.
Our scientific expertise, innovation, and dedication to creating a safer world through cutting-edge iHP technology allow SteraMist to serve our customers and industries with trusted products, leading to a smarter way to decontaminate and control infectious diseases.
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