by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist,

Indoor air is like a soup with a variety of pollutants in it. Most of these indoor air contaminants are known to cause or contribute to a long list of health problems (See list symptoms at the article titled “Sick Homes and Buildings”) and each of these pollutants requires its own strategic solution in order to eliminate them from the air you inhale.

It is difficult to write this article knowing that so many of the points mentioned below could be elaborated on in much greater detail, nonetheless this short article should serve as a general guide for understanding the basic steps to cleaner indoor air. For your convenience, more specific details can be found within some of the other articles here at indoorair.com.

There are six steps in total that must be followed; miss one and you compromise your indoor air quality and your health. I use the acronym “EFVOID”, to outline these strategic steps:

E = Elimination

Eliminate or reduce as many obvious indoor air pollutant sources as is reasonably possible. These would include but are not limited to the following: Un-maintained or very old carpet, especially if laid over concrete, dust accumulation in air ducts, all visible mold growth no matter the amount, indoor pesticides, perfumes, hair sprays, animal dander, cat boxes, unsealed paint cans, indoor smoking of tobacco products, metabolic sewer gasses from unused plumbing fixtures, candle burning, unencapsulated man-made building materials, and plug-in, spray, or standing deodorizers that emit man-made chemicals. Laundry and cleaning products, personal care products, etc. that you can purchase without chemical fragrances will be most advantageous to reduce exposure and indoor related health problems.

Many of the indoor air pollutant sources mentioned above are common sense when given a thought, yet the cumulative affect is often overlooked. Eliminate as many as you reasonably can. In some cases a professional air quality inspection may be in your best interest to assure you are not missing indoor air pollutant sources such as sewer gas entry, small combustible gas leaks, areas of hidden mold, negative air pressure problems, or ventilation/heating/cooling failures or inadequacies. This is especially important for those homes where occupants have already begun experiencing any of the indoor air quality symptoms listed.

F = Filtration

Use good air filtration. This entails the use and maintenance of quality furnace filters (Read the article titled “Understanding Furnace Filters”), the possible use of high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) in rooms, particularly if you do not have a ducted air handling system, and lastly, a high quality vacuum cleaner which does not allow ultra-fine particles to re-circulate back into the air. Reducing airborne particles with the use of good filtration techniques will improve indoor air quality by making indoor air less dense of particle pollutants and consequently easier to inhale. This will also reduce physical irritation that causes allergy and asthma symptoms. It is additionally important to never feather dust your home or sweep hardwood flooring. Sweeping and feather dusting launch massive amounts of particles back into the air. Dust these areas with damp cloths or mops, or vacuum with a quality vacuum cleaner to prevent acute exposure.

V = Ventilation

The first thing ventilation entails is circulating your indoor air by using your ducted air handling system (if you have one), even if you are not air conditioning or heating. Air should be circulated continuously, or at minimum, at critical times of each day during high activity when significant amounts of airborne particles are being created (when people are changing clothes or during high activity periods indoors). Circulating indoor air helps to scrub airborne particles from your air (provided you are using quality air filters in your air handling system) and helps to prevent dead air space and micro climates were mold can take hold. Circulating your indoor air also helps true air purification systems to work more efficiently by mixing the air in your indoor environment.

Secondly, ventilation includes opening windows frequently to allow replenishing of indoor oxygen levels. This is essential because there is nothing in indoor environments that “makes” oxygen for you. Maintaining good oxygen levels will help reduce headaches, tiredness and fatigue while increasing mental alertness and improving overall health. Opening windows should be done whenever needed, all year long. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, the indoor air exchange process will be expedited by default. This is due to the differences in outdoor and indoor air temperatures. During extreme temperature differences windows can be closed again very soon after opening them.

Third, ventilation includes the use of exhaust fans to remove bathroom odors, moisture from showering and cooking, and to reduce exposure to chemicals in hair spray or other aerosol products. (Read all of the articles about ventilation and make-up air vents).

O = Ozonation

Ozone, also known as “activated oxygen”, is one of natures ingredients for purifying outdoor air and is absolutely essential in the elimination of indoor pollutants. Indoor ozone levels should be constantly maintained to the same levels as those found naturally over the entire planet. Ozone oxidizes chemical gasses and eliminates virtually all odors. Ozone also helps control viruses, bacteria and mold growth. Ozone is the primary reason we always go OUT for fresh air and is the sole reason for the fresh air smell outdoors. Proper indoor ozone replacement can only be accomplished by using a true air purifier with adjustable ozone output. (Read the article titled “Understanding Ozone.”)

I = Ionization

Ions are the second ingredient that nature uses for cleaning the outdoor air of particulate (physical matter floating in air) and are another essential for indoor air quality. Indoor ions must be maintained in the right amount, and in the right ratio of positive ions to negative ions, just like nature produces outdoors. Ions are effective for indoor particle reduction even if no filtration is used, albeit you should still use filters if you can. Ions also work on particles that are so small they would pass through virtually any man-made filter media and vacuum bags. Furthermore, ions inadvertently help eliminate odors by reducing odor carrying particles from sources such as mold spores and airborne fecal and urine matter. Ion replacement is accomplished by using a true air purifier with constant ion output. (Read the article titled “Understanding Ions.”)

D = Dehumidification

Maintaining indoor humidity levels at or below 50% is absolutely essential to help protect your indoor air from bio-contaminants such as mold, bacteria, insects, mites and their related metabolic gasses and excrement. Most indoor environments today require dehumidification. A humidity gauge is the only way to know if your humidity is within safe parameters year round. (Read all of articles on the topic of indoor moisture.)

Follow the six steps above (EFVOID) and your indoor air quality will be as good as it can be. Miss just one of these steps and your air quality will certainly be degraded or compromised.

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2004 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

Click Banner to Compare to our Air Purifier, “The One That Works”

Despite the name “Air Source”, these devices generate very little air movement. The advertisers say this is great because it is quiet, without explaining that it greatly inhibits the ability of this machine to clean the air around your home. The tiny amount of air movement through the unit is generated electronically, and only by default. In order to be effective, all of the dirty air throughout your home would somehow have to come over to the Air Source and decide to go into it. This is a scientific impossibility which makes the Air Source only marginally efficient at cleaning the air in a room, much less an entire home. A truly good air purifier must have the ability to circulate a sufficient amount of air, but in a quiet manner. As claimed by the manufacturer, the internal electron generator has the ability to reduce particles in an area up to 3,000 SF. What they do not tell you is that the air within that 3000 SF must somehow come within close proximity to the machine to be cleaned. Furthermore, if your home happens to have interior walls or floors (obviously it does), the unit is incapable of cleaning particles from those other areas without purchasing additional machines for those areas. This would be very costly and is a distinct drawback with this method of ionization. Further, while they may generate some ions near the internal tri-metallic plates, they do not send out sufficient levels of electrical ions into the ambient air. This means they do not rid the air of particles in the same manner that nature does outdoors, or as a good quality air purifier should do indoors. In essence, airborne particle pollutants can remain unaffected and continue to contaminate your indoor air. To be effective, a good air purifier should have the ability to send electrical ions out into the breathable air space, to clean the air in the same manner as nature does outdoors.

The Air Source uses ultra violet light as a method to destroy the DNA of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. This sounds good on the surface however, this technology has been used inside furnace and air conditioner ducts and also suffers drawbacks. First, this UV technology is limited primarily to particles only. To make the claim that the tiny light bulb in the Air Source will affectively purify the air in a home of 3000 SF is beyond professional imagination, and this claim certainly has not been proven. Secondly, it only works on “some” of the particles. Thirdly, it only works on the particles which actually make it to, and through, the device. This means that airborne biological contaminants and chemical gasses can remain unaffected, continuing to pollute your indoor air. Fourthly, the UV bulbs loose their intensity, and can appear to be working when they are in fact no longer affective. Fifth and lastly, the replacement bulbs can be costly to replace every year. According to dealer information, the cost of using an Air Source, including bulb replacements and electricity, is about .39 per day, as compared to about .03 per day for an effective natural air purification system.

The Air Source produces insufficient levels of activated oxygen (ozone). The ozone is produced in “safe” levels as stated, but the spin lies in the fact that no ozone at all is also considered safe. Additionally, there is no explanation provided stating that the lack of sufficient ozone is of little benefit to your air. Furthermore, a good air purifier should produce “natural” levels of ozone throughout your home, not just safe levels inside the device itself. Finally, but equally as important, the Air Source cannot be used to sanitize personal items or rooms, nor can it be used to kill bacteria or mold in affected areas of a home. A good air purifier should have the ability to turn the ozone levels higher for special sanitizing situations, in unoccupied spaces.

Any air purifier is probably better than no air purifier at all, but the psychosomatic factor should also be taken into consideration with machines like this. There are many people who have spent big money purchasing marginally effective products like vacuum cleaners, water purifiers, and most certainly, air purifiers. After taking ownership, they feel obligated through denial to believe that the product they purchased works well, even if the benefits are marginal.

After learning the scientific differences between true air purification and the inferior technologies used in the Air Source, a purifier that better replicates natural air cleaning processes makes for a better choice.
by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2003 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

What is ozone?

Ozone, also known as “activated oxygen,” is an oxidizer produced by nature to keep our air clean and safe to breathe. Nature converts regular oxygen into activated oxygen (ozone) to oxidize (burn up) harmful air pollutants. Through the process of reacting with most air pollutants, ozone converts these harmful substances into more harmless compounds such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. After ozone reacts with pollutants in the air, it instantly reverts back into breathable oxygen. Ozone is created outdoors from natural phenomenon, primarily electrical lightning and sunshine. The ozone made from these sources is considered both essential and harmless. These safe, beneficial levels of ozone are found virtually everywhere on earth including forests, meadows, over the ocean and up in the mountain tops; far away from the high pollution levels found in cites. This is how our air has been purified outdoors for thousands of years before industrialization. This tiny amount of ground level ozone is absolutely essential to life. Without natural amounts of ozone in the outdoor air we breathe, every living thing on earth would likely die from massive chemical and biological pollution.

Ozone can also be produced through fuel combustion. When man produces too much ozone, such as by millions of automobiles and aircraft in large cities, the ozone itself can become irritating to our respiratory system. These large cities will then issue “ozone alerts.” These higher levels of ozone are typically proportional to the amount of pollution in the air. Understanding that the many air pollutants produced from combustion cannot easily be measured, the ozone, which can easily be measured, is used as a pollution level “indicator.” It should be acknowledged that the respiratory problems experienced in these large cities are directly related to the massive amounts of particles and other combustion pollutants (the visible haze) in that air. In addition, the ozone in that polluted air is also simultaneously acting as a purifier to help clean the pollutants from that air.

Regarding ozone safety, it is the amount of ozone in the air that is important. As an example, fire is also an oxidizer, which can be both good and bad. A small amount of fire is great to heat a home or to cook a meal. At the two extremes: No fire at all could leave one cold and hungry, or too much fire could burn a home down. In essence, certain levels of fire are beneficial and others are not. Nonetheless, our need for fire must be acknowledged and proper levels must be maintained to receive the benefits from it. This analogy of fire parallels the distinction between safe levels of ozone being maintained indoors by small air purifiers and the other two extremes: The total absence of ozone indoors and mass vehicular pollution in large cities. We must remember that nature depicts our need for such things as ozone, ions, oxygen, food, water, sleep and exercise. Too much or too little of any of these and we will likely become ill, yet in just the right amounts, they promote good health.

Can we trust nature’s air purification ozone levels?

We all know that we need oxygen in our air to stay alive, however, too much or not enough oxygen can be a detriment to our health. The exact amount of oxygen that we need for optimum health is determined for us by nature. Likewise, the amount of activated oxygen (ozone) that is essential for a healthy existence on earth is also accurately determined for us by nature. Despite natures natural pollution from oil fires, forest fires, volcanic gasses, etc., all of the added pollution from nearly six billion people, nature still does a miraculous job of continually purifying earths limited air supply. Thanks to ozone purification, we can safely breathe this limited air over and over again, without the use of chemical air fresheners or air filters. This is also the reason we like to go “out” for fresh air and is clear proof that we can trust in natural ozone levels.

Conversely, most indoor environments have air that is missing healthy levels of ozone. Surprisingly, these indoor environments can easily have air pollution levels as much as 500% higher than those found outdoors in large cities. This indoor air pollution can contain three different types of contaminants that include: 1) floating dust particles from a variety of unpleasant sources, 2) chemical gasses being continually emitted from carpet, furniture, plastics, clothing and building materials, some of which off-gas for as long as 20 years, and 3) biological contaminants such as mold, mildew, dust mites, mite excrement, bacteria and viruses. These pollutants can cause a long list of respiratory ailments and other ill health affects.

In today’s energy efficient structures, there is virtually no ozone available in our indoor air because there is no source for it. Do we have direct sunshine that does not pass through glass, or electrical lightning bolts inside of our houses or in the buildings we work in?…of course not. Do we even open our windows? Not as often as we should and, if we did, the beneficial effects only last about five minutes after closing them at which time the air starts to become rancid again. If we could leave all of our windows and doors wide open, 24 hours a day, all year long, we would have much less of an ozone deficiency problem in our homes. This is obviously impractical for security reasons, as well as, indoor temperature and humidity control. This is also why so many people are now using air purifiers to replace the natural, beneficial levels of ozone in their indoor air.

Why is there so much confusion about ozone?

There is considerable confusion regarding the use of indoor air purification systems that produce ozone as part of the purification process. This confusion always stems from a lack of understanding about the “levels” of ozone in air. Adding to this confusion, all levels of ozone are measured in tiny amounts called “parts per million” (PPM) which means that both safe and unsafe levels are called “low” levels. There is however a very significant difference between .03 PPM, typically found in fresh outdoor air and 1.0 PPM that can be found in smog. This amount in fresh air for instance is 33 times lower than the smog level. Nature produces a level which we all enjoy breathing in fresh air. On the other hand, the much higher amount found in city smog could be irritating to eyes and lungs.

People who replace the safe levels of ozone in their indoor air enjoy and often rave about the benefits they receive. Yet, other people are afraid of using ozone indoors because they associate these beneficial levels of ozone with the much higher levels of ozone produced by automobiles and aircraft. The irony is that these same fearful people breathe beneficial levels of ozone every time they step outdoors for “fresh” air. In truth, comparing the safe level of ozone replaced indoors by a small air purifier to the amounts of ozone produced by multimillions of vehicles is an irrational comparison.

Perhaps it is no surprise that government information regarding ozone and air purifiers is also very confusing. Documents referenced by the government refer primarily to levels of ozone from mass vehicular combustion. They do not clearly address the difference between these levels and those produced by small residential air purifiers. One has to read through numerous pages of information about possible health affects of vehicular ozone to find the official statement that those levels of ozone which are below the government standard of .05 PPM are known to be harmless. This misinformation and lack of clarification only serve to confuse people who do not thoroughly research IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).

Who profits from this confusion?

It would appear that there are five groups that significantly profit when people remain confused on the ozone issue. First, there are those who manufacture and sell chemical deodorizers, which literally pollute indoor air while attempting to cover up odors caused from lack of ozone. Sales are evidenced by the huge displays of these products found in stores everywhere. Secondly, there are the HEPA air filter companies that profit when people do not understand the difference between basic filtration and ozone enhanced air purification technology. Thirdly, there are the doctors, many of whom now have waiting lists of people who are suffering with breathing disorders. Admittedly, while most doctors have the best interest of their patients in mind, doctors generally have no education as to the seriousness of the indoor air pollution problem. Unfortunately, the medical alternatives are surgery or the prescription of drugs for those who suffer IAQ related illnesses. (Note: Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting your doctor.) Fourthly, there are the manufacturers and dealers of drugs, which treat only the symptoms associated with breathing indoor air. Marketing commercials for these drugs are now being shown repeatedly on national television. Despite the long list of side effects that can in some cases be worse than the breathing disorder, these companies are selling multibillions of dollars worth of drugs to people who suffer. Fifthly, the government approves these drugs, and then in turn, collects taxes on them from people who oftentimes become as physically dependent on them as street addicts do to illicit drugs. If you cannot breathe, you’ll pay the money. With so much money being made treating only symptoms, it makes one wonder why there is so much confusing or misinformation being disseminated regarding the benefits of ozone replacement. The paradox is that those who make misstatements concerning ozone, breathe copious amounts of ozone when they go out for fresh air, and are just as susceptible to the ill affects of indoor air.

Are all ozone producing air purifiers safe?

During a government cited test, a machine rated for a large area of 3,000 SF. was placed into a small room of only 350 SF. and then adjusted to the maximum setting. It was discovered they had to significantly violate the operating instructions like this in order to achieve levels that are not recommended for occupied spaces. These higher levels can create a temporary smell similar to chlorine from an indoor pool and are used only to sanitize a room or eliminate strong odor problems in temporarily unoccupied rooms. While sanitizing and odor removal are obvious benefits, this was not the setting for normal indoor air cleaning. As with any appliance, we do not operate them on the maximum settings unless we have a beneficial reason to do so and we should only do so according to the instructions.

Virtually every governmental agency and health organization agrees that the average levels of ozone produced naturally throughout the earth are completely harmless to our health. While there are a number of brands of residential air purifiers that reproduce ozone indoors, verifying scientific validation for safe levels of ozone production is recommended. At the time of this writing, there is only one company, which as a result of a federal court hearing, has had air purifying efficiency claims validated in governmentally approved laboratories. This company proved that the air purification systems could effectively eliminate polluting odors, tobacco smoke and even second hand smoke. Second hand smoke is one of the most difficult indoor air pollutants to eliminate because it consists of thousands of chemical gasses and microscopic particles that can trigger allergy and asthma attacks. This same company has also proven that their air purifiers can kill harmful mold, mildew and bacteria when used on the higher settings in unoccupied rooms. The final outcome of this hearing was very important to those already using ozone replacement to improve indoor air problems. Other companies may offer this type of proof in the future but at minimum, any air purifier that produces ozone should have full adjustability of the ozone output.

Are there known benefits from ozone replacement?

At the time of this article, the leading company in ozone replacement technologies has sold approximately four million air purification systems and is currently selling approximately 50,000 of their patented air purifiers every 30 days. Most of these systems are being used 24 hours a day, some for over 14 years. They are being used in every conceivable indoor environment including homes, offices, day care centers, bars, restaurants, hospitals, laboratories, retail stores, etc. With billions upon billions of hours of use, there has not been so much as one substantiated injury from replacing beneficial levels of ozone to indoor air. In fact, the opposite seems to be true.

People who have been replacing the missing ozone to their indoor air have been giving testimony to the many benefits. Users have claimed that difficult odors from pets, smokers, mold and mildew are virtually eliminated, that their homes smell like fresh air, that house plants thrive and cut flowers last longer, even that their pets feel better and have been seen sleeping in front of air purifiers just as instinctively as they would an open window. Farmers who are now replacing ozone to the air in barns have significantly reduced polluting barn odors, as well as, the rate of animal death by disease. When one considers the levels of airborne contaminants being found in all indoor environments, perhaps it should not seem unusual that there would be so many personal testimonies from people replacing ozone indoors.

As astounding as these testimonies are, it is the stories concerning humans that are most remarkable. Claims of chronic headaches disappearing, allergy and asthma symptoms ceasing or diminishing, snoring cessation, increased sense of smell, children and adults sleeping better, and the stories continue. We must keep in mind that despite the testimonies from those who purify their indoor air, it is illegal for the manufacturers and dealers of air purification systems to make any health claims such as these. While testimonials may compel us to consider the possible benefits of natural air purification indoors, air purifiers only treat the air, not people. They are not guaranteed to cure health problems and are not sold as medical devices or as a medical “cure.”

Does ozone replacement solve all IAQ problems?

Absolutely not. There is no single measure that can solve all indoor air quality problems. As important as trace ozone is to our air quality, it is only one of the factors involved in improving our indoor air. For the best possible indoor air quality there are four other functions that should take place in addition to ozone replacement. They are: Elimination of indoor contaminants through source reduction (another topic); ventilation to bring in oxygenated air from outdoors through the installation of make-up air vents and by opening windows as often as is feasible; filtration (trapping) of physical particles through the use of good quality air filters in furnaces, as well as, HEPA filtration in vacuum cleaners and room air cleaners; and ionization of airborne particles which are too small to be trapped in filters but equally, if not more dangerous to our lungs. (See the article about electrical ions.)

Elimination, ventilation and filtration are not used outdoors but rather are man-made necessities to enhance indoor air quality in indoor environments. On the other hand, electrical ions are nature’s “sister ingredient” for outdoor air purification. Ions work synergistically with ozone to help combat a variety of airborne contaminants. Ions serve us by coagulating dust particles and settling them out of the air we breathe. Indoors, 90% of the particles that float weightlessly in the air are completely invisible to the naked eye, yet removal of these particle pollutants can make indoor air much easier to inhale, as well as, better for our health. Replacing the missing electrical ions to the same beneficial levels as found outdoors is just as important as replacing ozone. Without ions or ozone in the air, our air literally becomes dense and rancid. Some people call it “dead air” or “sick building syndrome.” This rancid air can contain a literal soup of pollutants which can make indoor air difficult to breathe for many people and unpleasant for many others. If curious and mindful enough to pay attention, one can immediately detect rancid air upon entering a home or building, simply through sense of smell. Physical symptoms experienced indoors can also help to compare the purified air outdoors with the rancid air in homes and workplaces. Fortunately, both ions and ozone can now be replaced indoors electronically, very inexpensively, and often with only one device for an entire home.

How bad is the indoor air in houses and buildings?

Since the 1970’s, we have been making our homes very airtight and energy efficient. Consequently, this causes homes to collect, compound and even create pollutants in the indoor air we breathe. Correlated with the energy saving measures, we have had epidemic increases in the number of people who are now suffering with allergies, asthma and other health problems. Hundreds of thousands of people are being hospitalized and millions now need doctor visits, drugs, shots and inhalers. Indoor air pollution is a widespread problem in both new and old homes, whether located in cities or in rural areas. It is non-discriminating, affecting everyone from infants to senior citizens. The U.S. government has considered the indoor air pollution problem to be a #1 environmental health concern.

On average, each human will breathe approximately 2,500 gallons of air every day without proper consideration of its purity. We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors breathing continuous amounts of particle pollutants, off-gassing chemicals and airborne biological pollutants. All three of the categories of indoor air pollution can affect everyone to varying degrees with a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can include stuffy nose, nasal drip, ear infections, itchy throat, itchy eyes, tearing eyes, sneezing, chronic coughs, wheezing, headaches, sleep difficulty, snoring, dizziness, tiredness, fatigue, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, sinusitis, sinus infections, mild and severe asthma, as well as allergies to dust, dander, pollen, mites, mold and chemicals. All of these symptoms can be caused by, or aggravated by indoor air contaminants. Odors from new construction materials, remodeling, paints, urethanes, new carpet, new vinyl, house pets, smoke, mold and mildew are also indicative of indoor air contamination. If we lived outdoors and breathed fresh air all of the time, it would be unlikely that we would be experiencing these epidemic levels of symptoms. If you or those you care about suffer from any of the symptoms associated with indoor air, it is recommended to take every measure possible to clean your indoor air, without delay. The longer the exposure, the greater the health risks.
(See articles on ions and air purification systems.)

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2001 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

It is amazing how wonderful a product can be made to appear on TV commercials and infomercials. The Ionic Breeze is a prime example of this smoke-in-mirrors marketing technique.

As with most gimmicky air cleaning devices, people who have tried the Ionic Breeze machines usually experience minimal relief if they suffer from air quality related symptoms, and healthy individuals who use them simply do not understand the inadequacies of the product. After learning the technological differences between true air purification methods and the basic particle collection method of the ionic Breeze, most people ultimately return or replace these inferior devices with a purifier that replicates natural air cleaning processes.

The Ionic Breeze does not clean the air using natural purification processes like nature does outdoors. As with many other air cleaning devices, the Ionic Breeze claims to be an air “purifier” when in reality it is nothing more than a particle collector, no different than an air filter. This means that air pollutants other than particles, such as biological contaminants or chemical gasses, remain unaffected and can continue to contaminate your air.

The Ionic Breeze even fails in the area of simple particle collecting. The same electronically charged plate technology used in the Ionic Breeze has been in use on furnace and air conditioning systems for many years with extremely poor results. The visible debris and contamination found inside of heating and cooling systems simply circumvents the plates, allowing more particles to pass through the plates than would be collected in disposable furnace filters costing as little as 50 cents.

Despite the name “Ionic Breeze”, these devices do not generate a breeze at all, but barely move the air. Further, while they may generate some ions near the internal charged plates, they do not send out beneficial levels of electrical ions into the air. This means they do not rid the air of particles in the same manner that nature does outdoors, or as true air purifiers do indoors. Ironically, the marketing name Ionic Breeze is a complete misnomer.

The touted selling feature of the Ionic Breeze is also its biggest drawback; they have no fan. The advertisers claim this to be a wonderful feature because they are silent during operation. This sounds good on the surface, but in reality, this means only a small amount of the particles are actually being brought into the unit and removed from the air. Being that the Ionic Breeze machines pass such a small amount of air, they are very inefficient at cleaning the air in a room, much less a home. In contrast, true air purifiers (not the noisy HEPA filters), are also very quiet, yet work quite efficiently.

The Ionic Breeze produces insufficient activated oxygen (ozone) and that only as an uncontrollable by-product of the charged plates. Therefore the Ionic Breeze cannot be used to sanitize personal items or rooms, nor can it be used to kill bacteria or mold in affected areas.
While just one air purifier can sufficiently treat all of the air in an average size home, an Ionic Breeze would need to be purchased for each room of home to cover the same square footage. This presents a huge expense for anyone wanting to clean all of the air in their home. Further, these units are more than twice the size of an air purifier. Using multiple Ionic Breezes in a home will also consume more electricity and create more maintenance than one air purifier.

The top-of-the-line Ionic Breeze model adds the use of ultra violet light to destroy the DNA of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. Again, this sounds good on the surface however, this technology has also been used inside furnace and air conditioner ducts and suffers drawbacks. First, this UV technology is also limited to particles only. Secondly, it only works on “some” of the particles. Thirdly, it only works on particles which actually make it to and through the device. Fourthly, the UV bulbs loose their intensity and can appear to be working when they are in fact no longer affective. Lastly, annual bulb replacement can be costly.

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

A personal air purifier is an invaluable device that allows you to control the quality of the air for approximately 18 inches around your face. They are capable of killing mold and bacteria in your personal air space and help protect you from airborne allergens. It was invented by a man who was a severe asthmatic.

Do they work?

I use one of these quite regularly during inspections. You must understand that as an inspector, I get into some homes with pretty bad air quality. Whether it is choking on high levels of cat dander or having my voice stop altogether from mold in the air, it doesn’t happen anymore because of this little device.

Further, I have inspected homes where the owners could not even live in their own homes anymore due to mold contamination. On one home, the owner could not be in the house for more than five minutes without experiencing severe breathing problems. I let her use one of these personal air purifiers to see if it would allow her to follow me through the inspection. She was in the house for over four hours without a problem. We found out what her problems were at her home, but she also had a problem at the school where she was a teacher. She could not control the air quality in the school, so she took charge of her own personal air by purchasing one of these incredible little air purifiers.

Product Specifics

They sell for $149.00 each. The package is loaded with efficiency data, far too much to list here. They only weigh 1.5 ounces and will operate on just one camera battery for over 60 hours. The mini-purifier can be worn with the neck strap as pictured, hung on a shirt with a clip on the back, or my favorite way, which is to use the magneto clip. This is a very strong magnet. You simply place one half of the flat magnet inside your garment and the purifier sticks solidly to it without damaging clothing. Fast on / fast off.

I fell in love with this tiny air purifier and became friends with the inventor. I am now the distributor for the product in this area. If you would like one, you’ll need to call the office.
 

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

Odors in a home can not only be potentially offensive to a home buyer but they can also be detrimental to the health of those living in the house. If you are selling a home and a Realtor suggested you visit this web site, it is because your Realtor wants to help you sell your house promptly. Houses that do not sell fast can cost you money month after month and typically need to have the price reduced.

Odors are not something to be embarrassed about, but they are certainly something you should correct if you wish to sell your home faster. In today’s competitive marketplace, you want every advantage.

Would you buy a house that has unusual odors in it?

Many people do not. In fact, some home buyers are “turned off” the moment they step through the door of a home. They lose interest in a property that would have otherwise been attractive. Some will not purchase an odoriferous home because of health concerns associated with pets odors, cigarette smoke or mold and mildew. For other people, smelling odors simply promotes a subconscious, unsanitary feeling about the house.

Covering up odors is not advisable.

Many sellers understand odors to be a marketing problem and try to cover up odors with chemical plug in devices, candles, potpourri, or by baking bread or cookies just before showings. Covering up odors can be disadvantageous for two reasons:

1) Covering up odors has led to litigation where home sellers have been successfully sued by home buyers. This is most common with pet odors that become reactivated and intensified with subsequent carpet cleaning or increased humidity. I have heard of cases with financial damages ranging up to $20,000.00. The courts are sympathetic to consumers and recognize that covering up pet urine problems is no different than covering up any other type of defect. When odors are present, it might be wise to have the house professionally analyzed to determine the sources and severity of the problem.

2) Covering up odors by adding chemical deodorizers (misnomer) or other masking type products can make matters even worse for people with allergies or asthma. If you are one of the many millions of people who suffer, you know how bad this can be. I have known buyers who did not perceive a problem during the initial showing but after spending some time in the home during the inspection, could not even stay in the house. Their breathing would become labored, eyes would water, their voice would stop or they would get headaches, etc. These potential problems can easily be avoided.

Understanding and Eliminating Odors

Some of the odors that cause buyers to walk away from homes are caused by pets, cigarettes, LP and natural gas leaks, sewer gasses, unusual cooking spices, and mold or mildew. Sometimes the odors are from multiple sources.

Depending on the source, each odor can have a specific course of action to eliminate it or keep it under control. The first step is to discover where the odors are originating from. On occasion, an odor source can be obvious, but often it is best to hire a professional to locate the sources and recommend the appropriate courses of action. A home odor investigation and consultation also includes combustible gas leak detection on all accessible gas lines. If pets are present, a separate urine inspection may also be in order. (See urine inspections.)

Some odors can be eliminated by strategic cleaning or repairing of specific source areas. Other odors can literally be impregnated into the walls, woodwork, carpet, sub floors, window treatments, etc. These difficult types of odors are best eliminated by “purifying” the air (not filtering). The purified air then goes everywhere the odors went to annihilate them. Air purifiers work on the same principle as the air outdoors, which by the way, is why we go “out” for fresh air. Portable air purification systems can be purchased or rented for this purpose. They can also be used continually to prevent odors and reduce air contaminants. A home with clean, odor free air can make a nice impression.

Eliminating odors may cost a little up front but compare that to the cost of having a home sit on the market for long time or hearing back from an angry buyer.

Realtors and Sellers

If you are selling a house with odors, it is in your best interest to promptly eliminate them. First, the house will have a better chance of selling fast. I have seen beautiful homes sit on the market for months and then right after removing the odor problem, they sell. Again, in a competitive market, it makes sense to take every advantage for a fast sale. Secondly, it makes for a happy homebuyer which protects the reputation of the Realtor and reduces the liability for a seller. It simply makes no sense to cover up a problem when it could likely be resolved inexpensively.
 

 © Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

Old homes used to lose a lot of heat, and along with the heat loss was the loss of humidity. During cold weather, the indoor air

would become so dry that people would use portable humidifiers, or have them permanently installed on their furnaces. These humidifiers solved the lack of humidity but have lead to other problems in homes, usually related to lack of maintenance. The built in humidifiers were out-of-site and therefore out-of-mind, and the portable models were also a chore to clean and sanitize. As a result, humidifiers would grow bacteria and mold inside of them, which caused sickness due to biological contamination of the indoor air. The common term for this sickness is “humidifier fever”.To compound the problem further, homeowners believed that if they had a humidifier, they must need to use it, albeit they paid little attention to the actual humidity levels in their homes. As a result, humidity levels would often exceed the recommended maximum level of 50% and consequently cause biological problems indoors with exploding dust mite populations in furniture and carpet, and mold contamination throughout homes. Furnace mounted humidifiers would also back-up and leak into furnaces causing corrosion and mechanical damage. Humidifiers would also produce white dust around a home depending on the mineral or sodium content in the water.

The New Way of Thinking

Newly constructed homes rarely have need for more humidity; in fact, the exact opposite is more likely and a dehumidifier is usually needed, sometimes even during the coldest winter months. This is due to the high moisture content of brand new homes. Similarly, homes that have had energy conservation measures performed no longer have the need for humidification. This might include the addition of attic insulation, new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, newer furnaces, etc. All of these measures turn old homes into new homes from the humidity perspective. Because moisture travels with heat, when you save heat, you save moisture by default, and would likely do yourself and your home a disservice by using a humidifier. Indoor humidity levels in homes today will rarely ever drop below the recommended minimum level of 30%. In most situations, home inspectors will recommend removing humidifiers when installed on furnaces due to the health issues and mechanical damage they cause. There may be unique situations in which added humidity might be a necessity, but they are rare. In these situations, it would be best to simply use a small portable unit that can be easily cleaned and monitored.

When dehumidifying, it is important to have a dust screen over the area where the air enters the dehumidifier in order to keep the inner coils clean. When clogged, the unit will operate poorly, waste electricity, and may cause the coils to ice up and stop functioning altogether.

Finally, people cannot simply depend on a sense of feeling to determine if the indoor humidity levels are proper. Humidity levels could well exceed safe indoor levels before ever being perceived through the senses by building occupants. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to monitor your indoor humidity levels all year long with a humidity gauge. If you do not have one or question whether the one you have works properly or not, purchase a new humidity gauge for your home and use it faithfully.
 

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

An air filter is simply that…a “filter”. There is no technology involved. The principle of operation is simple; to catch particles larger than the holes in the filter media. While a true air purifier may also incorporate filtration, it does not depend on a man-made filter to clean (purify) the air. Instead, it replaces the missing ions and ozone to indoor air to allow the indoor air to be purified and perform like fresh outdoor air.

There are many air filters being sold today and even recommended by doctors. Unfortunately, there is little or no information being provided by doctors or the manufacturers as to the limitations of air filters or the benefits of natural air purification.

Here are some of the comparisons for consideration:

Air filters only work well on particles. They do not purify the air of biological pollutants that may be growing around a home and they have no affect on chemical gasses created from new building materials, paints, carpet, vinyl flooring, furniture, etc. Air purifiers replace the missing ozone indoors. Ozone is not limited to particles and helps to overcome chemical and biological pollutants. Some models of purifiers also have the ability to sanitize bacteria and mold when used at a high setting in unoccupied spaces. This added benefit can do a lot to improve indoor air quality. Temporarily unoccupied rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms can be easily sanitized without the use of chemicals or manual labor. Air purifiers can be used in attics and basements to kill mold as well. On June 26, 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally approved the use of ozone in both air and water as an anti-microbial agent. Air purifiers that replace ozone have been used for years in every conceivable indoor environment including, homes, offices, day care centers, bars, restaurants, hospitals, laboratories, retail stores, etc. (See the article on ozone.)

Air filters only work on particles that happen to be “larger” than the holes in the filter media. By default, this means the smaller particles will pass through. Even the best HEPA filters are limited to particles down to .3 microns. Being that an average grain of beach sand is about 200 microns, a HEPA filter does quite a good job. However, there are many particles smaller than .3 microns which can travel much farther into the recesses of our lungs. These smaller particles, called condensation nuclei, can be as much as a million times smaller than a micron. Man will never be able to invent an air filter that can do what nature does with ions. Air purifiers replace the missing ions indoors. Ions are not at all limited like filters and will work effectively on all sizes of particles. (See the article on electrical ions.)

Air filters only work on particles that actually make to the filter. Because of air flow patterns established around an air filter, the filter is limited as to what it can accomplish. Manufacturers of air filters do not explain that it is an impossibility to get particles from all over your home to go over to the air filter to get stuck. It just doesn’t work that way. Air purifiers are not dependent upon attracting contaminants to the machine. They deliver the active air cleaning ingredients out into the air and let the air purifier itself, just like outdoors.

Air filters can be quite expensive to operate. The replacement cartridges typically cost between $40.00 and $100.00 each. Figure in the cost of electricity for running large fans and it quickly adds up! Air purifiers do not require filter replacements to operate and only use about 30 watts of power consumption. Average cost of operation is less than a nickel a day.

Air filters must move a lot of air to be affective at all. This means they require big fan motors, and this means noise. Air purifiers are not dependent on big fans to work. Even when in the same room, they are barely perceptible.

Air filters are limited to only one room. This means you would need to purchase one for each room of your home. Air purifiers typically treat the all of the air in an average size home with only one machine is required. While an air purifier may be a little more expensive than an air filter, the fact that you only need one also makes them a wiser investment.

I couldn’t begin to tell you how many of these HEPA filters I have seen unplugged in homes. People who own them no longer use them because they are tired of the noise, the expense, and are unsatisfied with the results. Conversely, I hear raving reviews about natural air purification systems. Out of all of the air cleaning strategies that can (and should) be followed, if I could only do one thing to my indoor air, it would be turning on one of these purifiers.

This is because air purifiers operate on totally different principles. Your indoor air cannot be truly purified without the replacement of the proper amounts of ions and ozone to your indoor environment. This is how nature has purified the air outdoors for thousands of years, and the replacement of ions and ozone is one of the most important steps to improving indoor air quality.

Purchasing an air purification system should be thought of as an investment into the health and well being of all the people and pets living in your home.

The technologies in the air purifier I use in my home are patented by the manufacturer and can only be purchased through authorized dealers.

Air purification systems come in sizes for any application; small enough for a diaper pail and large enough for a livestock barn. There are only two models I recommend for residential applications. Give me a call or e-mail me so we can determine which model best meets your needs.

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved

Oddly enough, many people like that new house smell, or even that new car smell. Some people will pay extra at the car wash just to have chemicals added to the car’s interior to make it smell new again. Of course no thought is given as to what those chemicals are doing to their health when inhaled.

What is that smell?

What people are smelling is called “off-gassing”. This is a term used to describe the release of chemicals from man-made materials used in manufactured products and home construction. There are various chemicals off-gassed from these components but the one of chief concern is formaldehyde.

The greatest amount of off-gassing occurs from man-made lumber products. These products are essentially made of sawdust and wood chips which used to be discarded. Now they are mixed with large amounts of adhesives and pressed into boards. While it is great to recycle, the off-gassing from the adhesives can be very unhealthy indoors.

People exposed to formaldehyde contamination in the air become increasingly sensitive to all other chemicals as well. I have worked with many chemical sensitive people who cannot enter retail stores where new products are displayed, or be anywhere near people wearing perfumes, cologne or hair spray. Many sufferers are told it is all in their heads, …It is not.

I like to believe that if people suffering from exposure to formaldehyde were to avoid all chemical exposure, they may return to normal over time, however, it is currently believed that these symptoms are irreversible. Further, chemical avoidance is not at all easy to do because chemicals are used in so many manufactured products today. To make matter worse, “chemical fragrances” are added to a kazillion consumable products, from pencils to toilet paper.

How long does off-gassing continue?

This depends largely on the product. Some thinner items like clothing, paint coatings, or vinyl wallpaper, may fully off-gas within a few weeks to month. Other items such as carpet and foam cushions in furniture may take much longer. Some of the more solid materials such as modern engineered floor joists and particle board products used in sub-flooring, countertops and furniture, can take as long as 20 years to fully off-gas.

Just because the intensity of the off-gassing odors diminishes, does not mean there is no longer a concern. Our noses are pretty good at picking up odors but no where near capable of detecting the presence of formaldehyde levels. To give you an idea of how inferior our senses of smell are, they are calculated to be about one million times less sensitive than those of dogs.

What happens when formaldehyde is inhaled?

People living in new homes or working in new buildings have experienced the following symptoms from formaldehyde exposure:

Chronic Headaches
Abdominal Pain
Ear Infections
Tiredness
Dark Eye Circles
Behavioral Episodes
Dizziness
Scarlet Ear Lobes
Depression
Chronic Cough
Runny Nose
Fatigue
Exhaustion
Scarlet Cheeks
Burning sensations in the throat, chest, eyes and nose
Extreme Chemical Sensitivities

Formaldehyde has also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and may cause cancer in humans. The long term health affects are most concerning but no symptoms should be ignored.

Anywhere where there are new products or building materials, the health risk is present. Some people may not experience the acute symptoms while in these environments, but everybody is affected to some degree.

What can be done?

There are three possible solutions for you:

Air Filters If you will be using air filters, they must be impregnated with carbon in order to work at all. Carbon has the ability to adsorb gasses, at least for a while. The downside is that they do not work very well and are typically quite expensive to maintain. Furthermore, there is no way they could possibly keep up to the rate of off-gassing.

Ventilation Opening windows and inviting in copious amounts of fresh air. This is certainly the best approach but is also the least practical. When it is hot and humid outdoors, or for that matter, freezing cold out, no one wants to open up their windows and let the weather inside. Ventilation can however be a partial solution to the off-gassing problem with the use of “make-up air” vents. (See the article about make-up air vents.)

Regarding opening your windows, even though impractical, I still recommend it highly. A large portion of the air in your home can be evacuated in relatively short order if done right. Even in the middle of winter cold or summer heat, it is possible to flush a house of most of the rancid or chemical laden air. Simply open one window in each room for about five minutes. Often the difference in indoor air temperature will assist in a quick air exchange. The house and your belongings do not change temperature, only the air brought in. This will quickly warm right up or cool down after one cycle of the system. It is worth it to get oxygenated air back in the house. Even without intense off-gassing, I do this myself on a regular basis, especially after entertaining with lots of guests using up the indoor oxygen.

Air Purifiers Air purification systems that produce ozone seem to work well on chemical gasses and are certainly the least expensive approach of eliminating these odors. (See the article on air purification systems.)

Ideally, the best solution for formaldehyde contamination is a combination of a make-up air vent, an air purification system, and periodic opening of windows.
 

by Building Inspector and Indoor Air Specialist, Dan Schilling
© Copyright 2002 Residential Inspections LLC, All Rights Reserved