IAQ Research of the Month – April 2021

Apr 30, 2021

Research Summaries

HEPA air purifier usage in a dormitory led to improved lung function and decreased respiratory inflammation, blood pressure, and systematic oxidative stress. Indoor Air


Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers emit large quantities of VOCs and particulate matter. Indoor Air


The ability of a common, low-cost PM sensor to accurately represent the total mass concentration was greatly affected by the particle source. Aerosol Science and Technology


In this study of classrooms, the main source of airborne bacteria was likely human occupants, whereas the main source of airborne fungi was outdoors. Indoor Air


Concentrations of PM, VOCs, and bacteria in underground metro stations were  2–10 times higher than limits specified by WHO, EPA, and ACGIH. Building and Environment


Exposure to incense smoke was found to be associated with wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms. Indoor Air


This paper lays out ten scientific reasons supporting the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Lancet


Many home-use ultraviolet (UV) devices were not effective. Many of the devices that were effective also presented a risk to users. Photochemistry and Photobiology


A risk assessment model found that six air exchanges per hour reduced risks of COVID-19 by a factor of 8–13 for sneeze and cough scenarios. Environmental Health Perspectives


Indoor CO2 measurements by low-cost sensors hold promise for mass monitoring of indoor aerosol transmission risk for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Environmental Science & Technology Letters

 

Featured Online Course: CIE/CIEC

You can take our most popular class, the Indoor Environmentalist Course, online without needing to leave the safety of your home. The 32-hour online class includes sections on contaminants, health effects, HVAC, building science, standards, remediation, and more. Online students consistently pass the Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) and Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) exams at the same rate as students of the on-site class. You can access the online content at any time — day or night. The entire course is video-based and is guaranteed to keep your interest!

To register, click: Indoor Environmentalist (CIE/CIEC) Online Course.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

 

Indoor Sciences was recently acquired and we are expanding our indoor air quality consulting footprint across the US. We’re hiring industrial hygienists in Chicago and are looking for like-minded partner firms to support our service offerings in all major metropolitan areas. If you have any interest in partnering, please reach out to discuss how we might work together.

Ian Cull – [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archives