Air Quality and Control

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an international term that refers to the air quality inside buildings and is related to the health and comfort of the building's occupants. It is one of the three factors that significantly influence Thermal comfort - the state in which a person feels well-being within a space.

Considering that we spend 90% of our lives indoors and that in these spaces the pollutants and suspended harmful particles in the air are two to five times more than outdoors, we can realize the enormous importance of understanding and controlling the air quality of our living and working spaces.

What is indoor air pollution?

Most of the common pollutants that appear in the indoor spaces where we live and move are usually produced during the day by us and our environment and stem from the performance of daily, common activities. Their influence on our health is daily and lasting, with effects that can manifest immediately after exposure/contact or even years later, which are most often annoying and, in several cases, fatal.

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Carbon dioxide [CO₂]: Inert, odorless and colorless gas

At high concentration above 700 ppm*, CO₂ can cause poor performance, poor concentration, breathing difficulty, headache and fatigue.

How it is produced:

Indoors, carbon dioxide CO2 is mainly produced by human breathing (exhalation) and smoking and can be perceived, if present in large quantities, as a "bad smell" or simply as "stale air". It is a by-product of all fossil fuel combustion (coal, oil, gasoline, natural gas, etc.), but also of wood, plastics, etc. organic compounds.

When the space heating/cooling system is not working properly, it causes the concentration of CO2 levels to increase, while the normal oxygen levels in the space decrease. Carbon dioxide is also released during combustion from burners, fireplaces, boilers and vehicles.

Health risks:

Although carbon dioxide is not a toxic gas, a possible increase in its concentration in the air we breathe, reduces the oxygen in the room and can cause effects such as:

At a concentration of 1% v/v* (full room with poor ventilation), CO2 can cause drowsiness in prolonged exposure.
At a concentration 2% v/v* CO2 behaves as a mild narcotic. It causes increased blood pressure and heart rate, and reduces hearing.
At a concentration of about 5% v/v* it causes stimulation of the respiratory center, dizziness, confusion and difficulty breathing accompanied by headache and shortness of breath.
At a concentration 8% v/v* it causes headache, sweating, hallucinations, tremors and loss of consciousness after exposure for five to ten minutes.

* % v/v Content expression mainly used in gas mixtures and indicates the mL of a gas in 100 mL of gas mixture.

Recommended levels:

Although there is no clear limit, various international legislative provisions have set an exposure limit of 800 ppm* - 1,500 ppm*. In closed spaces with many people, concentrations greater than 1000 ppm* will cause discomfort in more than 20% of people. At 2000 ppm*, the majority of people will experience significant discomfort, and many will suffer from nausea and headaches.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, states that the average exposure for healthy adults during an eight-hour workday should not exceed 5000 ppm* (0.5%).

The maximum safety level for infants, children, the elderly and people with health problems is significantly lower.

* The notations ppm, ppb, etc. are used in science and technology to indicate concentrations and ratios mainly of the order of millionth (ppm from English parts per million), billionth (ppb - parts per billion) and trillionth (ppt - parts per trillion). They are dimensionless numbers because they are relations of similar quantities.

Carbon Monoxide [CO]: Odorless, colorless and toxic gas

A highly poisonous gas produced by the incomplete combustion of heating systems and appliances (eg boilers, chimneys, stoves or ovens).

High concentrations of carbon monoxide, depending on the time of exposure to the gas, cause the human body from a mild headache or dizziness, to death.

How it is produced:

Health risks:

Carbon monoxide impairs the blood's ability to absorb oxygen from the air people breathe, and depending on the time of exposure, symptoms include:

100 ppm*: mild headache in 2-3 hours
400 ppm*: mild headache in 1-2 hours, increasing after 2-3 hours
1,600 ppm*: headache, dizziness and nausea in 20 minutes, death in 2 hours
6,400 ppm*: headache and dizziness in 1-2 minutes, death in 10-15 minutes
12,800 ppm*: death in 1-3 minutes.

* The notations ppm, ppb, etc. are used in science and technology to indicate concentrations and ratios mainly of the order of millionth (ppm from English parts per million), billionth (ppb - parts per billion) and trillionth (ppt - parts per trillion). They are dimensionless numbers because they are relations of similar quantities.

Recommended levels:

The recommended concentration levels of carbon monoxide in indoor air, depending on the exposure time, are:

50 ppm* for 70 minutes
100 ppm* for 20 minutes
300 ppm* for 1 minute

Volatile Organic Compounds [tVOC]: Chemical compounds characterized as carcinogens

It refers to 615 different chemical compounds, the most important being benzene C₆H₆, which is present in cigarette smoke and formaldehyde CH₂O, a highly toxic chemical compound present in furniture varnishes, glues and resins. They are characterized by high volatility, i.e. they change from solid to vapor, thus contaminating the air we breathe.

High concentrations cause the human body from a simple headache, poor concentration and drowsiness, to respiratory disorders, which can become severe in sensitive individuals or after prolonged exposure.

Some hypersensitive persons may have severe reactions when exposed to very low concentrations.

How it is produced:

VOCs are released from paint solvents, coatings, paint decolorizers, solvent containers, paint thinners, stucco materials, carpets, adhesives, photocopiers, ceiling or wall tiles, air fresheners, cleaners, organic solvents, fabric softeners and from smoke cigarette.

Formaldehyde in gaseous form is emitted by many building materials, carpets, furniture, rubbers and adhesives. Although it has a strong odor, people may not be aware of their exposure to it because they become familiar with its smell.

Benzene is emitted from tobacco products.

Health risks:

In humans, symptoms depend on the compound or mixture of compounds present in the environment. In conditions of reduced exposure, symptoms include fatigue, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, joint pain, blurred vision, eye and skin irritation and general discomfort. Increased exposure levels cause respiratory distress, chest tightness, nausea, confusion as well as unpleasant odors

In particular, formaldehyde mainly affects the eyes, nose and larynx. At concentrations greater than 0.1 mg/kg in air it can irritate the eyes, cause headaches, a burning sensation in the throat and difficulty breathing. Longer exposures to formaldehyde can be fatal.

Recommended levels:

The World Health Organization has set a maximum limit of 670 ppb*, above which indoor air quality is extremely unhealthy.

Specifically for formaldehyde, which is suspected of being carcinogenic to humans, it sets a TLV exposure limit of 0.3 ppm* (0.368 mg/m3), marked C, i.e. this value must not be exceeded.

PM2.5 and PM10 particles: A complex pollutant with a wide variety in shape, size and composition

These particles are scattered in the air, have a diameter equal to and below 10μm and 2.5μm respectively and are able to absorb toxic gases and vapors on their surface with a negative effect on the body. Prolonged exposure to these particles over time is associated with diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and low respiratory function, starting at low doses.

How it is produced:

Some of the particles, especially indoor PM2.5 come from outdoors and enter indoors through doors, windows and "leaks" in building structures.

Indoor particles include components derived from biological sources, many of which are known allergens, such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites and cockroaches. Indoor activities also produce particles, such as smoking, cooking and burning wood, candles or incense. Particulate matter can also form indoors from complex reactions of gaseous pollutants emitted from sources such as household cleaning products and air fresheners.

Health risks:

These particles are dispersed in the air, whose aerodynamic diameter is equal to and below 10μm and 2.5μm respectively and are able to absorb toxic gases and vapors on their surface. This phenomenon contributes to increasing levels of air pollutants, which reach the deepest regions of the lungs, carried by PM10 and PM2.5 particles.

Prolonged exposure to these particles over time is associated with diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and low respiratory function, starting from even low doses. In addition, chronic exposure is likely associated with an increased risk of airway tumors.

Recommended levels:

Temperature and humidity

High levels of temperature and humidity can also increase concentrations of some of the above pollutants.

Temperature and humidity are two very important factors for home & thermal comfort. Apart from the individual subjective assessment of the perception of "hot" and "cold", the ideal temperature for the human body is defined as a temperature in the range of 20°C - 24°C with humidity levels of 40% - 60%.

When humidity drops below 40%, the climate becomes very dry, people feel the need to drink water, and bacteria are easier to spread, with a consequent increase in the risk of colds and flu. Higher humidity levels are associated with a higher temperature sensation and the risk of mold and condensation on the walls.

Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outside air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not transporting indoor air pollutants outside.

Direct and comprehensive control of air quality

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From the above it is understood that the appearance and existence of pollutants, odors and suspended harmful particles in our daily life, is impossible to avoid and can cause many harmful effects on the human body. To avoid unpleasant situations and health effects, it is wise to try to improve the indoor air quality in the place where you live or move (home, business, etc.), even if these are not noticeable.

But how can we know at any time if the indoor air is of good quality and safe for our health and in what way we can improve it?

ANDRIANOS has created a product package, which consists of high-tech devices, which primarily allow us to understand if the living environment is qualitatively good for us and our loved ones by monitoring the concentrations and periods of exposure of the premises from the above harmful substances.

Permanent air quality control and heat recovery ventilation, create indoor spaces free of pollutants, odors, germs, dust, pollen and other suspended particles, is the only way to reduce risks to human health.

YUKON Air Quality Monitor

The YUKON Air Quality Monitor range features the Yukon, Yukon Pro & Yukon Pro+ models.

Through the front led, the detector shows the air quality level by changing three colors:

Light blue - High air quality
Orange - Moderate air quality
Red - Poor air quality.

In addition, you can check the price history for each detected quantity through graphs (in the YUKON smartphone app) to appreciate the improvements made after the detection of contaminated indoor environment.

Detectable quantities and limits:

- VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Maximum limit 670 ppb*

- CO2eq: Exposure limit 800 ppm* - 1,500 ppm*.

- PM2,5: 25μg/m3 on average in 24 hours

- PM10: 50μg/m3 on average in 24 hours

- Temperature

- Humidity

- CO: The sensor is calibrated at the factory to trigger the alarm when CO levels measured in the air reach:

50 ppm* for 70 minutes
100 ppm* for 20 minutes
300 ppm* for 1 minute

(CO detection is available only on Yukon Pro & Yukon Pro+ models)

- CH₂O (methanol or formaldehyde): Exposure limit 0.1 mg/kg in air

(CH₂O detection is only available on the Yukon Pro+ model)

Yukon - CO₂ Carbon Dioxide Detector

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Yukon CO2 is according to ISO 16000-26, with monitoring of temperature and humidity parameters. Supplied with a Mobile App which acts as interface to manage the detector, configure it, view its status and send alarms/messages on the current situation of the system.

The YUKON carbon dioxide detector is activated when the carbon dioxide level, measured in ppm*, is above the maximum set limit. To improve user experience and satisfy the individual requirements when using the device, the default alarm threshold of 900ppm* can be set from a minimum value of 700ppm* to a maximum value of 1500ppm*.

In addition to carbon dioxide, the device also measures temperature and humidity in order to provide the user with as much information as possible about the indoor air quality.

In case of exceeding the limits (alarm condition):

Activation of the red LED
Repeated alarm notifications are sent to smartphones connected to the detector.
Activation of the internal relay.

Yukon - Application for Smartphones

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By installing a YUKON device in your space, you can know in real time the values analyzed by the detector thanks to the special application, which clearly and easily shows the quality of the inhaled air.

Features:

You are informed of any detection system malfunction condition that could otherwise only be identified through special diagnostics.

Receive instant notifications - alarm messages.

You read the values of the detectors, in real time.

You change the parameters you have set on the detectors.

It is possible to divide the sensors into groups or rooms to monitor the status of specific rooms in your home or that of a relative/friend.

The Application is compatible with iOS (9.0 or later) and Android (6.0 or later) systems.

What to do first if your indoor air has high levels of pollution?

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You should look for ways to increase the level of ventilation in the rooms, in order to circulate fresh air, which will prevent the concentration of pollutants mentioned above and reduce them to more normal levels.

The most immediate and effective solution for air renewal and purification is the installation of the innovative and autonomous Heating Recovery Ventilation system, which extracts polluted and indoor air and renews it by introducing fresh air from the environment which at the same time preheats, reducing humidity and ventilation losses by 93%.

During air abduction, it saves the thermal energy of the air at its heat exchanger. During intake, it passes the fresh air through the exchanger where it preheats it (if it is winter) or precools it (if it is summer) by absorbing the thermal energy stored during abduction.

Assolo mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, creates ideal air quality conditions with minimal costs and the possibility of immediate and quick installation in any space. The most important advantage is that there is no need to create condensate drainage and complex wiring. All that is required is the creation of a Φ160 hole in the wall and an electrical supply.

See in detail the benefits of Ventilation with heat recovery

ANDRIANOS has the most pioneering leading indoor air quality control systems and ventilation with heat recovery, as it has hundreds of corresponding projects of high performance and efficiency to demonstrate. Combined with the installation and operation of appropriate heating and air conditioning systems for the space, it is able to create ideal conditions of thermal comfort, for you to enjoy well-being at any moment, at any time, at all times of the year.