To understand how polluted indoor air affects the health and well-being of a person, it is necessary to find out which exactly pollutant enters the human body with each new breath. 

In general, several most common compounds can often be found in the office, industrial and residential premises of large metropolises:

• carbon dioxide (CO2);
• phenol and formaldehyde;
• dust;
• mold.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide is released by all living things during the breathing process. The air we inhale contains 21% oxygen and 0.3% CO2 and exhaled air already contains 16% oxygen and 4.5% CO2. It is straightforward to see that the concentration of oxygen in exhaled air drops insignificantly, while the concentration of carbon dioxide increases as much as 15 times. The more people there are on the premise, the faster its contents become crucial and dangerous to health.

The second largest source of carbon dioxide indoors is fuel combustion processes that take place in gas stoves, boilers, fireplaces, etc. Thus, when burning 1,000 m3 of natural gas, about 1.85 tons of CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Therefore, CO (carbon monoxide) sensors are often placed next to boilers, because it is a deadly poison even in very small quantities.

The increased content of carbon dioxide leads to a feeling of fatigue, suffocation, headache, inability to concentrate, and nausea. In extreme cases of CO2 poisoning, loss of consciousness is possible.

According to most sources, including the regulations of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the concentration of CO2 in indoor air should not exceed 1000 ppm (parts per million).

Phenol and formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a toxic, colorless gas with a strong unpleasant odor. Formaldehyde and its aqueous solution – formalin, are often used in various industries: production of agricultural pesticides, antiseptics for wood, and solvents in the paint industry.

The toxic compound is widely used in the production of building materials (varnishes, paints, chipboards, plywood, OSB, sandwich panels, mounting foam). In addition, many household items can also contain this dangerous substance. Example:

• fabrics (including 100% natural fabrics);
• cinefilm;
• medications (antiseptic);
• cosmetics;
• production of various plastics;
• production of artificial fibers;
• synthetic materials (linoleum, roofing material, foam plastic);
• preservation of anatomical models;
• leather production.

Formaldehyde is a byproduct of combustion. Thus, they can be present in a large concentration, both indoors and outdoors: in a room with a working gas stove, tobacco smoke, car exhaust, etc.

Dust

Fine dust is the most damaging to human health. The diameter of such dust particles is 20 times smaller than the diameter of a hair. Due to their small size, they can float freely in the air without settling on surfaces for a long time. As a matter of fact, this is the same dust that makes up urban smog. The main source of dust in the cities are particles formed during the combustion of automobile fuel, tire wear, and asphalt.

In this case, during ventilation by opening windows, there is a risk of contaminated outdoor air entering the room.

Mold

High humidity, a temperature of about 20 degrees, lack of direct sunlight, and air movement in the room are comfortable conditions for the appearance of mold. Concrete, wallpaper, plaster, wood – mold can exist on almost any surface, slowly destroying it. Substances that are released in this case – ketones and aldehydes cause a characteristic musty smell. However, the absence of a smell does not mean that there is no mold in the room.

Contaminant spores, which are strong allergens, pose a danger to humans. Getting into the air on the mucous surfaces of the respiratory organs, provoke allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to mold spores. People with reduced immunity can develop such serious diseases as mycosis due to mold spores.

Taking into account all factors, the constant monitoring of indoor air quality is an important issue that has a significant impact on people’s health and well-being. One of the best solutions for air purification on the ventilation market today is PRANA recuperators.

PRANA ventilation systems in the fight against polluted air

PRANA Eco Life ventilation systems (ERP PRO, ++) have sensors for pollution and air parameters, such as CO2eq, TVOC, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and outdoor and indoor air temperature (before/after recuperation). This allows you to use the system in AUTO and AUTO+ modes. The system, based on the sensors, changes the operating mode to ensure optimal air quality and safety indicators.

In particular, the sensor that independently calculates these indicators is responsible for determining CO2eq and TVOC. The TVOC sensor displays readings of VOCs (volatile organic compounds such as alcohols, formaldehyde, aldehydes, etc.). Both values are displayed on the recuperator screen and in the recuperator app during operation.

Reasons for changes in system performance and high CO2eq/TVOC indicators

Among the common causes of increased indicators are crowding, cooking, use of aerosols, perfumes, detergents, smoking, alcohol, food, office equipment, etc.

A common cause of increased TVOC indicators is an installation in the new buildings or premises after renovation. Building materials, adhesives, varnishes, and furniture will also emit pollutants to which the TVOC sensor will respond.

An effective ventilation system will help neutralize and remove polluted air with a high content of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and other substances and receive a constant flow of fresh air from the outside, which will provide comfort, safety, and well-being to people who are in the room.