Introduction
Finding the right Nose Filter is not an easy job. Actually, finding any Nose Filter at all cannot be considered easy, as it a not very well known type of medical health product.
Before killing our enemy we have to identify them.
Indoor Air pollutants
The typical indoor air environment is “contaminated” with tiny substances that are usually unseen by the naked eye, typically measured in microns 3(μ). At natural levels, those substances are in quantities that typically would not harm the occupant, but when their concentrations increase to a certain extent they can become damaging to health in various ways. Indoor air pollution describes the existence and concentration of those substances in the indoor environment.
Different categorizations exist for distinguishing indoor air pollutants. One typical one used by EPA is distinguishing them into particulate and gaseous pollutants (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2012). The problem with that broad categorization is that many pollutant sources share characteristics from both categories; such is the environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) that produces both gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. For that reason, distinguishing them in more specific subcategories is more accurate. This is also necessary in order to determine the situations where the use of Nose Filter is deemed as an essential solutions.
An alternative categorization of the indoor air pollutants and their most important substances, based on EPA reports is the following:
- Particulate Matter (PM): A mixture of air-borne solid particles and liquid droplets
- Coarse Particles(PMcoarse): PM with a diameter between 2.5 and 10 microns that is inhalable but usually reaches only the upper respiratory tract
- Fine Particles(PM2.5): PM with a diameter equal or below 2.5 microns that has the potential to penetrate deeply into the lungs
- Biological Pollutants: Living microorganisms or their residues that contaminate the air
- Pollen: Highly allergenic to humans coarse powder produced by flowering plants
- Pathogenic bacteria: Coarse or fine in size malicious single cell organisms causing localized infections that can be treated with antibiotics
- Viruses: Very fine structures requiring a living host to reproduce, causing systemic infections that have no absolute cure
- Mold: Coarse or fine in size, type of fungus that grows in mostly humid environments digesting plant materials
- Pet allergens: Coarse or larger highly allergenic particles such as skin flakes, urines, saliva, feces, and hair that are shed from domestic animals
- Parasites such as dust mites: Parasitic organisms who leave large particulate by–products that are highly allergenic to humans
- Combustion Products: Fine particulates and gaseous pollutants that usually originate from the combustion of fossil fuels in indoor environments
- Carbon monoxide: An ultra-fine in size, colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic in high doses gas that usually originates from incomplete fuel combustion.
- Nitrogen oxides (NO & NO2): Ultra-fine in size, reddish-brown in color, highly reactive and toxic gasses released from combustion processes.
- Respirable Particles: Fine particles that are becoming airborne through fossil fuel combustion processes and act as carrying agents of other contaminants.
- Household chemicals: Organic chemicals found in a variety of household products such as cleaning agents and paints that emit ultra-fine gasses, known as Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs)
- Formaldehyde: A very toxic, colorless with a pungent, irritating smell organic gas that is emitted by many household products, building materials and unvented fuel-burning appliances
- Benzene: A colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor producing high VOC emissions coming mostly from vehicle fuel and coal combustion processes.
- Perchloroethylene: A colorless liquid used frequently in dry cleaning of fabrics that has strong VOC emissions with a distinct sweet smell.
- Methylene Chloride: A colorless, volatile liquid with a moderately sweet aroma that is widely used as a solvent.
- Pesticides: A broad category of chemical and toxic to man products that function as pest repellents, plant regulators or nutrient stabilizers.
- Active ingredients such as Paradichlorobenzene: The pesticide’s toxic substance that is biologically active and acting as the catalyst to reach the pesticide’s functions
- Inert ingredients such as Xylenes: The pesticide’s substance that does not have a toxic effect on the species the pesticide is meant to combat, but that does not exclude detrimental effects on other species including humans
- Minerals: Minerals are inorganic and organic substances that originate in the earth and cannot be made in the human body
- Asbestos: A carcinogenic mineral with very fine fibers that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials in older homes
- Lead (Pb): A highly poisonous metal, found in the air in very fine particles and that is commonly used in paint products
- Other Pollutants
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS): Passive exposure to fine particulates and gaseous pollutants coming from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
- Radon: A colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that permeate the house from the ground and has long-term carcinogenic properties
A list of all the afore-mentioned contaminants, along with their associated health issues, potential sources and suggested preventive/ eliminating measures against them are displayed in detail on table 2. The list was mostly compiled by various impact studies from EPA and other independent organizations such as the health departments of New York and California and the American Lung Association.
Eliminating contamination with source control & Nose Filter usage
Table 2 is intended to be used as a general informative source for the typical homeowner to knowing better the contaminants that he is facing in his indoor environment. In the first column there is a detailed list of potential health symptoms that occur in excessive concentrations of their corresponding contaminants. The word excessive here in not used lightly, since all homes will be found to feature all the presented pollutants but usually in concentrations that are not considered statistically significant to cause any health issues. That have been said, the sensitivity to a specific pollutant varies from person to person, and therefore awareness and precaution are crucial into identifying in a timely manner when symptoms related to IAQ are evident.
Regarding the control techniques suggested on the table, one should be aware that their corresponding suggestions and instructions are meant to be used only as a reference point and not as an exhaustive guide to provide all the procedures needed to engage in a specific contaminant‘s source control. Instead those suggestions are there to give general knowledge and awareness, and to provoke the homeowner to do his personal research in order to acquire as much insight as possible regarding the pollutant that he has to face. Please note that in almost all contaminant nose filter are deemed as a valid solution.
Nonetheless, table 2 can provide some good basic knowledge regarding health symptoms, source and control suggestions and it’s advised to be viewed frequently, especially when applying the IAQ Master Plan strategy that will be presented at later point on this Blog.
Table 2
Indoor Air Pollutants and Corresponding Control Techniques
| Pollutant Category | Substance | Health Effect | Main Sources | Control Methods |
Particulate Matter (PM) | Coarse Particles (2.5 μm< PM < 10 μm ) | Acute(short-term) • Asthma attacks and other allergic reactions • respiratory diseases Chronic (long-term) • Asthma • Decreased Immune System • respiratory diseases • lung cancer • cardiovascular issues • premature death | Naturally occurring: • forest and grassland fires • volcanoes • dust storms • sea spray. Human-made: • burning of fossil fuels in vehicles • power plants • industrial Processes • coal combustion for heating homes | • Maintain the house clean • Elimination, removal or substitution of possible sources • Install ventilation system with and properly maintain them • Use natural ventilation when applicable • Use high efficiency filters such as HEPA for ventilation when necessary • Use HEPA/ULPA air purifiers covering efficiently the areas of interested • Use high efficiency electrostatic precipators / humidifiers • Use exhaust ventilation for high emitting areas such as bathrooms and kitchens • Use portable vacuum cleaners with high efficiency filters • Use central vacuum cleaners that isolated or exhaust particles outdoors • Use air filtrating plants following NASA’s recommendations • Educate yourself for IAQ and be proactive • Nose Filter |
| Fine Particles ( PM ≤ 2.5 μm) | ||||
| Biological Pollutants | Pollen | Triggers allergy symptoms including: • Hay fever • Respiratory allergic reactions | • Coniferous trees • Blossomed plants | |
| Pathogenic bacteria | • Eye infections • Head infections • Otitis • Pneumonia • Other Respiratory infections • Pharyngitis • Skin Infections • Urinary tract infections • Gastritis | • Soil • Water • Air • Dust • Food • Human and his Activities • Materials | • Follow all previous recommendations to treat airborne Pm as it’s usually the carrying medium of viruses and bacteria Follow personal hygienic standards including: • Washing your hands frequently with antiseptic soaps • Sterilize and clean often high bacteria carrying sources such as toilets, bathroom and kitchen sinks, personal objects, door handles, food equipment • Avoid touching people and objects that can be infected with your bare hands • Avoid touching your eyes or nose after shaking hands with someone. • Follow healthy eating habits to boost your immune system Follow food hygiene standards for avoiding food borne bacteria including: • Keep fresh foods and ready-to eat foods separate • Cook thoroughly until internal temperature reaches at least 75°C • Track expiration dates and check critically for spoiled food leftovers. Educate yourself and be pre-emptive for virus infections: • Apply immunization vaccines • Visit a doctor on the onset of any infections besides the common flu. • Nose Filter | |
| Viruses | ||||
Mold | • Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes • Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness • Cough • Throat irritation • Skin irritation, such as rashes • Headache • Sneezing | • Flooding • Roof leaks • Plumbing leaks, drainage problems • Damp basements and crawl spaces • Steam from the bathroom or kitchen • Condensation resulting from poor or improper insulation or ventilation • Humidifiers • Wet clothes drying inside the home or a clothes dryer venting indoors • Poor or improper ventilation of combustion | • Fix leaks and seepage • Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent ground moisture • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside • Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. • Utilize a hygrometer/ moisture meter to track humidity levels • Keep relative humidity no more than 50% with the use of dehumidifiers and air-conditioners. • Use non-porous building materials especially for the basement construction. • Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. • Use insulation or storm windows. • Open doors between rooms to increase circulation. • Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners • Pay special attention to moist carpet on concrete floors (it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier) • Nose Filter | |
| Animal dander / saliva | Trigger allergy symptoms including: • Congestion • Sneezing, • Runny nose • Chest tightness • Wheezing • Itching • Watery eyes • Rashes | • Cats • Dogs • Other furred / feathered animals | • Wash pets with pet shampoo and then clean all surfaces thoroughly with a damp cloth or mop. • Use a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency air filter to clean rooms in which pet’s have access. • Bathe the animal weekly with shampoo/ conditioner. • If the pet can’t be removed from the house, at least keep it out of your bedroom. • Use a room air purifier in your bedroom to remove airborne animal dander. • Wear a mask when grooming your pet. • Nose Filter | |
| Pests – Dust mites | • allergic reactions • hay fever • asthma • aggravate atopic dermatitis. | • thrive mostly in bedrooms and kitchens • mattresses • carpets • furniture • bedding | • Wash bedding in hot water once a week. Dry completely. • Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses. • Vacuum carpets and furniture every week. • Choose stuffed toys that you can wash. • Wash stuffed toys in hot water and dry completely | |
| Combustion Products | Carbon monoxide | • fatigue in healthy people • chest pain in people with heart disease • impaired vision and coordination; • headaches, dizziness • confusion, nausea • can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home | • kerosene and gas heaters • leaking chimneys and furnaces • wood stoves and fireplaces • gas stoves • automobile exhaust from garage • tobacco smoke. | • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. • Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one. • Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. • Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. • Open flues when fireplaces are in use. • Choose properly sized EPA certified wood stoves • Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly. • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system annually • Repair any leaks promptly. • Do not idle the car inside garage. • Nose Filter |
| Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) | • Eye, nose, throat irritation in young children: • impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections high doses: • pulmonary edema • acute or chronic bronchitis Asthmatics: • increased bronchial reactivity | • Kerosene heaters • Un-vented gas stoves and heaters • Environmental tobacco smoke. | • Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. • Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one. • Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters. • Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves. • Open flues when fireplaces are in use. • Choose properly sized EPA certified wood stoves • Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly. • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system annually • Repair any leaks promptly. • Do not idle the car inside garage. | |
| Respirable Particles | • Eye, nose, and throat irritation • respiratory infections • bronchitis • lung cancer | • Fireplaces • Wood stoves • Kerosene heaters | • Vent all furnaces to outdoors; keep doors to rest of house open when using unvented space heaters. • Choose properly sized woodstoves, certified to meet EPA emission standards; make certain that doors on all woodstoves fit tightly. • Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnace, flues, and chimneys) annually. • Change filters on central heating and cooling systems and air cleaners according to manufacturer’s directions. • Nose Filter | |
| Household chemicals | Formaldehyde
| • Watery eyes and burning eyes • Nausea • Difficulty in breathing • Trigger asthma attacks • Eye, nose, and throat irritation • Wheezing and coughing • Fatigue • Skin rash • May cause cancer | • Pressed wood products • Formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) • Combustion sources • Durable press drapes • Other textiles and glues • ETS | • Use “exterior-grade” pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). • Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels. • Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. • Eliminate if possible wood-pressed products if reactions occur |
| Benzene | Acute Effects: • Neurological: drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness in humans • Vomiting, dizziness, and convulsions in humans • Irritations of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract • Redness and blisters Chronic Effects: • Disorders in the blood • Reproductive and developmental toxicity • Increased incidence of leukemia | •ETS • Motor fuels • Solvent for fats, waxes, resins, oils, inks, paints, plastics, and rubber • Extraction of oils from seeds and nuts • Photogravure printing • Manufacturing of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyestuffs | • Eliminating smoking within the home • Providing for maximum ventilation during painting • Discarding paint supplies and special fuels that will not be used immediately • Avoid and replace or contain the usage of any other potential source of benzene | |
| Perchloroethylene
| Acute Effects: • irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes • kidney dysfunction • neurological effects Chronic Effects: • liver damage and kidney effects • immune and hematologic effects • several types of cancer | • dry cleaning and textile processing • chemical intermediate • vapor degreasing in metal-cleaning operations. | • Avoid or contain the usage of any potential source of perchloroethylene • Don’t pick up dried-clean goods if they have a strong chemical odour • Do not pick up them if they have not been properly dried • Change dry cleaner shop if consequently the goods have a strong chemical odour | |
| Methylene Chloride
| Acute effects: • CNS: decreased visual, auditory, and motor functions • Nose, throat irritations Chronic effects: • Headaches • Dizziness, nausea • Memory loss • Potentially carcinogenic | • Solvent in paint strippers and removers • Process solvent in the manufacture of drugs • Propellant in aerosols • Postharvest fumigant for grains, strawberries | • Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information and cautions on the proper use of these products • Use products that contain methylene chloride outdoors when possible • Use indoors only if the area is well ventilated. • If possible avoid using any other potential source of benzene | |
| Pesticides | Active ingredients such as Paradichlorobenzene | Acute Effects: • Irritation to the eyes, skin, and throat • Blood, liver, and kidneys effects on animals Chronic Effects: • Liver and skin effects • CNS issues • Weakness in limbs • hyporeflexia | • Moths, molds, and mildews repellents • Space deodorant for toilets and refuse containers • Production of other chemicals, in the control of tree-boring insects, and in the control of mold in tobacco seeds | • Read the label and follow the directions • Unless you have had special training and are certified, never use a pesticide that is restricted to use by state-certified pest control operators • Ventilate the area well after pesticide use. • Mix or dilute pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and only in the amounts that will be immediately needed. • If possible, take plants and pets outside when applying pesticides to them. • Use non-chemical methods of pest control when possible • Use of biological pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis • Termite damage can be reduced or prevented by making certain that wooden building materials do not come into direct contact with the soil • Fertilizing, watering, and aerating lawns, the need for chemical pesticide treatments of lawns can be dramatically reduced. • If you decide to use a pest control company, choose one carefully and reflect any of your safety concerns • Dispose of unwanted pesticides safely according to the directions on the label |
| Inert ingredients such as Xylenes
| Acute Effects: • Dyspnea and irritation of the nose and throat • Gastrointestinal effects • Irritation and dryness and scaling of the skin • Respiratory and neurological toxicity Chronic Effects • Headache, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, • Impaired pulmonary function, chest pain | • Solvents in paints and coatings • Blended into gasoline • Plastics products • Cleaning agents for steel • Used in rubber, leather, printing industries | ||
| Metals & Minerals | Asbestos | Long Term: • Lung cancer • Mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings) • Asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal) | commonly found in older homes: • In pipe and furnace insulation materials • Asbestos shingles • Millboard, floor tiles. • Textured paints and other coating materials Other sources: • Friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts) • Heat-resistant fabrics | • Leave undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone. • Keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material containing asbestos. • Take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material. • Have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos • Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. • Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials. • Don’t use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. |
| Lead(Pb) | Lower levels affect: • The brain • Central nervous system • Blood cells • Kidneys. High levels can cause: • Convulsions • Coma • death. | • Deteriorating paint • Air • Drinking water • Food • Contaminated soil • Dust. | • Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. • Avoid lead-based paint. • Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition • Do not remove lead paint yourself. • Do not bring lead dust from work to the home. • Find out about lead in drinking water. • Get enough iron and calcium in your diet | |
| Other Pollutants | Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) | • increased risk of respiratory diseases • ear infections • development of asthma adults: • reduced lung function. • increases the frequency and severity of asthma • Eye, nose, and throat, respiratory irritation. chronic: • weaken the cardiovascular and respiratory system • Lung cancer | • Cigarette • Pipe • cigar | • Don’t smoke at home or permit others to do so • Ask smokers to smoke outdoors. • Do not smoke if children are present, particularly infants and toddlers If smoking indoors cannot be avoided: • increase ventilation in the area & Open windows • Keep distance from the emitting source • Nose Filter |
| Radon | Long Term: • Lung Cancer | • The soil or rock on which homes are built. enters homes through: • Dirt floors • Cracks in concrete walls and floors • Floor drains • Well water | • Use a licensed Radon Test Kit • Select a qualified radon mitigation contractor • Determine an appropriate radon reduction method. • Maintain your radon reduction system • Nose Filter |
Nose Fitler & Air Quality References
More related articles about the need for Indoor Air Qualit is found here.
You may click on the following article to see a comprehensive air quality guide on how to deal with several indoor air pollutant. This guide can also serve to show the several uses of the nose filters in everyday activities. Following the guide will improve your working or living environment and thus your living standard.
You may also read about the Air Quality Index and methods applied by several government and independent agencies to bring to you higher air quality in your lives!
