January Issue of Invironment

[Guest guest]

http://www.invironment.com/inv_news.htm

(there are several excellent news items and stories - check them out at the

website above)

UV Technology: Can It Kill Anthrax, Other Microbials?

Since the recent bioterrorist attacks with anthrax, manufacturers of

air-cleaning systems that use ultraviolet (UV) light say their products can

kill anthrax and other microorganisms that might be used in bioterrorism.

" The 'kill rate'[for UV light] is based on time, including cumulative, as

well as space and intensity of the UV light, " said Warren Lynn, president of

Enhance-ItT LLC, producers of a germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light air

purification system. A one-bulb unit covers up to 5,000 sq ft of home or

office space, and it can be adapted to cover larger areas, said Mr. Lynn.

Commercial Lighting Design, Inc. manufactures an ultraviolet germicidal

irradiation (UVGI) system in which the UV lights are mounted inside HVAC

ducts. Indoor air is recycled through a series of UV lights that destroy

viruses and bacteria, said E. Dunn, Sr., president of Commercial

Lighting Design. Another variation is a photocatalytic air cleaning system

that relies on the interaction between light and titanium dioxide. When

light is absorbed into the titanium dioxide, it acts as a catalyst to

produce an oxidizing agent, called a hydroxyl radical, which destroys dust

mites, mold spores and pathogens by disrupting or disintegrating their DNA,

said Yogi Goswami, PhD, a University of Florida professor of mechanical

engineering.

Some Anti-Terrorism Measures in Buildings Could Pose Health Risks

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning

Engineers (ASHRAE) has appointed a presidential study group charged with

ensuring America's buildings remain safe. " Following the events of September

11th , we need to take all steps possible to ensure that America's buildings

remain safe, as well as healthy and comfortable, " said ASHRAE President

J. Coad, PE. " Any steps taken, however, that result in a reduction

of outdoor air ventilation rates or a change in the manner of providing and

treating the ventilation air could seriously change the engineered balance

of the interior environment. Such changes can result in many of the

manifestations of sick building syndrome, causing such maladies as

discomfort, eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, lethargy,

loss of productivity, upper respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, or other

sickness, " he cautioned. The Society and many other engineering

organizations, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, are reevaluating

the safety aspects of buildings in light of the September 11th terrorist

attacks, he said. The Society's Presidential Study Group on Health and

Safety under Extraordinary Incidents will study incidents such as attack

from high impact explosives, incendiary missiles, internal incendiary

devices, and chemical, biological, or radiological contamination. The study

group will focus primarily on HVAC systems, but also will take into account

how these systems integrate with other building systems, said Mr. Coad.

Specifically, the study group will address all aspects of health and safety,

except structural integrity and security protection, including materials,

egress, chemical, biological and radiological protection, fire

extinguishing, smoke removal or purging, filtration, maintenance of comfort

and air quality, entrance paths for contaminants, building envelopes, and

water supplies, he added. The final report will be presented at the Society'

s 2002 Winter Meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

FDA: HMI Industries' Room Air Cleaner Qualifies as Medical Device

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared HMI Industries, Inc.,

to market the Defender Room Air Cleaner as a Class II medical device. " The

Defender is designed to remove airborne particles and allergens such as

dust, smoke, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites and harmful

fibers that may lead to allergic reactions, " said R. Malone, chairman

of HMI Industries. According to product testing results, the Defender has

efficiency ratings better than high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)

filters, he said. " HMI's initiative from day one has been to provide our

customers with the highest quality indoor air filtration products in the

industry, and we are proud to have our success validated by the FDA, " he

added. HMI Industries is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Allergen Alert Detects Allergens in Homes

Allergen AlertT allows homeowners to detect and identify the levels of the

eight most common indoor allergens, including four types of mold. According

to the manufacturer, Cincinnati, Ohio-based Healthy Home Air, the Allergen

Alert's allergen traps easily attach to a standard vacuum cleaner hose to

collect a sample of dust. The user then labels the sample and sends it to

the laboratory for testing. Within two to three weeks the user receives a

comprehensive report on the levels of eight allergens and molds in the home,

including whether the levels are high, moderate, or low and recommendations

on how to solve any problems, a company spokesperson said. Allergen Alert

tests for allergens associated with dust mites, cockroaches, dogs, and cats,

all of which except dogs, have been reported in scientific literature as

making allergy and asthma symptoms worse. Allergens for the following common

molds also are included in the testing: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus

fumigatus, Penicillium notatum, and Cladosporium herbarum, the spokesperson

said.

(when it detects stachy - I will buy it!)

see website for more....