Water Based Portable Vacuum Vs. Central Vacuum System

Water Based portable Vacuum cleaners uses Water as their medium to filtrate out dust particles in homes, or more commonly define as – washing out the dirt in your homes and replaces that with clean fresh air. Most Water Based Portable Vacuum cleaners also provides Scented Oils or Perfumes to allow homes to smell nice after the vacuuming task has been completed. This method follows the  GO GREEN  motto by reducing their carbon emissions from their factory as the system does not requires end – users to continue purchasing filters as most portable vacuum cleaners requires. Thus, this is how they look upon the completion of performing the tasks at hand. This can be quite annoying to clean each time. As dust meets water, you get clumps of dust particles sticking to your canister.

 

Water Based Vacuum System (http://zitseng.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/170520092922.jpg)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now the trick question: Does Water Based Vacuum System washes out dust particles at a rate of 100% efficiency? Here are a simple science experiments that may proves it wrong. 

Experiment one:  Blowing cigarette smoke into a glass of water

The simple test: Find a smoker to exhales their cigarette smokes using a straw into the water. Our simple test will find that the water would hardly filtrate out the smoke, as the smoke penetrates back into the air out of the water. This shows that smokes can penetrate out of water.To conclude this experiment, simply look at Shisha/Hookah  water based smoke from India since the 1500s. The smokes is sucked through the water but when blown out smokes will come out of your lungs.

Experiment Two: Simply take a liter of Talcum Powder and sucked the talcum powder using water based Vacuum. Results? As talcum powder has density of 10 Microns, the following test have shown that the talcum powder is blown out by the exhaust of the portable vacuum unit. Being a water based vacuum, will also show that talcum powder do not dissolve in water. What happens when non – dissolvable dust particles enter the water? Will the same result happens? Whereby, the dust particles are actually being blown back into the air?

Central vacuum cleaners uses a totally different method of removing dust particles. This is done by Source Removal, as the dust is sucked through the established piping system, cyclonic movement of the dust particles is filtered through washable 1.5 M2 filtration system that triggers gravity behavior to the largest dust particles. Meanwhile the smaller dust particles gets exhausted out of the house. This makes sure that the removal of dust particles are at a 100%. This is much simpler than the previous method of washing the dust or using the method of Dust source control.

Why control dust particles when you can removed it once and for all!

Go Green!

In many of our societies today, the words, “GO GREEN,” has become so popular that many marketing schemes have come up with their very own IdEA to bring our their natural “Green” into their selling process. This is good! I will definitely agree to the motto of REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE. If we can do so… why not….but read through this article to understand that people tend to overuse the 3R just a little touch too much.

Let us go back to the topic of  DUST Particles in your home (INDOOR AIR QUALITY), there are three ways that follow the GO GREEN motto:

• Source Removal
• Source Control
• Dilution

Now,  let me explain what is the meaning between them all.

Source Removal in Dust particles, simply means that there is a method that can remove this. My personal choice: Central Vacuum. The investment cost is benevolent! Eventhough they are a little higher than their sibling (portable vacuum cleaners) but when we talk about Removing the core essence of dust itself, it becomes clear that no other method can do this. Other methods of cleaning dust particles uses either the concept of Source Control or Dilution.

Source Control in Dust particles means there is a method that can control the dust particles from being pushed backout into the air. Now, this is where HEPA comes in place. A HEPA filter is definitely the method to go to control the Dust particles. BUT, ask yourself this question, how long can your HEPA maintain its filtration of  dust particles before being pushed back into the air. The motor is build to produce good suction but there are no possible way that the HEPA can trigger the motor to stop once it is fully blocked out by the dust particles that it has already captured. The perfect way to control this can become quite expensive in the long run, since HEPA is the perfect dust control with a price to pay. HEPA filtration blocks out up to 0.09 Microns of dusts before letting out fresh clean air to the open. They even say that if you blow cigarettes smoke into a HEPA filter it will not come out on the other side of it.

Now if we go back to the  motto of REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE is this appropriate?

1. Portable Vacuum cleaners wants you to continually to buy this filters

Should Dust be in the category of  SOURCE CONTROL that follows the concept of REDUCE dust REUSE the air. Is this the concept of  RECYCLE?

Dilution in dust particles is the process of diluting the dust particulates either by the suction of dirty air done by your Air Handling Unit or by an simply ventilating the dust particulates in the process of opening your window. This is a good method to decrease the percentage of pollutants in your home but it sometimes is not enough. When we talked about a developing country, like ours, the process of dilution can only triggers further pollutants into your home. A good example of this is combustion that comes from your vehicles exhaust; carbon monoxide, sulfuric acid, diesel fumes, and much more.

Hope that this can help the meaning of GO GREEN should not be used together with the needs to produce SOURCE REMOVAL of dust particulates.

Dust exist!

Bebaskan Rumah dari Debu

Jangan abaikan debu menumpuk di rumah. Kenali cara tepat ’menghalau’ debu dari hunian!

Sabtu, 8 November 2008, 16:01 WIB

Petti Lubis

VIVAnews – Kecil-kecil biang keladi. Itulah debu. Kehadirannya di sekitar kita, terutama di rumah, bisa amat mengganggu. Selain tak sedap dipandang mata, rumah penuh debu juga dapat mengundang penyakit.

Di lingkungan rumah, debu bisa berasal dari bulu binatang peliharaan, cat dinding terkelupas, dan perabotan rumah. Debu di dalam rumah digolongkan sebagai polusi dalam ruangan.

Debu di dalam rumah juga banyak mengandung house dust mite alias debu tungau (debu umumnya bercampur dengan bagian tubuh tungau, sebangsa kutu yang sangat kecil). Debu jenis ini, sering dijumpai di dalam kasur (terutama berbahan kapuk), selimut, gorden, seprei, yang banyak mengandung serat-serat yang memudahkan debu tungau berkembang biak. Hati-hati, debu bisa dibilang menjadi penyumbang 80% pemicu alergi.

http://kosmo.vivanews.com/news/read/8121-bebaskan_rumah_dari_debu

Debu Rumah

Debu rumah?

Debu rumah mengandung berbagai bahan seperti serat kain, serat kapuk, jamur, sisa makanan, rambut, bulu hewan, tungau, dan sebagainya.

Tungau merupakan komponen debu rumah yang paling penting karena paling sering menyebabkan alergi. Tungau merupakan binatang yang sangat kecil seperti kutu dan tidak tampak oleh mata. Tungau hidup dari serpihan kulit manusia dan biasanya tungau ini terdapat pada kasur dan bantal, terutama yang terbuat dari kapuk.

Bahan pengisi bantal, kasur, kursi, mainan dan buku-buku yang sudah lama, korden, karpet, selimut, dan sebagainya merupakan tempat mengumpulnya debu rumah.

Pada orang yang alergi terhadap debu rumah, biasanya gejala akan muncul bila terpapar oleh debu rumah tersebut. Gejalanya berupa bersin-bersin, buntu hidung, hidung berair dan rasa gatal pada hidung. Kadang rasa gatal dapat dirasakan pada mata ataupun langit-langit mulut.

Gejala ini biasanya terjadi sepanjang tahun, tidak tergantung pada musim. Pada penderita yang sensitif, gejala ini dapat muncul oleh karena rangsangan bau yang menyengat, udara dingin, asap rokok, dan sebagainya.

Dr Audrey Luize Alumnus Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Airlangga

http://www2.kompas.com/kompas-cetak/0306/06/ilpeng/350638.htm

What causes dust in your house?

What causes dust in your house?

by Madison Briggs

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, we unfortunately live in an everlasting decomposing world. The evidence lies on your bedrails, your bookcase, your wood floors and deep in your carpets even if you do not readily see the dust collecting.

You may be dusting with a cloth or a dust mop daily in between the thorough vacuuming once a week and wondering where all the dust keeps coming from.

//

Quite possibly, you are also thinking that you use to not have as much dust. You could be right. However, dust is always present in our houses no matter how often you clean.

Do you want to know where the dust comes from? The many sources can be rather unpleasant to think about.

*Textile fibers from your carpets, clothing, curtains, linens, shoes and stuffed toys shed fiber dust as well as collect dust. The older the article, the more fiber dust is produced and collected. Every time you walk across your carpet, put on your shirt, grab the towel for your shower and hand the stuffed bear to your grandchild you are releasing more dust in the air that will eventually rest on your dresser or TV stand.

*Shedding from human skin and hair as well as pet dander make up a lot of the dust in your home. Dogs and cats also emit skin flakes, hair flakes, dried urine and dried saliva into your house air in the form of dust.

*Decomposing insect parts from the many microscopic mites or the moth that died in your light fixture also contribute to the amount of dust in your home. Not to mention the dust mite fecal matter.

*Candles, water heaters, gas heaters, fireplaces and ovens emit carbon dust and soot. Burn a candle close to your return air filter and you can observe black dust in your filter. Remember those air filters do not pick up all the dust in the room.

*Pollen grains, mold spores and bacteria either are producing in your home or being carried in through screen windows, doors, or on the bottom of your shoes.

*Home decor items like dried flower arrangements produce and house dust.

*Sand and dirt filter in again through doors, windows or the bottom of your shoes.

*Housework, yes, even cleaning, though very important to do, adds dust to your home. Dusting can pick up a lot of dust but it also distributes a lot back into the air to settle elsewhere. The lint from drying your clothes does not all collect in your lint tray. While vacuuming can pick up a lot of dust, the small dust particles escape.

In essence, we live in a very dusty environment and while daily cleaning helps us breathe better and keeps our homes cleaner, we can not live in a dust free world. Taking steps like replacing that old carpet or keeping the pet outside can reduce the amount of dust in your home, but it will certainly not make your home dust free.

(http://www.helium.com/items/1035270-what-causes-dust-in-your-house)

Air pollution increases health risk

Air pollution increases health risk

Tantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Whether inside the air-conditioned comfort of a private car, or a stuffy mass transit vehicle, Jakartans should avoid traffic jams at all costs if they value their health, according to a new study.

Research conducted by the University of Indonesia’s School of Community Health between April and October of last year found that the health risks from air pollution increase significantly when people are stuck in traffic jams. It also found being inside an enclosed air-conditioned car does not help.

“”It’s true that the level of particulate matter is lower when you’re inside an air-conditioned car, but the level of carbon monoxide actually remains high because the flow of air is restricted,”" the head of UI’s environmental health department, Budi Haryanto, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the research — sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Asian Environment Project — found that in congested areas the level of carbon monoxide can go up to more than three or four times the State Ministry for the Environment’s accepted standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) within eight hours.

The level of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be six to 12 times higher than the accepted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard of 65 micrograms per cubic meter.

“”This means we are continuously breathing air at a concentrate far higher than the accepted standard of health,”" said Budi, the study’s principal investigator. He added that the research used USEPA standards as there is not yet a local standard for PM2.5.

Particulate matter and carbon monoxide are two of the six most common air pollutants. The others are ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and lead.

Particulate matter is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets made up of acids, organic chemicals, metals and soil or dust particles.

At 2.5 micrometers — about 1/30 the size of a human hair — or smaller, these particles can pass through the throat and nose, enter the lungs, and cause serious health problems. PM2.5 is emitted by automobiles, burning plant matter, and metal smelting and processing.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that forms when the carbon in fuel is not burned completely.

Budi said high exposure to these two types of pollutants can shorten life expectancy, leading to the deaths of people at a productive age, increased infant deaths in high pollution areas and increased deaths of people with heart and lung conditions.

“”And we know that for the last 30 years the highest rate of acute respiratory infection, at 48 percent, has been in Jakarta,”" he said.

The research followed the daily activities of 40 respondents divided into four groups. They were a group of 10 elementary school students from both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned schools, 10 users of private vehicles (air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned), 10 users of public transportation (air-conditioned and non) and 10 traffic police officers.

“”The vehicle users were all commuters from places such as Bekasi and Tangerang, and the students were from the five regions of Jakarta,”" Budi explained. He said the traffic police were chosen from those stationed at the Pancoran intersection, the Kuningan intersection and Blok M in South Jakarta, and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and the Harmoni intersection in Central Jakarta.

Each group was monitored for 72 hours to determine their daily pattern of activities and the concentration of pollutants inhaled during those activities.

“”We found that the elementary school students inhaled the least pollutants due to the proximity of their schools to their homes. Those at highest risk were the traffic police, particularly those on duty at the Pancoran intersection,”" Budi said.

Conditions that affect the quality of air include engine technology and the kind of fuel used in vehicles, as well as transportation management techniques that control traffic flow.

“”It doesn’t matter if vehicles all use good quality fuel and have great engine technology, if they run at less than 40 kilometers per hour, they will still create pollution,”" Budi said.

Minimizing the risk

University of Indonesia community health expert Budi Haryanto has the following advice for Jakartans to minimize the health risks caused by traffic-related air pollution:

* Avoid traffic jams
* When using air-conditioned cars, make sure to open the car window for a minute or two following a traffic jam to get fresh air inside the vehicle
* Spend leisure time in green open spaces away from traffic to cleanse the body of harmful pollutants

Sindrom Bangunan Sakit

Maybe work is making you sick …

Office illness: A study has found that 50 percent of people who work in office buildings in Jakarta suffer from what is known as “Sick Building Syndrome”, and that taking antioxidants can reduce symptoms. JP

After all those years of complaining that work makes you sick, it turns out you could be right.
Don’t get too comfortable thinking your workplace is an airtight building, fully equipped with air conditioner, thick, regularly cleaned carpet and photocopier and fax. Things are not always what they seem.

A recent study by the University of Indonesia’s Mass Health Faculty, the Indonesian Mass Health Expert Association (IAKMI) and PT Bayer Indonesia revealed that 50 percent of people who work in office buildings in Jakarta suffer from what is known as “Sick Building Syndrome”.

Joko Prayitno Sutanto, a researcher with a government research agency, working out of a high-rise building in the Thamrin area, said he found he got a sore throat and cough every time he entered the building.

The 49-year-old researcher – who spent up to eight hours a day at his office – said he was not sure of the cause of the headache and cough, but felt uncomfortable with the air conditioner in the building.

“Apparently the air conditioner only runs from 8 a.m. so every time we enter the glass-walled building we already feel airless,” he said.

Joko is not the only one who finds it all too easy to believe there is a connection between the workplace and the state of his health.

Dian, 46, who works in the human resources department at a private company in a building in the Sudirman area, said she tended to feel nauseous and to tire easily, and she often had watering eyes and runny nose.

“It happens almost everyday and when I get home I feel like I can do nothing at all,” said Dian, who puts in more than eight hours a day at the office. “It’s not too bad but it’s annoying because it happens almost everyday.”

She also noticed that she felt better away from work. “It’s not drastically better but I feel it when I get out of the building.”

Joko and Dian are two of 350 employees from 18 companies and government institutions that took part in a three-month study conducted by the University of Indonesia from September to December 2008.

The 350 respondents were separated into two groups; members of one group were given antioxidant supplements while the members of the other group were not.

The study discovered that 50 percent of people who work in office buildings suffer from “Sick Building Syndrome”, and that members of the group that took the antioxidants experienced a significant reduction in their illness than the group with no intervention.

Taking antioxidants reduced the frequency of occurrence of four main symptoms of “Sick Building Syndrome” by up to 50 percent. Headaches were reduced by 48.9 percent, burning eyes were reduced by 45.5 percent, runny nose by 51.9 percent, bronchitis by 27.2 percent and exhaustion after normal activity by 40.8 percent.

“The risk of having Sick Building Syndrome is closely related to environmental factors which become the medium for physical, chemical and biological pollutants and radiation, especially when we face relatively constant exposure,” said research coordinator Budi Haryanto.

Haryanto said that Sick Building Syndrome became widely known in Hong Kong and Singapore in the 1990s through research.

“Now they have become very advanced in managing the indoor air quality, but we have never before conducted this kind of study on indoor air quality,” he said.

A disease known is half cured, but the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry, which is responsible for evaluating indoor air quality, never tested it, said Haryanto.

“Sorry to say but the Health Ministry, which is responsible for monitoring the impact of indoor air pollution, also never did any monitoring,” said Haryanto.

For years, Jakarta has been included in the World Health Organization list of the world’s most polluted cities. World Bank data from 2004 ranked Jakarta as the third most polluted city in the world. A study by the University of Indonesia, USAID and Swisscontact revealed that city transportation contributed 70 percent of the total pollution in the city.

“If we look at the annual Health Profile of the Health Ministry, the top 10 diseases are related to air pollution and the total of these diseases accounted for 50 percent of diseases reported by the ministry,” said Haryanto, who is also chairman of the Environmental Health Department at the University of Indonesia’s School of Public Health.

However, said Haryanto, not many know that research has frequently found that the level of air pollution indoors could be worse than the level outdoors.

If building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, such as headaches; eye, nose or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors – these might be symptoms of the syndrome.

Especially if the cause of the symptoms is not known and most of the complainants report relief soon after leaving the building, it is likely that they are in a “sick” building.

Causes of Sick Building Syndrome, said Haryanto, are inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor sources, chemical contaminants from outdoor sources and biological contaminants.

Inadequate ventilation, which may also occur if heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building, is thought to be another important factor in Sick Building Syndrome.

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building, such as adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, photocopiers, air conditioners, pesticides and cleaning agents.

Environmental tobacco smoke also contributes high levels of toxins and particulate matter.

“Most of us spend more than eight hours a day in our office dealing with the copy machine, printer, air conditioner and carpet everyday,” Haryanto said. “Because we cannot smell the particles and dust we drag in everyday, we feel safe, but actually they cause lots of respiration problems.”

The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution, as pollutants can enter the building through poorly located air vents, windows and other openings.

Biological contaminants such as bacteria, mold, pollen and viruses can also be making buildings – and their occupants – sick. These can breed in any stagnant water that has collected in ducts or drains, or other places. Other sources of biological contaminants include insects or bird droppings – which can result in cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches and allergic responses.

These elements, said Haryanto, may act in combination and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity or lighting. Even after a building is investigated, the specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown.

Until the lack of knowledge about the syndrome among both the public and building developers and related government agencies is reversed, the first step for individuals is to reduce the impact of indoor air pollution by maintaining a healthy life – such as through antioxidant supplements, as found in the study.

“The need for vitamins and antioxidant supplements is parallel and important to people living in the middle of pollution,” Haryanto said. “Especially vitamin C and E are needed for stamina.”

At the moment, this may be workers’ only option. As Haryanto points out, “The key word for this syndrome is respiration. We can’t choose to breathe or not to breathe, can we?”

Sick Building Syndrome
symptoms:

Burning and watering eyes and nose
Burning in trachea
Chronic fatigue
Debilitating fibromyalgia (muscle cramps and joint pain)
Dizziness
Dry, itchy skin
Exhaustion after normal activity
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Hoarseness, cough, sore throat
Inability to concentrate
Itchy granulomous pimples
Nausea
Nosebleeds
Pregnancy problems
Sensitivity to odors
Serious edema (swelling of legs, trunk, ankles)
Shortness of breath upon mild exertion (e.g. walking)
Tremors
Wellness when away from building

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)/ Sindrom Gedung Sakit

Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms:

Burning and watering eyes and nose Burning in trachea Cancer Chronic fatigue CNS (central nervous system) tremors or loss of balance Debilitating fibromyalgia (muscle cramps and joint pain) Depression Dizziness Dry, itchy skin Exhaustion after normal activity Hair loss Headaches Heart Palpitations Hoarseness, cough, sore throat

Inability to concentrate Irritability Itchy granulomous pimples Miscarriages Nausea Neuropathy (loss of sensation in extremities) Nosebleeds Pregnancy Problems Sensitivity to odors Serious edema (swelling of legs, trunk, ankles) Shortness of breath upon mild exertion (e.g. walking) Tremors Weight gain of approximately 30 lbs. Wellness When Away From Building

http://www.presenting.net/sbs/sbs.html
Health – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that the two biggest contributors to “Sick Building Syndrome” are your HVAC (air conditioning system) and your household vacuum. Many Allergists recommend Central Vacuum Systems because they eliminate the recirculation of germ laden dust. All the unhealthy air and dust is going outside to the Central Vacuum Unit.

http://www.statecentralvacuum.com/

Central Vacuum System vs. Conventional Cleaning

Central Vacuum cleaning vs conventional cleaning of homes & offices

Anyone who has used a portable vacuum recognizes the characteristic odor it produces after just a few minutes of use. That smell is created by the dirt and dust that the vacuum is recirculating into the air – dirt that contains bacteria, mold and other airborne particles.

Conventional methods of using Brooms, Mops, Buckets, Vacuum Cleaners, Carpet Extractors, Floor Scrubbers and other portable equipment have the following problems.

• One of the worst ways to bring dust mite excrement and other allergens into the air is to vacuum the floor with a conventional cleaner. Fine dust, odours and chemicals from portable vacuums is re-circulated within the building leading to the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and causing allergic and asthmatic conditions.
• Water that is used for the mopping process gets dirty very fast and often results in “dirty” water being used for the cleaning process.
• The process of cleaning with noisy equipment requires them to be used after or before office hours leading to additional security risks for the building.
• Cleaning personnel spend a lot of time transporting clean water from a source that often is some distance away from the location being cleaned.
• They also waste their time moving dirty water from the cleaning site to a toilet or drain that is located far away.
• Very often the cleaning process is “compromised” due to the labour intensive nature of the process.

(http://www.think-smart.co.za/Health/CVSvsConventional.html)

Bioaerosols

A Healthy Home’s Indoor Environment is important to YOU and YOUR family. This includes keeping the air free of biological contaminants, or what we call Bioaerosols.

Biological Aerosols (Bioaerosols) are Biological airborne contaminants. This includes Dust mites, Viruses, Fungi, fragment of plant materials, Bacteria, Molds, Amoebas, Spores, Pollens, Human Skin cells and pet danders.

When this substances (ANTIGENS/ ALLERGENS) contaminates the respiratory system, they provokes formation of antibodies in our body.

Common Allergic Reactions includes: Hay Fever, Asthma, Runny Noses to hypersensitivity pneumonia (This injures the lung tissues). Repeated Exposures to Hypersensitivity pneumonia can cause Bacterial pneumonia.

What are sources of bioaerosols in the home? (http://www.floridamoldsrus.com/mold_&_bioaerosols.htm)

Molds, mildews, bacteria, and dust mites like the same conditions that we do–warmth and moderate to high humidity. They need little more than a constant moisture supply for survival. You may find bacteria, molds, and mildews in air conditioning equipment, humidifier reservoirs, dehumidifier drip pans, shower heads, toilets, and ice machines. Water damaged carpets, ceiling panels, walls, and paneling are prime sites for new growth if they are allowed to stay damp. When molds, mildew, dust mites, and bacteria are disrupted or release their spores into the air, this results in bioaerosol formation. NOTE: Disrupted SETTLED BIOAEROSOLS (SETTLED DUST) are released back into the air if we do not use appropriate methods of removing this settled dusts.

Molds and mildews develop from spores, which are in the air all around you. As soon as spores settle in an area with the right conditions for growth, they establish colonies, which are often visible to the naked eye. These colonies are a source of more spores, can cause unsightly stains, and may release low levels of toxic chemicals called mycotoxins into the air.

Mold and mildew may be found in the ductwork of your heating or cooling systems. If there are leaks in the ductwork, or places where moisture and outside air get into the system, mold and mildew can grow. Sometimes they are found in the coils of an air conditioner or in the connection between the unit and the ductwork. Moisture problems are worse where ductwork insulation is on the inside as opposed to the outside of the duct. The insulation’s porous surface collects dust and moisture. Mold and mildew may also grow on dirty furnace and air conditioning filters. Plumbing leaks and dampness in attics, basements, and crawl spaces can increase humidity inside your home and promote the growth of agents that will be released as bioaerosols. Bathrooms without outside-vented exhaust fans, combustion appliances like kerosene space heaters, drying laundry indoors, and venting clothes dryers to attics or crawl spaces can also increase the humidity levels in your home.

Dust mites and their waste products are the most common allergens in indoor air. Dust mites eat human and pet skin (dander) as it is shed. It has been estimated that we shed about seven million cells per minute! Dust mites live in rugs and carpets, sheets, mattresses and pillows, and upholstered furniture. Ten to 15 percent of people are allergic to dust mites. Of the people who have other allergies, 40 percent are also allergic to dust mites.

Dust Mites (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/mold.html)

It is not known how well any single measure controls dust mite populations. However, it is known that effective mite control requires that relative humidity be maintained below 50 percent. In addition, since you spend about a third of each day in your bedroom, concentrate your efforts there. ONE ISSUE FOR US: Maintaining Humidity below 50% in a tropical climate like ours, can be quite difficult. Our Daily humidity level is up to 97%!

• Wash sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers frequently in hot soapy water. If someone in your family is allergic to dust mites, buy special vinyl covers for the pillow and mattress.
• Ordinary vacuuming does not remove or reduce mite populations. Mites are so tiny that they pass through the vacuum cleaner bag. High-efficiency filters for vacuum cleaners may be used in place of conventional filters. OUR SOLUTIONS: Aertecnica Central Vacuum System
  
• Remove stuffed animals and objects that collect dust. If carpeting is used, short-pile is best.
• Some new products may help reduce dust mite populations. Ask your doctor about control solutions for upholstered furniture and bedding

Bioaerosols typically range in size from 0.1 to 10 microns, with most particles smaller than one micron. Bioaerosols such as molds (Aspergillus) or dust mites are often present in dust or dirt particles, which they feed on, and can be inhaled along with these particles. The potential harmful health affects of molds such as Aspergillus and Stachybotris have been well publicized over the past few years. Thousands of mold species have been identified, and scientists suspect that many more have not. (http://www.abatement.com/residential/air_quality.htm)