Indoor Air Quality – Frequently Asked Questions

What effects can pollutants and allergens have on a household?
Dust mites, molds, smoke, insects, and animal dander can all contribute to poor indoor air quality. They can trigger allergic reactions (watery eyes and rashes), colds (coughing and sneezing), breathing difficulties, dizziness, and fatigue.

How can I reduce allergens in my house?
First, control the source of these indoor air issues by cleaning your home on a regular basis. This includes carpeting, flooring, mattresses, windows, draperies or blinds, and appliances. Most important is to use a vacuum that does not stir the air and actually pollute your air. This means using a Miele Vacuum with its HEPA filter and Sealed SystemT Design, providing the highest protection for indoor air quality and ensuring almost 100% retention of particles down to .3 micron in size. The air exhausted from your Miele Vacuum is virtually cleaner than the air outside your home, and allergy-relief can be a reality. Second, be sure to filter your indoor air with an Envria 1-inch Electronic Air Filter and remember to regularly monitor the filter media, by replacing and discarding the media pads at least once every 3 months! Also, If you have pets, be sure to wash and brush them to control their dander. Utilize these simple steps and you will be on your way to creating a healthy living for you and your family!

What are the primary sources of indoor air pollution?

• Moisture
• Building materials and/or Furnishings
  Carpet, Floor tiles, Insulation, Paint
• Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke
• Household chemicals
  Cleaning agents, Automotive products, Personal products, Pesticides
• Appliances/Fixtures
  Chimneys, Fireplaces, Gas stoves, Heaters
• Animals and Insects
• People

Should you have your air ducts cleaned?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cited that duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems, nor do particle levels in your home increase due to dirty air ducts. Keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles and pollutants that are present in homes.

Consider the following when determining if the source of your indoor air problems are from your air ducts:

• There is visible mold present in the actual ducts or on other components of your HVAC system.
• If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it should be removed and replaced as it cannot be effectively cleaned.
• Your air ducts are infested with rodents or insects
• Ducts are clogged with a large amount of dust and debris that is released into the home from your supply registers.

If any of these conditions exists, it suggests there are more “problem-areas” than that of just dirty air ducts. Be sure to alleviate these problems prior to determining whether or not your ducts are dirty.

What is Ultraviolet (UV) and Ultraviolet Germicidal (UVC) Light?

Ultraviolet light represents a portion of the sun's electromagnetic spectrum. It is the wavelength band immediately beyond the violet end of visible light. All bands of UV light are present throughout the environment - it comes from the sun, light fixtures, electrical devices, etc. The UV range of the spectrum is characterized by wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm). It includes the long-wave UV-A (315 to 400 NM), which causes suntan/sunburn, medium-wave UV-B, (280 to 315 NM) used to treat skin conditions, and short-wave UV-C (200 to 280 NM). Because the upper atmospheric ozone screens out most of the sun’s UV-C, only “A” and “B” band UV gets to the Earth.

The most effective sterilizing range for UV is within the C bandwidth (UVC). Short-wave ultraviolet radiation, in the "C" band of 200 to 280 nanometers, has been used in a wide range of germicidal applications for over 100 years to destroy bacteria, mold, yeast, and viruses. UVC penetrates the structure of the cell wall and alters the DNA molecule, thus sterilization occurs causing the cell to die.

What are molds?
Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere. Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, and these spores travel through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate ALL mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. Mold and fungi generally need a relative humidity of at least 60 percent to give them enough moisture to survive or significant moisture intrusion, regardless of humidity.

The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

What are common indoor molds?
It is estimated that there are about 100 common indoor mold types that have the potential to be hazardous to one’s health in a variety of ways. The most common indoor molds are Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys.

How can I test for particulates or molds?
We are pleased to help provide testing of your home with a local Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). They will perform respirable dust samplings and/or mold samplings. Please call 302-644-8778 for more information on home particle count testing. (Delaware residents only)