An in-depth study into the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the need for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards

Dr. Emer Duffy, Science Lead at Allergy Standards Ltd., is the lead author of the recently published, highly relevant paper entitled ‘Colorimetric Sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds Produced from Heated Cooking Oils’ which describes the use of a simple, cost-effective and easy-to-visualise method for the detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Electronic equipment is fundamental to supporting a healthier indoor environment. From air cleaners to vacuum cleaners and air conditioners to dehumidifiers, these pieces of equipment can operate to clean, remove allergens and contribute to a comfortable indoor air environment. The certification of consumer products is an informative and essential way to communicate a range of functions and compliance characteristics.

It is a common statistic when talking about the quality of indoor air, that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. The origin of that statistic was a study by the US Environmental Protection Agency back in 19891. The importance of this is the nature of the contained environment of the home; in the move towards greater environmental sustainability, homes have become more energy efficient and more tightly sealed. While this provides a better environmental impact, it also means that the air in the home does not become renewed through passage of fresh air.

The global textile sector is enormous; in 2018 the value of the US textile sector was $78 billion and employed over 550,000 workers1. In 2017 China produced 79 billion metres of cloth2; that’s enough to go to the moon and back 100 times!

Textiles and clothes are a fundamental part of our everyday life however they also provide an excellent material for micro-organisms to grow on. Measures to prevent microbial growth on textiles and fabrics dates back to Egyptian times when mummy wraps were preserved using herbs and spices3.  Since then bamboo has been used in housing structures and design in China and in World War II a range of chemicals were used to impart antimicrobial activity to tents, tarpaulins and truck covers4. Prevention of microbial attack is essential for durability of the textile, in addition to potential use in prevention of transmission of disease.

What is it that makes some in-car cabin air filters better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify them?

Air is one of the most fundamental requirements for life and air filters can be an excellent way to improve air quality, indoors and on the go.

What is it that makes some HVAC and furnace filters better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify an air filter?

What is it that makes some air cleaners better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify an air cleaner?

What is it that makes some vacuum cleaners better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify a vacuum cleaner?

A human could last up to 3-4 days without water and just 3-4 minutes without air, this is how important healthy air is to us.

What is it that makes some washing machine better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify a washing machine?

What is it that makes some bedding better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify a bedding product?

Selecting the right air cleaning solution with the appropriate effective filtration technology is essential for a healthier indoor air in your home.

What is it that makes some insulation better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify insulation?

What is it that makes some flooring better for the indoor environment than others, and where do we draw the line to decide to certify a flooring product?