ACR Journal

June 2022 | July 2022 AIR FILTRATION 16 The majority of people in the UK suffer from issues caused by poor indoor air quality – both at home and work. Thain Gummer of LG Electronics discusses why it is important to take a closer look at the problems we face and the solutions that exist to help improve air quality with HVAC equipment. INDOOR AIR QUALITY – NEW PRIORITIES Volume 8 No.4 We consider being indoors a haven against outdoor air pollution, but this is not always the case. In most instances, pollution from tra c, industry, fossil fuel burning, and pesticides can emit fine particles, CO 2 , NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that make their way into our buildings. They exist alongside pollutants from fuel- burning combustion appliances, odours such as those from tobacco products, VOCs produced by building materials and furnishings, products for household cleaning, personal care and hobbies and mould resulting from excess moisture. Environmental allergens, bacteria and viruses a ect 15% of the EU and UK population in a typical year – a figure higher with Covid 19 circulating. The high season for environmental problems is February through to August in the northern hemisphere, whilst hay fever seems to be able to occur all year round with those su ering being allergic to di erent types of pollen. On top of this, extreme weather conditions add to the issues – with heatwaves causing poor indoor air quality due to ozone and particulate pollution. Indoor air quality through HVAC equipment Best practices for operating and maintaining HVAC systems to optimise indoor air quality while reducing risks are more critical than ever before. Thain Gummer