Indoor Air Pollutant Levels Often Surpass -- By 5 Times Or More -- Outdoor Levels

The surprising facts about indoor air pollution are sobering, but the risks can be reduced through efficient air filtration.

NY /PRNewswire-iReach/ - Air Filtration News - With the average American spending some 90 percent of their time indoors, the quality of indoor air is of paramount importance for health, productivity, and comfort. Yet while many individuals are aware of -- and rightly concerned by -- high levels of outdoor air pollution, one statistic may surprise and even shock them: Indoor levels of air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels.  And at times, they can be more than 100 times higher.

That sobering figure comes from no less a source than the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which has conducted multiple studies of human exposure to air pollutants. It also reaffirms what other organizations have been concluding: poor indoor air quality is one of the top environmental risks to health.  Indeed, it has been linked to asthma and other severe respiratory diseases, as well as heart disease, cancer, and strokes.  The World Health Organization recently estimated that 4.3 million deaths in 2012 could be linked to poor indoor air quality.

The problem is particularly troubling as children can face an even greater risk than adults.  According to the EPA, children are more susceptible to air pollution because they breathe a greater volume of air relative to their body weight.  They also spend much of their time in schools, which can have four times as many occupants for a given amount of floor space as an office building, the EPA says, and generally less maintenance.

The more encouraging news is that indoor air quality can be improved -- and the health risks dramatically reduced -- through proactive strategies that include efficient, high-performance air filtration.  A leading cause of indoor air pollution are the harmful particles that enter and travel within the indoor environment. Eliminate these particles and much of the risk is eliminated, as well.

Designing the next generation of air filters has been a priority for companies like Camfil -- the world's leading provider of clean air solutions.  Leveraging its half dozen global research centers, Camfil has developed a range of high performance air filters that use advanced designs to maintain peak efficiency longer than more traditionally designed air filters.  This means they not only do a better job keeping dangerous particles out of indoor environments, but use less energy to do so.  They also last longer, so disposal and labor expenses are reduced, too. The result: healthier air at lower overall cost.

Indoor air quality plays an important role in every individual's health -- more so than most of us would think.  But the risks can be controlled, and lessened, via a new wave of air filters that squeeze out every bit of efficiency -- without squeezing the budget.

The world leader in air filtration systems, Camfil provides clean air solutions for hospitals, hotels, office buildings, educational institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies.  We provide the tools to achieve sustainability, maintain high air quality, and reduce airborne infections -- all while lowering total cost of ownership.  Camfil customers go green without ever sacrificing performance.  For more information, visit our HVAC Catalog online or http://airfilters.camfilfarr.us, or call us toll-free at 888.599.6620.