The latest breakthrough research at Purdue University should bring every HLK contractor to warn: common household products create air pollution indoors that are exceeded far beyond the outdoor area, which highlights an urgent need for advanced ventilation solutions.
In new studies that were carried out in Purdues special living laboratory, engineers found that everyday fragrance products – from melting wax to fresh air – nanoparticles with rates that correspond to or exceed emissions from both gas stoves and vehicle engines.
“In order to understand how particles are in the air, they have to measure the smallest nanoparticles – up to a single nanometer,” explains Dr. Brandon Boor, Dr. Margery E. Hoffman Associate Professor of Civil Engineering. “On this magnitude, we can observe the earliest stages of the new particle formation in which fragrances react with ozone to form tiny molecular clusters. These clusters then develop quickly, grow and transform in the air around us.”
The results are strong: While a gas stove releases up to 100 times more nanoparticles than cars on street level, fragrant products create even higher values of these potentially harmful particles.
Critical effects on HLK specialists
“Our studies show that fragrant products are not only passive sources for pleasant scents – they actively change air chemistry in the interiors, which leads to the formation of nanoparticles in concentrations that could have significant health effects,” warns Dr. Nusrat Jung. “These processes should be taken into account in the design and operation of buildings and their HLK systems to reduce our exposure.”
Research shows several important considerations for contractors:
- Particle size and filtration: The nanoparticles generated are extremely small -only a few nanometers in size -to increase demanding filtration solutions beyond the standard -MERV reviews.
- Ozone interaction: These pollutants form when scents react with ozone that arise through ventilation systems, which indicates the need for strategic approaches to ozone management in HLK design.
- Exposure rates: In just 20 minutes, the fragrant product use can be 100 to 10 trillion nanoparticles in the respiratory system of a person, which emphasizes the need for faster air change courses.
Business opportunities for contractors
This research opens several sources of income for HLK specialists:
- System -upgrades: Existing systems may need changes to cope with these newly understood sources of contamination
- Advanced filtration: Opportunity to install and maintain higher filtration systems
- Monitoring solutions: Installation of real-time air quality monitoring systems
- Maintenance programs: Development of special maintenance programs that focus on the air quality in the interior
- Consulting services: Customers advise on ventilation strategies on the use of fragrance products
Technical solutions to take into account
For commercial and residential applications, contractors should evaluate:
- Improved ventilation rates during the top use periods
- Multi -stage filtration systems
- Integration of air quality monitoring
- Strategic placement of supply and return openings
- Extended control systems for automated ventilation adjustment
Look ahead
“The air quality in the interiors is often overlooked in the design and management of the buildings in which we live and work, but it has a direct influence on our health every day,” notes Dr. Boor. This supervision offers HLK experts a significant opportunity to position themselves as an essential partner in creating healthier inner environments.
The non -regulated nature of air quality indoors, combined with these new knowledge about everyday chemical products, creates an urgent need for HLK expertise. Terms who can understand and go out will be well positioned to provide solutions that go beyond traditional temperature control and focus on extensive air quality management that protects the health of the inmates.