How Commercial HVAC Vents Impact Indoor Air Quality: Understanding the Connection

In today’s world, the air we breathe indoors is just as crucial as the air outside, especially in commercial buildings and office spaces where we spend a significant portion of our day. At Comfort First Products, we understand the vital role that HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play in maintaining indoor air quality. Specifically, the impact of commercial HVAC vents on air quality is a topic we’re passionate about. Our innovative solution, the Comfort First Filtered Diffuser, is designed to revolutionize the way businesses think about indoor air.

The Challenge of Airflow in Commercial Spaces

Airflow within commercial settings can often feel like a battle against the elements. Traditional HVAC systems can create zones of differing temperatures, leading to discomfort and complaints about spaces being too hot or cold. This inconsistency not only affects comfort but can also influence productivity and overall satisfaction within the workplace. 

The Comfort First Filtered Diffuser

Experience uniform and comfortable airflow with our Comfort First Filtered Diffuser. This innovative solution is designed to seamlessly integrate both practicality and style, ensuring your office or commercial building enjoys the advantages of:

Comfortable Airflow: Our diffusers are engineered to distribute air evenly, eliminating cold or hot spots and ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone.

Enhanced Air Quality: One of the standout features of our product is its ability to filter the air. With options for MERV 12 and MERV 14 filters, our diffusers can capture germs, viruses, and allergens, significantly improving the air quality within your space.

Ease of Maintenance: We understand that time is of the essence in any business. That’s why our diffusers are designed with easy-to-replace filters, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency in maintaining indoor air quality.

Adjustability: The easily adjustable louvers allow for personalized airflow controls, ensuring that every corner of your space receives optimal air distribution.

The Importance of Filter Options

Choosing the right filter is paramount in improving indoor air quality. Our diffusers come equipped with two options:

MERV 12 Filters: Ideal for use in offices and the majority of commercial establishments, these filters are specifically crafted to trap a diverse array of pollutants, guaranteeing fresher air within everyday environments.

MERV 14 Filters: For environments requiring the highest standard of air quality, such as hospitals and labs, MERV 14 filters are ideal. These filters can trap even smaller particles, offering unparalleled air purification.

The Impact on Indoor Air Quality

The quality of indoor air is influenced by various factors, including pollutants, temperature consistency, and airflow. By addressing these aspects, commercial HVAC vents, especially when equipped with suitable filters and features, can dramatically improve indoor air quality. Our Comfort First Filtered Diffuser is at the forefront of this revolution, providing a solution that not only enhances comfort but also actively purifies the air from harmful contaminants.

Why Choose Comfort First Products

At Comfort First Products, we’re committed to improving indoor air quality through innovative solutions. Our filtered diffusers are more than just vents; they are a testament to our dedication to creating healthier, more comfortable environments. By choosing our products, you’re investing in the well-being of your employees, customers, and anyone else who steps into your space.

In conclusion, the connection between commercial HVAC vents and indoor air quality cannot be overstated. With the right approach and technology, such as our Comfort First Filtered Diffuser, it’s possible to transform any commercial space into a haven of comfort and cleanliness. Embrace the future of indoor air quality with us and experience the difference that comes with prioritizing health and comfort. Together, we can create spaces that are not only productive and aesthetically pleasing but also safe and conducive to well-being.

Comfort First Products: Elevating Indoor Air Quality with Vent Air Flow Deflectors

In today’s era of heightened awareness about indoor air quality, Comfort First Products emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering state-of-the-art solutions to address the needs of commercial spaces. It would help if you focused on a series of options to know more about selecting a vent air flow deflector.

Among its standout offerings, the Comfort First Filtered Diffuser – Commercial Filtered Diffuser 4-Way Vent Diverter stands tall, promising to revolutionize how we perceive and manage airflow within buildings.

Let’s explore the features and specifications of this remarkable product in detail.

Unparalleled Filtration Performance

  •  Filtering Expertise

The cornerstone of the Comfort First Filtered Diffuser lies in its exceptional filtration capabilities. Equipped with MERV 12 filters, it excels in trapping pollutants and particles as small as 0.03 microns, ensuring the air entering the room is pristine and free from contaminants.

  • Enhanced Airflow Control

With its four-way adjustable louvers, this diffuser puts control firmly in the hands of users. Whether it’s eliminating drafts or maintaining consistent comfort levels, the ability to direct airflow ensures a tailored experience for occupants, minimizing discomfort caused by hot and cold spots.

Seamless Integration and Versatility

  •  Versatile Installation

Designed to seamlessly integrate with a variety of ceiling configurations, including 24” x 24” drop ceilings with T-bar grid systems or Fineline systems, the Comfort First Filtered Diffuser offers unparalleled flexibility. Moreover, its adaptable design allows hassle-free mounting on intricate ceilings, courtesy of the included surface mount back pan.

  • Discreet Design

Despite its robust functionality, the diffuser maintains a low-profile design, hanging a mere 1.75 inches from the ceiling. This discreet aesthetic makes it ideal for a wide range of settings, from corporate offices to upscale restaurants, where aesthetics are paramount.

Priority on Indoor Air Quality

In the wake of global health concerns, Comfort First Products goes above and beyond by offering the option to upgrade to MERV 14 filters. This ensures the filtration of common pollutants and the capture of germs and viruses, including the notorious Covid-19 virus, fostering a safer and healthier environment for occupants.

User-Friendly Features and Specifications

  • Effortless Adjustability

The louvers are engineered for easy maneuverability, allowing users to fine-tune airflow according to their preferences with minimal effort. This intuitive design feature enhances the user experience while maintaining optimal comfort levels within the space.

  • Streamlined Installation

Keeping user convenience at the forefront, the Comfort First Filtered Diffuser boasts easy installation, minimizing downtime and disruption to daily operations. Its straightforward installation ensures a hassle-free experience for facility managers and building occupants.

  • Durability and Longevity

Crafted from powder-coated steel and featuring aluminum louvers, this diffuser is built to

last. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the option for filter replacement further extends its lifespan, ensuring ongoing effectiveness in capturing germs, viruses, bacteria, and allergens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Comfort First Products sets a new standard for excellence in indoor air quality management with its Filtered Diffuser – Commercial Filtered Diffuser 4-Way Vent Diverter.

By combining advanced filtration technology with user-friendly features, seamless integration, and durability, this product offers a comprehensive solution to enhance comfort and well-being in commercial environments.

Footnotes

If you wish to know more about choosing an air vent flow deflector, you should focus on diverse options. To learn more about different types of advanced filters, you should focus on various categories of features and specifications.

 

COVID Is Airborne, Scientists Say. Now Authorities Think So Too

Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 is, in fact, able to travel airborne. Because of this new acceptance, scientists around the country are calling for business owners’ ventilation systems to be overhauled or at least updated to promote healthier inside conditions. Here at Comfort First Products, we take indoor air quality extremely seriously. Our filtered supply diffusers and vent filters are an alternative to filtering office air and are significantly more affordable, convenient, and just as effective as a total overhaul of your ventilation system.

Having cleaner indoor air won’t just help fight this pandemic, but it can increase the workplace’s health overall. Having quality air filters and diffusers in your office will also help battle the flu and other respiratory infections. Having your employees avoid these germs and avoid the productivity losses from sick days will only benefit your company.

We are used to having filtered water because clean drinking water is essential for public health, right? The same logic should be applied to the air we breathe, especially in an office where we spend eight-plus hours a day. Comfort First Products offers a wide variety of air filters and diffusers that are easy to install, effective, and affordable. Take a deeper look at our air filter products.

How Does COVID-19 Travel Through the Air?
COVID multiplies in the respiratory tract, enabling it to spread from being emitted from an infected person’s nose and throat during respiratory activities like breathing, speaking, singing, coughing, and sneezing. These particles differ in size, which is essential to know. There are visible particles that fall quickly and settle on nearby surfaces and floors. Compare this to the tiniest particles that nobody can see, and these can be carried at a further distance as well as stay aloft longer, depending on the conditions of the air. This is why officials have pushed for public masking-wearing and social distancing practices. This also explains why many people who work in offices were moved into work from home positions.

Why Getting Quality Air Filters and Diffusors Is Vital
Infectious aerosols remain concentrated in the air a lot longer in poorly ventilated, confined indoor spaces, like some offices. Although we all see the light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic, it is still important to take indoor air quality seriously. More employees are coming back to the office, and the more confined an indoor space is, the greater the chance people will get sick. Even offices that are not highly crowded are still at risk as ventilation systems can still build up potentially hazardous pathogens and spread those throughout the building.

Shop Comfort First Products
An affordable, easy way to ensure that you are providing your workspace with clean, filtered air is by installing Comfort First’s air diffusers and air filters throughout your office. By doing this, you’re giving your employees a safer work environment, leading to fewer sick days and a more productive workforce. Are you interested? Browse our selection, and contact us today if you have any questions regarding our indoor air quality products!

5 Reasons to Spring Clean Your Office

Spring has sprung, and cleaning your office is as crucial as ever, especially with more people coming back to the office now that we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for this global pandemic we have been battling for the past year. In this blog, we are going to go over five reasons why you should spring clean your office and the best ways to do it. Contact Comfort First to learn more about cleaning your company as part of your spring cleaning regimen!

Higher Productivity & Efficiency in the Office

Properly cleaning your office and maintaining that cleanliness is crucial to help employees do their jobs more effectively. Reducing germs and keeping your indoor quality high in the workplace keeps your team healthier and happier. It should come as no surprise, but employees work far more efficiently when they are not sick. You can keep this indoor air quality in your office with Comfort First’s air filter products here!

Fewer Injuries

Taking time to organize your office and providing a safe place for all of your office’s equipment reduces the likelihood that employees, vendors, and visitors will get hurt and put your company at risk of workers’ compensation and liability claims. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips, trips, and falls account for more than 9 million emergency room visits each year.

Lower Sick Days Around the Company

With the pandemic still highly prevalent in our lives, proper sanitation and quality air are essential for offices worldwide. Even with COVID-19 being dangerous, other viruses and potentially harmful pollutants still exist out there. Reduce the sick days in your office by spring cleaning and making sure the air that everybody is breathing is quality and clean. Check out more air filtration products in our catalog to help maintain that cleanliness throughout the office.

Easier Supply Inventory Tracking

Organizing supplies lowers unnecessary spending and downtime. Keeping supplies in a central, organized location minimizes over-ordering. When you can easily see what you do and don’t need, you reduce duplicate orders and lost time from last-second runs to the office supply store. Another great way to cut costs is by purchasing store brands, which often offer a better-expected value without sacrificing quality or performance.

Everybody In Your Office Can Be Breathing Clean Air

Here at Comfort First, we stress the importance of indoor air quality in the workplace. This is essential not only for you and your employees, but for any customers or clientele who visit your store. CDC regulations have been more relaxed, allowing businesses throughout the country to open up and allow traffic through their doors. Ensuring that you provide your business with filtered air only has positive benefits. Quality air filters can block all of those potentially harmful pollutants that are brought in from your HVAC system like bacteria, viruses, pollen, and more. Learn more about how you can benefit your company here.

Shop At Comfort First Today

Comfort First is dedicated to providing companies throughout the United States with reliable air filters to provide their office with the indoor air quality they can trust. Want to learn more? Check out our products here or feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns!

Your HVAC System and the Coronavirus

Recently, a form of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been flooding the media and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 134,000 people have contracted the coronavirus COVID-19 and  4,970 deaths are reported worldwide. In this blog post, we will be discussing how you can protect yourself and what it means for your HVAC system. Keep reading to learn more! 

What is Coronavirus or Covid 19? 

Starting off, it’s important to understand what the Coronavirus is. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first detected in China and has now been detected in more than 100 locations around the world, including the United States. 

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared this outbreak to be a “public health emergency of international concern” which you can learn more about onsite. 

Coronavirus is a virus that can exist between humans and animals. The animals that have been correctly diagnosed include camels, cattle, cats, and bats. However, the primary animals that have been linked are bats, due to the virus having its origins in bats. While the virus may have started in China, recently there have been cases in the United States. These cases are believed to be the result of imported cases from international travels (not just those who have visited China),  people who have come in close contact with a known case, and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown. Recently, Italy has come out with outbreaking cases and has also limited travel access. 

Viruses are roughly 100 times smaller than bacteria and typically range from 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size. This means even the most powerful air filters would struggle to purge a virus from the air. COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses. The 2013 SARS epidemic was also caused by a coronavirus, which was 0.1 microns in size. According to Dr. Mariea Snell, Assistant Director of the Online Doctor of Nursing Program at Maryville University, the size of COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 microns

Symptoms

The complete clinical background is still being discovered, but what we do know is that reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms that include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms have been shown to appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. It’s also been seen to impact people who are older or already ill, specifically those who have underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. However, there are still ongoing investigations and this is an evolving situation. For more updates, the CDC can be used as a resource.  

How Does This Impact My HVAC System? 

Our HVAC systems regulate the air we breathe within our homes, offices, and building spaces. Since the Coronavirus can be considered to be an airborne illness, it’s important that you’re aware of how your system is being affected, and what it means for the spread of the virus. Even though a good HVAC system cannot cure or prevent you from getting the virus (especially if you’re in contact with someone who is sick), it can be used as a good cautionary measure. 

Changing your air filters and making sure that your HVAC system is up to date cannot protect against the virus, but it can help.You should always be aware of how often you change your air filters —  most recommend that you change the filter about every 4-6 months. While breathing in cleaner air can certainly impact your overall health in a positive way, it may also decrease your chances of contracting any airborne illness. 

Working in any type of contained space can increase a person’s chances of contracting any type of airborne illness. This can range from a common cold to more serious diseases, which is why it’s extremely important to exercise proper hygiene practices. Washing your hands and sanitizing your workspace or other spaces of high traffic like office bathrooms, kitchens, and meeting rooms. 

Taking all and any precautionary measures to protect yourself against the Coronavirus is beneficial. For more information regarding your HVAC system and how to properly upkeep that, Comfort First Products are here for you. Our HVAC products help to improve your indoor air quality and overall health. They’re easy to use, affordable, and easy to maintain.  Our Comfort First Filtered Diffuser comes with a MERV 14 Filter that can be upgraded to a MERV 14 Filter.  All of our Control-A-Flows can fit an approximately MERV 8 filter with an antimicrobial coating.  Call our office for questions – 714-550-4971.   Connect with our specialist for more information. 

The Importance of Changing Your Air Filter

Indoor air quality is more important than ever, especially with the current climate of our world when it comes to pollution. While your 2020 New Year’s resolution may not have been surrounded on improving the quality of your indoor air, it definitely should be. At Comfort First Products, we’re here to help make it easier than ever to improve your indoor air quality. All of our products are designed to give you the best air quality so that you can keep your employees and space as healthy as possible. In this blog we will be discussing the importance of changing your heating and air conditioning filter. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Changing your air filter is something that’s actually pretty easy to do. While you can hire a professional, most times you should be able to change it yourself. Here at Comfort First Products, all of our products can be installed yourself and can be done quickly with minimal effort. You can easily shop all of our products on-site

 

So, why is it so important for you to change your air filter?

 

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System 

You’ve probably seen it before, your air duct is caked with dust and dirt that just sits on the vents. It’s pretty unsightly but it also can be dangerous. A clogged air filter can cause extensive damage to your system. So by replacing these filters, not only are you eliminating polluted indoor air but you are also saving your indoor system. Repairs or replacements of your indoor HVAC system can cause thousands of dollars, while replacement filters are relatively inexpensive. Dirt build up and neglect are some of the main causes of failed heating and cooling systems. This is almost completely avoidable if you pay attention and change your filter frequently, so what are you waiting for? 

 

Give Yourself Cleaner Air

This one may seem pretty obvious, but changing the air filter in your system gives you cleaner, fresher, and healthier air. While everyone can benefit from this, children and elderly people can be especially sensitive to polluted air. Asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems can occur and be heightened if the air around you is polluted. When your air filter is dirty, you’re constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen, dirt, and other particles in the air. You may think that the air in your home is cleaner, but if you’re not replacing your air filters, you may be inhaling air that is more polluted than it is outside.

 

Reduce Your Bills 

Dirty or clogged air filters use more energy than clean, fresh air filters. So, by replacing your air filter and eliminating old dirty filters, you are essentially saving money and may find that your electricity bill has actually decreased. Some people have even saved up to 15% on the electricity bill, and while that may not seem like a lot, every bit counts. No one has ever complained about having too much money!  

 

Save the Environment 

Not only are you improving your health, saving money on bills, and extending the life of your HVAC system but you’re also helping the environment. As we mentioned earlier, a dirty air filter causes your electricity bill to increase which also means that there is a lot more carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gasses that are being released by extension. Changing your filter often helps eliminate that, and you end up running your home in a very eco-friendly manner. Changing your air filter can make a large difference. 

 

Reduce Mold 

Dirt, dust, and other forms of grime can block the airflow and therefore provide a space for moisture to gather, which encourages the growth of mold and bacteria. When these form, they can provide an even more solid barrier and will prevent air circulation even farther. Depending on what side of the filter that they gather, they can even introduce more pollutants and allergens into the air. They may also get into the entire HVAC system which can cause even more damage too. 

 

Reduce The Risk Of Pipes Freezing and Overheating 

If your air filter is blocked with pollutants, the hot and cold air can’t travel out as easily. This means that your entire system runs the risk of either overheating or freezing up. You end up paying the same amount of energy or using the same amount of gas and oil, but there will be no change in the temperature. So, don’t run your system harder than it needs to, simply change your air filter and this problem is solved. 

 

All in all, air filters are extremely important and should be replaced frequently. Check your filter every couple of months. You can even stock up on extra air filters from Comfort First Products so that you always have a backup. No matter how long it’s been, make sure that you’re prioritizing your air filters and the indoor air quality of your home. For more information, contact us and shop our entire collection of products!

Indoor Air Quality and Your Child’s School

When we first think of schools we tend to think about the students, teachers, and all of the learning that takes place within these walls. However, barely any of us think of the air quality that’s in this building. Children spend approximately an average of 1,300 hours in school buildings. That’s 1,300 hours of breathing in the air that is circulating throughout the school. After that number, you’re probably wondering how the indoor air quality is in your child’s school now. 

 

Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is extremely important and something that most people tend to forget about, but it plays a major role in the success of students. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Clean Air For Student Success 

Humans at every age are extremely susceptible to harmful air contaminants. However, developing children are particularly vulnerable to these irritating pollutants. Floating around in the air are massive amounts of microbiological pollutants, allergens, chemicals, and ultra fine particles, which can directly affect the lungs of children. Exposure to polluted air during these developing years has also been associated with decreased respiratory function later in life. Increased reports of asthma among school aged children has been directly linked to elevated amounts of air pollution. 

 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of absent students, especially with asthma-related illnesses. These account for more than 14 million missed school days every single year. 

 

Where Does Pollution Come From?

Pollution can come from a variety of places. There are several sources of air pollution in schools. According to the EPA, new schools with tightly sealed buildings tend to have a lack of neutral ventilation. The use of synthetic building materials and furniture can also leak hazardous chemicals into the air. Older school buildings may have lead, asbestos, and radon contamination. They may also have issues with mold due to excess moisture. If your building is especially old you may also find excess dust from crumbling walls. 

 

Due to funding, buildings, both new and old, may resort to turning off their HVAC systems or fail to properly maintain them. Due to this, outdoor and indoor pollutants (like vehicle exhaust, pesticides, factory emissions, etc.) may be able to make their way into an already polluted environment. 

 

What Can I Do? 

Parents, teachers, and others can take action by making sure that their schools have clean air in every classroom. Make sure your schools are routinely inspecting and maintaining their HVAC systems regularly. Ask about the cleaning techniques that your school’s janitorial staff is taking, as well as any routine maintenance that the school gets done. Another way to keep the integrity of your child’s school air is to invest in indoor air quality products from Comfort First. We’ve designed a wide array of products that anyone can easily install and maintain. We understand the importance of indoor air quality, which is why we made our products easy to use, while being extremely accessible. Connect with us to learn more today! 

Maintaining Your Indoor Air Quality and Wildfires

Sadly, California is no stranger to wildfires. This past year, 2019, California has been plagued with some of the worst fires. According to the California Fire Department, almost 7,000 fires have been recorded totaling an estimated 253, 321 acres of burned land. The effects of these wildfires have been detrimental. From the copious amount of lost property and damage to the number of injuries and even deaths that have taken place, these fires have truly affected us in multiple ways. 

 

One of the biggest ways that the California fires have impacted us is through indoor air quality or IAQ. During a wildfire, the smoke that arises can have extremely dangerous impacts on our health, especially if they are not dealt with properly. If you are close to a wildfire, the fires itself, as well as the heavy smoke and ash, can pose serious risks to your safety and health. Because of this, you and your family should be prepared to evacuate immediately if told to do so. Even if you’re farther away from the wildfire you are still exposed to the smoke from the fire. 

 

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gasses and fine particles that are produced when wood and other organic materials burn. It can be made up of even more toxic gasses and particles when manmade items are burned. All of those chemicals and toxins are then floating in the air that you’re breathing. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from the fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system when you’re both indoors and outdoors. Not only can this produce long term health concerns but the immediate results can also be detrimental. From burning eyes and difficulty breathing to contracting illnesses such as bronchitis, the particles from fires can have strong effects. You may also be susceptible to chronic heart and lung diseases, which can be linked to premature deaths. 

 

The smoke from wildfires can be a silent and deadly killer, which is why you want to make sure that you’re protecting yourself. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t struggle with breathing issues or you think you’re far enough away from the fire that it won’t affect you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Some easy ways to protect yourself during a fire are as follows: 

 

Pay Attention to Local Air Quality Reports

As the fires or smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases and so should the steps that you’re taking to protect yourself. Air quality reports are usually available through your local news media, local air agency, and can be found online. 

 

Monitor Your Activities

Even if you’re being told that it’s safe to resume your normal activities, use common sense. If the air outside looks like it’s polluted, use your best judgment and only go out if you have to. During this time most businesses and people will understand if you’re not able to make your usual appointments due to the outside air. Certain places also may be closed for this reason too. You’ll also want to cut back on any recreational activities outside. It’s probably not the best time to go for a run outside or mow the lawn. It’s especially crucial that you monitor the time that your children spend outside too. Since their bodies are still developing they are especially susceptible to harmful particles in the air. If you or your children are spending long amounts of time outside, pay attention to any symptoms that may be occurring. If you are experiencing anything, these symptoms are a likely indication that you need to reduce your exposure. 

 

Invest In Face Masks

While dust or paper masks are not enough to protect your lungs against the fire particles, they are a good place to start. Make sure that these masks are fitted properly to you and your loved ones. Other masks like particulate masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators can help too. You should be able to find these types of masks at hardware stores or other home repair stores. 

 

Keep Particle Levels Low Inside 

When smoke is heavy, especially for prolonged periods of time, fine particles can build up indoors, even though you may not be able to see them. Avoid anything that burns in your home. This means candles, wood-burning fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, and other items like these. Even vacuuming can stir up particles that are already in your home. You should especially avoid any type of smoking too. This puts even more pollution into your lungs. 

 

Invest In Products From Comfort First 

An easy way to protect yourself and the ones you love from harmful smoke and fire particles is to invest in products from Comfort First. At Comfort First, we have a wide array of products designed to give you the cleanest air possible even in cases of wildfires. All of our products are designed for easy use that you can do yourself. These products can fit into most areas in commercial offices or residential homes. We even have products designed specifically for Indoor Air Quality, which you can easily purchase on site. For more questions regarding Indoor Air Quality, learn more by visiting our site or connecting with us through phone or email. When you think Indoor Air Quality, think Comfort First Products. 

 

Common Types of Air Pollutants

No matter if you’re living or working in an urban or rural environment, indoor air quality is of the utmost importance. Through all of the hustle and bustle that goes on everyday, we are constantly breathing in things that aren’t the best for our health. Studies have actually shown that living in heavy metropolitan areas can actually reduce your lifespan but two to three years. Due to these strong allegations, it is important to understand what major pollutants are and how we can decrease the damage that they cause. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by the Clean Air Act to set quality standards for six of the most common and harmful types of air pollutants. These air pollutants pose a particular threat to the enviornement, and people’s health and well-being. Since these pollutants have the potential to cause so much damage, the EPA sets permissible levels for these air contaminantes and checks on them on a regular basis. The six most common pollutants include ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. 

 

Ozone

Ground-level ozone is different from the ozone layer that protects the planet from the sun. It is actually created on the ground when volatile organic compounds chemically react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. These chemicals are a result of a motor vehicle exhaust, emissions from electric utilities, and industrial facilities, chemical solvents, and gas vapors. Ozone can also have harmful effects on the ecosystem, which can then cause changes to the quality of habitats, nutrient cycles, and water.

 

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion process, carbon monoxide emissions most commonly come from transportation sources. Carbon monoxide is extremely harmful to the body due to its ability to inhibit the blood from delivering oxygen to the organs. At high levels, it can stop all oxygen delivery which can cause death. Carbon monoxide fumes can also be dangerous when they’re inside due to the area holding the fumes in. Many people have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and workplaces. 

 

Sulfur Dioxide 

The combustion of fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of sulfur dioxide production. It is also very harmful to the respiratory system, which can cause asthma-like symptoms. Sulfur dioxide can also react with various compounds in the air which form small particles. These particles can then embed themselves in the lungs and can cause emphysema symptoms for certain people. It can also affect those with heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death.

 

Lead 

Now that we’re aware that lead is an extremely poisonous and toxic chemical and we are no longer using it in day to day products, it is still considered to be an air pollutant. Lead isn’t as prevalent however it still shows in certain air quality tests, making it important to note.

 

Nitrogen Oxides 

These are produced from emissions that are formed from power plants, on-road vehicles, and off-road vehicles, nitrogen oxides are one of the chemicals that are involved in the formation of harmful fine particle pollution and ground-level ozone. They have been known to cause respiratory distress and a large number of other health issues. 

 

Particulate Matter 

This can also be commonly called particle pollution, and this form of pollution is extremely harmful to the body. Nitrates, organic chemicals, soil, metals, sulfates, and dust particles are responsible for creating particulate matter. The EPA has classified the particulates into two categories, which include inhalable coarse particles and fine particles depending on their size. 

 

While these air pollutants are commonly found outside, they can also be easily transferred indoors. This can be even more dangerous due to the fact that the air can be condensed and trapped inside. Investing in products that help improve the quality of air, especially indoors, are investments that are beneficial for not only you but those around you. At Comfort First Products, we have a full range of filtered supply diffusers that drastically improve the quality of your indoor air. Both our Control-A-Flow® Draft Eliminator and Comfort First Filtered Diffusers™ redirect air along with the ceiling and terminate drafts and cold breezes through superior airflow that are compatible with all HVAC systems. Contact us today!