Protecting Your Air Quality During Disasters | Business Resilience
October 13 - International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Disaster Risk Reduction is people-focussed and action-oriented in its approach to disaster risk reduction. When disaster strikes, people rely on their safe indoor spaces for shelter and comfort. Despite best efforts, interior structures can be affected compromising the health and safety of your indoor air quality.
Poor Air Quality In Disasters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is concerned about inhalable particles. Particle matter that is just that; small pieces of debris in the environment. Particle matter can be liquids and/or solids. Their measured to help better understand where the particles can settle at. Particles 10 micrometers or less are a cause for concern because they can be inhaled.
Natural disasters such as dust storms and wildfires are types of disasters that destroy air quality and increase particle pollution indoors. The EPA says in an article about emergencies and indoor air quality, “Wildfires, which have increased in size and frequency in recent years, expose populations to smoke and byproducts of combustion such as ash.
In addition, when wildfires move through communities, chemicals can be released into the air from burning structures, furnishings, and any other materials in the fire’s path”. Chemicals are released into the air when treated building materials, furniture, or chemicals are burned as a result of wildfires. Exposing returning residents to toxic inhalable particles upon return to their homes. These particles can stick to surfaces such as walls and air ducts.
UVGI Products Making An Impact On Air Quality
According to the CDC, Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI, is the use of ultraviolet (UV) energy to kill viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. The Aura Air can help remove those inhalable particles. The Aura Air RAY filter can capture particles that are 2.5 micrometers small. The UV-C light kills pathogens that could squeeze by that filter, but just in case there’s also the third level of disinfection called the Sterionzer that sterilizes particles returning into the air. Inhalable particle can irritate the ear, nose, and throat. Those particles can aggravate coronary and respiratory disease and symptoms, and cause premature death in people with heart and lung disease. The Aura Air is easily transportable. Simply plug into any outlet. The unit will disinfects 600 sq ft up to 12 times in one hour.
However, the spaces we shelter in for events like hurricanes and tornadoes can put us into a different kind of danger. Being sheltered with a large group of people brings with it the danger of exposure to airborne diseases, such as Covid-19. Being prepared for natural disasters is vital, and adding the Aura Air to your space is a great tool for preparedness.
The UV Angel can give some peace of mind to large gathering spaces such as shelters. The UV Angel is installed in your everyday light troffers. The technology includes a closed loop filtration system, meaning the air ducts are not involved in the process to filter the air the Angel gathers. It also has MERV 6 filter that reduces air particles and a UV-C light to zap pathogens for better disinfection.
These two products offer effective resilience solutions to reducing VOCs, pathogens, and inhalable particles. Its always a relief to know your breathing and safety are the last things you have to worry about when everything outside seems so uncertain.
Contact SIVAD to learn more about protecting your air quality during a natural disaster.
info @ sivadppe.com
(888) 397-6137
