There are many health problems that can be caused by poor indoor air quality. While cracking open a window or adding some houseplants could help to reduce pollutants, this may not always be enough to keep air fully clean – especially in environments like workshops, kitchens, bathrooms and laboratories. Below are just some of the tech solutions that you can use to keep indoor air quality healthy.
Toxin monitors
There are many toxins in the air that are odorless and invisible. Detecting these toxins requires tech solutions such as carbon monoxide monitors and radon detectors.
Many factories can benefit heavily from having these sensors installed to pick up various toxins in the air like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. These sensors can trigger alarms if levels of a certain toxin get too high. Alternatively, they can be used in conjunction with ventilation systems and air purifiers to extract or diffuse these toxins.
Ventilation
Almost all buildings can benefit from mechanized ventilation systems in some form or other. Extractor fans are the most basic form of ventilation – and are commonly used in homes within kitchens and bathrooms to pump out steam and smoke.
More elaborate ventilation systems can circulate air much more efficiently. HVAC systems are able to provide heating and air conditioning, alongside constant ventilation to each room in a building. Meanwhile, heavy duty ventilation systems can be used to direct and remove smoke or dust.
Today’s ventilation systems are becoming more advanced, finding more complex ways to distribute air while reducing energy usage. The likes of these voltage controllers from Ziehl-Abegg can be used to control the speed of fans, which can be triggered by various sensors. Heat recovery technology can meanwhile help preserve heat in a building while reducing energy usage in order to save money on heating bills without sacrificing comfort.
Air purifiers
While ventilation systems are designed to move air around, air purifiers are essentially filters that are designed to remove toxins. While there are various natural air purifiers you can use such as salt rock candles and houseplants, electric air purifiers are much more effective.
Air purifiers can be used within homes to get rid of all kinds of contaminants in the air ranging from mold spores to VOCs. Similarly, they can be used in many workplaces to keep air quality clean. They are often used in conjunction with ventilation systems in large buildings. Heavy duty air purifiers are meanwhile commonly used in factories to help reduce harmful emissions from chimneys.
It is important to realize that all air purifiers are built differently, and that different air purifiers are likely to be recommended based on different demands. This air purifier guide at Healthline explains more.
Dehumidifiers/humidifiers
Too much moisture in the air can cause all kinds of problems from mold growth to respiratory infections. Dehumidifiers can be useful for removing excess moisture from the air. Whether you live in a humid location or have a leaky basement, these gadgets can help.
It’s also possible to buy tech that can introduce moisture to the air. Too much dry air can cause problems to a building and our health too – humidifiers can help keep moisture levels in the air healthy. You can compare humidifiers here at Good Housekeeping.
