CO2 is classified as a pollutant by the UK government. Pollutants are substances that can have negative effects on human health. CO2 is considered a pollutant because it can cause a number of health problems, including: - difficulty breathing - headaches - dizziness - nausea - increased heart rate - increased blood pressure - CO2 poisoning CO2 poisoning occurs when someone is exposed to high levels of CO2. CO2 poisoning can cause a number of serious health problems, including: - unconsciousness - coma - death CO2 levels are regulated by the UK government CO2 is a common gas in the atmosphere, but too much of it can be dangerous. That's why the UK government regulates the amount of CO2 in the workplace. CO2 monitors should be placed in workplaces to make sure that the levels stay safe. If the CO2 levels get too high, the alarms will sound and the ventilation will kick in. This is particularly important in factories and modern office buildings where windows don’t open and fresh air relies on the air circulation system. The UK government is committed to keeping workers safe and healthy, and these regulations are one way they do that. Protecting yourself against high CO2 There are a number of ways to protect yourself from CO2 exposure. Some of these include: - wearing a CO2 monitor - using ventilation systems - working in well-ventilated areas - avoiding enclosed spaces - taking breaks in fresh air If you think you may have been exposed to high levels of CO2, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. CO2 poisoning can be deadly if not treated promptly. Employers are required to prevent CO2 poisoning The laws require employers to protect against high CO2 levels. The easiest way to do that is to install monitors that will track CO2 levels 24 hours a day. Those monitors can be small and inconspicuous. If their CO2 levels get too high, the monitors will signal the building’s maintenance team and management. If the levels get high enough to be dangerous, they will trigger an alarm that will evacuate the building until the situation is remedied. Fortunately, CO2 poisoning is easy to protect against with proper circulation and monitoring. Conclusion CO2 exposure is a serious health hazard that should not be taken lightly. By following the tips in this blog post, you can protect yourself from CO2 exposure and avoid the potentially harmful health effects of CO2 poisoning.

What are PM2.5 and PM10? PM2.5 and PM10 are types of particulate matter, which are tiny pieces of solid or liquid that are suspended in the air. Particulate matter can come from a variety of sources, including car exhaust, industrial emissions, power plants, wildfires, and even windblown dust. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres, or microns, or less in diameter, while PM10 refers to particulate matter that is 10 micrometres or less in diameter. For reference, a human hair is about 70 micrometres in diameter! Why are PM2.5 and PM10 Important? Particulate matter of all sizes can be detrimental to human health, but PM2.5 is of particular concern because of its small size. Because PM2.5 is so tiny, it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter has been linked to premature death, heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and other health problems. PM2.5 There are many sources of PM2.5 pollutants indoors, including burning candles, cooking on gas stoves, smoking cigarettes, and using wood-burning fireplaces. These activities release particles into the air that can be inhaled, and over time they can build up to unhealthy levels. Additionally, house dust and cleaning chemicals can also contribute to indoor pollution. To reduce your exposure to PM2.5 pollution, it is important to choose cleaning products that are low-emitting, and to ventilate your home regularly. You can also use an air purifier to remove particles from the air. By taking these steps, you can help improve the air quality in your home and protect your health. PM10 A large amount of the PM2.5 pollution and a sizable portion of the PM10 pollution found in outdoor air are produced by emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood. PM10 also includes dust from industrial sources, wind-blown dust from open lands, pollen, and bacterium pieces. It also includes dust from wildfires, landfills, and farmland. In the UK, there are national standards for PM exposure indoors. You can learn more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/air-quality-statistics/concentrations-of-particulate-matter-pm10-and-pm25. How Can I Protect Myself from PM2.5 and PM10? If you live in an area with high levels of particulate matter in the air, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family: - Check local air quality reports and limit time spent outdoors on days when pollution levels are high; - Stay indoors as much as possible on days when pollution levels are high; - Use an air purifier indoors; - Keep windows closed on days when pollutant levels are high; - And avoid using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces on days when pollutant levels are high; - Monitor air quality using an automated indoor air quality system that can alert you to high levels is pollutants; - Ensure that air filtration systems are operating correctly and are maintained well to avoid potential health concerns. Summary PM2.5 and PM10 are two types of particulate matter that can have harmful effects on human health if inhaled. Taking steps to avoid exposure to these pollutants can help protect your respiratory and cardiovascular health. For more information on how you can protect yourself from exposure to particulate matter, check out our blog post on air pollution!

Indoor air quality has always been important, but the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how essential it is to ensure that our indoor spaces are healthy and free of harmful contaminants. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue. In addition, recent research has shown that poor indoor air quality can also worsen the symptoms of COVID-19. As a result, it's more important than ever to ensure that our indoor air quality is excellent. One way to improve indoor air quality is to install an air quality monitoring system. These systems use sensors to monitor things like temperature, humidity, and airborne contaminants. The data collected by these sensors can then be used to identify problems and develop mitigation strategies. In addition, some air quality monitoring systems also include features like remote monitoring and real-time alerts, which can help to further improve indoor air quality. If you're running a business in the UK, you need to make sure that you're complying with indoor air quality regulations. But indoor air quality is about more than just compliance – it can have a direct impact on productivity. Things like temperature and humidity can make your employees uncomfortable, which will reduce their productivity. That's why it makes sense to invest in an indoor air quality consultant. They can help you monitor your indoor air quality and make sure that it's within acceptable levels. They can also advise you on things like temperature and humidity control, so that you can create a comfortable working environment for your employees. In the long run, this will save you money by reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

"Under general #health and #safety law, dutyholders including employers or those in control of premises, must ensure the health and safety of their employees or others who may be affected by their undertaking. They must take suitable precautions to prevent or control the risk of exposure to #legionella. They also need to either understand, or appoint somebody competent who knows how to identify and assess sources of risk, manage those risks, prevent or control any risks, keep records and carry out any other legal duties they may have." - https://lnkd.in/dKR4B5v2 Although it is appropriate for an #employer or a person in charge of the premises to carry out the #RiskAssessment assignment, many people choose to train qualified specialists because of the knowledge, abilities, and experience required to detect, compile, and address problems and potential concerns. The potential severity of consequences associated with a Legionella outbreak, including its catastrophic health effects, #monetary losses or fines, loss of reputation, and other ongoing issues, are a significant factor in that decision.

There is a lot of confusion right now about the difference between #legionella and COVID-19, and business owners are rightfully concerned about protecting their employees and customers. So let's clear up a few things. First, it's important to note that legionella is a type of bacteria, while COVID-19 is a virus. Legionella can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires' disease, while COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system. Both illnesses can cause fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, but there are a few key differences in the symptoms. Legionnaires' disease typically comes on gradually, while the symptoms of COVID-19 appear more quickly. In addition, #Legionnaires' disease can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, though these symptoms are less common with COVID-19. Finally, people with Legionnaires' disease may experience muscle aches and pains, although this is not a common symptom of COVID-19. While both legionella and COVID-19 can be dangerous, understanding the differences between them is critical for business owners who want to keep their employees and customers safe.

Popular vacation destinations may put Britons at risk for a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening pneumonia, according to a number of recent research articles. According to researchers, up to two-thirds of hotels in places like Greece, the Canary Islands, and Morocco run the risk of dispersing the legionella, or legionnaires' disease, virus that lives in stagnant water. Due to concerns that bugs may have gathered while facilities were closed during the COVID lockdowns, microbiologists are now advising vacationers to run taps and showers before coming into contact with water. While many hotels have been reopened, not all have been at capacity. It’s always advisable to run water for a few minutes before stepping into it. Symptoms and treatment Legionella bacteria can cause severe respiratory illness, including Legionnaires' disease, which is a type of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder form of the infection. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. The disease can be especially dangerous for people over the age of 50, smokers, and those with underlying health conditions. While the infection can be treated with antibiotics, it can often prove deadly, particularly to those with weakened immune systems. In fact, the US CDC reports that one in ten people who develop Legionnaires' disease will die from the infection. Hotel Owners Responsibility in the UK Hotel owners and operators in the United Kingdom have a responsibility to prevent Legionella bacteria from growing and spreading in their properties. This includes ensuring that water systems are properly designed, maintained, and disinfected; that staff are trained in how to control Legionella growth; and that guests are informed of the risks of exposure to Legionellosis. Hotel owners and operators must take steps to prevent legionella growth in their properties, including: - ensuring that water systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained - ensuring that water is regularly flushed and circulated - maintaining the proper temperature and pH level in water systems - using legionella-specific disinfectants - training staff in legionella control measures - regular testing of water systems for the presence of legionella Informing guests of the risks of legionellosis and providing them with information on how to protect themselves is also critical. Legionellosis is a serious illness, and guests should be made aware of the signs and symptoms so that they can seek medical attention if necessary. The laws that govern what hotel owners and managers must do in the UK are not always followed in other countries. So, if you're planning on a holiday in a popular destination this winter, be sure to take precautions against legionella exposure by running taps and showers before using them. And, if you or a loved one begins to experience any of the symptoms associated with Legionnaires' disease, seek medical attention immediately.

ASHRAE standard 62.1 is the most commonly used standard for indoor air quality in smart buildings. It defines the minimum requirements for ventilation rates and other measures that should be taken to ensure acceptable indoor air quality. The standard is regularly updated to reflect changing best practices and new scientific knowledge. CO2 According to ASHRAE, inhabited spaces shouldn't have CO2 levels higher than 800 PPM to demonstrate effective ventilation. Using smart technology to monitor air quality is one way to make sure that ASHRAE 62.1 is being met. Building automation systems can track CO2 levels and adjust ventilation rates accordingly. This helps to ensure that indoor air quality stays within acceptable levels, even as occupancy levels fluctuate. Another important aspect of ASHRAE standard 62.1 is the use of filters to remove contaminants from the air. HEPA filters are often used in smart buildings to make sure that the air is clean and safe to breathe. COVID-19 Smart Building Technology also uses constant electronic monitoring to ensure that ventilation systems are operating at optimal levels. This can reduce the density of COVID-19 viruses, lessening the chances of infection. VOCs The broad category of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is included in many of the building and maintenance supplies we use in our houses. Once these chemicals are inside our businesses, they "off-gas" or are discharged into the air we breathe inside. They might or might not be odoriferous, and smell is not a reliable indicator of a health concern. Benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene are typical examples of VOCs that could be present in our daily life. Business’s Responsibilities Since most employees spend about ⅓ of their lives at work, it’s important for businesses to ensure that the indoor air quality, which can often be much worse than outside, is maintained to the highest standards. Traditionally, this involved a technician coming to a building, taking an air sample, sending it to a lab, and awaiting results. With modern technology, this testing can be done in real-time, allowing building maintenance to respond immediately. The Easy Way to Monitor Indoor Air Quality At Smart Building Technology, we’ve made it even easier by providing a single dashboard that shows the health of the building with a glance. We track everything in a single place so management and building maintenance can see what’s happening, that the ventilation and filtration systems are working, and what needs to be corrected to ensure the health of the employees and guests. ASHRAE standard 62.1 is the most important indoor air quality standard for smart buildings. By following the requirements of this standard, smart buildings can ensure that their occupants have access to clean and safe air. Let Smart Building Technology show you how we use the latest monitors and dashboard to help you keep everyone safe all the time.

What are VOCs ? Certain solids or liquids emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as gases. Many different compounds are included in VOCs, some of which may have negative short- and long-term health impacts. Numerous VOCs are regularly concentrated indoors at higher levels than outdoors (up to ten times higher). There are thousands of different goods that release VOCs into the environment. Many household and industrial items contain components made of organic compounds. Organic solvents are present in numerous cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby items as well as in paints, varnishes, and wax. While being used and, to a lesser extent, while being stored, all of these products have the potential to emit chemical molecules. Does your company test the air for VOCs?

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