The EPA now ranks indoor air as one of the top five environmental threats to human health. According to the World Health Organization, 30% of commercial buildings show signs of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is characterized by headaches, nausea, irritated nasal passages, itchy eyes, and skin irritation among building occupants. As evidence of how pervasive this problem is, IAQ was recently ranked the Number 1 management issue by the International Facilities Management Association.

Many factors contribute to poor IAQ. But the largest contributor is particulate dust and microbial contamination in the air we breathe. According to data accumulated in a study of 1,136 public buildings conducted by a leading IAQ consulting firm, over 70% of the contaminants directly responsible for the deterioration of IAQ are airborne particulate. Over 90% of these particulate are in the lung-damaging, sub-micron size and are not visible to the human eye.

A recent study quantified the effect of particulate on general mortality: "Fine particles (those with aerodynamic diameters equal to or less than 2.5 mm) are the largest health concern because they can be breathed most deeply into the lung... In this study, sulfate and fine particulate air pollution were associated with a difference of approximately 15 to 17% between mortality risks in the most polluted cities and those in the least polluted cities." (Source: Pope C.A., Thun M.J., et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med: Vol. 151; 669-674.)

As the recognized leader in providing solutions for improving IAQ, AAF is using 21st Century technology to develop higher-efficiency, IAQ engineered air filters capable of removing the minute airborne particulate which can cause allergic reactions, discomfort, and health risks. We recently introduced the AmAir®62 Plus , a pleated filter that exceeds the higher filtration recommendations of ASHRAE 62-1989R. The AmAir®62 Plus was tested to ensure compliance using the more stringent proposed test standard ASHRAE 52.2P.

In some instances, air filters can become a source of microbial contamination. We combat this problem by incorporating INTERSEPT®, an EPA registered antimicrobial, directly into our filtration media. INTERSEPT® inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria documented to affect IAQ. INTERSEPT® keeps the air filter from becoming a source of contamination and dramatically improves the quality of your indoor. High efficiency filter media incorporating INTERSEPT® is the first step in a total systems approach designed to combat Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illnesses.

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