Indoor air quality vital: expert

Chennai, June 5 (UNI) Environment Protection Services Company (EPSCO) Managing Director Kelvin Bruce today stressed the importance of indoor air quality as the levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air had been found to be up to 70 times greater than outdoor air.

Indoor air pollutants ranged from minor irritants like dust and animal dander to major irritants like mould and chemical vapours from building materials and furnishings, he told a press conference here.

The Dubai-headquartered EPSCO was a multi-national company specialising in indoor air quality management and had several branches in the West Asia, besides five across India.

Mr Bruce said bacteria and fungi in air filters and ductwork in air conditioning systems were a major source of indoor air pollution.

These micro organisms broke down into minute organic fragments, collectively known as 'Macromolecular Organic Dust,' affecting air quality and leading to a range of health complaints including asthma, allergies and respiratory complaints along with low-level irritations, headaches and fatigue, he said.

He said maintenance of clean indoor air was imperative as people spent an average of 90 per cent of their time indoors. It ensured good health, which in turn increased productivity at workplaces.

Mr Bruce said EPSCO was the only company with NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association in US) trainer for air systems cleaning, which was performed as per international standards using hi-tech robotic cameras and vacuum machines.

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