Our
Goal | The Statistics | The
Reports | Cause and Effect | Identifying
the Problem
Health Effects | The
Solution | The Strategy | The
Products
Our Goal:
No Doubt Environmental was formed as a result of our growing
concern regarding air pollution and it’s direct effect
on the health of our friends, family and especially our
children. We wanted to offer a place from which people could
become better educated on what effects our environment can
have on our health. We have listed the most compelling reports
from the American Lung Association, The Asthma Society,
Toronto Ministry of Health and many other boards along with
their website addresses. We also included the best resources
by product or service available to residents in The Greater
Toronto Area that have proven track records and that are
safe and effective for improving your indoor air quality.
The Statistics:
Toronto is a wonderful city to live, work and raise our
families. However, our air quality within the Greater Toronto
Area has dramatically declined in the last 10 years leaving
us all to wonder how this may be affecting our quality of
life. Did you realize that this past year (2005) we have
seen over 60 days of air quality and smog warnings within
our city? According to Toronto Public Health (toronto.ca/health/smog/smog_new.htm)
the worst year recorded on our Air Quality Index was 2001
with 20 days of poor Air Quality. The Ontario Ministry of
Environment has tracked our Air Quality in a published report
from the years of 1993 through to 2005. So far this has
been the absolute worst year of smog and poor air quality
we have ever experienced. There are many factors that determine
the type of air we breathe.
The Reports:
In the summer of 2004 the OMA released a very grave report
warning Torontonians that if our air quality is not improved
we will see the premature deaths of 5,800 people in Ontario
(Toronto Public Health, Air Pollution and Illness in Toronto).
They sited Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, the
burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, diesel and
coal in our furnaces, cars, trucks and industry and also
emissions from coal-fired electricity generation in Ontario
and the USA. These gases all add to global warming and climate
change. In addition and specific to this past summer, Toronto
was dominated by a high-pressure system, which allowed for
an exurbanite amount of pollution from the USA and Ontario
to settle over the city.
Cause and Effect:
So how does this affect our health? In order to answer this
we first have to explain pollutants and fine particulate
matter. The first rule of thumb is, the smaller the partical
the more damage it can do to our lungs. These tiny particles,
measured in microns, are breathed deeply into the lungs
causing a wide variety of health problems. A strand of human
hair measures 10 microns, dust and tobacco can measure as
small as .3 microns and bacteria, viruses and carbon dioxide
and other pollutants will measure less then .3 microns.
The measurement of fine particulate matter measures particles
greater then .3 microns in the air that we breathe. So the
nastier the substance, the smaller they are, the more damage
they do.
The hospital for Sick Children released a study
that childhood asthma has increased by 35% between the ages
of 0-9 years. Particulate matter, pollution, allergies,
diet, genetic predisposition, and early childhood RSV are
all linked to the increase. From 1995-1999 there was an
increase of 228,000 new cases of childhood asthma in Ontario.
Is there a connection between air quality and this increase?
We believe so, as does the American
Lung Association The following article at the ALA links
air pollution and indoor air quality to the incidence of
asthma.
Identifying the
Problem:
We at No Doubt Environmental decided it was time for answers.
We asked ourselves what could be done to improve our quality
of life? We asked why it was that our children were visiting
their pediatricians more often? We asked ourselves why it
was that suddenly we developed respiratory allergies? The
answer lay in information. So we armed ourselves with information.
Hours and hours of research were spent reading clinical
studies, statistics and consumer reviews on products and
services that might offer the solution. It was only after
reading a report put out by the American
Lung Association on the effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
did we conclude that this was the beginning to an end, the
solution we were looking for. The definition of indoor air
pollutants is, particles and dust, fibers, mists, bioaerosols,
and gases
or vapors found within the home or office. Scientific
evidence has indicated that the air within our homes and
other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the
outdoor air, at least 5-10 fold. People spend at least 90%
of their time indoors. In addition, people who may be exposed
to indoor air pollution are often those that spend the longest
periods indoors. These include the young, the elderly, the
chronically ill and those already suffering from respiratory
or cardiovascular disease. If too little outdoor air
enters the home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that
can pose health threats. On days that our air pollution
index is at it’s worst, we are not opening our doors
and windows to allow “fresh air in”, so that
the problem compounds. Some sources of indoor pollutants
is as follows, combustible sources such as oil, gas, kerosene,
wood and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings,
wet or damp carpet; products for home cleaning, personal
care; central air and cooling systems. For a complete list
of attributing contaminates please go to epa.gov. In addition,
we include biological contaminates. These include, bacteria,
viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust mites,
cockroaches and pollen. Contaminated central air systems
can become a breeding ground for mold.
Health Effects:
The effects may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly,
years later.
Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness,
and fatigue. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma,
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever, may
also show up soon after exposure. Certain effects are similar
to those of viral disease. Unfortunately some effects may
show up years later. These effects include, respiratory
diseases, heart disease, and cancer. The American Lung Association
states that asthma is the leading serious chronic illness
among children, accounting for 10 million lost school days
annually. The ALA also cites that asthma can be triggered
by smoke, pet dander, pollen and other tiny particulate
matter found inside the home. The United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) states that levels of air pollution
inside the home can be 2-5 times, sometimes 100 times higher
then outdoor levels. Children spend more then 90% of their
time indoors. They are more susceptible to the effects of
indoor air pollution because their bodies are continuing
to develop. Because children breath in 50% more air per
pound than adults, they inhale and absorb a greater volume
of contaminates then adults. Researchers with ICES and The
Hospital for Sick Children (sickkids.ca) tracked Ontario
children 0-9 years old from 1995-1999. There were over 228,000
new cases of childhood asthma during this period.
“Evidence suggests that poor indoor air quality may
be a more likely trigger of childhood asthma than outdoor
pollution,” said Dr. Ian Greaves, environmental medical
specialist and consultant to the American Lung Association
Health House program. For more information and tips for
reducing exposure to pollutants and allergies, please contact
the ALA Health House program at 1-800-388-3458. As
stated, allergies are also a trigger for asthma and asthma
like conditions in children. Any irritant that produces
an inflammatory response can cause the symptoms seen with
viral diseases or asthma reactions. As early as 1995 research
in Canada has been collecting data on asthma triggers. Statistics
Canada has concluded that the number of Canadian children
suffering from asthma has increased sharply over the last
2 decades. The percentage of children aged 14 and under
has increased from 2.5% in 1979 to 11.2% in 1995. At the
time of this report in The Medical Post 2003, asthma specialist
interviewed recommended that primary prevention was about
the only option to try to stem this increase. This included
the reduction of exposure to allergens in families with
a history of asthma or allergies (medicalpost.com). The
second cause, according to Dr. Becker pointed out that RSV
infection early on may “turn on” asthma. In
addition, allergies to dust, smoke, pollen, and dander increase
histamine levels throughout the body leading to an inflammatory
reaction causing all sorts of allergic symptoms. Does your
child cough or suffer from weepy eyes? Most coughs (85%)
are as a result of the inflammatory reaction from irritants
within the upper airway, such as postnasal drip (worse when
you lie down) and not from the throat alone. Does your child
suffer from asthma like symptoms, such as reactive airway?
Does your child suffer on poor air quality days? Does your
child suffer from environmental asthma or asthma?
The Solution:
As mentioned earlier on, The American Lung Association states
that the majority of time indoors averages out to about
18 hours daily. With that in mind, we concluded that the
solution lay within these walls. We had to clean up as best
we could our indoor environment. The starting line is different
for everyone. Therefore, we have listed our recommendations
for products and services that in our opinion are the most
effective. We did not list products that are the most expensive
but that are either indorsed by bodies such as The Asthma
Society or by scientific research and consumer reviews.
Each product/service will be followed by a website address/contact
number and description as to what benefits you should expect.
We also list all pertinent boards with contact information
so as to help you find the answers to some questions you
may still have. In addition, we include a game plan strategy
that you may try out in your own homes that may benefit
all those concerned.
The Strategy:
Chances are that by now you have suspected that there might
be some problem with your indoor air quality. So you might
be wondering, where do I start? Following is a list of areas
from which you may begin for better peace of mind.
Step1:
Check any sources of indoor air pollution. These include
combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, and
wood. Cabinetry, wood products, building materials, damp
or wet carpets should also be checked. Household cleaning
products, central heating and cooling systems and humidification
devices need also be checked. You want to be sure that your
gas sources (stoves, fireplaces) are adjusted properly so
that there are no leeks of carbon monoxide. If you are unsure
contact a home service company like Sears. Building materials,
furnishings and household products release pollutants so
try to use all natural, untreated products that do not emit
VOC’s. Citra-Solve is a great line of home cleaning,
safe, and all natural products.
Step2:
Check your amount of ventilation. If too little outdoor
air enters your environment, pollutants can accumulate to
levels that can pose health risks. The rate at which outdoor
air replaces indoor air is known as the air exchange rate.
When there is little air infiltration, the air exchange
rate is low and pollutant levels can increase. If you are
unable to increase your air exchange rate because of outdoor
weather conditions or poor outdoor air quality then install
a source for air purification. We highly recommend the Sharp
Plasmacluster as does the Asthma Society. This fantastic
air purifier not only “scrubs” your air clean
but also has three filters to collect all the pathogens,
dust and odors that are in the air.
Step 3:
Has there been any flooding or unexplained source of water
within your environment? Check for areas of water damage
and wet/damp carpets. Check in closets and under kitchen
sinks for leaks or moisture. Look for condensation on windows
and walls. Does your home have a stuffy or odd odor? Check
your ventilation system for dirt and buildup. Try to keep
your indoor humidity levels between 40%-50%. If you do not
know your in home humidity percentage, pick up a comfort
monitor at Canadian Tire for approximately $10.00cad. Even
if you do not notice any musty smells from your basement
or areas of water (bathrooms), check for mold growth. Unfortunately
the most dangerous sources of mold emit no odor so if you
think you have a problem contact a home inspector, such
as 21st Century. Please do not try to remove mold from your
home without extensive knowledge on how to do so. Mold spores
will release into the air and may cause some serious health
problems as well as further contamination.
Step 4:
Note how you are feeling. Are you or any of those around
you suddenly feeling unwell? Have you recently moved into
a new home or have just completed a renovation? Have you
treated your indoor space with pesticides? If you think
you have any of the symptoms mentioned earlier on speak
to your health care provider.
Step 5:
Keep your indoor environment clean. Have you noticed a lot
of dust buildup? Not only is dust an irritant but small
pathogens also collect on dust, so try to clean as often
as possible with an all natural cleaning product like Citra-Solve
(available at Whole Foods, Loblaws) that have no VOC’c
(Volatile Organic Compound). VOC’s are found in home
cleaning products, dry cleaned clothes, paints, glues, air
fresheners and disinfectants to name a few. These are volatile
components and many are considered to be carcinogenic.
If you have central heating or cooling consider putting
a filter on your system. Cimetac is one of the best filters
available to the GTA. It is able to collect particles as
small as 0.007 microns. You will have to change the pre-filter
every few months and be careful not to let any debris back
into the air when changing the filter. If you have floor
registers and return air ducts try putting floor filters
on them to collect larger particles. These are made by
3-M Filtrete and are available at Canadian Tire for approximately
$6.00cad for 5 in a package.
Be vigilant about keeping your floors clean. There is
a fallacy that carpet is terrible for allergy sufferers
(carpet-health/org.aa.asp)`. That is not the case. Imagine
dust balls on a hard surface. Each time there is airflow
these dust balls get kicked back up into the air you breath.
Carpets work as a sort of filter that collect the dust but
in order to stay healthy you must vacuum at least every
other day. We suggest using a vacuum that has a Hepa filter
and in addition check that your canister is airtight. There
is no sense in vacuuming your floors if all the dust is
being shot back into the air through leaks in you vacuum.
Mille and Bosch offer fantastic products that include both
airtight canisters and Hepa filters (available through York
Appliance/allergyfighter.com). In addition Mille also has
a self-closing vacuum bag so that when you open the canister
the dust is unable to leak back out. If you have hard flooring
be sure to wash your floors every other day. Remove shoes
upon entering your home. Shoes track in all sorts of nasty
outside chemicals and pollutants that if not left at the
door will be tracked throughout your home.
Step 6:
Consider the installation of a True Hepa filter on your
central heating and cooling system. This may run about $900.00cad
installed but the benefits of collecting dust and debris
throughout your indoor environment over time will prove
to be a great return on your investment.
The
Products:
- The Sharp Plasmacluster Ion-
This is indeed by far the most innovative air purification
system that we have encountered. Sharp has patented the
technology of positive and negative ions that has proven
to actually kill airborne viruses and bacteria. Sharp
has teamed both passive and active air purification into
one system. Passive air cleaning is based on the idea
that as the air flows through the system whatever screening
mechanism is inside will catch and collect particulate
matter as small as .3 microns. These include, hepa filters,
electronic plates etc. These systems only work when the
air is able to pass through the system and in order to
be effective they need large circulation of airflow. Active
air cleaning means that the system actually emits something
out into the air trapping or immobilizing particulate
matter, viruses and bacteria. These models include negative
ionizers which do not render harmful pathogens safe, uv
lights, ozonators. All these systems (with the exception
of ozonators) are good but they do nothing to kill viruses
and bacteria at large enough amounts. Sharp system does
both. Sharp Plasmacluster emits both positive (+) and
negative (–) ions, which seek out and destroy viruses,
bacteria, mold spores, germs, fungi and odor causing substances.
The airborne contaminate particle is robbed of Hydrogen
by the clusters of negative and positive ions, therefore
rendering it useless. The three filters (Pre-filter, Charcoal
Carbon filter, and True Hepa with microbial control filter)
then clean the air and collect the “debris”
left behind. The Plasmacluster comes in three different
sizes depending on square footage and the filter life
is 5 years. This is the only air purifier endorsed by
The Asthma Society and Energy Star. For more information,
please go to Sharp.ca and look under products, testimonials
and press releases (the only air purifier proven to kill
H5N1 Bird Flu Virus and at least 15 other pathogens).
This product is available through No Doubt Environmental.
- 3-M Filtrate 1500 cooling and heating
central filters-
This filter goes right into your heating/cooling system.
The 1500 series was developed for those who are concerned
about more then just dust. It is able to filter out particles
as small as 0.03 microns but you will need to change it
every three months. You may find this product at Canadian
Tire and it is approximately $25.00cad.
- Cimatec AirClean 1500 with adapter-
This electronic filter is a sleek new air purifier that
fits into your forced air furnace. It captures large particles
like dust, dander, and pollen. It also captures smaller
more dangerous particles like viruses and bacteria and
removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your
indoor environment. This filter has been proven to collect
pathogens as small as 0.007 microns and is 45 times more
effective than electrostatic filters and throwaway filters.
Cimetac offers a 5-year warranty on this product and annually
it uses approximately only 2 watts of power. The pre-filter
must be changed every few months but the cost for a year’s
supply is about $40.00cad. For more information, please
go to toxbox.ca or (866) 9 TOXBOX.
This product is available through No Doubt Environmental.
- Citra-Solv cleaning products-
Citra-solve offers a wide range of cleaning products for
your home including glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner,
dishwashing soap, laundry detergent and air fresheners.
This citrus-based line cleans just about anything and
leaves behind a pleasant citrus scent. It is not tested
on animals, and is free from dyes and artificial colours
and has no VOC’s. These products are available at
Whole Foods, Loblaws, The Health Shoppe and other health
food stores. For more information, please go to citra-solv.com,
or you may reach them at (203) 778-0881.
- AmairCare Central Hepa systems
for heating and cooling system-
Information still pending*
- Bosch and Mielle Hepa vacuum cleaners-
Information still pending*
- 21st Century home and mold services
(moldinspections.ca)-
We have joined forces with 21st century home and mold
inspectors/mold inspections.ca. because of their proven
track record, reliable service and first line expertise
on indoor home/office inspection. They will come into
your home/office and offer professional mold inspections,
mold removal and home inspections for the Greater Toronto
Area. Moldinspections.ca also offers the services for
mold inspections during real estate transactions including
visible molds, suspected growth houses and homes with
known and suspected leaks/flooding. 21st Century home
is a company that provides top-notch service and expertise
and all their home inspectors are certified through the
American Home Inspection and Training Institute. All services
are provided 7 days a week and you can usually book for
an inspection within 24 to 48 hours. For more information
please go to moldinspections.ca or you may contact them
at (416) 575-6111/(866) 310-4219.
- Royal Le Page Real Estate Services
Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division
477 Mt. Pleasant Road
Toronto, Ontario M4S 2L9
(416) 489-2121
Contact: Leeanne Weld Kostopoulos
www.Johnstonanddaniel.com
We have included Johnston and Daniel Real Estate Services
because we believe that every purchaser/seller should
be able to access the services for indoor air quality
at either the time of sale or purchase. Leeanne Weld Kostopoulos
is one of top agents at Johnston and Daniel, with understanding
the importance in providing her clients the best service
possible. This may include all the information from us,
No Doubt Environmental, and the information on how her
clients can receive an indoor air quality inspection,
along with a structural home inspection. For more information
on the importance of an air quality inspection, please
go to moldinspections.ca, or contact 21st Century at (416)
515-6111/(866) 310-4219
- Chestnut Park Real Estate:
1300 Yonge Street, Suite 100
Toronto, Ontario M4T 1X3
(416) 925-9191
Contact: Jimmy Molloy
JimmyMolloy@Rogers.com
We have included Chestnut Park Real Estate because we
believe that every purchaser/seller should be able to
access the services for indoor air quality at either the
time of sale or purchase. Jimmy Molloy is one of the top
agents at Chestnut Park, with understanding the importance
in providing to his clients the best service possible.
This may include all the information from us, No Doubt
Environmental, and the information on how his clients
can receive an indoor air quality inspection, along with
a structural home inspection. For more information on
the importance of an air quality inspection, please go
to moldinspections.ca, or contact 21st Century at (416)
515-6111/(866) 310-4219.
- No Doubt Environmental
118 Balmoral Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1J4
(416) 277-7173
nodoubtenv@rogers.com
We offer our services of consultation either by phone
or on-site location. If you would like to speak with us
directly, please feel free to contact us at (416) 277-7173
to either set an appointment time or for our advice/recommendations.
We would be very happy to forward any and all information
that we have consolidated in hope to serve you better.
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