Camfil explores the impact of IAQ on health, productivity, and sustainability with tailored filtration systems during Clean Air Week.
Camfil USA Examines the Complex Science Behind Healthy Indoor Environments
Riverdale, NJ, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Air Quality Week continues, Camfil USA is highlighting the multifaceted nature of indoor air quality (IAQ), a field that extends far beyond simple comfort to encompass human health, cognitive function, and environmental sustainability. With Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, understanding the composition and management of indoor air is critical for public safety and well-being.
“Indoor air quality exists at the intersection of building science, respiratory health, and environmental chemistry,” explains Mark Davidson, Manager of Marketing and Technical Materials at Camfil USA. “What makes this field particularly challenging is that many of the most hazardous pollutants remain completely invisible to occupants, creating environments that feel comfortable but may contain concerning levels of particulate matter and gaseous contaminants.”
The Invisible Landscape of Indoor Air
Indoor air pollutants generally fall into several distinct categories, each presenting unique filtration challenges:
- Particulate matter ranging from visible dust (PM10) to fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles (PM1) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system
- Biological contaminants including mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and allergens that affect respiratory health
- Volatile organic compounds emitted from building materials, furnishings, and consumer products
- Inorganic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone
- Semi-volatile compounds including pesticides, flame retardants, and plasticizers
Modern commercial buildings face particular challenges as energy efficiency measures have led to tighter building envelopes that can trap pollutants indoors. Without adequate ventilation and filtration, these spaces can develop what scientists call “sick building syndrome,” where occupants experience symptoms directly attributable to time spent in the building.
The Measurable Impact of Air Quality on Human Performance
Recent research has transformed understanding of IAQ’s impact beyond traditional health concerns, revealing connections to cognitive function, decision-making ability, and productivity. Studies conducted at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that participants in environments with better air quality demonstrated significantly improved cognitive function scores compared to those in standard office conditions.
“The cognitive effects of poor indoor air represent an emerging frontier in productivity research,” notes Davidson. “We’re seeing mounting evidence that even modest improvements in air quality may yield measurable benefits in workplace performance, student achievement, and overall well-being.”
These findings align with the concept of “healthy buildings” that prioritize human health alongside energy efficiency and sustainability—a framework increasingly embraced by leading corporations, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
The Evolution of Air Quality Management
While traditional approaches to IAQ focused primarily on temperature and humidity control, contemporary solutions have expanded to address a wider spectrum of contaminants:
- Multi-stage filtration systems that combine mechanical filtration for particles with molecular filtration for gaseous pollutants
- Continuous monitoring technologies that provide real-time data on air quality parameters, allowing for responsive management of ventilation systems
- Source control strategies that identify and minimize pollutant sources before they become airborne
- Balanced ventilation approaches that maintain adequate fresh air while optimizing energy usage
“The most effective IAQ management programs integrate filtration, ventilation, and source control into a comprehensive strategy,” explains Davidson. “This approach recognizes that no single technology can address all potential contaminants.”
The Economic Dimension of Indoor Air Quality
Beyond health benefits, organizations implementing robust IAQ programs frequently report substantial economic returns through several mechanisms:
- Reduced absenteeism due to fewer respiratory illnesses
- Lower healthcare utilization costs
- Improved workforce productivity
- Extended equipment lifespan through better filtration
- Enhanced building value and rental premiums
- Reduced energy consumption through optimized filtration strategies
Studies indicate that high-performance air filtration systems can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for building managers when evaluating the complete lifecycle from initial investment through energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and filter replacement.
Educational Resources Available
As part of Air Quality Week (May 5-9, 2025), Camfil USA is publishing comprehensive educational materials addressing indoor air quality fundamentals, focusing on:
- The impact of wildfires on IAQ
- Managing asthma symptoms with better air filtration
- The role of IAQ in agriculture
- A step-by-step framework for finding and implementing the best air filters
These resources aim to provide building managers, engineers, and health professionals with science-based information to make informed decisions about indoor environments.
Looking Ahead to Tomorrow: Air, Animals and Plants
Tomorrow’s Air Quality Week resource explores the theme of “Air, Animals and Plants,” examining how air quality impacts extend beyond human health to affect entire ecosystems. Join us as we discuss the unique respiratory vulnerabilities of animals, the effects of air quality on agricultural productivity, and the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health within the “One Health” framework. Discover how the same air quality principles that protect humans can benefit all living systems.
About Camfil USA
Camfil USA Air Filters
For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, Camfil provides commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment.
The company firmly believes that the best solutions for customers are also the best solutions for the planet. Camfil’s approach considers the impact of its operations and products at every step from design to delivery. Through innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus, Camfil aims to conserve more, use less, and find better ways to help everyone breathe easier.
To learn more about indoor air quality principles or to access Camfil’s free educational resources, visit www.camfil.us or call 888-599-6620.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lynne Laake
Camfil USA Air Filters
T: 888.599.6620
E: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com
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