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mskor
Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Birmingham, AL
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Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 4:11 pm Post subject: Is ground ozone a problem for naturally ventilated apt? |
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In the hot summer months I rarely use an air-conditioner, preferring to open windows and circulate air with fans. But I live in Birmingham, AL, which has a problem with ground-level ozone, or smog, at this time of year. I'm at the mild end of asthma too, and wonder if I'm exposing myself to harmful pollutants.
I've really scoured EPA websites and other online sources about Indoor Air Quality, but they seem to focus exclusively on indoor contaminants, such as dust mites and chemicals used in the home. They don't comment on the affect, if any, of outdoor air pollution passing inside.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? |
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mskor
Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Birmingham, AL
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 3:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Stupid question? Or does nobody feel qualified to comment? |
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scottjordan
Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 1
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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 6:39 pm Post subject: Filters don't filter out gases |
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Your HVAC filter does nothing for gases like ozone. It impedes the ingress of particulate matter only. So, your pollen and inhalant allergies will appreciate closed windows and filtered a/c, but ozone will still be present unless your apartment is well-sealed against outside air. Same goes for filters in high-end cars' air conditioners.
Ozone concentrations tend to peak during the day, so opening your windows for fresh air at night and sealing everything up in the morning is a strategy for reducing the ozone your're subjected-to inside.
People also tend to be less physically active indoors vs. outdoors, which reduces the impact of ozone on their well-being. |
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