Asthma affects around 25 million individuals in the United States. Though symptoms are manageable, changes in the weather and your daily activities might introduce new triggers, resulting in asthma flare-ups. For example, when the temperature drops during the winter, we spend more time indoors. Understanding how this may influence your asthma is essential to improved management. What is Asthma? Asthma is a long-term, chronic lung illness. It affects your airways, which are the tubes that move air into and out of your lungs. Asthma can cause airways to become irritated and constricted. As a result, it may cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness. When these symptoms worsen, the flare-up is known as an asthma attack. Although asthma is a mild annoyance for some people, it can be severe for others, causing disruptions to everyday activities and may result in a life-threatening asthma attack. There is no cure for asthma;

Air cleaners and HVAC filters, when properly used, can help minimize airborne pollutants such as viruses. Proper filtration must be part of your plan to limit the risk for airborne transmission of viruses, such as COVID-19, illnesses like sick building syndrome, and improving poor indoor air quality. The primary purpose of HVAC filters and air cleaners is to filter pollutants or toxins from the air that travels through them. As a result, air cleaning and ventilation can help minimize airborne pollutants, such as virus-containing particles. In addition, air cleaners can be beneficial when further ventilation with external air is not available without jeopardizing comfort or significant outdoor air pollution. Cleaning the Air Eliminating particles from the air is known as air purification or air cleaning. Particulates include allergies, automobile exhaust, and combustion gasses. Air purification cleans and recirculates the existing air without introducing fresh air into the residence. Unfortunately, it

You may have seasonal allergies if you sneeze and cough at specific times of the year. However, allergies are not something you should have to deal with regularly. Seasonal allergies, often known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, impact millions. The symptoms of hay fever may be as simple as sneezing during specific times of the year. On the other hand, seasonal allergies can produce a runny nose, congestion headaches, watery eyes, and other symptoms for months for some people. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms of seasonal allergies, triggers, and peak allergy seasons.     What symptoms indicate seasonal allergies? Seasonal allergy symptoms and indications include: Watery, red and itchy eyes Under-eye circles Itchy throat, mouth, and nose A stuffy or runny nose Sinus drainage Inability to smell Headaches Sneezing A dry cough Exhaustion  Sore or scratchy throat     What Factors Contribute to Seasonal Allergies? An

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a disorder that is supposed to be caused by being in a building or other confined environment. The cause of this disorder is thought to be poor indoor air quality. However, the actual reason remains uncertain; according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30% of new and remodeled buildings have poor indoor air quality. Identifying SBS is often challenging due to the vast range of symptoms that simulate other ailments, such as the common cold. However, the main feature of SBS is that your symptoms improve once you exit the building in question and return when you reenter the building. Therefore, if you observe recurring symptoms that emerge when you enter a specific building, you may consider looking into sick building syndrome as a possible explanation.  What Causes Sick Building Syndrome? There is no exact explanation for the cause of sick building syndrome.

Spending more time indoors, whether you’re working in an office, warehouse, or any other business setting, the quality of the air can have a significant impact. Most people don’t think much past how a room smells or if the environment is comfortable when it comes to air quality. However, the air you are breathing can have a significant impact on your overall health and the health of all building occupants. In this article, we will go over tips to help improve indoor air quality for your business. Why Is Air Quality for Your Business Important? Indoor air quality is essential for everyone.  Including companies, building managers, renters, and workers since it can affect building occupants’ health, productivity, and comfort. In the United States, the majority of people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.  However, according to studies undertaken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor settings can

Did you know that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is in the top five environmental threats to our nation’s health? Because children are among the most sensitive to poor air quality, there must be adequate air filtration for schools. Using the proper air filters and frequently changing them makes it possible to trap many airborne pollutants. Many K-12 schools, and colleges have diversified campuses that include student classrooms, kitchens, cafeterias, labs, photography darkrooms, auditoriums, locker rooms, and gymnasiums with different requirements for their HVAC systems.  Improvements in Air Filtration for Schools Filti provides high-quality commercial air filters to meet the demands of filtration for schools, commercial buildings, residential homes and more.  Our filters help to ensure healthy indoor air quality for students, staff, and families.  Improvements in air filtration for schools can: Improve student and faculty performance Boost productivity for students and staff Reduce the likelihood for long-term health problems

Energy efficiency and carbon footprint are topics that continue to come up as the issues of our carbon footprint on the world increases. This article will first discuss energy efficiency and what it means for our homes and office buildings.    What is Energy Efficiency? Energy efficiency is a term used to describe the process of using less energy to complete the same task. Pretty much every region of the global market can benefit from improving our energy utilization, such as transportation, industry, technology, and even the process of energy generation. Below we will mainly be discussing energy efficiency relating to buildings, and more specifically, how your HVAC system plays a role in all of this.  How is Energy Measured? Energy is typically measured in joules or watt-hours. One watt-hour is equivalent to 3600 joules. Energy efficiency is calculated by taking the amount of energy used and dividing it by

There are several things to consider when choosing the right commercial air filter for your business. In general, choosing an air filter may be simplified by first identifying the overall goal you are attempting to achieve, which is generally one of two possibilities. For example, is the filter’s purpose of preserving the air circulation equipment or offering a better environment for the building’s occupants? This article will discuss commercial air filtration and COVID-19, the different types of commercial filters, the goal for your filters, ASHRAE recommendations for commercial building filtration, and the advantages of MERV 13 rated filters for commercial buildings.   Commercial Air Filtration and COVID-19 The economy has gone through numerous cycles of business closures, re-openings, and COVID-19 mandates due to changing infection rates, depending on where you live and work. The situation is considerably more complicated for businesses and commercial property managers, who must balance the requirements of

It has been almost two years since the first report of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, yet the novel Coronavirus continues to dominate our daily lives. Rising cases, lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing are topics we are all too familiar with. At this point, you’ve heard it all before and know the drill. Wear your mask, get vaccinated if you can, keep your distance when applicable, rinse and repeat. So if we have all been doing our part, why are cases still going up on a daily basis? Was there not a downward trajectory of cases just a couple of months ago? What changed? Enter the Delta variant. What are Virus Variants? Before we discuss what makes the Delta variant different and what safety precautions we can take against it, I would like to spend a moment talking about variants in general.  Mutations cause variants in viruses. When a virus

Maintaining indoor air quality in a commercial or workplace setting is critical,  not just for comfort but also for the health and safety of customers and employees. Your HVAC system’s air filters are your first line of defense against unhealthy airborne particles that can cause discomfort, trigger respiratory disorders, and transmit illness. Therefore, understanding the differences in MERV filter ratings is critical when selecting the right commercial filter for your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump.  In this article, we will be discussing what air filter ratings are, the differences in filter ratings, and comparing MERV 8 to MERV 13. What Are Air Filter Ratings? There are three air filter rating systems.  Each system has different ranges and was developed by various organizations. MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20 MPR values are based on diameters ranging from 0.3 to 1 micron FPR ratings have a scale of 4 to

Do you remember the last time you thought about the furnace filter in your home? If it’s been a while, it’s probably time to consider replacing your air filter. After all, regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of your furnace.  And even more important is the health and safety of your family. Your furnace and air conditioner must work twice as hard to circulate air through your home when the air filter is full of dust, filth, and grime. Changing your furnace filter is a quick and easy method to keep your indoor air clean and save money on heating system maintenance.  This article will discuss the importance of your furnace filter, how to change a furnace filter, and how often to change a furnace filter.  So, let’s get started! The Importance of Furnace Filters The furnace filter is one of the most crucial components of any HVAC system,

As we venture into the scorching hot summer months once again, most people will be seeking shelter from the heat, especially after long days of fun in the sun. However, once inside, most people will be trading the fresh, clean, outside air for contaminated, potentially harmful indoor air. The EPA has stated that between sleeping at home, putting in a full shift at work, going to the gym, and everything else going on in our lives, we spend about 90 percent of our time inside.  The question everyone should be asking themselves is whether or not their home air filter is right for them.  Whether you choose washable air filters or disposable filters, the fact is it must be a high-quality filter. https://youtu.be/K8-NOR0r1pY According to mana.md, inside air pollution levels, are 2-5 times higher than the air outside. In some cases, these levels can reach up to 100 times more!

As the world begins to fully reopen and get back to some semblance of “normal,” many states continue to require the use of masks.  Although there are several vaccines now available, not everyone is vaccinated or has the desire to be vaccinated, which means the risk of infection is still a concern for many.  And, while individuals want to get back to normal life and being around friends and family, the requirement to continue to wear masks for coronavirus protection still exists. The question many people are asking is how does a mask help prevent coronavirus?  Are there special coronavirus masks that are better than others to help prevent the spread of the virus?  Is there any science behind the mandates to even wear a mask? We will address these questions and many others down below. What is the Coronavirus, and How Does it Impact One’s Health? The first known

Since the start of the pandemic, millions of masks and other personal protective products have been worn and discarded. Many of these products end up in public parks, rivers, and even our own backyards when they are not disposed of properly. Typically, the best practice is to throw away one’s masks and such with the rest of their trash.  PPE recycling has not been widely accepted by recycling plants as these products have potentially come in contact with the Coronavirus. PPE Pollution and Litter Over the past year, the fight against plastic waste has become more frustrating to deal with due to face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution and litter associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to sciencemag.org, “…the pandemic could result in a monthly global consumption and waste of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves.” Therefore, it is crucial to dispose of these medical devices

As the number of COVID virus cases drops, more and more local and state governments are lifting restrictions on their citizens. This is very good news for everyone who is more than ready to get back to living life in a pandemic free world. However, with the lifting of these restrictions comes more challenges that we all must face if we are to beat this thing once and for all. Even though the number of cases and deaths is slowly dropping, new variants and mutations of the covid virus are popping up every day. Read more to learn about the new types of COVID viruses and what you can do to help prevent them from spreading. How Does the Coronavirus Change or Mutate? Once a virus infects a healthy cell in your body, it takes over the host and uses it to manufacture copies of itself. These copies then spread

Over the past few months, we here at Filti have received many questions concerning mask and respirator certifications. It seems like there is a lot of confusion about what each regulatory agency is responsible for and what these certifications actually mean. It is for this reason that we have put together this informative article so that the average person can have a better understanding of what the processes entail as well as a general time frame for how long it takes to obtain certain certifications. The following is a general overview that will focus on three different agencies: NIOSH, FDA, and ASTM. This document is by no means meant to be a step-by-step guide for each process and instead seeks to provide a general overview and insight into the world of standard PPE device certifications. NIOSH Certifications The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a branch of

Nanofiber is a relatively new and exciting technology that is disrupting industries all around the world! https://youtu.be/4vUn6Pa58V4 These tiny strands of material are created using various techniques and methods that have been developed over the course of hundreds of years. Around the year 1600, a man named William Gilbert observed how fluid behaved when influenced by an electric field produced by rubbing a piece of amber. When the amber was brought close to the fluid, it created a shape now known as a Taylor cone (see Figure1). After this initial discovery, there were many scientists and academics who saw the potential of future applications. In 1887, British physicist Charles Vernon Boys published a manuscript on the development of nanofiber and how it could be produced in the future. Boys’ findings, along with many others, likely aided American inventor John Francis Cooley in filing the first modern electrospinning patent in 1900.  

  There are lots of different masks on the market these days due to the increasing global demand created by the pandemic. Whether it is a cloth mask, a surgical style mask, or a full-on respirator, it is tough to know exactly what you are getting with each. One style might be more cost effective while another may have much higher filtration efficiencies. It is important to find the right mask that suites your everyday needs but also keeps you safe from harmful particles such as smoke, viruses, and bacteria. The following article seeks to provide information about the most common types of masks and the differences between them. It also highlights the release of the new Filti NF95 respirator.   Basic Protection When it comes to protecting yourself and others from the virus, something is better than nothing. If you do not have easy access to high quality facemasks,

              Due to the slow and steady encroachment of the coldest months of the year, many homeowners are concerned about prepping their home furnace systems. Not only are they worried about heating requirements, but they are also mindful of the indoor air quality of their families’ living spaces. This year’s flu season is shaping up to be the perfect storm with a little help from an already devastating Coronavirus.  Therefore, it is important to stay informed about the different types of air pollutants and harmful particles such as viruses and bacteria that can wreak havoc upon homes, apartments, and offices. It is also important to buy and install higher quality furnace filters in order to protect from these microscopic invaders.    Invisible Threats to Indoor Air Quality             While many believe that they can protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 molecules and other harmful, airborne particles by

It goes without saying that 2020 has been one wild year. On top of the current global pandemic, wildfires have been raging throughout the western half of the United States with above-average frequency and intensity. If the need for safer breathing was not dire enough already, it sure is now. This short article will briefly discuss the wildfire as well as how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from breathing in harmful particles such as smoke and debris using proper face mask protection and home filtration methods.   Since the start of the season in August, wildfires have been spreading across the U.S. with higher concentrations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Many have been instructed to evacuate and leave their homes and livelihoods behind. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), more than 8,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in California alone, with

    In our day to day lives, most of us take things for granted in our homes such as the heating and cooling systems.  We purchase or rent a home or apartment and assume that our HVAC system is doing its job of heating and cooling.  However, there is more at play than just temperature control.  Our heating and cooling system also play a crucial role in the quality of the air we breathe inside of our homes.  This is where the use of quality  filters, and HEPA filters, based on the MERV rating, come into play.     How Does an HVAC System Work? Your HVAC system forces hot or cold air through the ducts in your home using a blower.  The hot air is forced through one set of ducts in your home and the cold air is forced through another set.  The process of pushing and recirculating

  Now more than ever, having an efficient central air conditioning and heating system is vitally important to homeowners. HVAC Systems help to maintain good indoor air quality.  They remove impurities like dust, allergens, and pollutants to help prevent them from flowing through the air system.  Considering that statistics show the majority of the population spends 90% of their life indoors, no one can afford to compromise on the quality of the air in their homes. The COVID-19 era has perhaps brought to everyone’s attention how important clean air is.  It has amplified the importance of clean air and the ability to filter out bad airborne particles.  This brings to light the need for quality filters, such as N95 home air filters or their equivalents, to keep away viruses and other impurities.    Despite being effective in maintaining good indoor air quality, HVAC systems come with a set of conditions,

In the midst of this global pandemic, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with everything going on in the world. New regulations and ordinances are passed and repealed every day. The following is a short list of common questions and information that seeks to better educate people on wearing a mask and about mandatory mask compliance.  As well as how Filti is helping in the fight against COVID-19.    “Do I really need to be wearing a mask?” Yes, wearing a mask not only helps reduce the risk of contracting a virus yourself, but it also will help reduce the transmission of the virus for those who are knowingly and unknowingly carrying the virus. Slowing the transmission of the virus with the use of masks is also beneficial for reducing the amount of congestion in hospitals allowing them to give proper care to each patient who may be

    When the world was flung into chaos by the global pandemic known as the Corona virus or COVID-19, medical suppliers and mask manufacturers greatly increased production of sanitation equipment and surgical masks to minimize the spread of the virus. Masks have become a vital part of our wardrobes when we leave our houses each day. Something that is arguably more important is the proper information and knowledge about the equipment being used and worn out in public. This article will provide a brief explanation of a few common terms used by the medical industry as well as some information about harmful airborne particles such as viruses and bacteria and mask ratings.   Mask Ratings If you turn on the news or read articles online, you will hear a lot about N95 respirators and other such masks. But what does N95 mean? What are the specifications? Does it actually

  Not All Masks Are Equal. Some, such as N95 face mask material, are effective in filtering out airborne microorganisms like viruses and bacteria, while others are insufficient. As everyone around the globe attempts to cope with the new normal, the concept and effectiveness of face masks in protecting against the contagious COVID-19 is a cause for concern. That said, which mask is the best?    Health experts have cautioned for, and at times against, wearing protective face masks to prevent the spread of the disease. The implications of wearing face masks, however, extend further than just containing the deadly Corona Virus. That said, the question is which types of masks and mask materials are the best?  Before exploring the different types of masks and what they are appropriate for, here are the top 5 reasons why everyone should wear a face mask amidst COVID-19.   Top 5 Reasons to

There has been much debate as to whether wearing a face mask provides real protection against Coronavirus.  As well as who should wear a one, and what type provides the best protection. At the beginning of the outbreak, the medical community was firmly against the general population wearing medical-grade facial protection.   However, this view has changed with government and other regulatory authorities citing that it is mandatory in all medical settings.  This includes all medical personnel, caregivers, and essential workers.  Currently, the recommendation is that most everyone wears this type of protection when in public.  But, many people are asking, does a face mask protect you from Coronavirus? Here is what the experts say:   Protection Against Coronavirus A medical face mask is intended to filter particulate matter and microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other tiny molecules called pathogens.  These pathogens cause illness and disease. How effective

For those who have suffered from allergies before, they know just how miserable it feels.  Many allergens can trigger an allergy attack and identifying the source can be frustrating.  Some of the common allergens can be found hanging out in your home.  Reducing exposure to them can help clear up those allergies in no time. Below we will discuss the top 5 allergens that are found in homes.  Dust Mite Allergens  While the name alone sounds gross, these tiny mites thrive in the areas that people spend the most time. Dust mites depend on humans and our pets as their food source.  Simply put, dust mites feed off the dead skin cells that our bodies produce.  Dust mites commonly live on upholstered furniture and bedding. When they either die or excrete waste, humans become allergic. For those who have had allergies or symptoms after sleeping, or after binge-watching your favorite

Although you may clean your home on a regular basis, bacteria can be anywhere. If it builds up, you could end up with many problems. Depending upon the type of bacteria, and where it is located, this could lead to people becoming sick. You may have the best air filtration system, yet if it is not able to filter bacteria, they may simply be spread around. That’s why it is important to use high quality filters with the HVAC system that you have in your household. Here are the top places that common bacteria could be in your home, and ways for you to eliminate them.   Common Places That Bacteria Can Exist in Your Home When most people think of places in their home where bacteria could be, they often think of the bathroom. They may perceive that their toilet is the most likely candidate for where they exist.

Air pollutants can be detrimental to your health and the environment.  And it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people breathe in some form of air pollution daily.  With 90% of people breathing in low levels of pollution every day, it is no wonder that an estimated 7 million people die each year around the world.  In this article, we will discuss the most common air pollutants and the impact that they have on your health. Common Air Pollutants and How They Can Impact Your Health There are common air pollutants that lurk around your daily life.  These pollutants are primarily invisible, but they can impact you even if you are otherwise healthy.  Below is a list of the most common air pollutants and the impacts that they can have.   1.  Particulate Matter Pollutants Particulate Matter (PM) is a term that identifies small liquid and solid particles that

Does the site of dust bunnies in your home or office cause panic?  If you have allergies or any type of lung disorder that is quite understandable.  After all, dust and debris are common triggers for sneezing, coughing, and many other symptoms. Keeping your home or office as clean and dust-free as possible is a great place to start, however, cleaning the floors and dusting simply is not enough.  Especially when you consider the hidden risks that are lurking in your air ducts. Your ducts require some additional cleaning outside of the normal day to day cleaning to help prevent harmful allergen buildup. When allergens buildup in the air ducts of your home or office your health and anyone that frequents the area may be impacted. Mold can also build up in the ducts and cause more serious health problems as well.   With that said, the question that is

  What a marvelous age to be alive! Modern human habitats have evolved to provide comfortable temperatures in a wide variety of environments. Whether the summer sun is blasting a hot storm or the winter chill is dropping below zero, your HVAC unit can keep you cool and cozy year-round with proper HVAC maintenance.   Unfortunately, because most of its work goes unseen, the HVAC unit gets little appreciation and attention until the worst happens. Once the HVAC unit goes on the blitz, residential and commercial property owners will scramble to get their HVAC back online to avoid the harsh elements brewing outdoors.  But, why not apply the same desperation to preserving the life of your HVAC and effectively avoiding these mishaps.  Those looking to enjoy a balmy 68° -75°F all year round should consider bringing in the professionals regularly to keep their HVAC systems on point. The benefits of

  One of the best inventions in recent years is the development of nanofiber technology. It is starting to be utilized in the filters that are integrated into the HVAC systems that we use today. Nanofiber is capable of removing contaminants from the air that would otherwise cause problems with your system or even cause health issues. We at Filti provide top-of-the-line HVAC filtration using our patent-pending nanofiber technology. Our nanofiber technology is proven to provide cleaner air for everyone in the household. Here are some of the many benefits associated with using high-quality nanofiber technology air filters from Filti.   What Is Nanofiber? This material is made of small fibers that are in the nanometer size range. They are developed from polymers, possessing similar properties to natural fibers. Some of the polymers that are used in nanofiber technology include keratin, gelatin, collagen, and also cellulose. There are even those

  If you are thinking about clean air and keeping the family safe, it’s important to focus on all of your options. There are many people that don’t think about the quality of air in their homes and the effect it can have on your body.  Fortunately, when it comes to cleaning the air, there are a few steps everyone can implement from the word go. Recommended Tips for Clean Air In Your Home or Office  1) Set Up Indoor Plants for Clean Air  A good starting point is to think about adding plants to your home as soon as you get the opportunity to do so. The idea is to have oxygen enter into the home and cleanse the air around you. This is a solution that is used in all parts of the world because it’s proven to work and is an easy adjustment to make. With a

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (HVAC) provides your home with cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.  However, without a proper HVAC filter, your system will not operate in an efficient manner nor will it provide the benefits of cleaner air.  The different types of HVAC filters are designed to protect the mechanisms in your HVAC system from particles such as dirt and dust.  Equally important, the type of HVAC filter you use can play a big role in the air quality of your home.        By changing or cleaning your filters regularly, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and improve the quality of air in your home.  While most filters only trap dust, lint, pollen, mold spores, and particles similar in size between 2.0 and 10.0 microns there are some filters that exceed the 2.0 particle size.  These filters have the ability to