Helena Joyce
Biological pollutants, or contaminants, are any substances found in the environment that originate from living organisms. These include bacteria, mould, pollen, animal dander, viruses, and dust mites, among others. Biological pollutants can cause a range of health issues, from allergic reactions to infectious illnesses, and even trigger asthma attacks. Controlling biological pollutants is crucial, especially in maintaining indoor air quality and preventing the spread of diseases. This can be achieved through various methods, such as maintaining relative humidity, proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and the use of air purifiers or specific inhibitors. In industrial settings, physical, chemical, and biocide methods are employed to control biological pollution in water treatment processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Biological pollutants | Bacteria, moulds, mildew, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, house dust, mites, cockroaches, pollen, fungi, animal excreta, dust mites, insects, and pathogens |
| Control methods | Physical method (UV, ultrasonic, magnetic treatment), chemical cleaning, adding bactericide/biocide, using air purifiers, vacuuming, cleaning, ventilation, avoiding standing water, bleach solution, integrated pest management, exhaust fans, cooling tower treatment procedures, removing carpets, and washing sheets |
| Health effects | Allergic reactions, asthma, infectious illnesses (influenza, measles, chicken pox), sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, digestive problems, humidifier fever |
| Industrial impact | Impedes industrial processes, particularly in water treatment and mass cultivation of microalgae |
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What You'll Learn
Control humidity to prevent mould and bacteria
Controlling humidity is an effective way to prevent mould and bacterial growth. Mould and mildew thrive in damp settings, making homes with high moisture levels an ideal environment for them. Mould spores can travel through the air, spreading and growing throughout a space. They can also be breathed in, causing sickness.
To prevent mould and bacterial growth, it is important to maintain a good indoor relative humidity level. The ideal indoor humidity range falls between 30% and 60%. If humidity levels in your home are over 60%, the air can create enough moisture to enable mould growth. To monitor humidity levels, you can use a hygrometer, or humidity meter, which can be purchased for under $50.
There are two opposite options for humidity control: humidifiers and dehumidifiers. The best option depends on location, local climate, living habits, and the HVAC system. For homes suffering from mould growth or increased moisture, a dehumidification system is likely the best option. Dehumidifiers help prevent mould and mildew growth and reduce the number of bacteria and virus particles. They work by collecting air, removing excess moisture, and circulating dried air back through the home.
To control moisture and prevent mould growth, it is important to repair any leaks or water damage, remove standing water, ensure ducts are properly sealed and insulated, and promptly dry any carpets, drapes, furniture, and other furnishings after cleaning.
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Use air purifiers to reduce allergens
Air purifiers can be an effective way to reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality. Allergies can be uncomfortable, and for people with allergies, air purifiers can provide some relief by reducing exposure to allergens.
Air purifiers work by drawing in polluted air through a fan and then filtering and trapping small particles, including allergens, before expelling cleaner air. Some air purifiers can remove particles as small as 0.1 to 1 micron, which includes viruses. However, it's important to note that no air purifier can eliminate all pollutants, and even the best purifiers may not be effective against larger, heavier allergens such as dust mites and pollen, which can settle to the ground too quickly to be captured.
For the best results, look for a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters can remove very small particles, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, which are common allergens. The CADR (clean air delivery rate) of the filter should match the size of the room where you plan to use it. If you have central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), you can install a HEPA filter to create a "whole house" filtration system.
In addition to HEPA filters, there are other options to consider. Disposable filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 11 to 13 are a cost-efficient choice, as they can catch particles such as pollen, pet allergens, and mold without impeding airflow. Air ionizers are another type of air purifier that has been touted for its ability to clean the air.
While air purifiers can be beneficial, it's important to take other steps to create cleaner air in your home as well. For example, maintaining relative humidity between 30% and 60% can help control mold, dust mites, and cockroaches, which are common sources of allergens. Additionally, employing integrated pest management can help control insect and animal allergens.
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Clean regularly to remove dust mites
Dust mites are a common trigger of allergies and asthma. They are found in every home, particularly in beds, pillows, sofas, and carpets. Dust mites feed on human skin cells and thrive in warm and humid environments. To control dust mites, it is important to maintain a clean environment and reduce humidity.
One way to reduce dust mites is to remove items that are difficult to clean, such as heavy drapes or wall-to-wall carpeting. Instead, opt for machine-washable curtains or blinds that can be easily dusted or washed. Washable area rugs can be added for comfort. It is also recommended to vacuum regularly, ideally daily, to minimize dust and dust mites. If you have carpets, consider steam cleaning them at least seasonally to kill dust mites.
For upholstered furniture, it is recommended to vacuum upholstery at least weekly and use a steam cleaner to kill dust mites. Choosing hard-surface furniture can also help reduce dust mites. Mattresses should be steam cleaned at least twice a year to kill dust mites, and bedding should be washed regularly in hot water to remove dust mites and allergens.
To reduce dust and dust mites in the air, it is important to use a high-quality air filter in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC). Air purifiers can also be used to trap and reduce dust, and it is important to regularly clean and replace the air filters. Keeping the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 60% will also help control dust mites.
By following these cleaning and humidity control measures, you can effectively reduce dust mites and improve indoor air quality.
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Use non-oxidising biocides for water treatment
Biocides are chemical compounds used in water treatment to eliminate or reduce bacterial load. They are potentially dangerous compounds, so there are stringent laws regulating their dosage and maximum concentration in wastewater. Biocides can be oxidising or non-oxidising.
Non-oxidising biocides don't add or remove oxygen from a microorganism's cell structure. Instead, they attack the cell wall, preventing it from reproducing and weakening it until the microorganism dies. Non-oxidising biocides are ideal for cooling tower water treatments, as they also prevent scaling and corrosion in the tower, which could contaminate the water.
The most widely used non-oxidising biocide is 2-2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), which has a good bactericidal action even where organic content is high. DBNPA is effective against biofilm and has a contact time of about one hour. It is often applied in combination with chlorine in once-through cooling systems.
To effectively use non-oxidising biocides, accurate dosing is critical. If they are not added correctly, they will not work effectively. When present at a sufficiently high concentration and for a sufficiently long time, non-oxidising biocides kill microorganisms by interfering with their metabolism, stopping respiration, or lysing the cell walls.
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Avoid carpets, which attract allergens
Carpets are known to trap allergens in their fibres. They can attract and accumulate dirt, dust particles, animal dander, mould, pollen, and other biological contaminants. These pollutants can be released back into the air when the carpet is disturbed, potentially triggering allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. The risk of exposure to these allergens is higher with carpets compared to hard or smooth floors.
High-pile or long-pile carpets, with their long, loose fibres, provide more places for allergens to stick and mould to grow. Low-pile or short-pile carpets have a tighter, shorter weave, reducing the risk of allergens becoming trapped. However, they can still harbour dust, dirt, and pollen. The American Lung Association and the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) recommend avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting, especially high-pile varieties, in favour of washable throw rugs and hard flooring like laminate, wood, or tiles.
If you choose to have carpets, regular and thorough vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a true or absolute HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is crucial. HEPA filters effectively trap small particles, preventing them from being recirculated into the air. Vacuuming at least once a week, and ideally two to three times, is recommended to minimise the presence of allergens. Additionally, professional carpet cleaning services every six to twelve months can help comprehensively remove allergens and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Some carpets are marketed as hypoallergenic or have a Greenguard rating, indicating low emissions. Man-made fibres like nylon are extra-resistant to mould and mildew. However, it is essential to note that while these options may reduce the risk of allergic reactions, they do not entirely eliminate the presence of allergens.
Ultimately, the decision to avoid or choose carpets depends on individual preferences and the severity of any existing allergies. While carpets may attract allergens, proper maintenance and cleaning can help mitigate the risks associated with them.
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Frequently asked questions
Biological pollutants are contaminants in the environment that come from living organisms. These include bacteria, mould, mildew, viruses, animal dander, pollen, dust mites, and cockroaches.
Biological pollutants can cause allergic reactions, triggering asthma and allergies. They can also transmit infectious illnesses such as influenza, measles, and chickenpox.
To control biological pollutants in your home, maintain relative humidity between 30% and 60% to prevent the growth of mould, dust mites, and cockroaches. Keep your space clean and dust-free, regularly vacuuming and washing fabrics in hot water. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and vent clothes dryers outdoors to reduce moisture.
To reduce exposure to outdoor biological pollutants, keep windows closed and use an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens. Avoid close contact with animals if you experience allergies.
