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FAQ
1. How does Genesis Air Photocatalysis (PCO) GAPTM technology work?
 Merv rated filtration: Merv 13 or higher is recommended.
Uses the synergy of germicidal UV rays to energize a TiO2 coated catalyst.
When energized the catalyst (UVGI PCO) produces a cloud of hydroxyl radicals. The same as can be found in the earths troposphere.
Hydroxyls convert and break down biological contaminates (mold, bacteria, viruses, VOCs and odors) at a molecular level.
Hydroxls ( a naturally occurring cleansing agent), oxidizes and converts these contaminates into benign CO2 & H2O.
2. Does it cost more to purchase or maintain? No
Genesis Air technology can be purchased for about the same price as other equal, yet limited technologies - but the competition requires expensive continuing maintenance; leading to neglect, poorer air quality, and reluctance of owners to invest in maintenance. Yet Genesis Air has much lower costs and requirements.
3. Do all photocatalytic products produce Aldehydes? No
Duplicating the LBNL58936 office mixture, GAP™ has been shown to produce no significant amounts of Aldehydes in tests.
"In conclusion, the Office Mixture was introduced into the Genesis Populated Catalyst Panel Air Cleaner at three air flowrates. Sampling for aldehydes and volatile organics showed no statistically significant production of aldehydes or VOCs at the α = 0.05."1
1RTI Report A03230902, May 2009.
4. Is ozone an air purifier or a contaminant?
Ozone is being marketed by some as an air purifier, often in conjunction with UVC.
It is true that UVC will produce ozone at low frequencies. The UVC devices that Genesis Air manufactures attenuate all frequencies below 200 nanometers so that no ozone is produced.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "Ozone, to be effective as a bactericide or deodorizer, must be present in concentrations far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man or other animals."
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties than oxygen. When inhaled it can damage the lungs, and relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
Ozone has been used effectively for years to clean wastewater. In water containing organic material, ozone is used up rapidly -- before it reaches the air.
5. How does Genesis Air's GAPTM technology protect system components?
Genesis Air Photocatalysis (GAPTM) is ideally installed after a good-quality prefilter, and before the coils and other components of the HVAC system. By converting corrosive, toxic vapors before the coils, the coils are kept clean, optimizing cooling and heating efficiency. The UVGI lamps, working together with the photocatalyst, can actually reverse contaminated buildup in the system, promoting energy savings and better health.
6. Why are VOCs important, and why are they often ignored or overlooked in IAQ assessments and air cleaning recommendations?
VOCs are volatile organic compounds, a complex chemical term used to describe vapor-phase contaminants and distinguish them from particulates. Breaking down the words in the phrase leads to clarity -
Volatile - readily vaporized, rapidly changeable
Organic - Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter.
In Chemistry - of or designating carbon compounds.
Compounds - (In Chemistry,) consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means
VOCs are the most difficult to detect and measure, yet are some of the most harmful to human and animal health. Genesis Air believes VOC conversion or removal is equally important to biological and particulate removal.
VOCs often affect the nervous and immune systems, causing loss of productivity, nausea, long-term chronic illness, cancer or death.
7. What are the most common molds found in problem facilities?
Recent studies have identified Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria to be the most common molds found in problem facilities. A summary of recent test kit data shows. Air Quality Sciences, Inc. Atlanta GA
8. What are MVOCs?
Some compounds produced by molds are volatile and are released directly into the air. These are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Because these compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of odors associated with molds. Exposure to MVOCs from molds has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Research on MVOCs is still in the early phase.
The presence of airborne microbial VOCs (MVOCs) may be a more reliable indicator of mold growth in buildings than fungal spores. Approximately 150 air samples from a variety of buildings including schools and commercial space have been evaluated for MVOCs. All buildings were suspected to be contaminated with mold. The data show an average MVOC indoor level of 50 mg/m3 with frequent detection of 2-octen-1-ol. Since MVOCs can diffuse through barriers such as wallboard and plastics, mold contamination can be detected even when visible growth is inaccessible.
9. What are the most common MVOCs found in problem facilities?
Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus versicolor produced more MVOCs early (day 20), whereas the other four species produced more MVOCs at day 10. Penicillium chrysogenum produced the highest total concentration (34 µg/m3); the greatest number of individual MVOCs (six compounds) was produced by Aspergillus niger. Emissions were also compared from three fresh (indoor) isolates of each species. A. alternata isolates emitted 1, 2, or 5 MVOCs; total emissions of the lowest emitting isolate was only 27% as much as the highest emitting isolate. Three compounds were detected from all C. cladosporioides isolates; low:high was 4%. All A. niger isolates emitted 4 MVOCs; low:high was 76%. One A. versicolor strain emitted 6 MVOCs, and the other two emitted 3; low:high was 51%. Two P. chrysogenum strains emitted 6 MVOCs, and the other released 5; low:high 43%. P. brevicompactum strains produced either 5 (2) or 6 (1) MVOCs; the low:high was 37%. There is significant quantitative variation among isolates of these species and, in four to six species; there were also qualitative differences.
10. What is formaldehyde?
It is a chemical that is released into the air as a pungent gas. It has a number of useful properties; it's a good preservative and makes an excellent adhesive. Therefore, it is used widely in the building and furnishings industries. It is also found in small amounts in some textiles as an anti-wrinkle agent.
11. Why should I be concerned about formaldehyde?
It is a strong irritant that causes watery eyes and in low doses, causes burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. Wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, loss of coordination and nausea are other symptoms. Larger doses can cause asthma attacks as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Some people are highly sensitive and react to formaldehyde concentrations that don't bother most people.
12. What are the major sources of formaldehyde?
Particle board is the major contributor of formaldehyde to the home environment. The culprit is the adhesive, urea formaldehyde, which can break down, releasing the formaldehyde. Phenol formaldehyde (used in exterior panels) does not present problems. Some particleboard is now manufactured with reduced formaldehyde.
Other sources include interior plywood, veneered or laminated furniture and cabinets, some professionally applied furniture and floor finishes, paneling, permanent press fabrics (some drapes), combustion products and cosmetics.
13. What are some of the biological problems I should be concerned about?
Molds, mildew, fungi, bacteria and dust mites are some of the main biological pollutants inside the house. Some, such as pollen, are generated outside the home. Mold and mildew are generated in the home and release spores into the air. Mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria are often found in areas of the home that have high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or basements. Dust mites and animal dander are problematic when they become airborne during vacuuming, making beds or when textiles are disturbed.
14. What are some of the health effects?
Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms often include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Dust mites have been identified as the single most important trigger for asthma attacks.
15. I'm concerned about the biological contaminants in my home, what can I do to deal with the problem?
There are no practical tests for biological contaminants for use by non-professionals. However there are signs to watch for. You can sometimes see and smell mold colonies growing on surfaces. Mold growth should be suspected wherever there are water stains, standing water or moist surfaces.
Install filtration equipment to remove airborne contaminants and keep system components clean. This equipment pays an additional dividend by keeping the equipment operating at peak efficiency.
Create positive pressure ventilation in the home, allowing the home to "exfiltrate" reducing sensible chill discomfort, keeping out unwanted contaminants, and diluting toxic gases and odors.
Prevent mold growth by keeping basements, bathrooms and other rooms clean and dry. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that have mold on them. If carpeting or furnishings become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded.
Humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning evaporator coils should be regularly inspected and cleaned.
Keep humidity at acceptable levels (less than 50 percent) and make sure there's plenty of ventilation, especially in areas where moisture tends to build up.
People who are sensitive to dust mites may need to replace carpeting in their homes with hard surfaced flooring and use area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.
Vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuum systems can help reduce the airborne dust generated by vacuuming.
16. Is there any research on the effect of UVC on eliminating or preventing SARS?
We are not aware of any research that has been done on this pathogen. However extensive testing has been done over the years that proves the effectiveness of germicidal UV (UVC) against a variety of infectious organisms. There is also a wealth of anecdotal evidence of significant reductions in infection rates in occupied spaces when using UVC in air-handling systems.
We know of several scientific studies that document the effectiveness of UVC on fungal and bacterial contaminants. Since SARS is a virus and viral particles are very small (normally between .75 to .01 micron diameter), much smaller than fungal or bacterial particles, they should be much more susceptible to UVC energy, even when attached to droplet nuclei, as in a sneeze or cough.
SARS is thought to be spread by direct contact and by inhalation. UVC lights in an air-handling system would eliminate only the airborne particles. Even so, properly designed and installed UVC light systems will reduce the overall numbers of pathogens and provide a significant amount of protection.
17. How can I tell that indoor air is contaminated?
Sniff the air. The nose is the best odor and gas detector, and a good particle detector as well, especially when first entering a contaminated environment. Unfortunately, in as little as 15 minutes, it adapts to the environment and stops detecting contaminants.
Chronic respiratory distress, headaches, and fatigue may also be signs of contaminated air.
18. What causes the "dirty sock" smell in air handling systems?
The cause of the problem is the growth of mold and bacteria in the drain pan and on the coils. Popular, energy-saving heat pumps are particularly susceptible to this syndrome because their heating cycles are not hot enough to kill the microbes that multiply during the cooling cycle and when the unit is idle. The smell comes from the rich brew of microorganisms that breed in the drain pan water. The slow warming of this contaminated water releases a plethora of spores and toxins -- and the nasty smell -- into the air.
19. Why are air filters and UVGI light not enough?
Air filters, including High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters have been used for many years in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Some are very effective in trapping particles like pollen and dust. Unfortunately they cannot trap minute particles like viruses, most bacteria, and mold spores that breed in the dark moist interiors of HVAC cooling coils and drain pans, which are located downstream of filters.
There is also a problem with fungal spores growing and multiplying in damp HEPA filter material. When this happens, the filter can actually increase the number of spores in the room or the building.
Ultraviolet germicidal devices radiate powerful UVC light onto the coils and drain pans inside the air-conditioning system where mold and other odor and disease causing organisms breed. The UVC light inactivates and gradually vaporizes this microbial growth on the coils. In the air stream at 500 fpm it simply does not have enough dwell time to inactivate all of the biologics that come within the energy of the light.
20. How often do the UVC lights need to be changed?
The actual life of a UVC light is 10 - 12,000 hours. The useful life is 8-9,000 hours. UV output is measured with a radiometer. Typically the light is changed annually -- ideally in spring or early summer to provide optimal output during the peak air-conditioning season.
21. How much energy does a UVC device use?
Each unit consumes very little energy. Normally the energy cost to create each fixture is under $.12 per day.
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