The article discusses air pollution and filtration in buildings. It notes that while outdoor air is filtered naturally over time, indoor air recirculates and pollutants accumulate if not properly filtered. Several factors that introduce pollutants indoors are discussed. Proper air filtration is important for occupant health, equipment maintenance costs, and more. Different buildings require different filtration methods depending on their design and occupancy. Routine filter maintenance is recommended to improve air quality and reduce costs.

1. Issue 8 : Spring 2012 : Page 3/6
The Air We Breathe
By Bill McCauley, Atmac Mechanical Services
Air pollution in the metropolitan area is unfortunately a fact and on some days we are informed by the media of high or
dangerous pollutant levels. Outdoors and over a time period, nature will generally take care of pollutants and other partic-
ulates via wind, rain or just dilution. However, the air inside our buildings and homes is contained for
the most part and recirculated as it is cooled or heated to increase utility energy efficiency.
In steel, glass, and marble office towers (as well as the industrial and medical facilities) all over the
Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, workers show up for their jobs and spend seven to ten hours per day
breathing air that has been conditioned for comfort. Often overlooked is how we maintain the clean-
liness and quality of the air we breathe. Pollutants that are continually introduced into the air within
our buildings “envelope” via many methods: ventilation air; furniture, clothing and carpet fibers; dirt
brought in on our shoes; plants or vegetation, and even our own skin exfoliation. Left uncon-
trolled or unfiltered these tiny particles will accumulate on surfaces and could ultimately begin
affecting mechanical equipment and efficiencies, not to mention the health of those that
breathe the air.
Some important considerations for proper
Air Filtration are:
 Protecting the general well-being of the
occupants of the space
 Protecting the décor of occupied spaces
by removing the staining portion of
airborne dust
 Reducing maintenance of building
interiors by reducing the frequency of
washing such items as blinds, florescent
bulbs, air diffusers and return air grills
 Protecting the contents of occupied
spaces including paintings, tapestries, and
other items of historic or cultural value
 Eliminating fire hazards by removing lint
and other materials that might accumulate in duct work
 Extending shelf life of perishable dairy products by removing airborne mold and bacteria during processing operations
 Removing airborne bacteria from operating room environments to help prevent postoperative infection
Depending upon the specifics of the building, its design purpose, the mechanical equipment selected, and the type of
occupancy there are varied filtration methods that may be required. Sometimes more than one type of filtration is incorpo-
rated into a facility where there are multiple processes occurring in different areas simultaneously.
Obviously every building or facility is different and what works for one may or may not work for another. For this reason
it is important that a proper selection of filter and filtration method be made.
...Continued on Page 6

2. Issue 8 : Spring 2012 : Page 6/6
The Air We Breathe… Continued from Page 3
For example: A typical filter for a commercial office space is one that is ANSI/Ashrae Standard 52.2-1999 rated E2 and
removes particles in the 1.0 to 3.0 micron range and larger at an air velocity of approximately 500 feet per minute. Below is
a chart that graphically compares the sizes of various particulates that are typically filtered by your building’s or facility’s
HVAC systems.
Careful and thoughtful consideration should be given to your building’s air filtration. Once the mechanical systems have
been fouled by improper filtration, the costs associated with system clean-up can be high. Routine maintenance by
properly trained personnel with the right equipment and materials selected can reduce repair costs, maintenance fees, and
energy consumption as well as improve the quality of the air we breathe. If you are the responsible party in your
organization you may want to contact your building engineer or service contractor and review the filtration in your building
or facility.
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Visit our website for more articles from our Contributing Partners:
American Restoration: Greg Tankersley & Janet Dempsey
Atmac Mechanical Services: Julie McBrayer & Bill McCauley
Certified Termite & Pest Control: Scott Young
Concierge Connection: Candace Rozell
Eagle Landscape: John Wingfield Jr.
Facility Solutions Group: Mark Condry
Fujitec Elevators: Steve Broom & Jenny Phillips
Quest Sustainability: Sandra Heffernan & Cara Leigh Ingram
Restorx of Texas: Harley Jeanise & Jon Rymza
Select Commercial Services: Charles Hart
Summit Energy Services: Sonya York
Texas Roof Management: Linda Jackson