SOS! Action kit with LB-HD08. User instructions & air quality data key for LB-HD08 air quality detector. SOS! Air Quality Action Kit

Transcription

1 SOS! Action kit with LB-HD08 User instructions & air quality data key for LB-HD08 air quality detector. SOS! Air Quality Action Kit The EcoMedia Compass 7/26/2017

2 Table of Contents Air quality station hardware... 4 HD08 features... 4 Formaldehyde (HCHO)... 6 HCHO Standards... 6 PM How can PM 2.5 affect my health?... 8 Where does PM 2.5 come from?... 9 Is there an air quality standard for PM 2.5 in outdoor air?... 9 PM PM 10 standard 40-50ug/m 3 per day/year VOC standard 0.60mg/m US EPA Index RF-EMF Radiation Chapter FIRST TIME USE Taking a measurement with HCHO sensor Taking a measurement without HCHO sensor Best practices Caution Awareness, Understanding, and Action chart FAQ Is the detector accurate? Why is there a Set Zero button? What kind of Air Quality sensors are inside the unit? Is the unit impacted by high humidity? My screen is flickering or the characters are dim? The stations readings change quite frequently and even when I walk past the unit Is the unit affect by perfumes, sprays, air fresheners, vacuuming, cooking etc? References P a g e

3 Figure 1 LB-HD Figure 2Formaldehyde indoor air chart... 7 Figure 3 Pm example image... 9 Figure 4 US EPA health chart Figure 5 Air quality chart for Particulate Matter Figure 6 Particle Matter table P a g e

4 Air quality station hardware The Lanbao Detyuan air quality detector model LB-HD08. HD08 features The LB-HD08 is your basic tool to detect what is in the air around you. It provides the following features shown in figure 1. Time Airflow direction is in through the top vent. Read caution Mute indicator HCHO PM 2.5 PM 10 Volatile Organic Compounds RF-EMF Radiation US EPA Reference Power level Humidity Charge port Airflow out Airflow direction is out through the side vent. Read caution HCHO reset On / off Time Time set Mute Figure 1 LB-HD08 4 P a g e

5 LB-HD08 sensors information 5 P a g e

6 HCHO Standards Indoor Air quality 0.10mg/m 3 indoor formaldehyde standard 0.08 mg/m 3 Formaldehyde (HCHO) Colorless, poisonous, highly water-soluble gas with an obnoxious odor. Used in the manufacture of disinfectants, preservatives, and hundreds of industrial and consumer products such as adhesives, carpeting, decorative paneling, foam insulation, drapery, fiber and particle boards, and permanent press fabrics. Formaldehyde is a prominent factor in sick-building syndrome (SBS) as its emissions (accelerated by heat and moisture) irritate eyes and mucous membranes in nose and throat, and cause headache and dizziness. Officially named as methanal (not to be confused with methanol), it is classified as a possible carcinogen by EPA. Formaldehyde (HCHO) is the most important carcinogen in outdoor air among the 187 hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), not including ozone and particulate matter. Formaldehyde is an organic chemical with formula HCHO, CAS No that is very widely used in industry as well as in a plethora of consumer products from cosmetics and clothing to furnishings and construction materials as well as in disinfectants and preservatives. Formaldehyde is an intermediate chemical used in the production of resins (e.g. glues in fiberboard and OSB, and in wrinkleresistant clothing), industrial chemicals, preservatives (including in some cosmetics and skin creams), and in shampoos and glues. Formaldehyde may also be present in food or may be generated by smoking indoors. There are currently no national standards in place for formaldehyde in composite wood products. However, EPA is in the process of finalizing rules that will set limits on formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products such as hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particle board that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, manufactured, or imported in the United States. - U.S. EPA cited below 6 P a g e

7 There are generally two different categories of exposure limits for formaldehyde (and other chemicals or contaminants in the workplace): 1. Short-time exposure levels are used for preventing acute health effects of formaldehyde on individuals. 2. Long-term exposure levels are used for preventing the chronic health effects of formaldehyde. "Long term" exposure values are typically given as time weighted average (TWA) values for 8 or 24-hour time periods and are intended to protect people in the indoor environment from exposure to formaldehyde over a lifetime. (Salthammer et als., 2010). In the U.S. formaldehyde is detected in outdoor (ambient) air in urban areas at levels between 11 and 20 parts per billion (ppb) while indoors formaldehyde levels are commonly reported between 0.10 and 3.68 parts per million (ppm). - US EPA (2000) Source: Figure 2Formaldehyde indoor air chart 7 P a g e

8 PM2.5 Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in air are high. PM 2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. The term fine particles, or particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ), refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. Like inches, meters and miles, a micron is a unit of measurement for distance. There are about 25,000 microns in an inch. The widths of the larger particles in the PM 2.5 size range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair. The smaller particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of this sentence. How can PM2.5 affect my health? Particles in the PM 2.5 size range are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM 2.5 exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and 8 P a g e

9 increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. Where does PM2.5 come from? There are outdoor and indoor sources of fine particles. Outside, fine particles primarily come from car, truck, bus and off-road vehicle (e.g., construction equipment, snowmobile, locomotive) exhausts, other operations that involve the burning of fuels such as wood, heating oil or coal and natural sources such as forest and grass fires. Fine particles also form from the reaction of gases or droplets in the atmosphere from sources such as power plants. These chemical reactions can occur miles from the original source of the emissions. In many places, some of the fine particles measured in the air are carried by wind from out-of-state sources. Because fine particles can be carried long distances from their source, events such as wildfires or volcanic eruptions can raise fine particle concentrations hundreds of miles from the event. PM 2.5 is also produced by common indoor activities. Some indoor sources of fine particles are tobacco smoke, cooking (e.g., frying, sautéing, and broiling), burning candles or oil lamps, and operating fireplaces and fuel-burning space heaters (e.g., kerosene heaters). Is there an air quality standard for PM2.5 in outdoor air? Yes, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM 2.5 in 1997 and revised them in National Ambient Air Standards are established to be protective of public health. The short-term standard (24-hour or daily average) is 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m 3 ) and the long-term standard (annual average) is 15 µg/m 3. A microgram is a unit of weight. There are a million micrograms in a gram, and a pound is equal to about 450 grams. 9 P a g e Figure 3 Pm example image

10 PM10 PM 10 standard 40-50ug/m 3 per day/year PM 10 is particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter, PM2.5 is particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5 is generally described as fine particles and can enter directly into the bloodstream. PM10 is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of up to 10 µm, i.e. the fine and coarse particle fractions combined which can enter into the lungs through respiration. Volatile Organic Compounds Organic compounds are chemicals that contain carbon and are found in all living things. Volatile organic compounds, sometimes referred to as VOCs, are organic compounds that easily become vapors or gases. Along with carbon, they contain elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulfur or nitrogen. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes; and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored. 10 P a g e VOC standard 0.60mg/m 3 Source:

11 US EPA Index The air quality tested by the stations is compared to the US EPA air quality chart, the color bar reflects the scale from green to orange where as the number indicates the precise air quality equivalent for that station location. 11 P a g e Figure 4 US EPA health chart Source: Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Outreach and Information Division

12 The chart below is an AQI Chart for Particulate Matter and contains recommended activity guidelines from the EPA. Notice that the numerical value used is still the AQI measure (not a raw number for particulate matter), and the advice given is directed toward the effects of particulate matter. Figure 5 Air quality chart for Particulate Matter Source: Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Outreach and Information Division 12 P a g e

13 RF-EMF Radiation Personal EMF radiation measurements detected are relatively low levels of radiation because relatively weak RF signals have biological consequences. Most RF meters for personal use have now incorporated the use of V/m or mw/m² it is recommend meters that give readings in V/m are the most meaningful measurement for personal testing and protection. Mobile telephony is now commonplace around the world. This wireless technology relies upon an extensive network of fixed antennas, or base stations, relaying information with radiofrequency (RF) signals. Over 1.4 million base stations exist worldwide and the number is increasing significantly with the introduction of third generation technology. Other wireless networks that allow high-speed internet access and services, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), are also increasingly common in homes, offices, and many public areas (airports, schools, residential and urban areas). As the number of base stations and local wireless networks increases, so does the RF exposure of the population. Recent surveys have shown that the RF exposures from base stations range from 0.002% to 2% of the levels of international exposure guidelines, depending on a variety of factors such as the proximity to the antenna and the surrounding environment. This is lower or comparable to RF exposures from radio or television broadcast transmitters. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the US Federal Government's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), reported its final results from 900 MHz (4G/LTE signals from 700 MHz to 2600 MHz) RFR exposures in May, The study proved that a dose/response relationship exists between RFR exposure and serious adverse health effects: brain tumors, heart tumors, hyperplasias (abnormal cell growths that are precursors to tumors) and other heart damage. The results also proved that total RFR exposure over time (dose) is the key metric needed to assess RFR levels. Unfortunately, US Federal RFR guidelines are only commercial guidelines, not safety guidelines and only consider rates of exposure, not dose or total exposure over time, which is what truly matters to one's safety. 13 P a g e

14 Chapter 2. FIRST TIME USE It is important to set up the meter for first time use. Place the meter indoors beside an open window or on a porch out of direct sun, it will need to be there for 1 hour Plug the unit in using the USB power (supplied) or any USB charger with the micro USB Turn on the device by Pressing and holding the "On/Off" Key till a beep is heard Press "Zero Setting" Button till you hear a beep noise or till the HCHO meter shows This indicates the HCHO detector has been reset to zero. On / off HCHO reset during this first hour use you may note some odors from the device, this is normal for a first time use or if the meter has been powered off for months, setup of the HCHO detector it will clear once its first few measurement cycles are completed. Taking a measurement with HCHO sensor Place the meter on a stable location such as a table, shelf or hang on the wall; ensure the both vents are not obstructed. Power the unit on by pressing and holing the On/off for 1 second. On / off If this is the first time the meter is in the area, then reset the HCHO meter by Pressing and holding the "Zero Setting" Button till you hear a beep noise or till the HCHO meter shows , to check other areas like living room, bedroom, kitchen room of the same location there is no need to reset the HCHO sensor. 14 P a g e

15 The air quality station takes readings for 15 seconds using all its sensors and cycles every 30 seconds. This process cannot be changed. Taking a measurement without HCHO sensor 1. Place the meter on a stable location such as a table, shelf or hang on the wall; ensure the both vents are not obstructed. 2. Power on the unit. The meter takes readings every 15 seconds. Best practices 1. Always place the meter stable on surface 2. Checking other sites like living room, bedroom, kitchen room does not require resetting 3. If you are just detecting PM2.5, PM10, RF-EMF radiation, TVOC, you can ignore setting zero, just power up the meter and read the figure. Note: The PM2.5 PM10 detector samples the air every 15 seconds then rest 30 seconds then samples again for 15 seconds, then rests 30s and so on. Caution 4. This is an air quality station with laser particle detector that will detect many common house hold products such as spices, incense smoke paint air sprays, humidifiers, cigarette/pipe/cigar, wood fires, etc. 5. Humidifier use in the same room while testing air quality will change the PM reading. 6. Never block the air flow vents 15 P a g e

16 The following is a quick reference guide to the particulate world around us. Particle Particle Size (microns) Asbestos Atmospheric Dust Bacteria Beach Sand Bromine Burning Wood Calcium Zinc Dust Carbon Black Dust Carbon Dioxide Cayenne Pepper Cement Dust Clay Coal Dust Coal Flue Gas Coffee Combustion Combustion-related - motor up to 2.5 vehicles, wood burning, open burning, industrial processes. Car Emission Fertilizer Fiberglass Insulation Lead Lead Dust 2 Pesticides & Herbicides Pet Dander Pollen Radioactive Fallout Rosin Smoke Saw Dust Sea Salt Smoke from Natural Materials Smoke from Synthetic Materials Smoldering or Flaming Cooking Oil Tobacco Smoke Typical Atmospheric Dust to 30 Viruses Figure 6 Particle Matter table 16 P a g e

17 Quick reference Quick reference chart, Print these next two pages double sided for a quick handy reference chart. The following quick reference chart explains what the LB-HD08 numbers mean to you in correlation to the number on the instrument detect in the air around your location, and what actionable steps you can take to protect your health and those around you. The color bands in the chart on the other side correlate to the EPA colors and the color bar on the LB-HD08 air quality station shown on page 3 fig 1. These bars represent the monitor's local air sample against the national index value. The numerical value shown is the amount of particles in the air, these numbers can be fairly accurate for a zone of air a few meters radius around the instrument intake port, if there is circulation in the area then the reading can represent general air quality for a larger spaces. The numbers displayed on an instrument with EPA Air Quality Index are directly related to the chart on the reverse side of the paper [flip me over]. Some instruments may display VOC and PM** as an individual value; this is helpful to understand the source (see fig 6) and provides awareness to take the right action and get the right protection. The meaning is based on the Average of the average reading taken per day as applied to general population of general health based on extensive research. Actionable steps are based on further research that is yet to be incorporated into the EPA standard; these additional precautions are suggested in case you cannot leave a polluted area till it is clear again which is the best action to take. PM face or nose masks are rated for pollution type, use the correct mask for the optimum protection. N95 - PM 2.5 filter protects the wearer from particulate matter (PM) 100 to particles as small as 2.5 micro grams; this includes pollens and most dust. All other pollutants require N99 standard of particulate filtration, that provide nearly 100% protection from particulate pollution which include PM2.5 and the much smaller PM0.3, plus protection from VOCs and other polluting gases, as well as bacteria and air born viruses.

18 The best practice is to vacate the area if possible, and wait for the air to clear The EcoMedia Compass SOS Air Quality Action Kit: AQI Quick Reference Chart AQI Value Numerical Value Meaning Actionable steps Good 0-50 Little no risk None enjoy the day Moderate Level is unacceptable for children and sensitive people Monitor and reduce exposure for CVD to less than 2hrs per 24hs cycle without filter mask Unhealthy Sensitive groups may experience health effects Monitor and Limit exposure and while exposed use appropriate filter mask Unhealthy Everyone may experience health effects Monitor and Limit exposure and while exposed use appropriate filter mask Very unhealthy Everyone may experience health effects Monitor and Limit exposure and while exposed use appropriate filter mask Hazardous Everyone may experience immediate health effects Monitor and Limit exposure and while exposed use appropriate filter mask. Best to stay away. Test the area, identify the pollution type, use protection, locate and stop the source. Awareness, Understanding, and Action chart 18 P a g e

19 FAQ 1. Is the detector accurate? The unit is calibrated at the factory to meet CNAQI /EUAQI standards. If the unit is used as described it will accurately report the air quality around it. 2. Why is there a Set Zero button? The set zero enables the station to reset its sensors so they accurately read a new environment. 3. What kind of Air Quality sensors are inside the unit? The Unit uses two types of sensors; Laser refraction sensor for sensing the PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles in the air. Electrochemistry sensor (this is the one you smell at first start up) to test for the HOCO (formaldehyde and other VOC) 4. Is the unit impacted by high humidity? if the unit is in a high humid place the PM readings will include the high moisture in the air, for example if the unit is used in a room with a running humidifier or mister the unit will show high Air quality readings. This is normal and should not be of any alarm since you are aware of the source of those type of particles 5. My screen is flickering or the characters are dim? Check the battery meter, this is an indication you need to recharge the unit. 6. The stations readings change quite frequently and even when I walk past the unit. the frequency of the change is normal, the unit will cycle though a test every 15 seconds during which time the number will change, after the cycle ( in its rest period ) any movement of air around the unit will also affect the readings. The important part to remember is the constants readings are the ones to pay attention to. Fluctuations that are short may be interesting but of no concern. 7. Is the unit affect by perfumes, sprays, air fresheners, vacuuming, cooking etc? The Unit will display changes in air quality of the room it is in no matter the source and is more accurate for the area if there is good air flow past the unit.

20 References What Are The Most Common Units of Measurement For Measuring RF Radiation? Source: Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Outreach and Information Division Source: Source: P a g e