In recent air quality test performed on college dorm rooms, startlingly high levels of toxic flame retardants have been found within the air. These harmful chemicals pose a potential serious health risk to the young students in residence. There are a number of risk factors for such exposure, ranging from hormonal disruptions to cancer.
Fort Myers, FL- In recent air quality test performed on college dorm rooms, startlingly high levels of toxic flame retardants have been found within the air. These harmful chemicals pose a potential serious health risk to the young students in residence. There are a number of risk factors for such exposure, ranging from hormonal disruptions to cancer. Environmentalists continue to debate the best air purifiers for dorm rooms, as one side is focused on the importance of the removal of VOCs and environmental exposures, while the other pontificates the importance of particulate removal.
Among these chemicals found in the air of dorm rooms were two flame retardants that have either been largely eliminated or otherwise banned from modern products. DecaBDE, the first of the two, has seen an almost complete halt in manufacturing since 2013 when the industry began to phase it out due to known side effects amongst lab rats. Labeled as a possible carcinogen, this chemical was found in higher concentrations during the course of this study than previously seen before. The second, PentaBDE, was banned in 2005 following the discovery that it has the ability to disrupt hormones and cause birth defects. The chemical has a particular impact to the thyroid hormone, and is dangerous to brain development when exposure occurs early in life.
While these results were gathered from a sample of Northeastern universities, they likely represent the conditions of college dorm rooms throughout the United States. One likely cause for these alarming findings is that a lot of older furniture-coated with materials including potential flame retardants-is being confined in small spaces. Off-gassing occurs over time, releasing more and more of these toxins into the air and causing them to become more concentrated. These fumes are released into the air and dust of the immediate environment.
Experts agree that these findings are more than a little concerning. This brings to light the question of why these reports have not surfaced until now. One reason is because of the length of time it takes for symptoms and ill effects to manifest; someone exposed to these chemicals may not show any negative symptoms until years later. However, there is evidence that they are linked directly to endocrine dysfunction and can have devastating effects on a developing fetus. What is equally troubling is that it is not well known how flame retardants react with other chemicals in the air and the combined effects that they may have on the body.
Of the 95 samples tested, each sample contained four flame retardants. Additionally, all of the four are recognized as being potentially harmful. TCIPP, one of the four, is believed to decrease thyroid function, reduce sperm motility and quality, and cause brain damage. While the other three are less studied, they have also shown tendencies to affect reproductive health and metabolism in males and females alike.
The presence of flame retardants in college dorms is not altogether bad. Any number of fires may have been slowed or prevented by these flame resistant materials. Should a fire break out, areas in which people live in very close confinement, such as college dorms, need a line of defense against such a potentially dangerous situation. There does not seem to be an overall benefit for those universities that enforce stricter requirements on flame retardant materials. In fact, there is no indicator that fewer reported fires occur in such establishments as in other colleges. Yet another danger presents itself when such chemicals are present in unnecessarily high quantities, and to such an extent as to affect the health and well-being of individuals.
There may not be much known about these flame retardants, but what has been found is negative. Therefore, it is advised by health professionals that no one spend too much time in environments where they are abundantly present. There are additional measures that both college students and staff can take to lessen this danger. Universities as a whole should also make an effort to supply room furnishings that have lower amounts of these toxins used in manufacturing. Older furniture on the whole has been made with less caution when it comes to the use of toxic chemicals, making newer items a safer choice. In the event that the furniture-and by default the chemicals-are already present, there are steps that can be taken in order to dilute the concentration of these chemicals in dorm rooms. Easy measures to take include keeping windows open and fans on for ventilation. Since flame retardants make their way into the air via dust, regular vacuuming and dusting can also do a great deal to negate the chemicals.
By far one of the best things that students and their families can do to prepare to combat these toxins in dorm rooms is to purchase an air purifier. Proper ventilation and regular cleaning may go a long way towards lessening the amounts of these chemicals in the air, but may not be enough to completely eliminate the unwanted side effects that may come with exposure. If those measures are already being taken, an air purifier can lower levels even further.
Many air purifiers have a tendency to pull toxins, allergens, and other particles out of the air, only to recycle them back into the room once through the filter. In order to effectively combat toxins in dorm rooms, it is important to look for a high-quality air purifier that traps and deactivates such harmful substances.
To this end, the EnviroKlenz Mobile System is the perfect air purifying system. A mobile unit, it is not only extremely effective, but conveniently sized. Measuring 19 inches in height and 15 inches in width, it fits comfortably in the corner of any dorm or smaller room. While it may be small compared to other units on the market, it uses hospital grade HEPA filtration and a unique EnviroKlenz filter designed to absorb and neutralize VOCs and malodors from indoor air. Perfect for dorms and small apartments, the mobile system can cover up to 850 square feet. With three speeds-low, medium, and high-the air purifier can be adjusted based on need, ensuring that users have the right amount of purification without disturbing their neighbors with loud noises. The low setting is nearly silent, while the medium and high settings produce a low humming noise.
The EnviroKlenz model is a better option compared to other air purifiers because of its effectiveness and size, but also thanks to its ease of maintenance. No tools are required to assemble to system, and replacement filters can be conveniently ordered through the EnviroKlenz website. Order the EnviroKlenz Mobile System today for your college dorm and avoid exposure to dangerous toxins that you may not even know are there. To learn more about the EnviroKlenz Mobile System or the EnviroKlenz company, visit their website today.
EnviroKlenz is located at 13421 Parker Commons Blvd Suite 102 in Fort Myers, Florida (33912). The company can be reached by phone at (239) 330-6176, or from their website, http://www.enviroklenz.com/.
Media Contact
Company Name: EnviroKlenz
Contact Person: Sarah Derums
Email: info@EnviroKlenz.com
Phone: (239) 330-6176
Address:13421 Parker Commons Blvd Suite 102
City: Fort Myers
State: Florida
Country: United States
Website: http://www.enviroklenz.com/