U.S. patent application number 11/248355 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for method for reducing allergens in an enclosure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pure Solutions LLC. Invention is credited to Goran B. Andersson.
Application Number | 20060075896 11/248355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36149025 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060075896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andersson; Goran B. |
April 13, 2006 |
Method for reducing allergens in an enclosure
Abstract
Provided is a method for reducing the amounts of fungal spores
and small airborne particles in an enclosure, where the enclosure
has or is in communication with an air handling system. The method
comprises the steps of applying vacuum suction to the air handling
system and contacting the air handling system with a first
antimicrobial agent; applying a cleansing agent to the carpets and
upholstery in the enclosure; fogging the enclosure with a second
antimicrobial agent; releasing ozone within the enclosure for a
period of time and terminating the release of ozone to allow the
ozone concentration to return to normal levels; placing a reservoir
containing tea tree oil into the air handling system, and
initiating operation of an air purifier air in the enclosure,
wherein for a period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in
the enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per
cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure an
amount at least 1.1 times below the amount of airborne fungal
spores in the air outside the enclosure before performing the
method; and, the surface fungal spores in the enclosure are at
least 3.0 times below the surface level of fungal spores in the
enclosure before performing the method.
Inventors: |
Andersson; Goran B.;
(Williamsville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HODGSON RUSS LLP
ONE M & T PLAZA
SUITE 2000
BUFFALO
NY
14203-2391
US
|
Assignee: |
Pure Solutions LLC
|
Family ID: |
36149025 |
Appl. No.: |
11/248355 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60617704 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
96/227 ; 422/33;
422/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/04 20130101; A61L
9/015 20130101; A61L 2202/25 20130101; A61L 2/202 20130101; A61L
9/14 20130101; A61L 9/16 20130101; A61L 2/208 20130101; F24F 8/96
20210101; A61L 2/183 20130101; A61L 2/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
096/227 ;
422/004; 422/033 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/00 20060101
A61L009/00 |
Claims
1. A method for reducing allergens in an enclosure, wherein the
allergens are selected from the group consisting of airborne
particles, airborne fungal spores and surface fungal spores, and
wherein air in the enclosure is in communication with an air
handling system, comprising the steps of: a) applying vacuum
suction to the air handling system; b) applying to the air handling
system an aqueous solution comprising a first antimicrobial agent
wherein the solution is applied using forced air; c) applying
vacuum suction to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure with
a vacuum cleaner fitted with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air
(HEPA) filter; d) applying a formulation comprising a cleansing
agent to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure, wherein the
cleansing agent is a composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant,
benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl
(C.sub.8-C.sub.10)--N,N-dimethylammonium chloride; e) fogging
surfaces in the enclosure with a formulation comprising a second
antimicrobial agent, wherein the second antimicrobial agent is a
composition comprising an aqueous organosilane, a quaternary
chloride or a hydantoin resin; f) releasing ozone within the
enclosure at a rate of at least 2 parts per million (ppm) for at
least one hour; g) terminating the release of ozone and allowing
the ozone concentration in the enclosure to return to below 0.05
ppm; h) placing a reservoir containing a composition comprising tea
tree oil into the air handling system, such that when the air
handling system is operated, the tea tree oil is dispersed into the
enclosure; wherein the tea tree oil can dissipate such that air
that is drawn into the air handling unit comes into contact with
the dissipating tea tee oil and disperses the tea tee oil into the
enclosure; i) initiating operation of the air handling system; and
j) initiating operation of an air purifier, which air purifier
comprises a (HEPA) filter and an active carbon filter; wherein,
after initiating operation of the air purifier of step j, and for a
period of at least 90 days, the airborne particles in the enclosure
are fewer than 1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of
air; and the airborne fungal spores in the enclosure are at present
in an amount at least 1.1 times below the amount of airborne fungal
spores in the air outside the enclosure before performing steps a)
through j); and, the amount of surface fungal spores present in the
enclosure is at least 3.0 times below the amount of fungal spores
in the enclosure before performing steps a) through j).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the airborne particles are fewer
than 300,00 particles per cubic meter of air.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of airborne fungal
spores in the enclosure is at least 1.5 times below the amount of
airborne fungal spores of the air outside the enclosure before
performing steps a) through j).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of airborne fungal
spores in the enclosure is at least 100 times lower than the amount
of fungal spores in the air outside the enclosure.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of surface fungal
spores in the enclosure is at least 5 times below the amount of
surface fungal spores in the enclosure before performing steps a)
through j).
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antimicrobial agent is
2-bromo-2-notropropane-1,3-diol.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cleansing agent is a
composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant, benzlkonium
chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl
(C.sub.8-C.sub.10)--N,N-dimethylammonium chloride.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the formulation comprising the
non-ionic surfactant additionally comprises hydrogen peroxide.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is a
polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second antimicrobial agent
is a composition comprising an aqueous organosilane, a quaternary
chloride or a hydantoin resin.
11. The method of claim 11, wherein the aqueous organosilane is
0.75% by weight of the formulation comprising the aqueous
organosilane.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the aqueous organosilane is
ocatadecylaminoimethyloomethoxysilylpropyl ammonium chloride.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the ozone concentration in the
enclosure is between 4 parts per million and 8 parts per million
before terminating the release of the ozone.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprising tea
tree oil comprises 8% tea tree oil.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the composition comprising tea
tree oil further comprises 1% lemon tea tree oil.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the air handling system is a
personal temperature air conditioner.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the air handling system
comprises ductwork.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the exposed
surfaces are fogged with the formulation comprising the second
antimicrobial agent.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is a hotel room, a
condominium or a cruise ship cabin.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
application Ser. No. 60/617,704, filed on Oct. 12, 2004, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
reducing allergens from an enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The EPA estimates that indoor air may be as much as 70-100
times more polluted than outside air and has ranked indoor air
pollution among its top five public health risks. Indoor air is a
source of allergens and indoor air pollution is of particular
concern to asthma and allergy sufferers, children and the elderly.
At high levels, indoor air pollution poses a health risk to the
general population. Another source of allergens are air handling
units since often they do not filter the air they circulate through
the building and/or take in from the outside. While conventional
steps may be taken to remove allergens from regularly occupied
rooms and buildings, such steps must be frequently repeated to
maintain reduced allergen levels. Therefore, there is a need for a
method of reducing the amount of allergens in a room or building
that will result in reduced amounts of allergens over a prolonged
period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a method for reducing
allergens, such as fungal spores and small airborne particles
(i.e., particles having diameters of between 0.3 and 2.5 microns),
in an enclosure for a period of at least ninety days.
[0005] The method is performed by vacuuming and contacting an air
handling system in or in communication with the enclosure with a
first antimicrobial agent.
[0006] Subsequently, the carpets and upholstery are subjected to
vacuum through a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
[0007] A formulation comprising a cleansing agent is then applied
to the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure, wherein the
cleansing agent contains a composition comprising a non-ionic
surfactant, benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl
(C.sub.8-C.sub.10)--N,N-dimethylammonium chloride.
[0008] After the cleansing agent is applied, the enclosure is
fogged with a formulation containing a composition comprising a
second antimicrobial agent, where the second microbial agent is an
aqueous organosilane, a quaternary chloride or a hydantoin
resin.
[0009] Ozone is then released within the enclosure for a period of
time, after which the ozone release is terminated and the ozone
concentration is allowed to return to normal levels.
[0010] After the ozone level has returned to a normal level, a
reservoir containing tea tree oil is placed into the air handling
system and the air handling system is placed into operation.
Additionally, air in the enclosure is circulated through an air
purifier which contains a HEPA filter and an activated carbon
filter.
[0011] The method is such that, for a period of at least 90 days,
the airborne particles in the enclosure are maintaned at fewer than
1.0 million airborne particles per cubic meter of air; the amount
of airborne fungal spores in the enclosure is at least 1.1 times
below the amount of airborne fungal spores in air outside the
enclosure; and, the amount of surface fungal spores in the
enclosure is at least 3.0 times below the amount of surface fungal
spores in the enclosure before performing the method of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In the present invention is provided a method for reducing
the amount of allergens in an enclosure such that the reduced
amount of allergens is maintained over a period of at least ninety
days. In particular, the method achieves a reduction in the amount
of allergens which are airborne fungal spores, surface fungal
spores and airborne particles.
[0013] "Fungal spores" as used herein include the spores of any
member of the kingdom Fungi, including the yeasts, molds, mildew
and mushrooms. "Airborne particles" as used herein are airborne
particles of a size of between 0.3-2.5 microns in diameter. It is
also expected that the amount of bacteria and viruses in the
enclosure will be reduced.
[0014] The method of the invention is suitable for use in an
enclosure which is in communication with an air handling system.
The air handling system is considered to be in communication with
the enclosure when air inside the enclosure or air in fluid
communication with air inside the enclosure can be caused to flow
by the air handling system. An "air handling system" as used herein
means a system that can cause air to flow in an enclosure and which
system is capable of regulating the temperature of the air in the
enclosure. Accordingly, air handling systems include self-contained
air conditioner units located partially or completely within an
enclosure. Examples of such air handling systems are those
typically mounted in a window of a home or hotel room, which are
also generally referred to in the art as personal temperature air
conditioners, or "PTACs." Also included within the meaning of "air
handling system" is ductwork and an air temperature control device
connected to the ductwork, which device may be external to the
enclosure, and which can cause air to flow through the ductwork
into the enclosure and regulate the temperature of the air flowing
into the enclosure. Examples of such air temperature control
devices include conventional furnaces and central air conditioning
units.
[0015] The method of the invention comprises the steps of:
[0016] a) applying vacuum suction to the air handling unit;
[0017] b) applying an aqueous solution comprising a first
antimicrobial agent to the air handling system using forced
air;
[0018] c) applying vacuum suction to the carpets and upholstery in
the enclosure with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a High-Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA) filter;
[0019] d) applying a formulation comprising a cleansing agent to
the carpets and upholstery in the enclosure, where the cleansing
agent is a composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant,
benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl
(C.sub.8-C.sub.10)--N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;
[0020] e) fogging surfaces in the enclosure with a formulation
comprising a second antimicrobial agent, where the second
antimicrobial agent is a composition comprising an aqueous
organosilane, a quaternary chloride or a hydantoin resin;
[0021] f) releasing ozone within the enclosure at a rate of at
least 4 parts per million (ppm) for at least one hour;
[0022] g) terminating the release of ozone and allowing the ozone
concentration in the enclosure to reduce to below 0.05 ppm;
[0023] h) placing a reservoir containing tea tree oil into the air
handling system;
[0024] i) initiating operation of the air handling system; and
[0025] j) initiating operation of an air purifier, which air
purifier comprises a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter,
and wherein the air in the enclosure circulates through the air
purifier for at least three changes per hour. It is preferable that
the air purifier be operated continuously thereafter. It is also
preferable that steps a) through j) be carried out within a
twenty-four hour period.
[0026] The method is such that, ninety days after initiating
operation of the air purifier, the airborne particles in the
enclosure are fewer than 1.0 million per cubic meter of air,
preferably fewer than 500,000, and more preferably fewer than
300,000 per cubic meter of air; the airborne fungal spores in the
enclosure are an amount at least 1.1 times below, and preferably at
least 1.5 times below, the amount of airborne fungal spores outside
the enclosure before performing steps a) through j); and, the
surface fungal spores in the enclosure are at least 3 times below,
and preferably at least 5 times below, the amount of surface fungal
spores in the enclosure before performing steps a) through j).
[0027] We have empirically determined it is important to perform
steps a) and b) prior to the subsequent steps. This sequence is
critical because the application of the first antimicrobial agent
by forced air displaces a significant amount of contaminants from
the air handling unit into the enclosure, even after application of
vacuum of step a).
[0028] In respect of applying the first antimicrobial agent to the
air handling system, any antimicrobial agent can be used. However,
it is preferable to use an antimicrobial agent with a broad
spectrum of activity such that bacteria, viruses and fungi can be
killed when contacted by the first antimicrobial agent. For
example, suitable first antimicrobial agents include compositions
comprising 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. Such compositions are
commercially available and are typically applied as a solution
having a 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol concentration of about
0.02% by weight.
[0029] The first antimicrobial agent is applied by spraying a
mixture of the agent and water into the air handling unit using
forced air. Suitable forced air blowers are commercially available.
It is generally preferred to use at least 110 pounds per square
inch of pressure when applying the first antimicrobial agent.
Further, it is preferable to contact as much of the air handling
system surfaces as possible with the first antimicrobial agent,
particularly air intake and outlet ports, fan blades and heat
exchange tubing.
[0030] In air handling system configurations where the temperature
regulating device is in communication with the enclosure via
ductwork, both the ductwork and the temperature regulating device
are contacted with the first antimicrobial agent. It is preferable
to contact as much of the ductwork and temperature control device
surfaces as possible.
[0031] Subsequent to application of the first antimicrobial agent
to the air handling system, the carpets and upholstery are
subjected to vacuum to remove dust and debris. The vacuuming can be
performed with any commercially available vacuum cleaner that is
fitted with a HEPA filter. It is preferable to vacuum substantially
all of the carpeting and upholstery in the enclosure. Further, in
one embodiment, non-fabric surfaces in the room are also vacuumed,
including any non-upholstered furniture, ceilings, walls, tiling,
mirrors, porcelain, etc.
[0032] After vacuuming, the carpets and upholstery in the room are
contacted with a formulation comprising a cleansing agent. The
cleansing agent may be a composition comprising non-ionic
surfactants, benzlkonium chloride, 2-propanol, or Di-N-alkyl
(C.sub.8-C.sub.10)--N,N-dimethylammonium chloride.
[0033] In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is used.
Preferred non-ionic surfactants are polyoxyethylene fatty acid
esters, particularly those having the formula RCOO(CHCH)nH, wherein
R is a long chained alkyl group. One example of a preferred
non-ionic surfactant is a formulation comprising didecyl dimethyl
ammonium chloride. A more preferred formulation comprises didecyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride and a hydrogen peroxide solution. An
example of such a formulation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,530,384.
[0034] It is preferable to contact substantially all of the
carpeting and upholstery in the enclosure with the formulation
comprising the cleansing agent. The formulation comprising the
cleansing agent can be applied to the carpets and the upholstery
using a conventional carpet cleaning machine or upholstery cleaning
machine, respectively. Further, the formulation comprising the
cleansing agent may also be applied to bedding, and/or wiped onto
to non-porous surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, non-upholstered
furniture, mirrors, etc.
[0035] Subsequent to application of the formulation comprising the
cleansing agent, a formulation comprising a second antimicrobial
agent is applied to the exposed surfaces in the enclosure. It is
preferable to apply the formulation comprising the second
antimicrobial agent by fogging the enclosure with the formulation
and therefore fogging exposed surfaces in the enclosure. By fogging
it is meant that the formulation is applied as a suspension of
droplets in a gas. Fogging the enclosure can be performed using a
commercially available ultra-low-volume (ULV) cold fogger or by any
conventional fogging technique.
[0036] It is preferable to contact as much surface area of the
enclosure and as much surface area of items in the enclosure as
possible with the formulation comprising the second antimicrobial
agent. Accordingly, in one embodiment, carpeting, curtains, walls,
ceilings, furniture, bedding, mirrors, appliances, etc, are fogged
with the formulation comprising the second antimicrobial agent such
that substantially all of the exposed surfaces in the enclosure are
contacted with the second antimicrobial agent.
[0037] The second antimicrobial agent may be an aqueous
organosilane, a quaternary chloride or a hydantoin resin.
[0038] When the second antimicrobial agent is an aqueous
organosilane, the aqueous organosilane may be any aqueous
organosilane. A preferred aqueous organosilane is
ocatadecylaminoimethyloomethoxysilylpropyl ammonium chloride. It is
preferable to apply this agent as a solution comprising the aqueous
organosilane in an amount less than 1.0% by weight, and preferably
at 0.75% by weight.
[0039] Subsequent to application of the formulation comprising the
second antimicrobial agent, ozone is released into the enclosure.
It is preferable to release the ozone until the concentration of
ozone in the enclosure reaches about 4 ppm. It is more preferred to
achieve a concentration of about 8 ppm. This ozone concentration
can be achieved by, for example, releasing about 2.7 grams of ozone
per hour into an enclosure of up to 40,000 cubic feet for at least
two hours.
[0040] As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the ozone can
be released in any conventional manner, such as by a standard ozone
generator. Once the desired ozone concentration has been reached
for the desired amount of time, the ozone generator is turned off.
After turning off the ozone generator, the ozone decomposes and the
ozone concentration reduces to a level below 0.05 ppm. It is
preferable to permit the passage of at least 1 to 2 hours to
facilitate such ozone decomposition.
[0041] After treating the enclosure with ozone, a reservoir
containing tea tree oil is placed into the air handling system. The
tea tree oil is provided as a composition that can dissipate into
the air such that air that is drawn into the air handling system
comes into contact with the dissipating tea tree oil. The air
handling system accordingly disperses the tea tree oil into the
enclosure. It is preferable that the tea tree oil is positioned
such that air entering the air handling unit contacts the
dissipating tea tree oil prior to flowing over the fan blades and
heat exchange tubing typically found in an air handling system. It
is believed such positioning maximizes contact between the tea tree
oil and surfaces in the air handling system.
[0042] The tea tree oil is provided in a reservoir such that the
tea tree oil can dissipate through an opening in the reservoir.
Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is
considered that dissipating tea tree oil contacts surfaces of the
air handling system and surfaces of the enclosure, thereby
inhibiting microbial growth on these surfaces and enhancing the
effect of the method.
[0043] Tea tree oil is available through a variety of commercial
sources. Preferred tea tree oil formulations are provided as gels.
More preferred is a pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil formulation
provided as an emulsified gel comprising about 8% pure tee tree oil
and about 1% lemon tea tree oil. Subsequent to placing the tea tree
oil into the air handling system, operation of the air handling
system is initiated.
[0044] After activating the air handling system, operation of an
air purifier in the enclosure is initiated such that air in the
enclosure is circulated through the air purifier. The air purifier
is one that comprises a HEPA filter and an active carbon filter. It
is preferable that the air be circulated through the filter
continuously at a flow rate sufficient to enable three changes of
air in the enclosure per hour.
[0045] The following Example is intended to illustrate the method
of the invention and is not meant to be limiting.
EXAMPLE 1
[0046] The method of the invention was performed in a conventional
hotel room which was regularly occupied by hotel guests in the
normal course of business. The room was approximately 250 square
feet in size. Performing the method of the invention on the hotel
room is referred to in this Example as "conversion."
[0047] Various parameters were analyzed across four test periods.
The test periods were:
[0048] 1) Pre Conversion (prior to performing the method of the
invention);
[0049] 2) Immediate Post Conversion (24 hours after performing the
method);
[0050] 3) 30 Days Post Conversion;
[0051] 4) 90 Days Post Conversion Conditions
[0052] The Immediate Post Conversion period is considered to have
begun after the air purifier has been placed into operation.
Test Parameters
[0053] Test parameters were divided into two categories: Snap Shot
Samples and Continuous Monitoring Samples. Snap Shot Samples are
samples taken at a single point in time. Continuous Monitoring
Samples are recorded continuously throughout the test period.
[0054] All testing was conducted with instrumentation calibrated to
National Institute of Standards and Technology parameters. Samples
were collected and analyzed in compliance with protocols from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and American Industrial Hygiene
Association. All microbial samples were analyzed by an American
Hygiene Association EMLAP certified laboratory. Samples were
collected by a trained technician from Indoor Air Professionals,
Inc. using standard collection techniques.
[0055] Data for various parameters were compared with industry
guidelines and standards as promulgated by the above agencies, as
well as the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air
Conditioning Engineers.
Snap Shot Samples Results
[0056] In Table 1 is provided data regarding airborne fungal spore
amounts as they are affected by the method of the invention.
[0057] As can be seen from Table 1, in respect of the Pre
Conversion period, the total airborne fungal spore count in the
room air was 60. This compares with 40 in the outside air sample,
indicating an amount of fungal spores of 1.5 times more in the room
as compared to outside levels.
[0058] For the Immediate Post Conversion period, the total fungal
spore count in the room air was 80. This compares with a count of
160 in the outside air sample indicating an amount of airborne
fungal spores two times lower in the room as compared to the amount
outside the room.
[0059] For the 90 Day Post Conversion period, the total fungal
spore count in the room air sample was 4. This compares with a
total fungal spore count of 585 in the outside air sample,
indicating an amount 146 times lower airborne spores in the room as
compared to the amount outside the room. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pre
Pre Amountl Immed. Immed. Amount 90 Day 90 Day Amount Period Period
inside/ Post Period Post Period outside/ Post Post outside/ outside
Inside outside Outside Inside inside Outside Intside inside Total
40 60 1.5 160 80 2 585 4 146 Fungal Spores
[0060] In Table 2 is provided data related to the number of viable
surface fungal spores in the room (as determined by colony forming
units) compared to pre-conversion amounts of viable surface fungal
spores in the room.
[0061] As can be seen from Table 2, amounts of viable surface
fungal spores decreased during the Immediate Post Period (3.4
fold). During the 30 Day Post Period, amounts continued to remain
lower than the Pre Period (2.68 fold). (This Test was not conducted
for Test Period 4). TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Amount Pre/ Amount Pre/
Immediate Immediate 30 Day 30 Days Pre Period Post Period Post Post
Post Total 5,769 1,615 3.4 2,154 2.68 Fungal Spores
[0062] In Table 3 is provided data related to total surface fungal
spores (viable and non-viable) as determined in a swipe sample. As
can be seen from Table 3, surface fungal spore amounts, as measured
in spores per cubic centimeters, showed a significant decrease
during all of the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Period. In
this regard, during the Immediate Post Period, total surface fungal
spores were reduced by more than 5 fold. During the 30 Day Post
Period, amounts were reduced to more than 40 fold compared to the
Pre-Period. In the 90 day Post Period, amounts of total surface
fungal spores were more than 5 fold lower than the Pre Period.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Imme- Amount Amount Amount diate Pre/ 30
Pre/30 90 Pre/90 Pre Post Immediate Day Days Day Days Period Period
Post Post Post Post Post Total 7,130 1,278 5.58 169 42.19 1,586 5.5
Fungal Spores
Continuos Monitoring Sampling Results
[0063] Results from continuous monitoring of various parameters
throughout the test period are provided.
Temperature
[0064] Temperature levels averaged 72 degrees F. throughout the
test periods indicating maintenance of an acceptable comfort level
for occupants.
Relative Humidity
[0065] Relative humidity levels were normal (average of 52%) during
pre and Immediate Post period. Levels reached a high of 77% on
during the conversion period. Levels remained relatively elevated
(around 60%) until the day following the conversion and then
returned to the normal range. During the 30 Day Post Period,
average humidity levels were 60% due to the air handling unit being
shut down and higher levels outdoors. During the 90 Day Post Period
humidity levels averaged 52%.
Carbon Dioxide
[0066] Carbon dioxide levels were sporadic throughout the test
periods. The levels trended lower toward the end of the test
periods. Carbon dioxide is not a "pollutant" at these levels, but
is an indicator of adequate room ventilation. Relatively high
levels can be attributed to higher occupancy (as humans exhale
carbon dioxide). Measured carbon dioxide levels confirmed there was
adequate ventilation in the room.
Small Particles (<2.5 Microns)
[0067] Small particles, as measured per cubic meter of air,
decreased significantly during the Immediate Post Conversion Period
as compared to the Pre Conversion Period. Small particles were
relatively high during the Pre Conversion Period (9 million
average) and even higher during the conversion period (peak
reaching over 20 million). Levels returned to below threshold
limits of 1,000,000 after the completion of the conversion. During
the Immediate Post Conversion period, particles averaged around
300,000. During the 30 Day Post Conversion Period, small particles
spiked initially, however, dropped and remained at lower levels
(approximately 30,000) as compared to the Immediate Post Conversion
period. During the 90 Day Post Period, small particles were below
threshold limits (1 Million average), and 9 times lower than the
Pre period.
Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC)
[0068] TVOC's did not fluctuate throughout the duration of the
monitoring periods and remained within acceptable limits during all
the test periods. During the 30 and 90 Day Post periods, levels
increased, but were still below the threshold levels.
Carbon Monoxide
[0069] Carbon Monoxide levels remained within acceptable limits
throughout the test periods.
Radon
[0070] Radon levels remained well below threshold levels throughout
the duration of the periods.
Ozone
[0071] High levels of ozone were recorded during the application of
the ozone treatment during the conversion process. Otherwise levels
were well below 0.05 ppm during the pre and post periods.
Importantly, the high levels dissipated quickly once the ozone
equipment was turned off.
[0072] Thus, by practicing the method of the invention in a hotel
room with normal occupancy for a period of ninety days, the
following was observed:
[0073] Amounts of airborne fungal spores were significantly lower
during the Post Periods as compared to the Pre Period; amounts of
surface fungal organisms were significantly lower during the Post
Periods as compared to the Pre Period; small airborne particles
were significantly lower during the Post Periods as compared to the
Pre Periods; other potential indoor air quality parameters such as
radon, ozone, large particles, and total volatile organic compounds
were maintained within acceptable ranges; ventilation remained
adequate; and, temperature and humidity were maintained within
normal comfort ranges.
[0074] While this invention has been illustrated via the
embodiments described herein, routine modifications will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, which modifications are
intended to be within the scope of the invention.
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