Indoor Air Quality - 2016

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Certified to lead UTS Carrier is among the few companies in the UAE that offer a comprehensive and complete range of HVACR products and services ■■ Farhana Chowdhury

Live in a dust-free environment Indoor air quality can be greatly improved with state-of-the-art purifiers available in the market

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■■ Farhana Chowdhury he UAE is a low pollution country, meaning residents can breathe easy with no fear of inhaling toxic fumes when they spend time outdoors. Being able to live in an environment with clean air is a luxury on its own, and those who are sensitive to slight changes would most likely agree.

With a target of 90 per cent adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines by 2021, the UAE has been making efforts to monitor the level of emissions and keep it regulated.

According to a representative from the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW), there are 46 stations dotted across the country that monitor the quality of air, including dust monitoring stations in construction sectors.

While the country boasts high living standards, there is no denying the presence of particles and dust in our homes that could easily set off an allergic reaction. These along with bacteria, pollen, etc. are not easily visible to the human eye, but our senses do notice and cause various reactions. » Turn to next page

UTS Carrier, a joint venture company, was established in 1983 in the UAE to cement the relationship between United Technical Services (UTS) and Carrier Corporation. The joint venture was originally created to distribute and service Carrier air-conditioning systems, but UTS Carrier has grown to become one of the few companies in the UAE to offer a comprehensive and complete range of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) products and services.

UTS Carrier is present across the UAE with six offices and five showrooms, and meets customers’ residential, commercial and major project needs thanks to its extensive range of products.

The brand offers products and solutions for a broad range of applications in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning, including home comfort, commercial, controls and marine. It also offers parts and allied products and after-sales service. The product range covers window units, duct-free split units, and ducted split units for small applications. For medium to large size buildings, it offers chillers, air handling units, fan coil units, package units and ducted splits.

A key component of all its products is to offer clean air. In collaboration with a wide network of factories and business partners across the globe, UTS Carrier offers a wide range of air quality solutions, including dehumidifiers, ventilators, ultraviolet lamps and air filters. As part of its home solutions, it reduces or even eliminates many allergens and harmful air pollutants — from dust and pet dander to chemical

Mohammed Al Qaisi, General Manager, UTS Carrier

The UAE is an important region and UTS Carrier is committed to providing new product lines. It is proud to offer industryleading, energy-efficient options to customers in nearly every category. fumes and mould.

“At UTS Carrier, we believe that green products start with a green company. We also believe that global dialogue can rebalance the built environment with the natural environment, and that sustainable building practices will increase with education,” said Mohammed Al Qaisi, General Manager, UTS Carrier.

UTS Carrier is proud to be affiliated with the UTC Distinguished Sustainability Lecture Series, events that host dis-

cussions on green building advancements with the goal of positively influencing future decisions and policy.

Additionally, Carrier is a certified Education Partner of the US Green Building Council® and has provided LEED® training to building professionals throughout the UAE to encourage more sustainable development. Additonally, its office headquarters in the UAE is LEED Gold-certified.

“Ever since the first Carrier unit was installed in the UAE in 1964, we have been dedicated not only to providing the latest technology for HVAC systems but to creating environmentally sustainable and efficient products,” he said.

The UAE is an important region and UTS Carrier is committed to providing new product lines. It is proud to offer industry-leading, energy-efficient options to customers in nearly every category.

“All of our products are compliant with local regulations and we continue to invest in research and development, applying the newest technological innovations to create ever more sustainable solutions,” Al Qaisi said.

— farhana@khaleejtimes.com

Relax in the comfort of Carrier innovations Built on Willis Carrier’s invention of modern air-conditioning in 1902, Carrier is the world leader in heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions.

Contact UTS Carrier UTS Carrier is a joint venture company between United Technical Services (UTS) and Carrier Corporation.

Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 3977 United Arab Emirates Tel : 02 4486900 Fax : 02 4487030

Al Ain P.O. Box 16649 United Arab Emirates Tel : 03 7553514 Fax : 03 7554876

Dubai P.O. Box 6735 United Arab Emirates Tel : 04 4199100 Fax : 04 4199200

Fujairah P.O. Box 2246 United Arab Emirates Tel : 09 2222690 Fax : 09 2242760

Mussafah P.O. Box 32969 United Arab Emirates Tel : 02 5504515 Fax : 02 5504508

Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 1645 United Arab Emirates Tel : 07 2333824 Fax : 07 2333864

Indoor Air Quality

khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Round-the-clock clean air in homes With a strong consumer-focused commitment, LG innovates with healthboosting technologies that protect what matters most, the family

As the summer heat in the Gulf region knocks fiercely on household doors, it mandates that families spend most of their time in the great “indoors”. Because many residents and children in the region spend much time indoors, health risks associated with indoor pollution are far more likely than those caused by pollution outdoors. With a strong consumerfocused commitment, LG innovates with health-boosting technologies that protect what matters most, the family.

Innovative technologies to protect what matters most LG is committed to ensure that families have access to clean air by presenting creative and tailored solutions such as the stunningly designed LG PuriCare™ air care line-up that employs state-of-the-art air filtration technologies to rid invisible air pollutants from the home.

“Our driving principle is to ensure that the meaningful purpose of our products is preserved from idea generation through to the end-user experience,” said Yong Geun Choi, President of LG Electronics Gulf. “Consumers in the region and in emerging economies need access to clean air and reliable air purifiers that can alleviate the negative impacts of air pollution. The home is a family’s last refuge,

and consumers deserve to know that the air they breathe in their house will be preserved by air purifiers they can trust.”

With features like Smart Indicator and Smart Lighting, the LG PuriCare™ line shows air quality more accurately with quantitative figures and gives users real-time readings on a crystal-clear display, allowing them to monitor changes in air quality over time.

An array of advanced filters is also used in the LG PuriCare™ air purifiers. The first line of defence is provided by the Dual Protection filter, which removes large dust particles, hair, pet fur and even bacteria. Next, the Allergy HEPA Filter powered by 3M Tech combats sand dust, allergens like pollen or dust mites and mould. The Triple Care filter removes formaldehyde1, a highly toxic chemical that has the potential to cause serious illness. It also eliminates sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which are known to cause smog, while also reducing the presence of nasty smells. For a final round of purification, the Plasmaster Ionizer sends out over two million Plasmaster ions to sterilise the air, protecting users against potentially harmful contaminants including viruses, allergens and bacteria.

LG PuriCare™ air purifiers are equipped with LG’s inverter core technology, the Smart Inverter Motor, which helps to deliver strong

Consumers in the region and in emerging economies need access to clean air and reliable air purifiers that can alleviate the negative impacts of air pollution. The home is a family’s last refuge, and consumers deserve to know that the air they breathe in their house will be preserved by air purifiers they can trust.

— Yong Geun Choi President of LG Electronics Gulf

performance while saving energy and ensuring a very low noise level.

The line-up also includes LG’s latest humidifier and dehumidifier.

Your home is your castle Three home improvement tips to help you breathe easier

Spring for PVC-free accessories

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ne in five people suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). But little attention is paid to the impact of indoor air on allergies, asthma and general health. We spend an average of approximately 90 per cent or more of our time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA reports that, “indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher, and occasionally more than 100 times higher, than outdoor levels.”

How does this impact your next home improvement project? Is your home healthy?

Start at the bottom We all want beautiful floors in our homes.

Many people, however, don’t realise that some new flooring can threaten your indoor air quality. When flooring is installed, you may notice an odour for a few days or even weeks.

The odour might mean noxious gases are emitting from the materials used during installation. And these emissions, particularly those resulting from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), could potentially have serious, long-term effects on your health - as well as an immediate impact on the health of family members with asthma or allergies.

The good news is gorgeous flooring options are now available that are certified “asthma

We all want beautiful floors in our homes. Many people, however, don’t realise that some new flooring can threaten your indoor air quality. When flooring is installed, you may notice an odour for a few days or even weeks. and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, where: • Installation of the flooring does not result in elevated levels of chemicals.

• The flooring has a low capacity for retaining allergens.

• The recommended cleaning of the flooring will not result in exposure to airborne allergens.

Did you know that your shower curtain can be one of the greatest sources of noxious gas in your home? Many homeowners purchase PVC shower curtains and liners because of their functionality and ease of cleaning. However, according to “Practically Green,” a website for people interested in green living, a recent study “found that 108 different volatile organic compounds, including those known to cause developmental, liver, nervous system, respiratory and reproductive damage, were released into indoor air by PVC shower curtains.” Replacing current shower curtains and liners with PVC-free products are quick and inexpensive fixes that will make your bathrooms healthier for the whole family.

Manage mould and mildew If you’re noticing moisture or mould building up on your windows, have your home checked by an energy rater or a building analyst. To prevent moisture from getting in your windows, select windows made with double pane, insulated glass to create an insulating barrier and keep moisture, mildew or mould from developing. For added energy savings, you can opt for a Low Emissivity or “Lo-E” coating to keep heat from radiating beyond the side of the window where it originated.

You’ll save on your heating and air conditioning bills while also minding your health. Home improvements should be a proud reminder that your home is your castle and you treat it well. This year, consider investing in simple projects that can also improve the health of the castle’s residents.

— BPT

Live in a dust-free environment » Continued from previous page Air purifiers come as a solution to combat these situations. It gets rid of contaminants, and in some cases, even pump fresh air into the room further expelling the growth of moulds, dust mites and other allergens.

Available in different sizes, these devices come with various features ranging from filters and ionisers to ozone generators, adsorbents and UV light.

When choosing an air purifier, there are a few things to keep in mind. Aside from budget, consider the size of your home and the number of people living in it to select an ideal companion for better indoor air quality.

— farhana@khaleejtimes.com

There are several factors in a household that contribute towards contaminated air, but the main ones include: Mattresses: Ideally you should throw away your mattresses every 10 years. However, its lifeline depends on wear and tear. If you ever feel your nose irritated when on your bed, throw it, else it can turn into a breeding ground for germs and infestations.

Air fresheners: Yes, they make your surroundings smell good, but that’s only a temporary solution with long-term side effects. It contains chemicals known to affect hormone function in infants.

Vents: Whether you live in a home that has central air conditioning or window air conditioners, make sure these vents are well-maintained and cleaned out from time to time as they can easily accumulate dust and other particles.

Joining Hands to Better Serve You Your Source for Complete Air Filteration Solutions

10 tips to improve air quality in homes Here are simple steps for fresh indoors 1. Do not smoke or allow smoking indoors.

2. Avoid leaving the car idle in your home’s garage (if you have one).

3. Use paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and avoid opening paint containers indoors.

4. Fix leaks immediately to avoid mould build-up.

5. Ensure your air conditioners and dehumidifier devices are well maintained to combat dust and mites.

6. Clean up after your pet right away as its saliva, fur and dead skin cells can affect the air indoors.

7. Vacuum upholstery and under carpets regularly to prevent dust mites from gathering. If possible, get rid of carpets altogether.

8. Wash bed linen — pillows, comforters, blankets and bedsheets — in hot water to get rid of shed skin and fur, which in turn helps avoid dust mites and bedbugs.

9. Ventilate your home. Open up windows and turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to let in some fresh air and improve circulation.

10. Try as much as possible to avoid pesticides. If you have pests, seek professional help and air out your home. To avoid future pests, make sure you store food in airtight containers, wash dishes and get rid of crumbs immediately, keep the trash covered and block off any odd holes/spaces in your home.

AAF International PO.BOX 28564, Middle East Regional office, Dubai, UAE. Phone: +914-3397688 Fax: +914-3397881 Email: aafme@eim.ae