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| Did you Know? Some flooring surfaces produce high levels of airborne particles as a result of maintenance activities. Particle levels have recently been linked to serious health effects. Particle levels generated from some hard floor maintenance activities can be compared to particle levels found in coal mines.Airborne Particles and Maintenance Activities
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Maintenance of hard flooring surfaces present problems for maintenance workers with regard to particle generation. The graph below details results of comparison studies when maintenance of carpeted environments and hard surface environments have been compared. Since these particles in hard floor environments are never fully extracted from the facility except through the ventilation system, these particles could affect occupants as well.
In summary, particle levels should be no higher in carpet environments than in environments with hard surfaces. In fact, based on historical data, particle levels actually may be lower in carpet environments. Hard surface flooring systems are not necessarily easier to maintain, just easier to neglect. Respirable dust is far more difficult to extract in hard surface environments than in carpet environments and maintenance of hard floors generate considerable respirable particulate. The following points should be noted:
1. Since airborne particles are primarily introduced through the HVAC system, outdoor particulate levels have a significant impact on indoor particle levels. 2. A poorly maintained carpet environment should provide similar airborne particle levels when compared to a normally maintained VCT environment. 3. Carpet removal will not reduce airborne particles and will not affect allergic reactions. 4. Regular vacuuming will effectively reduce particle levels in carpet and may reduce airborne particulates through deposition of airborne particles. 5. Carpet does not release bacteria, fungi, allergen, or particles into the breathing zone during typical occupant activity. 6. Maintenance of carpet should generate much lower particle levels than maintenance of hard surface flooring materials.
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