PHASE Associates, LLC articles

Providing indoor air quality to meet the safety of the occupants is a daunting task—at best.

Ventilation –that is—supplying both outside air and re-circulated are at a rate that the majority of occupants of a classroom, gymnasium, office, or sports arena, would find safe and comfortable has been undertaken by such professional groups as ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engin

Glutaraldehyde and Formaldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is very similar to formaldehyde in its structure and uses in the healthcare industry. Chemically, Glutaraldehyde exists at room temperature as a liquid, whereas formaldehyde exists under those conditions as a gas, which can easily be dissolved in water.

Glutaraldehyde is often used as a substitute for formaldehyde because formaldehyde is now a suspect cancer-causing substance. Glutaraldehyde may be a good

10 Agents That Can Trigger An Allergic Reaction

Allergies at home are certainly an interference with your life but when allergies occur at the office your ability to function effectively at your job becomes a major problem. I have identified 10 agents that may exist in the office that can trigger an allergic reaction.

The agents that cause allergies are referred to as Allergens. Some of these allergens may e

Wondering Whether Mold and Chronic Sinusitis are Linked?
Do you suffer from frequent sinus headaches, congestion, and runny nose? Have you taken enough cold and allergy medication to qualify for “frequent flier” awards? You may not have a persistent cold or allergies. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered what may be the real cause of most chronic sinus conditions: MOLD!

Americans Suffering from Chronic Sinusitis
An esti

If you have ever been in a damp, musty basement, chances are you were exposed to elevated levels of mold. Many of us have seen that little line of greenish black coating near a bathroom tub or window. In case you haven’t guessed it yet, that’s more than likely mold. What happens next – do you vacate the home – is it dangerous – what if I have kids. First, don’t panic. How much growth do you see? If its a very small amount (<10 sf) it can be cleaned with

Is Office Environment Related To Office Illnesses?

Everyone is sick but do they all have the same symptoms? Headaches, flu, itchy skin, sore throats, asthma, COPD, cancer, appendicitis! That’s very important! It’s unlikely if the symptoms are different. If everyone has sore throats or upper respiratory irritation then it may be the building such as low humidity. Usually, the symptoms are not the same; headaches, allergies, skin rash, flu, and appendicitis.

How to Achieve Good Indoor Air Quality in Operating Rooms

There are two primary objectives in achieving acceptable air quality in the operating room: (1) control of anesthetic gases for the benefit of operating room staff, and (2) infection control for the benefit of the patient.

Control of Anesthetic Gases

Supply and scavenging systems, as well as general ventilation in Operating Rooms and Surgical Suites, must be functioning optimall

Glutaraldehyde is very similar to formaldehyde in its structure and uses in the healthcare industry. Chemically, glutaraldehyde exists at room temperature as a liquid, whereas formaldehyde exists under those conditions as a gas, which can easily be dissolved in water.

Glutaraldehyde is often used as a substitute for formaldehyde because formaldehyde is now a suspect cancer-causing substance. Glutaraldehyde may be a good substitute for formaldehyde/formalin but it appears to be more ir

Formaldehyde health and safety is vital since the chemical has many uses in the healthcare industry, not just preserving bodies in the morgue.

Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant as well as a tissue preservative. As a tissue preservative, it can be found in histology labs where tissues are sectioned and prepared for microscopic analysis. Of course, autopsies can also subject the examiner and assisting personnel to formaldehyde vapors.

Did you know that medical students are

Diacetyl is the chemical that imparts the artificial buttery flavor to popcorn and other foods. As far back as 2004, information began to suggest that it causes the lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare but serious lung disease.

It was appropriately named “Popcorn Workers Lungs” because the first cases appeared in popcorn makers’ facilities where the diacetyl can be heated and workers exposed day after day. Incidentally, diacetyl is not just used in popcorn