It’s about time the issue of poor air quality related illnesses were addressed.
In the last 50 years buildings have become sealed, relying on mechanical air rather than natural ventilation.
As a result, mould is common even in buildings without water damage, according to submissions made to the parliamentary inquiry into Biotoxin-related illnesses in Australia.
A HVAC hygiene company, told the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport, that mould contamination had become a serious issue that needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
In its submission, the company said the rapid increase of synthetic products in all aspects of life has created a soup of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Biotoxins.
“Mould spores within HVAC systems can be ultimately dispersed with the conditioned air and becomes a major contaminant of indoor air,” the submission said.
In fact, a senior member of staff at Ducted Air Solutions has been diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge about CIRS.
“We believe HVAC hygiene is at a crisis point in Australia, with no legislation to regulate Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) leaving many exposed to mould contamination,” the submission said.
“The absence of legislation has allowed self regulation by property owners and managers when considering HVAC hygiene with the impact of poor IAQ on occupiers of facilities often not considered.
“Implementation of current yardsticks such as AIRAH’s Best Practice Guidelines and AS/NZ 3666 and 1668 is discretionary and in many instances, ignored.
“In the fight against CIRS within Australia we feel legislation drafted in accordance with current industry guidelines and Australian Standards is essential and should be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
We have been advising our clients about this for years, it is high time that something is done to ensure the industry is better informed, supported by government and steps are taken to protect the public against life threatening illnesses caused by dirty air conditioners.
Don’t wait until your air con dies of old age, make sure you replace it every 5 years and avoid the possibility of health issues caused by contaminated units.
Call PlumbSpec to install your new system, ph: 0417 555 325
