HEALTH ALERT: How Clean is the Indoor Air We Breathe? 

Urban living, particularly in highly congested areas like Metro Manila, is getting more and more stressful these days. Outdoors, we have to contend with traffic, air and noise pollution, and mingling with complete strangers in crowded markets, shopping centers, malls, office elevators, buses and trains. 

And, with today’s news dominated by outbreaks of deadly and strange diseases, the health risks are definitely high. It is no surprise then that most people avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, preferring to stay indoors instead.

The question is, how safe is the air we breathe indoors?  

Advances in building technology have made most residential and office buildings air-tight to better withstand the elements like rain and strong wind. They are also meant to reduce power costs related to air conditioning.

But the air-tight buildings also trap air pollutants inside, and no fresh air can come in. Indoor air is simply re-circulated, together with the pollution.

While indoor air may look or smell clean, there are plenty of factors that affect indoor air quality like poor ventilation, inside contamination, poor humidity control, and contamination from building materials, among others.

Some of the causes of indoor air pollution are ordinary things that we never suspect could be harmful. Clothing materials, for instance, may carry pollens, oils from outdoor smoke, gases and allergens that attach themselves to the fabrics. Once indoors, clothing releases these allergens, gases and odors into the air.

Our furniture, carpets, drapes and upholstery materials likewise emit chemical fumes, noxious gases and odors that we cannot easily detect. The same is true with construction materials like
paint, plywood and particle boards that are used for cabinets and paneling.

The list of indoor pollutants is almost endless: Furniture polishes, ammonia and other cleaning products likewise emit chemical fumes, noxious gases and odors, while ductwork for the cooling systems gather dust and moisture, creating mold and mold spores, and hosting bacteria and dust mites.

Worse, the ductworks circulate dust, mold spores, bacteria and dust mite throughout the entire building. This is called the Sick Building Syndrome.

What are the symptoms of a sick building syndrome? We are all very familiar with them, because they include acute discomfort, headache, eye, nose, or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness and nausea.

In addition, symptoms also include poor concentration, fatigue, chest tightness, fever, chills, and muscle aches. Aha!

What to do, then?

Homes and offices with no natural air ventilation need an air therapy system that can kill germs, eliminate chemical pollutants, and eradicate smoke, dust, mist, bad odor, bacteria, and mold spores. The good news is, such technology is now in the Philippines.

A company called MSL Global Corporation recently introduced in the local market a patented technology that effectively addresses the problems of poor indoor air quality by treating the air through a three-step process of purification, sterilization and sanitation.

Called the ASPIRO Verus Vent Lite Module, the patented product is a complete system for mechanical ventilation, air treatment and lighting necessary to meet the indoor air quality requirements of today’s urban environment. It restores vitality to the indoor air, replenishes oxygen and dilutes carbon dioxide, among others.

The internal components of the ASPIRO™ Verus Vent Lite Module include an electro-catalytic and photo-catalytic aluminum filter module, a UVC germicidal system and an electrophoretic unit that eradicates up to 98% of smoke, dust, mist, odor, bacteria, and mold spores in residential homes.

The technology does not require elaborate ductwork or expensive installation, and can even remove wet or dry particulates. And because it re-circulates clean indoor air, it means lesser energy expense to cool air that is required with exhaust fans or ducted mechanical exhausts.

More importantly, the ASPIRO Verus has therapeutic properties and restores ion balance inside homes and offices, which have been medically proven in clinical tests. The technology is certified safe by health authorities in the United Kingdom and Singapore, among other countries.

Now, that is certainly good news worth sharing. 

ANCHOR LAND FIRST TO USE ASPIRO AIR SYSTEM THERAPY 

In accordance with the company’s motto of 100% commitment to provide the best innovations and highest quality service to customers, Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. is proud to be the first Philippine developer to carry the ASPIRO air therapy products in its developments.

Anchor Land President Elizabeth Ventura said that they will incorporate the ASPIRO air therapy system as part of the company’s standard offerings in all their new residential projects, including the SoleMare Parksuites complex at the ASEANA Business Park in Paranaque and the 53-storey Admiral Baysuites along Roxas Boulevard.

“We are proud to announce to our SoleMare clients that we continuously upgrade our offerings without any added cost on their part. With the ASPIRO air therapy system plus our other luxury features, we are confident that SoleMare Parksuites will continue to be one of our certified bestsellers,” Ms Ventura said.

The ASPIRO air therapy system effectively removes causes of asthma and other respiratory ailments from the atmosphere and reduces bacteria by up to 99 percent. It releases more oxygen by diluting carbon dioxide to restore vitality to the indoor air, ensuring a healthier environment.

Other distinct features of the product include moisture control and a safe UV process through a leak-proof system. It does not harm the ozone layer and is certified safe by health authorities in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Singapore.

The Solemare Parksuites is a mixed use development at the Bay City off scenic Manila Bay. SoleMare is strategically situated between the SM Mall of Asia and the fast rising Pagcor Entertainment City. It is located along Bradco Avenue just a few steps from busy Macapagal Boulevard and the new Consular Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The first phase of SoleMare Parksuites consisting of two 18-storey residential towers has been completed and turned over to buyers while the second phase, also made up of two 18-storey residential towers, has been topped off this week and will be turned over to customers before the end of the year.

Anchor Land will soon launch in the same area a bigger project called the Monarch Parksuites. Aside from the excellent health benefits of the ASPIRO indoor air therapy system, the Monarch Parksuites will offer bigger units plus unique amenities and a wide array of health and recreational facilities.

Ms Ventura said SoleMare Parksuites and Monarch Parksuites will be among the first residential developments in the Philippines to use the state-of-the-art ASPIRO indoor air therapy system which works like a combination of an exhaust fan, a module light and an air purifier.

The system eradicates up to 98 percent of smoke, dust, mist, bad odor, bacteria and mold spores, making the air in the residential unit smelling good all the time.

More importantly, Ms Ventura said that with the ASPIRO technology, the kitchen, bathroom and the whole condominium unit will have healthy air because it removes pollutants and makes the air inside the unit cleaner and therapeutic.

The equipment also doubles as a stylish lighting fixture for the bathroom.

Other Anchor Land projects that will incorporate the ASPIRO air therapy system are its Clairemont Parksuites in San Juan City and the Oxford Parksuites, a 39-storey learning inspired development in the heart of Chinatown.

For more information about SoleMare Parksuites and other Anchor Land developments, please call 0917-8092222.