Tobacco Documents Online

Environmental tobacco smoke is a result of poor ventilation. 'We have determined that the presence of high concentrations of tobacco smoke indicates a much more serious problem than the tobacco smoke itself. Poor ventilation is the primary cause of poor indoor air. Many of the invisible and odourless pollutants are potentially far more dangerous than environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).' These are the words of Gray Robertson, President of ACVA Inc. in USA. ACVA is a company that specialises in the study and assessment of indoor air pollution. 'Since we incorporated in 1981 we have now studied in excess of 42 million square feet of buildings, perhaps confirming us as the most experienced private company in that field' states Gray Robertson. ACVA frequently investigates buildings on account of complaints from occupants with symptoms such as eye and nose irritation, fatigue, coughing, rhinitis, nausea, headaches, sore throats and general respiratory problems. After conducting detailed scientific studies and evaluations ACVA have determined that ETS is the immediate cause of bad indoor air in only 4% of all cases. ACVA's studies covered 233 major buildings between 1981 and 1987. These results have been corroborated by other similar studies. 'It is significant that in the few cases where we have found high concentrations of ETS we have also discovered an excess of fungi and bacteria in the HVAC systems. These microorganisms are usually the primary cause of adverse health efects.' Dead rodents and birds in ventilation ducts 'Quite frequently we find excessive accumulations of dirt in ventilation ductwork, even in hospitals. We have removed hundreds of kilos of fungi, dust and dirt from HVAC systems. Bird, insect and rodent carcasses and excessive amounts of dust have been found in buildings where employees have felt unwell. Nobody ever looks in these ventilation ducts and therefore it is common for the blame for these types of health problems to be laid elsewhere.'