The Role of Source Capture Filtration In The Workplace IAQ

Nail salon adhesive fumes. Dental office aerosol emissions. Art restoration chemical vapors. Welding gasses and particulates. These are just some of the indoor air quality [IAQ] pollutants that can be eliminated by using a source capture filter system.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

The number of US workers who could develop problems stemming from unhealthy emissions spans most occupations and industries – no workplace is free from the risks that come from unclean air. The American Lung Association asks: Are there substances used that emit odors, particles, or gasses? Are the emissions properly controlled?

In most cases, says the EPA, the most effective way to keep the air clean and healthy is to eliminate pollution at the source. This proven method of airborne contamination removal is known as source capture.

WHAT IS SOURCE CAPTURE?

Source capture may be defined as the process of removing gas, smoke, fumes, and particle emissions where they are generated. Contaminants are isolated and then removed from an individual’s workspace.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SOURCE CAPTURE SYSTEM?

Improved worker health: Enhanced productivity & worker retention.

Reduced operating costs: A source capture air cleaner is less expensive to purchase, run, and maintain than an ambient (large area) filtration unit.

Reduced energy costs: A source capture product is smaller, and thus uses less energy than an ambient air cleaning source capture system. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The most reliable source capture units have a suction hood at the end of an adjustable gooseneck extractor arm that can be placed directly over, or next to, the emission site. Fueled by a powerful blower motor, the hood sucks up impurities and then pushes them through a multi-stage filtration system thereby removing airborne contaminants before they can enter a worker’s breathing space.

IS A SOURCE CAPTURE SYSTEM RIGHT FOR MY APPLICATION?

The type of air cleaning product that is right for a given job and task will depend on a variety of factors including the application, pollutants emitted, building infrastructure, and workspace.

Source capture products and ambient air filtration units are appropriate for different situations. Understanding the difference between the two is key.

Ambient collection systems draw fumes and dust from large areas or an entire room, filter the air, then return it to the room. This type of source capture system works well in industrial settings, schools, hospitals, and the like.

Source capture systems collect vapors and particulates from confined spaces or directly at the site of emissions. Source capture systems are ideal for workspaces used by welders, jewelers, nail techs, art restorers, and other workers who create pollutants within their own workspaces.

At Air Impurities Removal Systems, Inc. we provide high-quality source capture air cleaning products. We have numerous options to choose from, such as our SP-800 mobile fume extractor and our Dental Clean Air model. For more information, contact us for a free estimate with one of our clean air experts.