Duct cleaning and particles

[Guest guest]

Tony et al,

CMHC did some duct cleaning research

back in the mid-nineties which is reported at:

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/95-205.pdf

The US EPA followed with its own research

program several years later. Both studies showed that there were no significant

changes in airborne particles in houses following duct cleaning.

I agree that this area of study could

benefit from more research with improved measurement technology. However,

the basic fact remains that metal ducts will never be a major source of

particles unless they have adequate biological activity and moisture to

promote growth. They basically collect sedimented particles. Sometimes

they will release a portion of the stored particles if the duct work is

agitated (for instance during or following a cleaning activity), but they

are not going to be a particle source in most houses.

Don Fugler

CMHC Policy and Research