Alpha Tech Pet Catalog

air

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Here’s a proposed scale for AQI in pet care settings: • Good (0-50 AQI): Ideal air quality, posing no health risks. • Moderate (51-100 AQI): Minimal risks for sensitive animals. • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150 AQI): Risks for animals with preexisting respiratory conditions. • Unhealthy (151-200 AQI): Immediate action required for all animals. • Very Unhealthy (201-300 AQI): Severe risks; limit exposure. • Hazardous (301+ AQI): Emergency conditions necessitating evacuation.

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Cats, especially kittens or those with weaker immune systems, are equally at risk. Prolonged exposure to poor air quality can lead to chronic illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. If symptoms like nasal discharge, eye irritation, or frequent coughing are present, it’s time to go beyond surface cleaning and check the air quality in your facility 4 . For any facility striving to provide exceptional care, IAQ should be regarded as just as important as veterinary attention. Real-World Impact of Poor IAQ on Animal Health: Consider the case of a regional facility where a Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) outbreak occurred due to poor air quality. In less than a week, 20 animals developed respiratory problems, leading to over $30,000 in veterinary bills and lost revenue. Additionally, the facility’s reputation suffered, causing clients to look elsewhere for services. This example underscores the importance of IAQ monitoring, as the costs of neglecting it go far beyond immediate health risks—they also affect the bottom line and client trust. Creating an Indoor Air Quality Standard for Pet Care Facilities: Despite its importance, there is no standardized Air Quality Index (AQI) specifically designed for animal care facilities. Establishing such a standard would provide clear benchmarks for safe environments.

EPA

EPA

EPA 101 - 150 AQI EPA 301 - 500 AQI

0 - 50 AQI

51 - 100 AQI

EPA 151 - 200 AQI

EPA 201 - 300 AQI

References 1. American Lung Association. Clean Air Indoors 2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Particulate Matter (PM) Basics. 3. Clinical and Translational Allergy. Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Indoor Air Quality 5. Donskey, C.J. (2016). Evaluation of Hospital Floors as a Potential Source of Pathogen Dissemination Using a Nonpathogenic Virus as a Surrogate Marker 6. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Condi- tioning Engineers (ASHRAE). (2021). ASHREA Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality 7. Rashid, T. et al. (2016). Shoe Soles as a Potential Vector for Pathogen Transmission

The Financial Impact of CIRDC Outbreaks The costs associated with a CIRDC outbreak can escalate rapidly. Veterinary treatment alone can range from $200 to $800 per pet, depending on the severity of the illness. In addition to this, temporary facility closures can lead to significant lost revenue, often amounting to thousands of dollars. The need to address airborne pathogens also increases operational expenses, further straining budgets. Moreover, outbreaks can damage a facility’s reputation, requiring costly marketing efforts to rebuild client trust. These financial impacts often total between $10,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on the severity of the outbreak. By investing in IAQ monitoring, facilities can prevent costly disruptions and maintain a trusted reputation in the marketplace 6,7 .

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