Ellis Passivhaus

Childhood Asthma and Chicago’s Silent Killer

Childhood asthma has become the most chronic childhood disease in the industrialized world largely due to indoor environmental factors and air quality in particular. C02 emissions and PM 2.5 represent significant drivers. According the Mayor’s Office and other credible sources, over 70% of Chicago’s CO2e results from the occupancy of its residential and commercial buildings.

Among major US cities Chicago, Chicago gets an “F” for air quality according to American Lung Association, sentiments echoed by the EPA as well, citing high concentrations of “PM 2.5” (particulate matter > 2.5 microns.) JAMA and others have linked the ingestion of PM 2.5, that is the ingestion of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns through the air we breath, to a long list of chronic diseases. This affects the health of over 5 million people in the greater regional area.

Ellis Passivhaus delivers a continuous stream of fresh filtered air through a Zehnder whole house ERV (energy recovery ventilator) that removes 90% of particulate matter greater than 1.0 microns and 75% of particulate matter < 1.0 microns. It runs 24/7 at 84% efficiency and uses < 2 kWh of energy per day. Further, Ellis Passivhaus uses specialized drywall and bath tile that render commonly occurring volatile organic compounds inert.

A KN 95 mask intends to filter 95% of particulate matter > 3 microns in ideal conditions, that is, only if the seal is airtight. The tricky Covid virus measures .01 to 9.0 microns in size - a huge range, according to credible sources. Thus, it’s fair to say that wearing a KN 95 mask that fits perfectly might protect against some Covid transmission.

The State Of The Air 2018 - American Lung Association

PM 2.5 - The Killer That Can’t Be Seen.

Chicagoans spend 90% of their time indoors were air quality is > 5x worse than outdoor air quality.

Among major US cities, Chicago with others rank in the highest category of PM 2.5 concentration. PM 2.5 (“particulate matter 2.5 microns or less”) has been linked to heightened morbidity and cannot be seen by the naked eye. PM 2.5 primarily results from combustion.

Every Passivhaus Institut Certified Building requires a whole-house ERV (or HRV) to provide “continuous balanced mechanical ventilation with energy recovery.”

Ellis Passivhaus uses a Zehnder ERV that removes 90% of particulate matter greater the 1.0 microns and 75% that is < 1.0 microns. It runs 24/7 at 84% efficiency and uses < 2 kWh per day of electricity.