Q: What is a photocatalyst?

A: When a photocatalyst titanium dioxide (TiO2) captures ultraviolet light (UV) either from sun or fluorescent light, it forms activated oxygen from water or oxygen in the air. This process is similar to photosynthesis, in which chlorophyll captures sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose. The formed activated oxygen is strong enough to oxidize and decompose organic materials or smelling gas, and kill bacteria.

A:Titanium dioxide, also known as titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. Approved by the food testing laboratory of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Titanium Dioxide is considered a safe substance and harmless to human. It is commonly used in paint, printing ink, plastics, paper, synthetic fibers, rubber, condensers, painting colors and crayons, ceramics, electronic components along with food and cosmetics. Many studies have been published on the use of titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst for the decomposition of organic compounds. After illuminated by light, titanium dioxide produces hydroxyl radicals, which react with the organic matters in the air to form non-toxic inorganic matters.

Q: What effects does Green Quest photocatalyst treatment have?

A: We succeeded in finding a novel phenomenon on the photocatalyst. That is, when the surface of photocatalytic film is exposed to light, the contact angle of the photocatalyst surface with water is reduced gradually. After enough exposure to light, the surface reaches super-hydrophilicity. In other words, it does not repel water at all, so the water cannot exist in the shape of a drop, but spreads flatly on the surface of photocatalyst . The photo-catalytic super-hydrophilicity is important technology, because it has wider applications, including anti-fogging, self-cleaning properties, sterilization, deodorization, antifouling and removal of pollutants can be achieved.

Q:What are the benefits of Green Quest photocatalyst treatments?

Deodorizing . 

On the deodorizing application, the hydroxyl radicals accelerate the breakdown of any Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs by destroying the molecular bonds. This will help combine the organic gases to form a single molecule that is not harmful to humans thus enhance the air cleaning efficiency.  Some of the examples of odor molecules are: Tobacco odor, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, urine and fecal odor, gasoline, and many other hydrocarbon molecules in the atmosphere

Sterilization, Anti-Bacterial and Mold Preventing

Nano photocatalyst titanium dioxide has strong oxidation affects to single-celled organism that includes all bacteria and fungus. The very strong oxidizing power of Titanium Dioxide can destroy bacteria's cell membrane, causing leakage of the cytoplasm, which inhibits bacteria's activity and ultimately results in the death and decomposition of bacteria. Generally speaking, disinfections by titanium oxide is three times stronger than chlorination, and 1.5 times stronger than ozonation.

Q: Why is Green Quest photocatalyst treatment  semi-permanent?

A:    Although it is originally water-soluble, it dries quickly after application and becomes water-insoluble. It also becomes as hard as a 4H pencil in ten to fourteen days after application. It does not come off unless the surface is polished. Even a bathroom can be used immediately after application. Because titanium oxide is merely the catalyst and is not changed, its effect is semi-permanent except when walls and ceilings are repainted.

Q: How long does Green Quest photocatalyst treatment last after application?

A:   Since photocatalyst TiO2 is only acting as semi-conductor catalyst, it is not consumed during the oxidation process, therefore, completing a long lasting oxidation cycle. Green Quest is now offering a five years product and services warranty. 

A:    Yes , it will be no harm of direct touching the material or having direct contact with it after its drying time. The material is totally safe and the titanium dioxide used is FDA approved (refer to EPA certified toxicity lab report).

Q: Where can Green Quest photocatalyst treatments be applied?

Q: How does Green Quest photocatalyst treatment compare to traditional air purification system?

A:

Q: Can Green Quest photocatalyst coating be easily removed?

A:   After being dry, photocatalyst forms a very solid film that can't be wiped off unless strong cleaning chemicals are used.

Q: What factors may influence the efficiency of Green Quest photocatalyst treatment?

A:   Light and airflow will have a remarkable influence over the reaction of the photocatalyst. Both factors are needed to maintain the coating effectiveness all the time. From that, the better airflow you have (air circulation which can be obtained by using an ordinary fan or the normal air movement from air conditioner ducts) and the longer light times, the better the results of coating will be achieved.

Q: What is Indoor Air Pollution?

A:   Research indicates that people spend approximately 80 ~ 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are exposed to polluted indoor air that may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even lung cancer or other malignancies. Recent study reveals that bacteria, molds and house dust mites bred inside carpets and air conditioners can be airborne by dust particles, paints, varnishes, harmful chemical fibers and pressed wood products, which are most commonly used in household decoration, may emit formaldehyde, benzene and other hazardous and carcinogenic organic chemicals -- all these as well as unwholesome matters produced in the metabolism of human bodies and ammonia inside toilets have made the air within homes and other buildings more seriously polluted than the outdoor air.

People may experience one or more of the following reactions when exposed to indoor air pollution:

Allergic Reactions

Some common signs and symptoms are: 

· Watery eyes

· Runny nose and sneezing

· Nasal congestion

· Itching

· Coughing

· Wheezing and difficulty breathing

· Headaches

· Fatigue  

Infectious Reactions

Caused by bacteria and viruses, such as influenza, measles, chicken pox, and tuberculosis. Most infectious diseases pass from person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread. Some bacteria and viruses thrive in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. 

Toxic Reactions

Some fungi are known to produce toxic substances as a by-product of their metabolism, which can cause a variety of adverse health effects. Short-term symptoms can include dermatitis, respiratory irritation, headaches and fatigue. Long-term health effects can include cancer, damage to the central nervous system, and suppression of the immune system.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition, it can cause headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue. People who already have respiratory diseases are at greater risk.

Q: What is Sick Building Syndrome?

A:   The term " sick building syndrome " (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.

The following have been cited causes of or contributing factors to sick building syndrome:

1. Inadequate ventilation

In an effort to achieve acceptable Indoor Air Quality or IAQ while minimizing energy consumption, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently revised its ventilation standard to provide a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces). Up to 60 cfm/person may be required in some spaces (such as smoking lounges) depending on the activities that normally occur in that space.

2. Chemical contaminants from indoors sources

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and repairable particulate matter. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces and gas stoves.

3. Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources

The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents, windows, and other openings. In addition, combustion products can enter a building from a nearby garage.

4. Biological contaminants

Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion.