Avoiding Absenteeism While Treating an Acrid Burnt Plastic Odor in a Healthcare Clinic
Late one morning, a Central Florida business owner reached out to Awen Natural Air with an urgent problem. She managed three clinics in the region, including one in Melbourne, FL. The night before, the cleaning crew had used the clinic break room microwave to heat their dinner. Either the microwave malfunctioned or the wrong settings were used. A plastic container overheated and partially melted, filling the clinic with an acrid burnt plastic odor.
The next morning, staff arrived to find the odor still hanging in the air. Some employees were so affected that they had to take sick days. Appointments were cancelled and rescheduled. For a healthcare practice, turning patients away was not a good look, and the owner needed a fast but safe solution that would not shut the clinic down.
She contacted Awen Natural Air to see if their technology could solve the issue and asked a few important questions before moving forward.
Can Hydroxyl Generators Remove the Acrid Burnt Plastic Odor?
Awen Natural Air confirmed that their technology was well suited to the situation. When plastic melts or burns, it can release hydrogen chloride, benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These substances are not only unpleasant but can also be irritating and unhealthy to breathe.
The Pyure Boss hydroxyl generators used by Awen Natural Air are designed to break down these chemicals into less harmful substances. Instead of masking the odor, the hydroxyls react with the contaminants in the air and help neutralize them.
How Long Will It Take to Clear the Odor?
Because the initial concentration of chemicals in the air was unknown, it was difficult to give a precise time estimate. Based on similar projects, Awen Natural Air advised that it would likely take anywhere from a day to several days to fully treat the space.
However, they also explained that within a few hours of treatment, the air would probably improve enough that people would not feel incapacitated by the odor and could work more comfortably.
Can staff remain in the clinic during treatment?
Yes. Hydroxyl treatment is safe for people, animals, plants and furnishings. A key advantage of this approach is that there is no need to vacate the building. Staff and patients can remain in the space while the equipment is running.
What Is the Cost of Treatment?
Because the plan was to place the equipment in the clinic and let it run for one week without moving it or requiring frequent site visits, the total cost stayed under $250.
After the owner approved the plan, she connected Awen Natural Air with the facility manager. Equipment delivery was arranged within two hours.
Before turning on the hydroxyl generator, Awen Natural Air took indoor air quality measurements with an air quality monitor:
- Formaldehyde (HCHO): 0.36 mg/m³ (very poor)
- Total VOCs: 1.15 mg/m³ (very poor)
Once the Pyure Boss hydroxyl generator was installed and checked for proper operation, it was turned on and allowed to run. The equipment stayed in place for a week, although the facility manager noted that staff members seemed to be turning the unit off at night, contrary to instructions.
Measured Results: 94% Reduction in Formaldehyde and 92% Reduction in TVOC
At the end of the week, the hydroxyl equipment was shut off and removed. After waiting about 20 minutes, indoor air quality measurements were taken again.
The results showed a clear improvement:
- 94% reduction in formaldehyde
- 92% reduction in total VOCs
- Indoor air quality index improved from 14 down to 4, a 71% improvement
These reductions are especially meaningful. The World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants state that a short-term (30-minute) indoor guideline of 0.1 mg/m³ for formaldehyde is recommended to prevent sensory irritation and long-term health effects.
Similarly, the American Lung Association’s page on Volatile Organic Compounds explains that breathing VOCs at elevated levels can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing, and that long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, with some VOCs linked to cancer.
The clinic owner was very pleased with the outcome. She did not have to shut down the clinic. Appointments stayed on schedule. Staff and patients were comfortable while the hydroxyl equipment quietly did its work. The cost was reasonable, and the improvement was both noticeable and measurable.
Why Awen Natural Air Is a Smart Choice for Odor Removal and Air Purification in Florida
Awen Natural Air focuses on safe, effective indoor air purification using Pyure hydroxyl technology. Their systems are designed to neutralize odors and break down VOCs, bacteria and other contaminants in the air.
Compared to traditional methods like chemical fogging or ozone treatment, hydroxyls offer some important advantages:
- Safe to use while people, pets and plants are present
- No harsh chemical residues left behind
- No need to close the building or stop operations
- Effective on tough odors, including burnt plastic, smoke, mold and musty smells
Awen Natural Air also provides before-and-after indoor air quality measurements, so clients can see the actual data. For clinics, offices, schools and homes across Florida, this gives peace of mind that the air is not just better smelling, but objectively cleaner.
If a home or business is struggling with lingering odors or poor indoor air quality, Awen Natural Air offers a practical, science-based solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydroxyl treatment safe for people and pets?
Yes. Hydroxyl generators are designed to be safe for people, pets and plants while they’re operating. Unlike ozone or harsh chemical treatments, they don’t require you to vacate the space or remove furnishings, so normal activity can continue during treatment.
Does hydroxyl technology eliminate odors or just cover them up?
It eliminates odors at the molecular level by reacting with VOCs and other airborne contaminants and helping to break them down into less harmful substances. This means the source of the smell is reduced in the air, rather than being covered with fragrances or masking agents.
How quickly does hydroxyl treatment work?
Many spaces notice a meaningful improvement in how the air smells within a few hours of turning the equipment on. The total time needed depends on the severity of the odor problem, the size and layout of the space, and the ventilation and airflow patterns in the building.
Can hydroxyls remove burnt plastic smell?
Yes. Hydroxyl technology helps break down chemicals released by melting or burning plastic, including formaldehyde and benzene, which contribute to the harsh odor.
Does Awen Natural Air provide air quality testing?
Yes. Awen Natural Air can measure indoor air quality before and after treatment to show changes in formaldehyde, VOCs and other pollutants. This gives clients clear, data-based proof of how much the air has improved, not just a subjective sense that it smells better.
Need Help With Odors or Indoor Air Quality in Florida?
If you are dealing with burnt plastic odor, smoke, mold or musty smells, or high VOC levels in your home or business, Awen Natural Air can help.
📍 Awen Natural Air
Melbourne, FL 32940
📞 (321) 773-3356
🕸️ https://awennatural.com