Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Fight Asthma with Fruit, Fish, and Fresh Air

Air Purification Process - By: Alfred Oliver
Introduction:

Health is the important wealth that one would need to nurture all through the lifetime. If there is not the proper care given for this health then there is every chance that you might end up in ending a career which is short but also painful. The importance of this health is least felt during the initial stages of any person life. The most critical factor that determines that health of any individual is the air we breathe. If the air that is taken in is not clean and safe then you might end up in having a bad respiratory system. One would need to have a clean air to breathe and this is obtained by using the air purification process. Here we can have a discussion in detail about the air purification process.

An overview of the air purification system:

This air purification system is the hit in the current market place and is a must present device at your home. There are various designs in which the air purification system is available and one would need to do some research before choosing the right one. First one would need to see for the scope and the use of this air purification system. If this is for a small room or hall then you would need to buy a small and compact air purifier. Satisfying the personal needs is more important rather than going for the hit product. There are also the air purification systems which are available for the big seminar halls and meeting rooms.

The Blue Air purifier:

Among the whole lot of products that are available in the market the blue air is said to be the best. The reason I say that the Blue air is the best because this is the only noiseless air purification machine. Most of the air purifiers create a hell lot of noise which is annoying and can cause serious worries. The deafening ones cause a lot of irritation especially while sleeping. This air purification product has been internationally recognized and has got all approvals from the health department. Also one would need to make sure that there is no water leakage from the machine during its processing.

Conclusion:


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Air Dehumidifier – Overview - By: Alfred Oliver
Introduction

Air dehumidifier is the prime requirement especially when you are in the hot places where the temperature is hot and there is less air content. There would be the heat that is developed and in turn lead to a lot of suffocation and a lot of diseases. Thus one can say that the air dehumidifiers are a must for any home. Here we can have a discussion in detail about the characteristics of the air dehumidifiers and some of the things to be kept in mind before buying the same.

Do a small research as to which is the best:

There are many ways that one can get the opinions about the air dehumidifiers. The best place to search about the air dehumidifiers is the internet. There are the forums and the columns which are present in the internet which can be used as a source for reference. The forums are the perfect place to know about the review comments after the use of these air dehumidifiers. One would surely need to know about these before buying the air dehumidifiers.

Characteristics of the air dehumidifier:

The scope of the air dehumidifiers depends upon the usage area. If the usage area is pretty small then there are those compact air dehumidifiers. For bigger meeting rooms and the training halls these air dehumidifiers are coupled with the classical air coolers which provide the additional dehumidification process.
Generally the air dehumidifiers must not create any sort of noise. This will lead to unwanted problems which in turn can cause the failure of the device. One would need to ensure that these air dehumidifiers are approved through all the environment check boards before being released to the international market. Also one would need to ask the manufacturer as to at which frequency we would need to change the coolant inside the air dehumidifiers. The coolant used is usually the heavy water which is the deuterium oxide in the liquid form. Hence the changing of coolants must not become a tiresome job during the use.

Conclusion:

Thus one can say that the air dehumidifiers are the best options for cooling and making the place habitable. The electricity pull of the air dehumidifier also needs to be checked for and one should not regret for high bills in the later stages. Thus if the above things are kept in mind one is sure to get the excellent air dehumidifiers from the market.

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Why should you Install Air Purification System in your House - By: Searchme4



Air purification is a systematic process which removes contaminants from the air. The available air for respiration is not always healthy for lungs and sometimes the most polluted air is the one present inside the home. There are different sources through which pollutants are added to the air and make it harmful for instance smoking, pet hair, moulds, pollen, bacterial or virus particulates and many others. Dust particles and other pollutants settle on clothes and furniture, which adversely affects the body and can even cause serious health issues like asthma and respiratory illnesses. Air purification systems are advisable in order to handle these problems.

An air purifier is a device which can significantly diminish many harmful contaminants from the room air through filtrations. Installing these machines will provide health benefits, as they supply unpolluted air without the numerous harmful particles that cause increasing instances of illnesses for greater numbers of people. The filtration system of the machine process the indoor air several times and, ultimately purify the air up to 97% and free the inhabitant from the unsafe contaminants.

Any type of bad plumbing seals or gaskets that may have a small leak will introduce sewer odour. Odour removal vent stack filters are considered as helpful equipment as they posses Zeocarbon. The efficiency of Zeocarbon for odour minimization is seven times longer than regular carbon alone. Urine absorption into tile or tile grout also cause bad odour which can be reduced by installing a deodorizer mister in the bathroom. There are different spray products also available that can eliminate this problem by using them in a regular maintenance program.

If you would want to be assured that you are breathing clean indoor air in your house, then installing a central air purification system will be the best option for you. The best way to have a whole house air purifier installed is with the help of a contractor or electrician. If you want to know more about how to install air purification system in your house visit our search directory searchme4.

For more information on Air Purification, visit our business directory


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The Benefits Of Using Electrostatic Air Filters In Heating And Air Conditioning Equipment - By: Donald Munn



As technology advances, we get new innovations in every field, including that of furnace filters and air filtration. One new option that's becoming more and more popular is that of electrostatic furnace filters. Ask a lot of duct technicians these days, and you'll hear that these filters have many benefits, and are a great way to save money. After all, you'll never have to replace a filter again. Here are a few of the benefits that are associated with using electrostatic furnace and air conditioner filters.

Helps Relieve Allergy Problems

Exposure to common allergens, including mold, pollen, pet dander and dust, is reduced when you use an electrostatic furnace filter. If you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, you'll notice a lot less irritation and fewer episodes

Electrostatic Filters Are Economical

These filters help keep your air conditioner coils and the components in your furnace from collecting dirt and dust. That dust is the single most common cause of heating and cooling system failure. If your system is cleaner, it will have a longer life and be more efficient, meaning that you'll use less energy and need to repair your furnace less often. Also, unlike conventional filters, electrostatic furnace filters never have to be replaced. While they cost more to install initially, you'll save in the long run by not replacing dirty filters.

Cleaning Your House Gets Easier

Since the electrostatic filter collects dust effectively, less of it gets out to settle throughout your home. That means less dusting, easier vacuuming, and a generally less bothersome time keeping your house clean.

Electrostatic Filters Are Environmentally Friendly

Filters you never have to replace are filters you never throw away, and that's a lot friendlier to the environment. Reducing waste is a common concern in many countries, and these filters are one way to cut down on the amount of trash you throw out. The landfills will thank you.

Easy Maintenance

To make sure that your filter does its job correctly, there is a little work required. However, all you have to do to maintain furnace efficiency is give the filter a cleaning once a month. This can be done by vacuuming the heaviest buildup off the filters surface. Then, lay your filter flat and spray with detergent on both sides. Spray the filter with water, turn it over, and repeat until the water isn't dirty anymore. Just let your electrostatic furnace filter drip dry, and put it back in your heating and cooling system to continue providing you with clean, high quality air.

Help keep your heat pump or air conditioner working a peak efficiency by selecting a good air filter. There are many options and things to consider when making your selection. Visit our site to learn more about furnace filters and air conditioner filters or to get more information about electrostatic furnace filters.


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Los Angeles Indoor Air Quality - Could Your Home Be Making You Sick? - By: Jonathan P. Lewis



In Los Angeles, despite the advances in smog control, an unseen enemy to good health could be even more dangerous - and it's lurking right within your own home.

Who would have thought that the air in your home could be a health hazard?

After a couple of hours in heavy traffic, most Los Angeles commuters are happy to escape to what they believe to be the safety and security of their own home - and the clean air within it.

Yet their indoor air quality may not be as clean as they think...

According to studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in some areas of Los Angeles indoor air quality may be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top 5 environmental risks to public health.


Here's one reason why...

Poorly maintained air ducts and filters.

Poorly maintained air ducts can result in bacteria, viruses, dust mites, pet dander, dead skin cells and many other harmful pollutants circulating unseen in your home. And, if you suffer from asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems, eye irritation, headaches or allergies, indoor air quality may be making matters worse.

In particular the incidence of both asthma and allergies in Los Angeles is directly affected by poor air quality.


There is a simple answer...

Air duct cleaning.

Cleaning air ducts to remove pollutants nestling within the ducts will restore clean air flow, improve indoor air quality and help you and your family live a more healthy life.


Here are three steps to protect your home environment...

1 - Have a free air quality inspection and breathe easier.
Air quality testing can be performed by a professional air duct cleaning company - legitimate companies will perform an inspection free of charge or obligation.

2 - Clean air ducts and vents and filters.
This simple step will dramatically reduce the amount of pollutants you and your family are breathing inside your home.

3 - Schedule regular cleaning.
Maintaining clean air ducts and clean air filters will keep your indoor air clean, fresh and safe. And a new generation of washable filters can block virtually all pollutants and are easily maintained.


If your home was previously occupied, it̢۪s difficult to know exactly how clean the air ducts and vents are. A professional air duct cleaning company can give you peace of mind about the condition of air ducts and vents by performing a free air quality inspection.


Not all companies offering air duct cleaning in Los Angeles are equal however.

When choosing an air duct cleaning company, there are three things to check before lifting the phone...

1 - Check that the company is licensed to operate in the state of California.

2 - Check that the company is fully insured and bonded.

3 - Check for recommendations from satisfied customers on review sites such as Angie's List, Service Magic and Yelp.

Following these six steps will ensure a worry-free future as your home will be free from pollution and you and your family will be able to live a healthier life.


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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Test Kit - By: Lawrence Korbus



The effect of carbon emissions and other air pollutants on our health has become a major concern for most of us. We wonder if the air we breathe outside will harm us and our loved ones, and we shudder to think that scientists are right in their assertion that air pollution can be linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, one critical question many of us neglect to ask ourselves is ¡°How safe is the air in my home?¡±

Although we have limited control over the contaminants present in the air outside, the quality of the air in our homes is very much in our own hands. Did you know that that the average person breathes in approximately 700 times per hour? That means if the air in your home is populated with smoke particles, mold spores, dust mite feces or other volatile organic compounds, you and your family are taking in 700 doses per hour of potentially health-threatening contaminants.

If you or a member of your family suffers from allergies, it is likely that your doctor has already suggested you purchase a good HEPA air purifier. A HEPA air purifier removes dust, pollen and other particles such as pet hair, human skin and mite feces, which are commonly floating around us in large quantities and are known to trigger allergic reactions. A HEPA purifier will remove 99.7% of these particles; however, it is not the best air purification system for a home infested with airborne bacteria, mold, yeast or other fungi.

Airborne bacteria and viruses are a common source of respiratory infection and are especially dangerous to infants, the elderly and individuals with immune deficiency or cardiovascular problems. Whooping cough, meningitis and influenza are just a few of the many infectious diseases spread through the air. The airborne toxins that are produced by many mold spores are also a critical health threat, as they can cause very serious illnesses including chronic bronchitis, weakened immune system, hearing loss, impaired memory, lung damage, brain damage, and even death.

Unfortunately most people have no idea they are breathing dangerous bacteria or mold spores until they are already sick, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency warns, ¡°It is prudent to improve indoor air quality in your home even when symptoms are not noticeable¡±. To combat these serious threats to your family¡¯s health, an Ultra Violet (UV) purifier is essential. Unlike HEPA purifiers, which filter offending particles out of the air, UV air purifiers work by killing living bacteria, viruses and yeast organisms floating around your home.

If you are considering purchasing an air purifier and want to be sure to get the type that is best suited to your air quality issues, or if you already own a home air cleaner and are not sure how effective it is against mold, yeast and bacteria, you can conduct your own indoor air quality testing and get in-home results that will set your mind at ease. Easy to use, with color coded results that are easy to read, our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Test Kit will arm you with the information you need to protect your family.


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Whole House Air Cleaners Work IF, You Know What To Look For - This Will Help You - By: Lawrence K. Gibson




Whole house air cleaners are systems that filter clean and clear the air of pollutants and allergens. These units filter air in an entire home and can be used in conjunction with your current HVAC unit or purchase as a stand alone unit. There are many benefits to be obtained when using air purifiers. Of course the biggest benefit is the removal of unhealthy pollutants from the air, allowing you to breathe cleaner fresher air throughout the home.

Most whole house air cleaners use some type of filtration system that either filters out or traps that holds airborne pollutants and other micro organisms. Exactly which type of pollutants it will eliminate depends on which type of filter is in the unit and what type of system you are using. This filter system should be clearly stated on the packaging of the unit so that the consumer is fully aware of what he is getting.

If your goal is to just get cleaner fresher air in your home then the average air purifier would do. However, if you're subject to disorders of the lung or suffer from allergies then you may want to search for something that has a more advanced filtration system.

There are some whole house air cleaners that also incorporate a humidifier system within them. These cleaners help your home maintain a consistent humidity and can reduce the effects of allergy like symptoms for those who suffer from these ailments. Another aspect of owning whole house air cleaners that incorporate filters is that there are some filters must be checked and replace on a regular basis.

If the manufacturer recommends replacing the filters on a certain schedule it is important that you follow this carefully otherwise your whole house air cleaner will not function at an optimal level.

Purchasing a whole house air cleaner is an investment for your home as well as the health of all those who dwell within it. You should do your research carefully before purchasing one, go online and look at several different units and read the reviews on them and find the unit that you feel will function best with your home and achieve the results you are looking for. There are several models to choose from and all of them have different features as well as different prices.

Also be sure to read any warranty that comes with your unit very carefully. You want to be careful not to do anything that may void the warranty. If anything should happen to your unit while in its warranty you want to be sure that you benefit from the stated information within that warranty.

If you do your homework carefully and take a little time reading about the various whole house air cleaners, their benefits, and the different types of systems available, you can make an informed and well thought out decision on which one you need to purchase.


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How To Pick Your Next Air Purifier - By: Sharon Westlake



Thinking of buying an air purifier? If you're like most people today I'm sure the answer is yes. As our air quality has degraded over the years it has become imperative that you take extra steps to clean the air in your home and this is where a top quality air purifier comes into play. These units have added to the comfort of the typical home or office space and will continue to do so. As a result air purifiers have increased in popularity significantly over the last ten years and rightfully so.

Now even though air purifiers have been proven to be a great asset to many health conscious individuals including people who suffer from allergies and other respiratory afflictions, some people still wonder if these are just gadgets or are they truly worth the price tag. If you purchase your unit correctly almost all top quality air purifiers are a great bargain considering what they do for your health. If you have indoor pets especially dogs then for sure you are in need of a quality air purifier right now.

It's true that many of the better brands are quite expensive when you compare them on paper. But you need to keep in mind that these are not just random toys they are meant to improve your health by improving the air quality in your home or office. And practically can you really put a price tag on your health? Now this does not mean that you should run out and purchase the most expensive air purifier. You of course will need to do a little research on the top brands and models to find the one that is just right for your home or office. Also honestly price is not the critical deciding factor when choosing a potential unit for your personal needs.

When buying an air purifier you will need to look closely at the price of the unit but you do this in the context of the full time life expectancy of the purifier you intend to purchase. You also need to know that many units will require that you purchase additional filters a few times each year. If this is unacceptable for you then your next option is to purchase an air purifier that uses collection grids instead. This way you eliminate the need for the replacement filters but this will usually mean a higher price tag for the purifier. However over the lifetime usage of the unit you will more than make back the extra money spent. Also with the collection grid models you will tend to cut down on noise so if this is an issue for you then there's another plus for going this route.

Also you need to keep in mind that it's important to have a full understanding of what you intend to use your air purifiers for before you go shopping for the unit. Do you happen to be a big smoker? What about pets? Is your home a possible small zoo? In these cases it's important to understand that not all air purifiers are made to handle these situations. The last thing you want to do is spend your hard earned money on a unit that does not do what you want it to do. So just make sure to read the manufacturer's information thoroughly to confirm that the unit you're considering will be able to provide with the results you're looking to achieve.

A few other things to keep in mind when looking to purchase a high quality air purifier is to base you decision on the following criteria:

Capacity - Just how big the unit is and how big a space you need to clean. Make sure to get a unit that can adequately clean the amount of space in the room in question.

Placement - Where exactly will you be placing the unit in your home? You will need to account for noise level etc.

Energy Efficiency - You need to make sure your unit will be as efficient as possible and that it gets the highest Energy Star rating possible for your price range.

Keeping the above tips in mind, you should be able to find and purchase an air purifier that gets you the best results possible and provide the greatest health benefits for you and your family.


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Noise and air pollution - By: Michele De Capitani



Industrial plants, traffic jam, industrial waste of all types…in our cities pollution reigns supreme, in all of its forms, and although this problem has been on the agenda of the world powers since time immemorial, and in spite of the constant exhortations to private citizens to do their part, all this seems to be never enough to reduce pollution, and its negative effects, not even minimally.

When we speak about pollution, most people automatically think about air pollution, but there are many other kinds of pollution: each one can cause malaises and stress, and for each one we should try to find specific solutions. An example? Noise pollution, which could be solved, in part, with the sound-insulation of buildings. We do not hear a lot about noise pollution, but it is an affliction of our society; just think about any of our cities: the noise of motors and horns coming from the roads, the loud music of many clubs, the unpleasant noises coming from factories, construction sites and airports…all of these noise sources can cause damages not only to our ears, but also to our mental health: a prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause, indeed, stress and general malaise. Noise pollution can cause three types of problems: real damages to certain organs or systems, temporary disturbances to an organ or system, or annoyance. No wonder that there are precise regulations, especially as clubs and industrial plants is concerned, to impose limits that you cannot go beyond, and to forbid the building of these plants or clubs near populated areas. To reduce the effects of noise pollution, buildings can be equipped with acoustical panels, which can be assembled to build acoustic enclosures, barriers and partition walls. In the case of buildings where very noisy production processes take place, a precise acoustic design for industrial soundproofing is required.

Factories are among the main causes not only of noise, but also of air pollution. The dusts and smokes produced in many industrial plants during some production processes can cause serious damages to the environment and to people’s health. To try and limit the damages, factories have to adopt more and more efficient systems of industrial dust and smoke suction, as the steel plant IIVA from Taranto has recently done: at the beginning of year a new system of aspiration and dedusting of smokes has been inaugurated, a machine that filtrates these substances before they are put into the atmosphere. The positive effects, with a system like that, do not affect only the external environment, but also those who work in the factory, as the filters of the new machine reduce dust also in the workplace.

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Getting a Portable Air Ionizer - By: Shaun McPherson


Air ionizer is something that you and I know about, but you may not have heard about a portable air ionizer. Portable air ionizers are for people who cares himself enough in protecting themselves from various pollutants and allergens. They are not that expensive, but they can help clean the air that is immediately around you.

It will create a sort of shield around you that will serve to protect you from bad air. You see, trillions of ions are created from the device where it will get rid of all the pollutants and allergens, giving you only the clean air. Being a portable device, you literally wear them if needed and you will not look strange even if you carry them. Now, there are 3 groups of people who may want a portable air ionizer.

Having clean air while you are driving

Taxi drivers and truck drivers often face the problem of dirty air, getting one portable ionizer may be a good idea for them. The fumes that you breathe in can be causing possible harm to you so you may want to consider using one of these for this cause.

Working in polluted area

A portable air ionizer comes in handy if you are one who works in a polluted area. Perhaps your working place does not allow you to use them often, get a sling-on air ionizer so that you can be more hands-free.

People suffering from asthma or allergies

If you suffer from asthma or allergies then you will definitely want to invest in a portable air ionizer. Having an ionizer will help you breath in much easier without having the increased danger in the air you breath in. You will be able to wear this portable air ionizer around your neck most of the time.

With the above 3 reasons, a portable air ionizer do not require that much energy in order to use them, and they are not by any means dangerous or unsafe for those who decide to use them. Do try a portable air ionizer if you are one who is serious about breathing in clean air.

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Personal Air Ionizer For Health - By: Shaun McPherson



Thinking of buying an air ionizer for your personal use? Well, you have to consider a variety number of things before you can consider an air ionizer that is 'portable'.

Check your situation:

Are you looking to clean the air when you are driving?
Does your job requires you to drive everyday? Most drivers I know regularly breath in stale air while driving. The solution is to have an ionizer that can be used in a car.

For these drivers, I'll recommend getting a car ionizer It does not run on batteries but auto power. These car ionizers are enough to clean the entire car so why not invest in one?

Are you working in an environment that is often polluted?
If you are working in a place where air is often polluted, you ought to invest in a good portable air ionizer. I recommend that your company should invest in an ionizer if they are the one causing the air problems.

Of course, it's up to the company and I think that if they see more medical leave due to working place, it is wise for them, in the long run, to do invest in a good one.

If your company has decided not to get one for their staff recommend that you get a small ionizer at your working area, or at least a portable, slinging air ionizer.

Asthma or allergy?

A person with asthma or allergy (eg. fur, dust, etc) should always carry an air ionizer with them. In the market, there are many sling air ionizer that you can sling over your neck. I know it's a bit odd to have a device slinging over your neck and you may want to consider an ionizer that clips to your waist.

Note that if it clips to your waist, it may not be effective because it is 'far away' from your nose. It's really a trial and error for you.

In addition, I would recommend that you have a powerful air ionizer at home and one ionizer at your office desk.

Just wanted to bring it along?

There are times that you just want to carry a simple air ionizer but you don't want the hassle of batteries or cables. Can you have this amazing portable air ionizer?

Now it is possible with a USB powered air ionizer!? Now isn't that interesting?

Of course, the device is tiny, so try not do give high hopes on this one but this ionizer should be good enough for a single person use. People with asthma or allergy will find it useless, so this product is not recommended, but it is a product that can complement other air ionizers.

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Living Air Purifier – Do They Really Work? - By: Allison Mac



Living air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes; from larger units to tiny plug ins that can be used in a vehicle. It is becoming common knowledge that our indoor air is extremely polluted, in fact much more so than our outdoor air. An air purifier can help to improve the quality of the air in our homes, vehicles, boats, RV’s, etc.

The larger units can cover up to 3000 square feet which is a pretty big area. They are touted as being extremely quiet while they are operating and they have adjustable fans and purification levels.

How do living air purifiers work?

The air flows through self-charging layers of electrostatic fabric which increases the overall internal charge. Pollutants in the air are attracted to the charged fiber like a magnet and are trapped in the core layer.

Living air purifiers are said to

• Kill mold, mildew, fungi, viruses and bacteria
• Eliminate odors, smoke, and chemical gases
• Helps to rid the home of dust, pollen, animal dander, and other pollutants

If you suffer from any type of allergies or respiratory problems, an air purifier can be of great benefit.

Though the living air purifier sounds like a great machine and I believe it does have many benefits, it should be known that there is mixed reviews on the companies that sell them. Though they are sold online they have also been sold through a multi level marketing company. That in itself is not a problem, but with a little research one will find a long list of negative reviews for living air purifiers and the companies that have sold them.

My advice would be to do your homework. Shop and compare air purifiers online. There are many brands and though it may be possible to find mixed reviews on any one of them, there are some that are rated better than the rest.

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Electric Air Purifiers – How Do They Work? - By: Allison Mac



An electric air purifier is a convenient way to economically clean the air in your home. You’ll want to put the electric air purifier in the area that you and your family spend the most time. Different models cover different amounts of square footage so it is important to do the research and to find the model that will work best for you.

Electric air purifiers are known to help rid the air of allergens such as dust, dust mites, pollen and animal dander. As well certain models can also help with mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, gases and smelly odors. They are an excellent investment for anyone suffering from asthma or any type of breathing problem. They have also been known to help with better sleep and a greater feeling of overall well being. They are highly economical and use less electricity than a 100-watt light bulb.

There are a few different technologies that are used in electric air purifiers:

• Hepa Air Filters – successfully removes allergens from the air such as dust, dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold, and other bacteria

• Germicidal UV Lamp – used to capture viruses and germs that are not captured by the Hepa air filters as well as prevent micro-organisms trapped in the filters from breeding or reproducing.

• Ionizer – causes smaller particles to magnetically attach together, therefore being easier to capture and remove from air

• Activated Carbon Air Filter – traps chemicals and smoke that the Hepa filters cannot

• Ozone Generator – removes odors from the air – needs to be able to be completely turned off as too much ozone can actually cause respiratory problems.

Each of these technologies can compliment the other and it is wise to look for a machine that offers as many of these technologies as possible. The more of these technologies used, the cleaner your indoor air will be.

When shopping for an electric air purifier watch for price (can vary dramatically), noise level, effectiveness, ease of use, size/style, filter replacement costs and warrantee. It shouldn’t be hard to find a great machine that will cover all of your needs.

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Top 10 Air Purifiers – The Best of the Best - By: Allison Mac




How do you know which air purifier is right for you? With a little research and comparison shopping it shouldn’t be hard to find out. There are many different models to choose from so I have compiled here a list of the top 10 air purifiers on the market right now.

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Each of these are good machines, some have better reviews than others. The most important thing to consider before you choose which one is right for you is to know exactly what you want it to do. For example is it mostly to get rid of allergens? Do you have a problem with mold or smelly odors? How large or small of a unit are you hoping for? Are there any smokers in your home? What is your price range?

Knowing the answers to these questions will greatly simplify your search as not all air purifiers are made alike.

Here is a list of standard features to comparison shop for when exploring the top 10 air purifiers listed above:

• Price of air purifier – Prices will differ dramatically and the most expensive will not necessarily be the most effective
• Noise level – Read customer reviews as a noisy air purifier will drive you nuts. All of the above mentioned are pretty quiet.
• Annual Cost – Consider how much your energy bill will cost as well as how often the filters need to be replaced.
• Effectiveness – Does the air purifier do what it claims it’ll do? Again unbiased customer reviews are the best place to look for answers to this.
• Ease of use – Nobody wants a big complicated machine. It should be very simple to use.
• Warrantee – There are excellent warrantee’s available so make sure you get one.
• Style/Size – This will be a permanent addition to your home. Make sure you can handle the style and size of the air purifier.

The amount of indoor air pollutants is staggering as compared to the outdoor air. An air purifier has become not only important but a necessity. One of these top 10 air purifiers will surely fit your needs and create a much healthier environment for easy and safe breathing.



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Best Ionic Air Purifier – Know What You’re Looking Fo - By: Allison Mac


Ionic air purifiers are not rated as high as the HEPA filter air purifiers, however they are still very effective and there are some great ionic models on the market.

What are Ionic Air Purifiers?

Basically ionic air purifiers ionize the air which cause particles that are floating through the air to gain either a positive or negative charge.

1. The ionic air purifier has collection plates that have an opposite charge from the particles in the air so the particles are drawn to the collection plates almost like a magnet.
2. Particles can be attracted to other particles that have an opposite charge. They will stick together and fall out of the air.

There are many advantages of an Ionic Air Purifier:

• Can remove extremely fine particles even several feet away from the machine
• Very cost effective
• They can be very portable and be plugged into a wall (therefore you can take it with you anywhere)
• The small ones can be used in your vehicle
• There are absolutely no filters to replace as there is no cloth filter
• Easy to clean stainless steel plates
• They are known for being extremely silent, much more so than the HEPA machines

There are also a few disadvantages of an Ionic Air Purifier:

• They do not kill germs, but will simply remove them from the indoor air
• They work on a much smaller square footage – up to 500 square feet
• They are not effective on odors

The best ionic air purifiers on the market right now are:

• Ionic Pro air purifiers
• Ionic Pro Turbo air purifier – 3x more effective

There are many different types of air purifiers on the market. Ionic air purifiers are known to be silent. However do the research, shop and compare and make sure you are finding the right one for your needs.

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Compact Air Purifier – How Convenient Is It? - By: Allison Mac



Compact air purifiers are becoming a big trend. It has been proven that our indoor air quality is up to five times worse than our outdoor air. I don’t know about you but I found this fairly shocking. I knew that indoor air could be full of pollutants but I really thought that with all of the vehicle and factory pollution that the outdoors could be much worse. With a little research I learned otherwise. A compact air purifier that can be used in a vehicle and taken anywhere is an excellent accessory to have. Your lungs will thank you and you will find yourself to be a much healthier person.

What are the options for compact air purifiers?

Usually compact air purifiers are smaller and are used in a smaller space/room. Typically it is an air purifier that can easily be carried from room to room or traveled with to a hotel or used on a boat. Many air purifier companies offer a smaller model that is great for these things. Also on the market now are air purifiers that can be used in the vehicle as well.

Here is a list of the top 10 air purifiers on the market right now. They are in no particular order:

• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze GP
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Friedrich C-90A
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Other great ones to look for are the Alen air purifier and the IQ Air. Each of the companies listed will offer a compact air purifier. Some larger than others, so it is important to research to find the one that will suit your needs.

Things to watch for when searching for the right compact air purifier:

• Price – this can vary by hundreds of dollars
• Effectiveness
• Noise level
• Ease of use
• Filter replacement costs
• Warrantee
• Style/Size

There are lots of compact air purifiers and doing a little comparison shopping will help to find the right one for you. Soon enough they will be a permanent staple in everyone’s home.

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Review Room Air Purifiers – Which One’s Are the Best? - By: Allison Mac



It has become extremely well known that the quality of our indoor air is very poor. With dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, mildew, and other toxic substances consistently floating around, breathing becomes stressful and harmful. Breathing of course is not an option, however breathing clean air is. So the question is how do you know which room air purifier is the right one for you. They vary in shape and size and the one you choose will depend on your needs.

The best thing to do is to research online and read the reviews. Here is a list of the top 10 room air purifiers on the market right now that you may want to look into.

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

There are certain features and benefits to watch for when reviewing room air purifiers:

• Price of air purifier – Prices will differ dramatically and the most expensive will not necessarily be the most effective.
• Noise level – Read customer reviews as a noisy air purifier will drive you nuts. All of the above mentioned are fairly quiet.
• Annual Cost – Consider how much your energy bill will cost as well as how often the filters need to be replaced.
• Effectiveness – Does the air purifier do what it claims it’ll do? Again unbiased customer reviews are the best place to look for answers to this.
• Style/Size – This will be a permanent addition to your home. Make sure you can handle the style and size of the air purifier.
• Ease of use – Look for simplicity when operating or cleaning.
• Warrantee – Most reputable room air purifiers will come with a warrantee… some better than others.

Customer reviews of these 10 room air purifiers have put them at the top of the list. Their ratings are high and each one is worth looking into. Finding the right room air purifier for your needs will create a much healthier environment while indoors.

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Home Air Purifiers – Which Are the Best? - By: Allison Mac



Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency has named indoor air pollution as one of the top threats for Americans? They have claimed that the air indoors has potentially up to one hundred percent higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air. That is scary! Most of us are aware on a daily basis of the toxins and pollutants in our outdoor air. However we have neglected to do anything about the pollutants in the air in our homes. It is important that we address this issue and clean up our indoor air. There are many home air purifiers that can make a significant difference for our health.

Home air purifiers will help to rid your indoor air of dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, animal dander, bacteria and viruses. They can also help rid the air of smelly odors.

Some of the more popular home air purifiers are (in no particular order):

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Things to look for when shopping online and comparing home air purifiers are:

• Price
• Effectiveness
• Noise level
• Annual cost – filter replacement costs and energy bills
• Ease of use
• Warrantee
• Size/Style

By using a home air purifier we are creating a safe home environment for ourselves and our families. Home air purifiers can also be used at a work place and some smaller portable air purifiers can be used in a vehicle or even in a hotel room so that you can stay protected and breathe cleaner air all the time. They are excellent for anyone suffering from allergies, asthma or any type of respiratory problem. There is a large variety of air purifiers on the market and they can vary dramatically by price. The best thing is to do your homework and know what you’re looking for. Then shop and compare until you find the one that will suit your needs.

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Government Air Purifiers – Which Do They Recommend? - By: Allison Mac



Air purifiers are a necessary addition to our homes these days. According to the EPA, the air inside our homes may be five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Much of our time is spent inside our homes so it would be nice to be breathing clean, healthy air free of dust, mold, mildew and other toxic pollutants.

The U.S. Government has certain recommendations when it comes to air purifiers:

• U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends air purifier with both HEPA Filter and UV Light. The CDC also recommends UV lights in homeless shelters to prevent the spread of disease, particularly TB (tuberculosis).

• Dept. of Homeland Security recommends HEPA air filters, along with a pre-filter to preserve the life of the HEPA filter. HEPA air filters were originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission during the Second World War. They were designed to remove radio active dust from their plants.

• The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found negative ions (ionizers) to be highly effective against dust and bacteria in recent studies.

• U.S. Department of Energy found that photocatalytic oxidation air purification destroyed VOC chemicals at a significant rate, even at high air flow rates.

Indoor air pollutants can be extremely harmful and may be an aggravating factor in allergies, illnesses, headaches, fatigue, restless sleep, etc. Knowing this, most of the U.S. Government facilities are required to have air filters. It only makes since to have them in our homes as well and possibly even in our vehicles. The US Government is big on HEPA air filters and they have been proven to be highly effective.

By shopping online we can compare the features and benefits of different air purifiers. It would be smart to keep in mind the government recommendations when comparing machines. Also watch for price, effectiveness, noise level, annual cost (filter replacement costs and energy bills), ease of use, warranty as well as size.

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Dangers of Air Purifiers - By: J Alan Rodgers



Two very common dangers of air purifiers could expose your family to unnecessary harm. What are they? How can you avoid them?

Air purifier dealers promise you great benefits. Yet not all deliver and some do more harm than good.

Consumer Reports Magazine once termed the air purifier market a "regulatory black hole" because there is no significant government oversight of these products. This puts the burden of avoiding fraud and deception squarely on your shoulders.

Fortunately, avoiding the dangers of air purifiers that deceptively represent themselves as healthful is not difficult. There are only two basic things you need to know. Does it emit ozone or ions?

Dangers of Air Purifiers That Emit Ozone

"These [ozone air purifier] machines are insidious," states Barbara Riordan, chairperson of the California Air Resources Board (ARB). "Marketed as a strong defense against indoor air pollution, they emit ozone, the same chemical that the ARB and the US EPA have been trying to eliminate from our air for decades. More chilling is that some people susceptible to the ill effects of ozone will eagerly bring these Trojan horses home."

Marketers of ozone generators are fond of referring to ozone as "activated oxygen", "energized oxygen" or "super oxygenated". This is intended to dupe you into believing that ozone is healthful. There is no science behind these claims. It is fraud, pure and simple.

Ozone possesses a sweet, after-the-rainstorm smell that deceives people into thinking it is improving their air. Ozone generator marketers exploit this sweet odor mercilessly in their "fresh, clean, natural" pitches.

The reality is ozone irritates, inflames and damages lung and respiratory tissue. It increases sensitivity to allergens and other irritants. Ozone causes symptoms like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It is especially harmful to asthmatics and persons with pre-existing respiratory problems, as well as the elderly and children. Ozone has been implicated in permanent lung damage, contributing to the onset of asthma and even premature death.

Ozone production is one of the greatest dangers of air purifiers. You should never purchase any device whose sole function is to produce it regardless of any claims of health benefits. You should also be seriously concerned with ionic air cleaners that produce smaller quantities of ozone as a byproduct of normal operation.

Dangers of Air Purifiers That Emit Ions

Another type of so called "air purifier" is the negative ion generator. Air ionizers may be included as an add-on to filter based air cleaners. Often marketed as air cleaners you may also see them promoted as mood enhancers, since presumably negative ions contribute to a peaceful frame of mind. Again, there is no sound science behind these claims, only wishful thinking at best and outright fraud at worst.

But my main concern is their danger when used as air purifiers.

The logic behind these devices is that ions will attach themselves to airborne particles. These in turn are attracted to one another, cling together, become too heavy to remain suspended and fall out of the air.

In some measure this does occur. Unfortunately this also results in something affectionately (or perhaps not) known as "black wall effect". You see, these statically charged particles tend to stick to surfaces near the air ionizer causing them to become heavily soiled.

The danger of air purifiers like this is that your lungs present a surface for these particles to adhere to. Statically charged lung penetrating particles may well be more inclined to stick around inside you rather than being exhaled. So your lungs become the filter for these air cleaners. This danger has not been studied well enough to establish the degree of risk you may face. After all, who is going to volunteer to let their lungs become a dumping ground for air pollution? But the EPA has considered the risk to be serious enough to warn consumers who may be considering ionizer type air cleaners.

Air purifiers can be a good investment in your long term health and can give you relief from allergies. I hope this information about potential dangers of air purifiers helps you make a better choice for your family.


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Using an Air Ionizer - By: Ernesto Gaglione



The air we breathe is filled with millions of particles, molecules, ions, and even living organisms. But because of the carelessness of humans, the air is now also getting filled with toxins and particles that make healthy breathing much harder. Products are now being developed to bring it back to its former state. One example of this is an air ionizer.

Air ionizers are fast becoming a trend in the field of health care and environmental awareness. These air ionizers are thought to be a solution to the increasing problem of air pollution. In fact, because of this discovery, many companies are constantly trying to improve air purification techniques and develop the best air ionizer on the market. One such ionizer is the Himalayan salt crystal lamp.

A Himalayan salt crystal lamp naturally possesses the functions of an air ionizer. How does this air ionizer work? A Himalayan salt crystal lamp, in the presence of heat, produces negatively charged ions. It stems from the dissociation between sodium and chloride, the two main ingredients of salt. Sodium ions are positively charged and chloride ions are negatively charged ions. When they get released into the air, they react with ions of different charges. Since dust particles and pollutants are considered to be positively charged ions, the negatively charged ions released by the Himalayan Salt Crystal lamp combine with the positively charged ions of dust and pollutants to form a neutral substance. This neutral substance often weighs more than it should so it sinks to the floor and loses its ability to circulate in the air, thereby clearing the air of unwanted particles.

Air ionizers work to clean the air and eradicate those substances that are not healthy to the body. Since the body needs air constantly, the air should also be cleaned constantly and freed of pollutants. Because of this, air ionizers have been made to constantly produce ions, negatively charged ones, to counteract and neutralize the positively charged ions, or pollutants, in the air. These positively charged ions are usually composed of smoke, odor, mold spores, pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, dust, and animal dander. Air ionizers have also been seen to treat several symptoms of asthma, hay fever, depression, fatigue, and other disorders that appear during the allergy season. Using an air ionizer gives the air a chance to renew itself through ionization and also through increasing the humidity to cleanse it further. And a good example of an air ionizer is the Himalayan salt crystal lamp which not only ionizes the air but provides an attractive soft glow of light as well.

People are already becoming aware of the benefits that they can attain from an air ionizer like the Himalayan salt crystal lamp. They are already concerned in preventing other complications that may occur from having a highly polluted environment. By using an air ionizer, they are taking a step towards improving the environment and keeping people fit and healthy. These Himalayan salt lamps come highly recommended.

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Fight Asthma with Fruit, Fish, and Fresh Air - By: Mary Coyle



According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Association, as many as twenty million Americans suffer from asthma. While medications have proven effective in treating the resulting symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, studies have shown that many asthmatics do not need to suffer at all - that this chronic lung condition is actually reversible. With an improved diet and purified air, the inflammation and constricting of the airways that occurs during an asthma attack can be completely avoided, preventing symptoms and avoiding possible long-term damage to the lungs.

While it is normal for a person's airways to constrict in response to an adverse substance in the air or a frigid temperature, an asthmatic's lungs will over-respond, shrinking to a point that can be life-threatening and often not returning to normal even when removed from the initial trigger. Doctors have found that this hyper-responsiveness is mainly caused by imbalances in a person's immune system. And because important segments of the immune system lie within the linings of the airways as well as in the digestive tract, an improved diet can strengthen the immune system, ultimately protecting the body from harmful substances.

In fact, nutrients such as vitamin C in fruits and omega-3 fatty acids in fish are actually known to improve the function of the heart and lungs. As a result, an onset of respiratory symptoms is less likely to occur, even upon the airways being subjected to a harmful trigger. Doctors further assert that a diet of mainly simple sugars, unhealthy fats, and nutrient-deficient foods weakens the lungs' anti-inflammatory response, favoring the production of chemicals that cause inflammation; therefore, by addressing nutrient deficiencies, one can greatly reduce the threat of over-inflammation.

In addition to preventing asthma through an improved diet, it is important to avoid triggers in the air that may bring on attacks. While outdoor air cannot be controlled, indoor air can be effectively purified with the help of air ionizers. And because indoor air is actually two to ten times more polluted than that outdoors, the benefits of negative ion purification are especially important. A negative ion generator is able to eliminate many triggers of asthma, including viruses, smoke, pet dander, molds, dust mites, fumes, and fragrances. Once these contaminants are eliminated, a person who once suffered from asthma can often breathe with no fear of attack.

As an ordinary part of the earth's atmosphere, negative ions work naturally indoors just as they do outdoors to freshen and purify the air. Most often created in nature by moving air or water, these ions are found in abundance around waterfalls, at beaches, and after thunderstorms where neutral particles can easily lose electrons upon sudden impact, such as by waves hitting the surf. Once an electron escapes, it then attaches itself to another nearby particle. If the resulting atom or molecule contains more electrons than protons, a negative charge is created and thus, a negative ion.

These negative ions, as generated by air ionizers, are extremely effective in cleansing the air of irritants known to trigger asthma. Once the ions are emitted by a negative ion generator, they disperse throughout a room, attracting contaminants such as dust, pollen, and mold spores, which possess a positive charge. As the negatively charged ions and positively charged particulates stick together, they begin to form clusters, ultimately becoming heavy enough to fall out of the air to surfaces where they can be vacuumed or dusted away rather than inhaled. To a person who suffers from asthma, the benefits of negative ions are essential.

Another benefit of negative ions, especially for asthmatics, is that air ionizers do not require the use of a fan, which often stirs up irritants, in order to purify the air. Instead, the ions float from the negative ion generator along natural air currents, allowing indoor air to become remarkably free of pollutants as the opposite charges attract. In fact, negative ions are able to purify air even better than a HEPA filter, which cannot prevent the tiniest particles from passing through. In contrast, negative ions are able to remove these minute particulates, even down to a tenth of a micron in size. In this way, contaminants such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, and smoke are effectively eliminated.

While air ionizers are not a cure-all in themselves, utilizing a negative ion generator to purify the air while consuming a healthful diet including fruit and fish can actually reverse the symptoms of asthma. As inflammation of the airways is reduced and constriction is prevented through consuming omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, along with utilizing the benefits of negative ions, Americans will find this chronic lung condition becoming a problem of the past. Most importantly, those who once suffered from the illness will discover that they truly can breathe freely, without fear of an attack and without the assistance of medication.



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UV Air Purifiers/Sanitizers Reduce Risk of Heart Damage Caused by Secondhand Smoke - By: Mary Coyle



According to WebMD Medical News, the effects of secondhand smoke reach beyond an increased risk for lung cancer and respiratory problems. There is now a strong correlation between secondhand smoke and heart damage, thus increasing one's risk of heart attack and heart diseases in general. Unfortunately, many of us can not completely eliminate our exposure to secondhand smoke-between bowling alleys, restaurants, bars, and even our own home, many times there is some, regardless of how minimal, exposure to secondhand smoke.

Joaquin Barnoya, MD, MPH, and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco found that "secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by [about] 30%, accounting for at least 35,000 deaths annually in the United States." Additionally, those with even brief exposure to secondhand smoke (i.e. minutes to hours) experience negative effects on the body--on average 80-90% of the negative effects seen in chronic active smokers. With this in mind, it is imperative to protect ourselves against the dangers of secondhand smoke by utilizing a UV air purifier. This low-cost, easy-to-use method of air purification can have a significant impact on creating a pure indoor air environment, improving health, and minimizing the risk of heart and lung disease.

With the average person spending 90% or more of their time indoors surrounded by indoor air pollutants, we are increasingly susceptible to viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungi resulting in illness or allergy which cause discomfort. However, the toxins found in most indoor environments from paint, cleaning agents, smoke, and various other particulate matter can have far dire results including shortening one's life span and even death. Thankfully, we don't have to subject ourselves to these harmful health effects. UV air purifiers/sterilizers that utilize the power of negative ions are one of the most beneficial products that can be used to cleanse the air of harmful particulates including airborne viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, pollen, pet dander, and toxins found in cigarette smoke.

You may be asking yourself, how do air ionizers work? Through electricity produced by the UV light unit, negative ions are released into the HVAC system and thus into the air. The negatively charged ions attract hazardous airborne particulates, which are positively charged, causing clusters to form. These clusters become heavy and fall to surfaces such as furniture and floors where they can be dusted and vacuumed rather than re-circulating in the air to be inhaled.

Additionally, air probe sanitizers kill approximately ninety-five percent of germs, and those that use the negative ions are even more effective. Negative ions energize, decrease anxiety, improve the function of the lungs' cilia (which are harmed by tobacco smoke), improve sleep, lower resting heart rates, decrease the lifespan of viruses, lessen the severity of stomach ulcers (which are also aggravated by tobacco smoke), and keep air fresh. Given these facts, it can also be inferred that as the harmful particulates and toxins are removed from the air, specifically cigarette smoke, that it would also reduce the risk of heart and lung disease, respiratory illness, and various other health consequences including hardening of the arteries that put our bodies at risk.

Negative ion generators and UV air purifiers/sanitizers also minimize the risk of heart and lung disease. A UV air sanitizer takes advantage of the powerful effects of a UV germicidal bulb which produce purifying hydroxyls, negative ions, and ultraviolet light to clean indoor air of pollutants just as these elements do naturally in the air outdoors. The UV light unit is installed in a building's HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) system, needing only minimal care and producing tremendous results.

After only twenty-four hours of use, a UV clarifier has purified the air in such a way that you can actually feel the difference of the UV disinfection. This form of ultraviolet air purification system has been effective in dissipating tobacco smoke, preventing odor, and reducing the health risks due to exposure of second-hand smoke. When one correctly and consistently uses a negative ion generator with UV light, simple and cost effective results can be experienced including a pure indoor air environment and improved health due to the removal of harmful particulates-including those toxins prevalent in secondhand smoke that have been linked to heart disease.

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UV Air Purifiers and Negative Ionizers Minimize Harmful Effects of Secondhand Smoke - By: Mary Coyle



Smoking is a habit that many people find hard to break. However, with a recent law being passed in California that will take effect next year, some adults are realizing that the consequences of smoking extend to their pocketbook. The law states that as of January 2008, adults will face a $100 fine for smoking in a vehicle that carries children. This law is enforced as long as the traffic stop was made for another infraction (i.e., making a U-turn or speeding). This law will be in addition to a number of smoking prohibitions already adopted in California including a ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces and within 25 feet of a playground.

Although laws prohibiting smoking in vehicles with underage children is not in affect in all states, the health risks reach across all geographic boundaries. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, "secondhand smoke in cars can be up to 10 times more of a health risk than secondhand smoke in a home." Due to the health risk that smokers place on themselves, as well as on their children, it is imperative to find a way to improve the air quality both within our vehicles and throughout our homes. Thankfully, this task is made possible with the proper and consistent use of UV air purifiers.

In order to reap all the benefits of pure air, a UV clarifier must eliminate a wide variety of air pollutants besides just cigarette smoke. A UV light unit, known as an air probe sanitizer, has the ability to remove airborne viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, pollen, and pet dander that surround us on a daily basis. By utilizing an air probe sanitizer such as this, approximately ninety-five percent of germs are killed, resulting in the dissipation of tobacco smoke, prevention of odor, minimization of wall and fabric stains that are often prevalent in a smoker's vehicle or home furnishing, and a reduction of harmful illnesses and diseases related to second-hand smoke.

An air probe sanitizer contains a UV germicidal bulb which produces purifying hydroxyls, negative ions, and ultraviolet light that is used to clean indoor air of pollutants just as these elements do naturally in the air outdoors. To get the most benefits, it is recommended that the UV light unit is installed in a building's HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) system. One of the many benefits of ultraviolet air purification systems are that they need only minimal care and produce tremendous results. Every HVAC system has the ability to utilize a UV clarifier, and after only twenty-four hours of use, air is cleaned so that one can actually feel the difference of the UV disinfection.

The UV light unit also produces negative ions, which are generated by electricity and provide a number of benefits. Negative ions energize, decrease anxiety, improve the function of the lungs' cilia (which are harmed by tobacco smoke), improve sleep, lower resting heart rates, decrease the lifespan of viruses, lessen the severity of stomach ulcers (which are also aggravated by tobacco smoke), and keep air fresh. As air circulates inside a building, these negative ions go to work and destroyed harmful particulates found in tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.

Finally, the UV clarifier, or air probe sanitizer, produces hydroxyl radicals. These radicals form when hydrogen molecules are pulled from water molecules in the air's natural humidity by the ultraviolet light of a UV germicidal bulb. The resulting hydroxyls are said to be one of the most effective purifying agents in the earth's atmosphere, working indoors as they do outside, and are known to be extremely efficient at destroying odors, such as that of tobacco smoke.

While most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, there is still a significant amount of time spent in tightly confined areas such as a vehicle while traveling to or from work, running errands, or taking a weekend road trip. Although the quality of air is often ignored when driving, it is important to understand how cigarette smoke and other harmful pollutants affect us even with minimal time spent in a vehicle.

Joaquin Barnoya, MD, MPH, and colleagues have concluded that the heart damage caused by secondhand smoke rivals that of active smoking. Additionally, even minimal exposure of secondhand smoke may have a "rapid and large" impact on the heart, much like that of air pollution. It is reported that "the heart effects of even brief secondhand smoke exposure are about 80% to 90% as large as that from chronic active smoking."

So, while some neglect to realize how simply having an occasional smoke with children, or anyone for that matter, in the vehicle, the health consequences can be severe as these harmful particulates imbed themselves in the fibers of the car and continue to circulate long after the cigarette has been put out. Although eliminating the exposure to cigarette smoke is ideal, for those who wish to extend the health benefits associated with UV clarifiers, car ionizers are extremely beneficial. This form of ionic air cleaner utilizes similar technology to that used in home-based UV clarifiers to greatly reduce pollutants and auto exhaust particulates. By simply plugging a car ionizer into your vehicle's lighter receptacle, it goes to work cleaning your car air from airborne impurities such as road exhaust, particles, dust, smoke, mold, pollen, and other allergens.

Despite significant efforts of national health organizations as well as new laws being enacted, tobacco use continues. While the best solution is to avoid smoke, this avenue is not always possible, as most of us at least encounter secondhand smoke on an occasional basis. Whether you are a smoker or not, using a UV air purification system provides tremendous health benefits, ensuring that you breathe clean and healthy air.

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Installation of UV Air Purifiers Offers Energy Savings - By: Mary Coyle



With all of the discussions surrounding rising energy prices, the need to be more environmentally friendly, and poor indoor air quality, it can seem like a daunting and expensive undertaking. However, with one simple, yet effective, product known as a UV clarifier or negative ion generator, poor indoor air quality can be significantly improved while offering substantial energy savings.

Dr. Kowalski, PE, Ph.D. at Penn State University has concluded that the costs associated with ultraviolet air purification systems can be "justified as a capital expenditure by the savings it provides." Throughout her studies she found that the installation of UV clarifiers provide savings in energy as well as maintenance costs-all while offering tremendous health benefits that are associated with a healthy and clean indoor environment. However, the savings and benefits of UV disinfection and negative ionizers do not have to be limited to places such as hotels, hospitals, or health care facilities. Rather, people can utilize ultraviolet air purification systems and air ionizers within their own homes and offices and experience all of the benefits without breaking the bank.

UV air purifiers that are able to be installed within the HVAC unit, provide the clean air we've all been looking for by altering the DNA of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other allergens in heating and air conditioning systems. Experts estimate that approximately 90% of pollution is inside buildings. Since heating and air conditioning or air conveyance systems have the ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other hazardous air pollutants and allergens, it is imperative that we keep it clean and functioning at its optimum capacity.

An ultraviolet air purification system addresses the issues of rising energy prices and energy efficiency by minimizing the amount of work that is required for your HVAC unit to conduct. Many are aware of the importance of changing filters; however, we fail to realize the wear and tear that bacteria, mold, mildew, and allergen build-up has on our HVAC system. UV light air purifiers eliminate the need to ever clean the mold off your cooling coil (evaporator coil) again. Additionally, it helps decrease cooling costs by keeping the cooling coil from plugging up with mold and other harmful particulate matter; thus providing a significant savings in energy and dollars by improving or maintaining the efficiency of the HVAC unit and extending the life of the coils.

UV air purifiers also address the need to be more environmentally friendly. The mold, mildew, and other hazardous air pollutants, found in most heating and ventilation units, as well as the culmination of fine dust, germs, mold spores, pollen, animal dander, and other allergens circulating throughout the air, can lead to a host of odor issues, not to mention numerous health concerns. Typically the way people deal with odor is with harsh chemicals, candles, or other methods that "mask" the odor rather than eliminating it. Unfortunately, although these methods may make you believe that the odor is gone, it really isn't. As a matter of fact, more harmful particulates have been made airborne due to the chemical and harsh materials found in these cleaning and scented products that can take a toll on our health as well as the environment.

Thankfully, UV air cleaners can be installed in the HVAC system to address all of these problems and result in cleaner, healthier air. UV sterilizers are able to cleanse the air, kill odors, destroy allergens, and prevent the transmission of sickness and disease as it generates safe and highly effective hydroxyl ions and negative ions.

Since the air in your home, office, school, or hospital circulates through the HVAC system between 200 and 400 times in a 24-hour period, it makes sense to ensure that it is emitting the cleanest air possible. Some air purification systems are able to produce 2,500 times more germicidal effect than the amount in the sunlight that reaches the earth's surface, using a carefully selected, optimum portion of the UV-C ultraviolet spectrum. Hence, it is crucial to compare ultraviolet air purification systems before making a purchase. However, with the right UV air cleaner/purifier, you can make your home or office the energy efficient, environmentally friendly, clean air space you've always desired.

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Ultraviolet (UV) Light Air Purifiers: A Sick Building's Natural Cure - By: Mary Coyle



Sick building syndrome -- an occurrence in which people in a building suffer from acute symptoms related to time spent in that building. This problem, also known as SBS, is named as the cause of the ailments when no identifiable illness can be diagnosed as their source. While many have never heard of the term sick building syndrome, it is a real concern -- one that affects up to sixty-four million people in America every year.

According to the United Nations World Health Organization, as many as thirty percent of office buildings around the world are afflicted with sick building syndrome. Sufferers may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, decreased concentration, and/or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Usually, these symptoms disappear not long after afflicted occupants leave the building -- another sign that SBS is the source of the problem.

A number of factors can lead to sick building syndrome. These factors could include chemical contaminants from inside the building itself, chemical pollutants from outdoor sources, and biological toxins, such as mold, bacteria, or viruses. All of the contributors to SBS are an even greater threat when poor ventilation is an issue, especially during colder months when buildings are shut tight against outside air or in buildings which rely heavily on air conditioning rather than natural ventilation.

When sick building syndrome is suspected, a building investigation is usually conducted to determine what sources are causing or contributing to the SBS. During this type of investigation, information is collected regarding the building's occupants, suspected sources of pollution, and the building's HVAC (heating, venting, and air conditioning) system. After studying this information, hypotheses can be formed as to what is polluting the air and solutions can be put into action.

Ultimately, the goal is to rid the building of all contaminants, thus creating much cleaner air for breathing. Often, the best way to do this is through air purification along with increasing the building's ventilation and removing the actual pollutant sources when possible. By utilizing all of these methods, sick building syndrome can be eliminated, allowing relief from symptoms and improved health for suffering occupants.

For air purification, the United States Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends using an air purification system that employs ultraviolet light along with the technology of a HEPA filter. In fact, all government buildings rely on UV disinfection to control and eliminate dangerous micro-organisms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further suggests an air purifier which generates negative ions to assist in eliminating bacteria and dust.

Ultraviolet light has been known for over fifty years to be an effective natural sterilizer of air pollution, and the UV disinfection of an ultraviolet air purification system works in the same way to destroy hazardous micro-organisms such as molds and viruses. As dangerous microbes pass by the lamp of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutated, leaving them unable to reproduce and rendering them harmless. Air emitted from the ultraviolet air purification system is clean and thus, safe for breathing.

The HEPA filter of a UV air purifier aids in the process of air purification by actually removing particulates from the air, including volatile organic compounds such as those emitted by carpets, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents, upholstery, and copy machines. Although these common furnishings seem harmless, the VOC's they emit are known to cause both acute and chronic health problems. A HEPA filter, as utilized by an ultraviolet air purification system, will capture 99.97% of these particulates as small as three-tenths of a micron in size.

In combination with a HEPA filter and ultraviolet light, negative ions provide additional protection against fine particles such as bacteria and dust. The negative ions which are released by a UV air purifier attract the positively charged particulates, virtually pulling them from the air and causing them to fall to surfaces where they can be vacuumed or dusted, rather than inhaled. An ultraviolet air purification system which incorporates the benefits of UV disinfection, a HEPA filter, and negative ions offers excellent protection.

While a UV air purifier is important to eliminating SBS, it is essential to remember the significance of proper ventilation along with the removal of pollutant sources whenever possible. For example, HVAC systems should be cleaned regularly, and areas where chemicals are unmistakable, such as copy rooms, should be sufficiently vented to the outdoors. By incorporating UV disinfection with adequate ventilation and a clean environment, sick building syndrome will be eradicated and afflicted occupants will experience immediate relief.


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Find the Right UV Air Purifier and Protect Yourself from Influenza - By: Mary Coyle



Influenza is the name given to a family of viruses that take on similar characteristics and symptoms. However, as each year progresses, viruses mutate and slightly varied forms of the virus are formed. In most cases, influenza makes us feel a miserable, but within a few days to a week we feel better and able to resume normal activities. The problem is that as the flu virus mutates it becomes more difficult to manage, and in rare cases such as the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 or what is now posing a threat to Asia and expected to spread across the globe is the avian bird flu, also described as the H5N1 flu, can even result in death.

Although people in the United States are taking the threat of the avian bird flu lightly, experts say that when a person is infected by the H5N1 flu, the mortality rate is extremely high-between 50% and 65% infected thus far have died. In comparison, only 2.5% to 5% of those infected with the Spanish Flu died.

Anthony Fauci and some of his colleagues wrote in a commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that "pandemic prevention strategies must be based on expecting the unexpected and being capable of reacting accordingly."

Some people want to focus on finding a vaccine to help minimize the risk of an influenza outbreak. However, as people continue to get vaccinations, they are also building up an immunity that may prevent other forms of the vaccine from being effective.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. based company, is planning on testing a new anti-viral drug called Peramivir in Asia over the next month. In mice and ferrets, the drug is shown to improve survival rates, and experts are projecting that this is the next drug which will combat all types of influenza, including H5N1.

There are already treatments for influenza with drugs such as Tamiflu; however, early treatment, typically within the first 48 hours of symptoms is essential. Because people aren’t always able to be diagnosed and treated early-on with medications, we must find a way to prevent the outbreak of all types of influenza viruses. This is critical because as the virus mutates treatment methods are difficult and sometimes impossible to find. Thankfully, UV air purifiers/sterilizers are available to rid the air of viruses and bacteria.

UV sterilizers/clarifiers are far superior to other air purification methods because they utilize the power of AHPCO (Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation) cell technology. Unlike other air purification methods, AHPCO removes particulate matter including pet dander, dust mites, mold and pollen spores, as well as VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) which are found in a variety of cleaning solutions, paint, carpet, etc. AHPCO cell technology utilizes the power of a broad spectrum, high-intensity UV light and provides all of the benefits of ozone disinfection. However, ultraviolet air purification systems that emit low-levels of ozone (which are both safe and at a level that is far below what the FDA approves) in the hydrated catalytic cell, create advanced oxidation-a safe and effective method of ridding the air of harmful particulates and odors. This is where certain ultraviolet air purification systems lack. VOC elimination is difficult to come by; however, it is essential in maintaining indoor air quality, and preventing us from contracting illnesses and viruses such as influenza. Due to its effectiveness, it is even believed to prevent mutated forms that could lead to an Avian Flu outbreak in the United States.

Finding a high-quality UV light air purifier is crucial in maintaining good indoor air quality. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, where harmful particulates, illnesses, bacteria, and a variety of allergen triggers surround us continuously, it is imperative that we ensure our surroundings do not support the on-set of illnesses and other health concerning conditions. For this reason, the following items should be considered before purchasing a UV clarifier.

UV disinfection systems are unique and one way to compare one system to another is based on coverage. This is a factor that is primarily dependent upon use and function. Is it being used in a small and confined space such as an office where a smaller unit that covers 500 square feet is efficient? Or do you need something that would provide indoor air purification the size of a typical apartment with up to 1000 square feet of coverage? Or do you feel that the treatment of a full home covering up to 3000 square feet is more suitable to your needs? These are crucial in determining what UV disinfection method is going to give you the coverage and reliability that you need.

Then next thing to consider before purchasing a UV clarifier is cost. One way to view the cost of an ultraviolet air purification system is by considering the health benefits that an effective UV clarifier will be able to offer. Doctor’s visits and missed work from illness costs people a lot of money over the course of a year. However, quality UV disinfection systems can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, a very reasonable cost compared to compromised health that could lead to even more serious issues in the long run. In addition, the cost of running the air purification system can cost as little as pennies a day. Because UV air purifiers can rid the air of bacteria (bacteriostatic), mold (mycostatic), viruses (such as influenza and colds), VOC’s, odors, and various small particulates that can trigger allergies, the benefits of indoor air purification are far reaching.

The final area of consideration before purchasing a UV light air purifier is noise. Some ultraviolet air purification systems have the ability to keep a fan on or off and still provide clean the air of harmful particulates. Additionally, for some of the better quality UV disinfection systems, they are able to run with virtually no noise.

Since our health is one of the most important aspects that controls quality and length of life, we must protect it. Ultraviolet air purification systems are proven to cleanse the indoor air and remove harmful particulates including mold, viruses, bacteria, and pet dander that can cause illnesses (such as influenza) and allergies.

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UV Air Clarifiers Minimize Affects of Asthma by Removing Harmful Particulates - By: Mary Coyle



UV air clarifiers minimize affects of asthma by removing harmful particulates that cause lung irritation.

Asthma is a common respiratory illness and can be difficult to diagnose, particularly during childhood because children often have difficulty expressing the symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors also have the difficulty trying to determine if the child who is having trouble breathing has asthma, a virus, an upper-respiratory infection or allergies. However, the results of asthma reach far beyond the individual suffering from the disease. Parents often miss work when a child is suffering an attack, doctors and hospital bills pour in, and children are unable to take part in some or all physical activities and school attendance often suffers.

By understanding the complications of asthma as well as the various symptoms that can be associated with this chronic inflammatory disease, it makes sense that accurately diagnosing it is difficult. Asthma affects the airways making them sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation. As the airways react to sensitive particles found in the air, they constrict making it difficult to breathe because less air is flowing to the individual’s lung tissue. As a result, the asthma sufferer experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.

Testing for asthma does not involve highly technical equipment or techniques; rather the most common testing instrument is a spirometer which measures airway efficiency-the volume and rate of air inspired and expired by the lungs. Because airway efficiency can vary dramatically from person to person and be dependent upon a number of factors including maintaining a healthy body weight and other illnesses that affect lung function including pneumonia, infectious or allergic disorders, OPD (obstructive pulmonary disease), and even sleeping disorders, doctors place a high degree of importance on obtaining a thorough family history and questions related to symptoms and exposure to allergens.

Currently an expert panel is re-writing the federal guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma that will be introduced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Although the new guidelines, set to be introduced by early summer, will aid in the diagnosis, with nearly 20 million Americans, including 9 million children being affected by this chronic respiratory disease, it is imperative to find a way to manage and even prevent the onset of asthma-particularly in children as it makes it increasingly difficult to be involved in sports and attend school on a regular basis for those with severe symptoms.

Since exercise, viral infections, pet hair, pollen, and other allergens are often what triggers asthma attacks, finding a way to minimize these, can dramatically improve the health and well-being of children and adults alike. Because most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, where the air is often more polluted than that of a large city, purifying the air indoors with an ultraviolet (UV) light clarifier is often an extremely beneficial way of preventing asthma and a variety of other illnesses.

Ultraviolet air purification systems get to the root of the issue by eliminating the pollutants, allergens, and illnesses that all of us face on a daily basis. However, for those that suffer from asthma, eliminating these particulates has a dramatic impact on their health and well-being; for many, this can mean the difference between an asthma attack and being able to function with minimal or no symptoms.

UV sterilizers produce dramatic results and have a high success rate because as the high-energy UV-C ultraviolet light rays from the purifying probes of the ultraviolet lamp shine on the cold air side of the air conditioning evaporator coil, the mold, algae, slime, and gel that normally form around the air conditioning unit in our homes is eliminated. The typical build-up that is formed acts as a breeding ground for bacteria which is then blown into the room where the harmful particulates can be inhaled, resulting in sinus infections, sickness, and allergies. All of the allergens and illnesses take a toll on our bodies, and result in increased sensitivity to contracting other illnesses since our immune system becomes compromised as it tries to fight off the germs and bacteria that surround us on a daily basis as we sleep and spend time doing other activities indoors. These same bacteria, allergens, and asthma increase the chances of someone with asthma suffering an attack or developing another lung or respiratory infection that can make breathing difficult. Since the use of ultraviolet light cleans the bacteria away from the air conditioning unit, the cost of cooling your home is also minimized as the unit is able to work more effectively and efficiently.

Unfortunately, the cost of asthma reaches beyond discomfort and associated medical related costs. The National Center for Health Statistics conducted the National Health Interview Survey and reported that between 1980 and 1996 the number of asthma associated work and school absence days increased by more than 50%--from 6.2 million to 14 million days missed due to asthma. This results in parents missing days at work, diminishing their work efficiency, and as a result, their income potential.

Because asthma is often triggered things that cause the lungs to become sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation, ultraviolet air purification systems work more efficiently than trying to manage the asthma attack after it has begun. The ultraviolet germicidal light and UV-C light fight germs, bacteria, viruses, mildew, and mold spores such as stachybotrys and black mold, as well as a variety of other pollutants, as the particles circulate through the UV disinfection system and past the UV lamps. Since the UV air purifier is able to remove the harmful particulates that cause a variety of health related issues, you and your family can rest assured that you have minimized your risk of becoming affected by issues that can trigger illnesses, allergies, and even asthma.

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UV Air Purifiers: Providing Relief to Allergy and Asthma Sufferers from Effects of Global Warming - By: Mary Coyle


Global warming has been an increasingly discussed topic. Although this is a controversial issue as it relates to the extent to which global warming has really increased, one thing is for sure-the occurrence of allergies and asthma has increased making it more difficult for sufferers to cope.

According to Reuters Health, the effect of global warming has had a significant impact on asthma sufferers because the seasons have lengthened and plant life growth and weeds are scattering vast amounts of pollen and other related allergens. In addition, trees that do not typically flower annually, such as beech, are growing better and may begin to grow in climates further north where they are not typically present; thus, increasing the number of people suffering from its affects.

As the climate changes, more pollen and smog-induced asthma is likely to surface. Dr. Paul Beggs, an environmental health scientist from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, indicates that allergy-triggering pollen such as ragweed and birch trees are linked to increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Because asthma is often triggered by allergens, this also increases the prevalence and severity of symptoms that asthma sufferers face.

Paul Epstein, Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School backs up this theory as he has concluded that the incidence of asthma in the United States has increased nearly four times since 1980. Due to the extended warmer seasons which produce increasing amounts of pollen and other allergen triggers, we must find a way to help combat and minimize the symptoms that may people are suffering with on a daily basis. Although decreasing greenhouse gases is possible if we minimize the burning of fossil fuel, some people don’t want to, or feel they are unable to purchase a ’green’ vehicle, use energy efficient appliances, drive less, recycle, etc. These changes would dramatically minimize global warming and provide ease to allergy and asthma sufferers.

Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on people making these changes-ultraviolet germicidal light provides a solution. Because the average person spends over ninety percent of his or her time indoors, UV disinfection is extremely effective in minimizing allergic and asthmatic symptoms.

Many people feel that since they spend a great deal of time indoors that they are not subject to allergies. However, the small gaps that most of us have near windows or doors allow allergens to penetrate into our homes making us susceptible to a variety of particles that can trigger allergies or asthma. UV air purifiers utilize ultraviolet light to kill such allergen triggers as mold, fungi, mildew, dust mites, pet dander, and smoke. As these airborne microorganisms (which are often unseen) pass by the ultraviolet light of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutilated, causing them to be inactive and unable to trigger allergic symptoms.

Additionally, AHPCO Cell technology which is found in some UV air cleaners is far superior to the older stand alone UV lamps and catalytic oxidation methods which use only one catalyst. AHPCO Cell technology is the latest advanced oxidation technology that consists of a proprietary, high-intensity broad spectrum UV lamp in a hydrated catalytic cell. Low-level ozone is produced in the cell, the majority of which is converted into airborne hydro peroxides (H2O2), hydroxyl ions (OH-), super oxide ions (O2-) and ozonide ions (O3-) via the quad-metallic catalyst. The technological combination found in some UV air purifiers has been proven to emit cleansing ions that treat indoor air and eliminate harmful indoor air particulates.

Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don’t utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate allergen sufferers and the lungs of individuals afflicted with asthma.

With so many benefits, UV disinfection is one of the most beneficial things a person with allergies or asthma can do to improve his or her well-being. UV air purifiers are a cost-effective means of taking away the discomfort that comes along with breathing in allergens and minimizing the effects of asthma. And being unsurpassed in its natural ability to destroy airborne microorganisms, ultraviolet germicidal light can allow you and your family the relief and comfort of breathing easily in your own home.


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Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Sterilizers: Preventing and Minimizing the Affects of Asthma - By: Mary Coyle



Recent scientific studies are showing a strong link between being overweight or obese and the increased risk of developing asthma. Although people originally believed that asthma led to obesity because the individual was unable to participate in strenuous physical activity, studies are now indicating that obesity actually triggers asthma.

Although the reason is not yet known, some speculate that people with excess weight have compressed airways which make them more reactive to cold and other asthma triggers. Others believe that is too simplistic of a theory and are looking into a possible genetic link between asthma and obesity.

To fully understand who may be at increased risk for developing asthma, we must understand how the scientific study results were measured. Those that are considered ’normal weight’ have a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25. On the other hand, those that are overweight and obese have a BMI of 25-29.0 and above 30, respectively.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways making them sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation. As the airways react to sensitive particles found in the air, they constrict making it difficult to breathe because less air is flowing to the individual’s lung tissue. As a result, the asthma sufferer experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.

It is estimated that approximately 7% of the U.S. population suffer from asthma, but with obesity rates at 65%, the incidence of asthma is also expected to rise dramatically. Additional studies have proven that obese and overweight people are 50% more likely to get asthma than those of normal weight.

Whatever the link may be between obesity and asthma, it is imperative to find a way to control the asthma so that people affected can live active lives with few and infrequent symptoms. Thankfully, there is hope from a source that many may not have even considered - UV (ultraviolet) light disinfection.

Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don’t utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate the lungs of overweight and obese individuals suffering with asthma.

However, a UV clarifier is not only helpful for people suffering from asthma or those that are overweight or obese and want to prevent their chances of getting asthma. UV purifiers eliminate a wide variety of other air pollutants including airborne viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. As a result, those who utilize the technology found in UV air purifiers can experience a quality of life that may not otherwise be possible.

Many people fail to recognize how many pollutants surround them on a daily basis. While most understand the affects that outdoor pollutants such as city smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, and factory waste have on their health and breathing, yet they often underestimate the toxins that are found inside the homes and buildings we work in on a daily basis. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, gaining control of the indoor air quality will play a significant part in our health and livelihood.

Ultraviolet light has been a trusted source for over fifty years as scientists are continuing to understand that ultraviolet air purification systems are able to provide the same benefits as the UV rays found in sunlight at successfully removing impurities from the air.

A select few air probe sanitizers contain a UV germicidal bulb which produces purifying hydroxyls, negative ions, and ultraviolet light to clean indoor air of pollutants. The UV light unit is installed in a building’s HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) system, needing only minimal care and producing tremendous results. Every HVAC system has the ability to utilize a UV clarifier, and after only twenty-four hours of use, air is cleaned so that one can actually feel the difference of the UV disinfection.

These quick results can be attributed to the fact that the air in a building circulates through an HVAC system from 250 to 400 times per day. As air passes by the UV germicidal bulb of the air probe sanitizer, pollutants are destroyed. Ultraviolet light mutilates the DNA of micro-organisms, causing them to be incapable of reproduction and thus harmless to humans. UV disinfection is the only way to rid indoor air of such tiny micro-organisms as they are too small to be trapped by a filter.

As a result of using an ultraviolet air purification system, your indoor air quality can be improved significantly resulting in cleaner air that is easier to breathe; thus, eliminating health related concerns due to harmful indoor pollutants and allergens.

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5 Easy Steps In Choosing The Perfect Air Purifier - By: Lela Iskandar



Thousands of people bought the wrong air purifiers every year and suffered the consequences. They end up losing a lot of money and instead of enjoying cleaner air and better health, a lot of these innocent buyers complained of breathing difficulties, headache and respiratory complication.

With this 5 easy steps, you will take charge of the buying decision. If you love your family, treasured your hard earned money and want to buy the right air purifier for your home, this guide is for you.

These 5 easy steps is guaranteed to help you find an effective, safe and economical air purifiers for your home.

1) Buy HEPA, Forget Others
The first rule of buying an air purifier is to buy one with HEPA filters in it. Originally used by the military for the Manhattan (nuclear) Project, air purifiers that use this kind of filter has the ability to permanently trap 99.97% small, hazardous particles as small as 0.3 micron in size.

Forget other type of air purifiers (electronic, electrostatic, ozonisers etc.) because they are not as effective as one with the HEPA filters. Most of these machines do not remove particles. Instead they make the particles temporarily stick to nearby surfaces. That also means dusty table, decor, wall and cloth.

Apart from that, most machines these type will emit the hazardous ozone as a by product of their so-called "cleaning" process. That’s why some people complain of musty smell or experience sudden headache when their purifier is turned on. Little that they know the fact that long term exposure to ozone will lead to respiratory and lung problems.

So, remember this crucial step. Buy Hepa, forget others.

2) Bigger is Better
When we talk about bigger, we are not talking about the machine’s size. Instead we mean the area covered by it. Every air purifiers have a maximum effective area that it could cover. Beyond that, it will not be able to do much with the air.

So make sure the air purifier you’re buying covers the area where you intend to put it in. For example, if your room is 300 square feet, you need an air purifier with an effective area bigger than 300 square feet, minimum.

That way the machine works more effectively and the air in the room is changed faster. The ideal practise is to have one air purifier in each room. However, if you can’t afford that, get one that is on castors or is light enough to be lifted so that it can be moved round. Just make sure the area it covers is bigger than the biggest room in your home.

Remember, the bigger the better.

3) Think Long Term
Many people tend to just look at the amount of money they have to part with when paying for goods and never look beyond that.

When it comes to air purifier, such attitude could mean losing in the long term. If you skip the expensive air purifier and bought the cute, tiny one because "there’s no budget for it", make sure you’ve calculated the long term replacement filter costs.

Unlike most machines, air purifiers need frequent parts replacement. Thus, check how many filters are there in the machine, how long they lasts and then how much each replacement filter costs. Some air purifiers are expensive up front but have filters that lasts far longer than the cheaper models.

We suggest that you add up the replacement filter expenses for 5 years with the air purifier cost. That way, you can gauge whether that "cheap" air purifier is really cheaper compared to the "expensive" ones.

4) Check Your Needs
The fourth step is a simple one but is new to many people. Most air purifiers, like we all know is used to trap super tiny particles like animal dander, pollen and dust. Well, that are the basic things that an air purifier is supposed to do.

However, some companies have designed special air purifiers that have additional smoke filter ability, ultraviolet light to kill bacteria or special filters to trap harmful gases. For example, if you live with someone who seems to have "uninterrupted supply" of cigarettes, you may want to opt for an air purifier with superior smoke control.

If you have multiple chemical sensitivities, there are also air purifiers that are build without glue, coating and filter materials that could cause you allergies.

In short, no one is created equal. The best air purifier for your grandma may not be suitable for you. Just check your needs and ask for special air purifiers like those mentioned.

5) Look at the Features
The last thing we want you to note before buying an air purifier is the features that come with it. We suggest that you select one that has a filter replacement indicator. Such feature will help you make fast replacement when it’s needed and prolonging the life of your machine.

Apart from that, if the machine can automatically adjust it’s fan speed according to how bad the air in your room, it’s a plus. That way you can switch it on and forget about the machine (until it’s time to change the filters).

Lastly, if you’re buying it at a store, turn the air purifier to it’s maximum and listen to it’s humming sound. Ask yourself if you could stand that sound by your bed all night. In short, choose and listen carefully.

I really hope those 5 steps can help some of you in choosing the perfect air purifier. I can write in technical jargons and go deep into specific details. However, that would only confuse at least half my reader.

Just remember the five steps. Buy HEPA only, check the effective area covered by the machines and think long term. After you have done those three things you must also decide if there’s a specific needs that you need to address. If there’s none, look at the air purifiers’ features.

That way you’ll be an intelligent and informed buyer. And enjoy better health due to cleaner air in your home.

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Will Home Air Purifier Clean The Air? - By: Ivar Rudi



Pollution is one of the inevitable and harmful elements that are our environment possess. We have been striving hard to combat outdoor air pollution; but much to your surprise, experts claim that indoor pollution is two to five times as much as outdoor air pollution. An indoor pollution may be ten times more toxic than the outdoor air pollution as we spend around 90% of our time indoors.

Our indoor environment contains many hazardous contaminants like dint and dust mints, pet hair, mold mild dew, household odors, common household and industrial cleaning agents, pollen and other allergies. These elements keep on floating in the air and become the main cause of a person getting affected by a number of allergies. The prominent thing in this concern is to eliminate these contaminants and make the air inside pollution free.

Many types of air purifying products in the market today facilitate this. One can easily retain the air quality of home and other indoor spaces with the help of air cleaning products. With so many choices available in the market, you may face some turmoil while electing any one of them. The only way to get out of this bedlam is to try one of them and especially one, which comes with a free trial period for assessment. This would make you save your money on useless products and choose the best possible cleaning product with much investment on your part.

There are many other factors, which one needs to consider before opting for a particular air-cleaning product. The important one is to understand the type of pollutant you want to flight away. Size of the room where you want an anti-pollutant to act also plays a significant role in opting for an air-cleaning product. You may be required to brook a stipulated range of sound while using an air purifier. Try to consider the level of noise you are willing to live with and also the cost of maintenance. Once you buy an air purifier, you have to maintain it well and pay for it as well. The market is flooded with many air purifiers and different manufacturers producing them. The wisest thing would be to do a bit of research about the product and its manufacturer to believe the authenticity of the product.

If you are buying in- store, prepare questions and make an appointment with the salesperson so that you can be completely informed about product features. This would keep you and your money safe, as any one would not easily dupe you easily. The above-mentioned fact would also help you buy the best facility out of your hard earned money. Another way to buy air purifiers is applying for them online. There are many sites, which offer these pollutions fighters at reasonable rates and customer satisfaction guarantee. But remember to keep in mind certain factors before choosing a product online. Try to read reviews of each product before you buy. Many online stores such as Amazon.com provide this review service. Honey well, GE, whirlpool, alpine, living air and Bionaire are considered to be some of the better manufacturers of air purifiers. Study the product features and specifications by visiting manufacturers website before making the final choice.



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What Does An Air Purifier Do? - By: Gray Rollins



If you’ve been blowing your nose until you resemble Rudolph and your head feels like it is about to explode from your sinus headache, you may be suffering from allergies to the pollutants in your home. Someone has probably mentioned that an air purifier will help you feel better. However, what does an air purifier do?

One of the most important functions of an air purifier is its ability to remove pollutants such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander from the air. Another reason people use these machines is to remove odors. There are several types of air purifiers and each works a bit differently. These filters in these purifiers include: the ionizer, the HEPA filter, the combination ionizer/HEPA filter, the activated carbon filter, and the antibacterial filter.

The ionizer is one of the most popular air purifiers. Unlike other purifiers, the ionizer does not actually remove pollutants from the house. Instead, this machine makes the pollutants so heavy that they fall from the air and drop to the floor. If you have allergies, you will need to use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to clean the floors before the room is truly allergen free.

If you don’t want to pull out your vacuum, you may be thinking that you should simply use a HEPA filter instead of an ionizer. HEPA filters suck dirty air in, run it through the filter, where most pollutants are trapped, and then blow the clean air back into the room. However, a HEPA filter can’t clean the smallest particles from the air and isn’t great at removing odors from the room. To get your air really clean, you would need a HEPA filter combined with an ionizer or with an activated carbon filter.

The activated carbon filter used to be extremely popular. This filter is great at getting smells out of the air. However, it doesn’t do as good a job when it is trying to remove pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. Now, this filter is usually used along with a HEPA filter instead of being used by itself.

Finally, for people concerned with bacteria or germs, an antibacterial filter is an important air purifier. These filters are especially popular in situations such as a home daycare, where people are being exposed to many germs. However, while these filters are very effective at removing germs, they are rarely used on their own. They work best when they are combined with a HEPA filter.

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Tips When Buying An Air Purifier - By: Gray Rollins




With the rise in allergy sufferers, it is no wonder that air purifiers are growing in popularity. However, there are so many models available. How do you make sure that you are buying the right air purifier for your home? These air purifier buying tips should help you successfully choose the right model for you.

One of the most important things you should do when you are buying an air purifier is to figure out the square footage of the room or rooms where you will be using it. Don’t take a wild guess. This is really an important measurement. A purifier that is designed for a smaller room won’t adequately clean a room that is too big for it. To figure out the square footage of a room, measure the length of one side of the room and the width of another side. Multiply the two numbers together. This is the square footage. Once you know this number, you can look at the purifier’s information to be sure it is supposed to clean a room that is at least as big as your room, if not larger.

Next, check to see whether the air purifier you are considering is designed to clean the pollutants that are in your home. Not all purifiers clean tobacco, pollen, dust, or pet dander. If your home has all of these pollutants, you will need to look for an air ionizer or a combination HEPA filter/air ionizer in your purifier.

Another important consideration for most people shopping for an air purifier is the loudness of different models. Usually, ionizer models are much quieter than HEPA filter models.

However, ionizers must be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner to be effective, since they do not actually remove dust and other pollutants from the room. Ionizers simply make all of the pollutants so heavy that they fall from the air and drop to the ground.

Before you make a final decision, you should also consider the life of the filter in the air purifier. Replacement filters can be quite expensive. Ionizers do not need any filters, but they do need to be cleaned quite often.

Finally, you should take a look at how often air is circulated through the air purifier and back into the room. The best purifiers circulate the room’s air at least 5 times an hour. To find out how many times the model you are considering circulates air, look for the ACH rating, which stands for air changes per hour.

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