Air Purifier Reviews

By EMILY ANDERSON, Courier staff writer

WATERLOO — Invisible particles in the air can wreak havoc on allergy and asthma sufferers. The tiny allergens can cause sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and an itchy, runny nose.

While many associate the great outdoors with these offending particles, they can lurk indoors as well.

An indoor air purifier can obliterate those scoundrels and others, including odor and smoke.

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But choosing an air purifier can be as difficult as choosing a new sofa — there are many options, but only one will fit your home perfectly.

Common internal purifier elements such as High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, electrostatic technology and activated carbon can be used separately or all in one purifier unit to clean up your breathing space.

Electrostatic air cleaners ionize passing dust, dander, pollen, tobacco smoke and other allergens with a charge opposite to that of the cleaner’s electrically-charged blades. As a result, offending particles cling to the blades like a magnet.

The Sharper Image’s Ionic Breeze uses electrostatic forces alone to clean a home’s air. Because it has no fan or motor, it is whisper-quiet. Some dispute that electrostatic forces alone will do the trick.

“Without a fan, what’s moving the air?” asked CeCe Block, national sales manager for HEPA Corporation.

Fans and motors are required to push air through HEPA filters, which are inserted into air purifiers to trap dust, smoke, odor and other contaminants. HEPA filters capture more than 99 percent of air contaminants.

Sharper Image spokeswoman Suzy Stephens touts the energy efficiency of the Ionic Breeze. HEPA filters and their required fans and motors add $150 more to utility bills per year than electrostatic-only purifiers.

“Because there is no fan, the Ionic Breeze uses the same energy as a night light,” said Stephens, noting, though, that HEPA and electrostatic technology “both have their benefits.”

HEPA filters work well for treating allergies and asthma because of their ability to collect dust, pollen and mold spores. Maximum benefit is achieved when HEPA filters are used with other air purifying elements, such as activated carbon and electrostatic forces. HEPA filters do not remove odor, chemicals or gases from the air, according to www.airpurifiers.com.

Activated carbon mats are used in purifiers to control allergies and odors. They absorb airborne pet dander, pollen and chemicals.

Mark Linda, environmental health manager for Black Hawk County, advises shoppers to research carefully.

“Carbon filters might take out larger particles and certain types of odors,” said Linda. “Know all the things you’re allergic to (before shopping).”

There is a simple rule of thumb for those sizing up an air purifier: The bigger the room, the larger the purifier. Smaller units work best in bedrooms and bathrooms, and bigger spaces like living rooms and family rooms require larger units.

Expect to spend between $300 and $1,000 for a purifier and anywhere from $12 to $260 for HEPA and carbon filter replacements.

Contact Emily Anderson at (319) 291-1482 or andem01 @ luther.edu.

WCFCourier.com | The Waterloo Cedar-Falls Courier Online!

Affordable UV Air Purifiers now available for Commercial and Industrial environments throughout Ireland UK and Europe.

Air Care Technologies, a provider of high quality Ultraviolet Air Purification systems, is pleased to announce they we have commenced operations throughout Ireland. Air Care Technologies specializes in UV Air Purification devices for Residential and Commercial marketplace such as: Surgeries, Clinics, Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Offices, Hospitality trade, Food service and Food manufacturing trades and also for Industrial environments.

Our range of Ultraviolet air purifiers are so powerful, that they decontaminate and sanitize the air and surfaces by destroying biological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mould, mildew, fungi, and their spores, harmful fumes, smoke and chemical gases, removing harmful particulates and neutralizing all unpleasant and offensive odours.

Our air purifiers for Refrigerated environments and Food Services applications are engineered for the harsh conditions of cold with high levels of humidity and are ideal for use in food processing and storage areas. These food service air purification units will improve hygienic conditions by significantly reducing the level of biological contaminants including bacteria, viruses and mould and are effective in neutralizing unpleasant odours and eliminating odour transference between products.

Our air purification units improve the shelf life of food and other products by destroying spoilage organisms and other biological contaminants and pathogens. This increase in shelf life of food has also been demonstrated in meats, poultry, eggs, fish and fresh produce products, such as oranges.

Today’s business environment can contain micro bacterial contaminants and organisms such as germs, viruses, bacteria, mould, fungi and other pollutants. Our goal is to provide the highest quality products and services at affordable prices. Our air purifier units are virtually silent, portable, cost just a few cents to run and are maintenance free.

Business owners will find dramatic improvement in indoor air quality using our products for cleaning the air of biological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mould, destroying hazardous fumes, removing harmful particulates and neutralising unpleasant odours.

When combining Purifying Plasma with ultraviolet light, the air and surfaces can be cleaned 2000 times quicker than ozone alone and 180 times faster than just ultraviolet light alone.

Our air purifiers are the most effective purifiers on the market, utilizing the most scientifically advanced technology in the industry. The ‘Ultra-Pure’ air is circulated back into the room carrying with it the full power of our purifying Plasma that will continually seek out and destroy contaminants and unpleasant odours regardless of were they hide.

Contact
Pat Gargan
Mobile: 087-9400259.
Air Care Technologies
Suite 124, 105 Lower Rathmines Rd, Dublin 6, Ireland. Tel: ++353-1-4524554
Email: info@aircare4u.com.
Web: www.aircare4u.com

For more details: Air Care Technologies
Suite 124, 105 Lower Rathmines Rd, Dublin 6, Ireland. Tel: ++353-1-4524554
Email: info@aircare4u.com.
Web: www.aircare4u.com

Keywords: UV Air Purifiers with the latest technology for
a clean pure healthier indoor lifestyle.

Low-noise air purifier with HEPA filter
Posted : June 13, 2005

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Household air purifier/ionizer/ozonizer

China (mainland) – Ningbo City Haichuang Electronic Co. Ltd has released an air purifier suitable for homes and commercial establishments.

The low-noise model doubles as an ionizer. The air purifier comes with a HEPA filter. It has a TiO2 component that deodorizes and removes harmful microorganisms from the air. The product also decomposes toxic gas such as from formaldehyde and ammonia.

The air purifier has casters at the base.

One unit is packed in a carton.

Price is available on direct inquiry. The minimum order is 170 units, for delivery 30 to 45 days after receipt of an L/C or TT.

The company’s factory is ISO 9001-certified. Its products have received CE certification. It was established in 2004 and specializes in air purifiers.

Ningbo City Haichuang Electronic Co. Ltd
Fax : (86) 574-56121697
Phone : (86) 574-56121683
URL : www.nbhaichuang.com
Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.
http://www.giftsandhome.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Household-air/a/9000000063788.htm

Life is Hard, Breathe Easy; What You Need to Know About Home Air Purifiers
Tuesday June 28, 4:59 am ET

ADA, Mich., June 28 /PRNewswire/ — Opening the window isn’t going to save your home from harmful indoor air pollutants. Experts recommend investing in an air purifying system to do the “dirty” work for you.

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The EPA estimates that indoor air pollutant levels may be two to five times higher than pollutant levels outside. “Home air purifiers are designed to make your living space more comfortable by reducing air pollutants like dust and pollen,” says Andy Gamm, brand manager at Quixtar Inc. (http://www.quixtar.com ). “Smaller portable systems, such as the new ATMOSPHERE(TM) Air Purifier from Quixtar, are very popular since they’re affordable and can be moved from room to room as needed.”

With dozens of air purifiers to choose from, how do you know where to start? Gamm recommends looking for units certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

“AHAM tests and certifies the performance ratings of products such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers and air purifiers,” explains Gamm. The most important rating for consumers to consider when comparing different home air purifiers is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). “All AHAM-certified air purifiers will have a sticker on the back that lists the CADR. The higher the number, the faster the unit filters the air. For instance, if a unit has a CADR of 80, it will sufficiently clean a 10′ x 12′ room or 120 square feet.”

The ATMOSPHERE Air Purifier from Quixtar has a CADR rating of 250. With its Turbo Power function, you’re able to clear and clean the air in a 390- square-foot room within 30 minutes.

Another feature to consider when selecting an air purifying system is the type of filtration the system uses. The most common types include HEPA, electro-static, and ionization.

“The ATMOSPHERE Air Purifier uses the Clarus(TM) Filtration system which combines a pre-filter for larger particles, a HEPA filter for the smaller particles, and a carbon filter to remove odor,” says Gamm. “Together these filters effectively remove greater than 99.9% of all airborne pollutants that pass through the filter including airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, fungi, dust mite allergens, asbestos, radon decay products, pet odors, cooking odors, dioxins, formaldehyde and other impurities as small as .007 microns.”

“To get maximum performance from your air purifier, make sure you place it near any identifiable source of pollutants and away from walls or furniture that may obstruct the air intake and output areas,” says Gamm.

The ATMOSPHERE Air Purifier is available in the United States and Canada exclusively through Independent Business Owners powered by Quixtar. For more information, or to purchase products, visit http://www.quixtar.com .

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050628/nyfnsd09.html?.v=1

NEOAIR ENVIRO AIR PURIFIER WITH O.F.S. STERILIZATION TECHNOLOGY PROVEN TO BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST MOLDS.

(PRLEAP.COM) MIAMI, FL – NEOAIR INDUSTRIES LLC, known worldwide for their advanced air purifier systems, released today a new set of independent performance tests for their Enviro 68108 model. According to Applied Consumer Services, a leading laboratory with expertise in several fields of chemistry and microbiology, the Neoair Enviro air purifier has been capable to cut down mold colonies by up to 96% within six hours during their experiment in a normal working environment. The Neoair Enviro employs proprietary Organic Fiber Sterilization technology (O.F.S.) to drastically reduce and kill airborne biological contaminants including certain bacteria, mold spores and fungus.

“We have always speculated the sterilization property of our O.F.S. technology was not only limited to germs and bacteria but might have been effective against molds as well. Today, thanks to Applied Consumer Services independent mold clinical tests, our theories have become facts. With a reduction of up to 96% of mold spore colonies in just 6 hours achieved without chemicals, ozone and UV lights, but only with an all natural fiber we achieved an important milestone that really sets us apart from the other manufacturers.” – says Frank Hamilton C.T.O., Neoair Industries North America.

Mold reduction tests have been conducted by several Applied Consumer Services doctors and supervised by Burch Stewart, Ph.D. a leading scientist in microbiology and forensic.

To receive a copy of the original tests protocols and relative certified documentations you can contact Neoair industries press office at 1.888.6.NEOAIR or email your request to Press@neoair.com. Tests results are also available online at www.neoair.com.

Read more news from Neoair Industries, LLC

* APPLIED CONSUMER SERVICES INDEPENDENTLY TESTED THE NEOAIR ENVIRO AIR PURIFIER AND REPORTED IT TO BE OZONE FREE
* Neoair Industries unveils world’s first portable UV and HEAP boat air purifier for the marine industry.
* Neoair Industries air purifier helps combat airborne allergens, odors and irritants.
* Neoair industries announces strategic alliance with Shopideas Networks to distribute Neoair Enviro 68108 Air Purifier

http://www.prleap.com/pr/9209/

APPLIED CONSUMER SERVICES INDEPENDENTLY TESTED THE NEOAIR ENVIRO AIR PURIFIER AND REPORTED IT TO BE OZONE FREE

(PRLEAP.COM) MIAMI, FL- Neoair Industries LLC, a leading manufacturer of residential air purifiers announced today the public release of official independent ozone emission tests for their Neoair Enviro 68108 air purifier model.

Applied Consumer Services research lab conducted a set of tests to determine if any sort of ozone by product was emitted by Neoair Enviro 68108.

The tests have been performed at applied consumer services facilities using approved Gastec gas tubes. Based on OSHA regulation the permissible ozone level for home and workplace is 0.1 PPM.

According to these independent tests no ozone could be detected at any point of the experiment.

The Neoair Enviro 68108 is a multistage air purifier that combines Hepa & activated Carbon filters, proprietary O.F.S. sterilization technology and advanced carbon fiber ionization in one device for maximum effectiveness.

In the May issue of Consumer Reports, it was reported that certain air purification systems can expose users to potentially harmful levels of ozone emission.

Ozone can trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases and it is the least pollutant an allergy sufferer would want in its home. Negative ions, on the other side, enhance the overall efficacy of a hepa air purifier by knocking down micro particulate on the floor several feet away and consequently removing them from the air a user breathe.

“The solution to this problem was to generate negative ions without creating ozone. We accomplished this task by utilizing carbon fiber brushes instead of needle pins. Carbon fiber requires a little fraction of the electrical current that metal pins need to create ions. High amount of electrical current is what generate ozone as byproduct.”- Says Steve Wilson R&D director Neoair Industries.

To receive a copy of the original tests protocol and relative certified documentations you can contact Neoair industries press office at 1.888.6.NEOAIR or email your request to Press@neoair.com. Tests results and products information are also available online at www.neoair.com

Read more news from Neoair Industries, LLC

* NEOAIR ENVIRO AIR PURIFIER WITH O.F.S. STERILIZATION TECHNOLOGY PROVEN TO BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST MOLDS.
* Neoair Industries unveils world’s first portable UV and HEAP boat air purifier for the marine industry.
* Neoair Industries air purifier helps combat airborne allergens, odors and irritants.
* Neoair industries announces strategic alliance with Shopideas Networks to distribute Neoair Enviro 68108 Air Purifier
http://www.prleap.com/pr/9332/

Too steep for a basic fridge

By Keisha Webb-Gibbs
(Life from 2005-06-29 Edition)

In our Sunshopper an unknown seller wants $800 or the nearest offer for an 18-inch beige three-year-old refrigerator — no ice-maker or water dispenser. That price may be a bit too steep when other sellers are letting go basic fridges ranging from $250 up to $500. A good consumer could take the $800 they would need to buy this fridge and add another $200 to $500 and buy a new top-of-the line item from Home Zone or from Big Savings Zone.
Deal of the week
Gary’s deal of the week is a Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Air Purifier that he is selling for $65. This three-foot tall version is great for asthma sufferers including young children. It removes dander and dust from the air. Although from the picture posted on eMoo Gary’s purifier is an older model than the newer Ionic Breezes featured on Sharper Image’s website, but for $65 for an air purifier you can’t go wrong. Brand new and reconditioned Ionic Breeze air purifiers range from $349 to $549 at www.sharperimage.com and locally at Thermax Bermuda/Asthma and Allegy Relief Centre, air purifiers range from $35 to $275 for the Holmes line of products and $300 to $500 for the larger capacity. Call Gary for more information at 236-0826 (after 7pm weekdays) or e-mail gmkc@logic.bm.
Posted on Daily Classifieds, seller ryval is trying to get rid of a new power washer for $99. They opened it a couple days ago to try it out and didn’t have the patience to use it again. The item was purchased at Gorham’s for $199. You will have to collect it from St. George’s as it’s a heavyweight item. Interested? Call them at 737-0133 or e-mail ryval@northrock.bm.
A combo steal
Also on eMoo, Joanna is selling a Kenmore washer and dryer set for $450. That’s a deal. You can’t buy a set for that price new. One problem — the merchandise is not available until the end of July, but if you bear going to the laundromat just a little longer, this could be yours. Call Johanna at 337-3695 or e-mail jskreta@wal.bm or jskreta@transact.bm.

Bermuda Sun: Bargain Basement (2005-06-29)

Breathing Easy: Looking for good air purifier? Save your money

Part 1 of 2

MARK R. SNELLER
Tucson Citizen

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We are awash in advertisements about air purifiers as they relate to better health. Let’s set the record straight.

The hard truth is that no air purifier has ever been proved to improve health - not with HEPA filters, not with carbon, not ionizers and certainly not ozone. If you simply want to reduce the level of airborne dust, pollen, mold, cat allergen and other types of particles and gases (volatile organic compounds), then you can have your pick of various good and bad models.

A couple of years ago, Consumer’s Union tested the highly advertised Ionic Breeze Air Purifier by Sharper Image and found it to be ineffective.

It published its findings in Consumer Reports, and Sharper Image filed suit, claiming poor research on the part of CU.

Finally, the court threw out the Sharper Image claim and awarded $525,000 in attorney’s fees to CU. Sharper Image filed for an appeal, and then dropped the case.

Questions arose regarding a certain Seal of Truth by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which states that Ionic Breeze air cleaners are proved to reduce airborne allergens and irritants including dust mite allergen, pet dander and cigarette smoke.

AAFA said this is not an endorsement, only a statement. The foundation conducted its own research regarding the product and one study found that the unit is a dust collector, not an air purifier.

CU maintains that the top of a desk is also a dust (and particle) collector, but that doesn’t mean it should be sold as an air purifier.

Let’s take a close look at ozone machines. In 100 years of sales, ozone has never been shown to be of health benefit when used indoors as an air cleaner (air purifier).

In fact, mountains of evidence point to just the opposite.

Ozone is good in the upper atmosphere, because it filters out ultraviolet rays from the sun. Indoors, even at slightly elevated levels over the normal amount in the air, it has a negative effect on asthma patients.

Experts agree that an ozone concentration of more than 80 parts per billion for eight hours or longer can cause coughing, wheezing and chest pain while worsening asthma and deadening your sense of smell (Consumer Reports, May 2005).

The reason why an odor is removed is because you can’t smell it anymore, many experts say.

EPA is considering the revision of its 80 ppb limits to 5060 ppb because of the medical problems incurred at the higher limit.

To make matters worse, research suggests that ozone reacts with terpenes in lemon and pine-scented cleaning products and air fresheners creating formaldehyde, a carcinogen, and other irritants. Those byproducts can be absorbed by beds and carpets to be released over time (Consumer Reports, May 2005).

One final note, the terpenes mentioned above are changed into small free radical gases. This does not benefit the consumer.

Mark R. Sneller, Ph.D., is an indoor air consultant and director of Aero-Allergen Research. Send questions to him at Breathing Easy, P.O. Box 12023, Tucson, AZ 85732-2023.

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=living&story_id=062805e2_sneller

Those who are plagued by allergies are always struggling to diminish those irritants that cause watery eyes, runny noses and rashes that sometimes translate into full-blown hives. These and other symptoms can be brought about by a number of contaminants that infiltrate the very air that people breathe within their own homes. If you’re among those who are constantly being attacked by airborne allergens, there are some positive steps that you can take in order to reduce or eliminate the elements that are the catalysts to allergy attacks.

Dust mites are the cause of many allergic reactions, and must be eliminated from their most common breeding areas in order to find relief. Since they tend to live in warm and humid places, items such as beds, carpets and upholstered furniture are prime breeding grounds for those miniscule insects. Living on the skin cells that people and their pets shed, they deposit their waste in all of the areas that they gather, wreaking havoc with allergies.

In order to control dust mites and eliminate the allergies that they trigger, wash bedclothes each week and dry on high heat; use anti-allergen casings for mattresses and bedclothes; clean furniture and carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner; dehumidify the air; filter the air with a HEPA air purifier; perform regular housecleaning at least once a week, using equipment that traps dust; and keep only hypo-allergenic toys in the house that can be washed in hot water, rather than the more commonly used stuffed animals.

With over 35 million people who suffer from pollen-induced allergies, it’s critical that steps are taken to remove the allergens that can trigger adverse reactions, such as sneezing, wheezing, rashes and watery eyes or nose. Large quantities of pollen can enter your home by traveling in through open doors or windows, on clothing and hair – and on the family pet.

As much as we seem to love dry, breezy days, those are the weather conditions that are just right for pollen to circulate. Avoid being outdoors when possible or, at least, be sure to exercise indoors, if you would normally do so outside. When driving, be sure to keep the windows raised and employ the air conditioning. In addition, you should also keep your windows at home closed and use air conditioning or window screens with filters; remember to remove shoes before entering the house; wash your hair each night; avoid hanging laundry outdoors; engage someone else to mow the lawn; and use HEPA filters on heating and air conditioning units.

Those who own pets often have allergic reactions to their dander and need to take precautions in order to eliminate airborne allergens. Keep the pet outdoors as often as is reasonable and wipe down the surfaces of the home’s interior; vacuum frequently using a HEPA vacuum; wash your pet weekly with dander-reducing shampoo and use anti-dander spray; wash your hands after handling your pet; wear a dust mask while cleaning; and use vent filters on air conditioners and heaters.

While it may seem like a great deal of work in order to eliminate these airborne allergens from your home, the amount of work will be significantly reduced if you perform these cleaning rituals regularly.

Jonathan Chase (a lifelone allergy sufferer) is the creator of http://www.home-air-filter-edu.com, which provides free information to individuals interested in air purification and reducing their allergy symptoms.

Since air filters are one of the bests tools for eradicating allergens from your home, more people are using them than ever before. The trick is to find the one that works best for you, depending upon your specific needs. Before going shopping, arm yourself with some facts, so that you’ll be more prepared to choose an air filter, rather than listening to various sales pitches from merchants who are interested in making a quick buck. Of the five major types of air filters, here’s a quick look at four of them – one type (the ozone air filter) is not environmentally friendly, and consumers are not encouraged to purchase filters of this type.

Mechanical Filters – One of the best types of mechanical filters is the HEPA filter, which forces air through a special screen that traps allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. If there are any smokers in the house, a HEPA filtered device will also trap smoke and other airborne irritants. Those devices which are unable to trap at least 90% of these particles are ineligible to qualify as a HEPA filtering device. When shopping for mechanical filters of this type, be sure that they truly meet HEPA filtering standards, and that you’re not purchasing a cheap imitation that will offer substandard performance.

Gas Phase Filters – This type of air filter is not used for the removal of allergens in the home, but rather for removing odors and other types of pollutants, such as gasses from perfume, cooking, paint or building materials. In a home that needs to eliminate allergies which are triggered by exposure to certain odors, this would be sufficient, rather than the HEPA filter, which is designed to remove absolute allergens that are not gas based.

Electronic Filters – Of the different types of electronic filters, the most effective at trapping allergens is the style which uses electrostatic precipitators with a fan. In the case of electronic filters, electric charges are used to attract and trap allergens and other contaminants. Strive to find one that includes collecting plates so that the particles are trapped within the unit. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to clean all of the surfaces within the home, because the allergens will stick to them. In the case of self-contained units that include plates, they’ll also need to be cleaned, but this is a much smaller task than cleaning all of the surfaces of the home’s interior.

Hybrid Filters – Simply put, these air filters offer a combination of those characteristics which are found in both electrostatic and mechanical filters. These may be preferred by those with allergens other than gas based contaminants, but offer trapping devices for containing allergens.

In addition to knowing the types of air filters, you’ll also need to consider things such as which types of contaminants will be removed from the air; the efficiency of the filter when compared to HEPA standards; whether the size of the air filter system will be large enough to continuously clean the allotted space at least every six minutes; the clean air delivery rate of the filter; whether the unit is silent or noisy; and how easy or difficult it may be to change the filter, when necessary.

When you approach the purchasing of an air filter system with this information in mind, you’ll be far more likely to come home with the one that can adequately clean your home’s interior with little or no fuss while eliminating the right types of contaminants that plague your family.

Jonathan Chase (a lifelone allergy sufferer) is the creator of http://www.home-air-filter-edu.com, which provides free information to individuals interested in air purification and reducing their allergy symptoms.