Top Quality Air Purifiers and Healthy Home Solutions that You Can Trust

People are talking about safety and air pollution.

It seems like it used to be more of a general issue, along with things like traffic and suburban sprawl. But the situation, for many, is getting more dire, and it’s becoming more important to keep an eye on the air that we breathe.

This piece from the Greenville Advocate is only one of many that references a World Health Organization statistic, that 99% of people around the world breathe dirty or unhealthy air. Dr. Jaisingh Rajput breaks down the science around this, and why it’s important.

Rajput estimates that the effects of air pollution lead to 7 million premature deaths annually.

Contaminants and Their Sources

So what is in the air that’s causing all of this concern?

Well, more wildfires means more combustion. That means more small particles that can be unhealthy for human ingestion. That’s in addition to many of the same combustion particles in industrial operations, and those being released with coal and fossil fuels.

Then there are other potentially harmful chemicals, packed into consumer goods and furniture, that enter our homes on a regular basis. These include, for example, formaldehyde, a caustic chemical, and benzene, another element that can irritate the lungs. 

Sometimes learning a little more about the science helps us to evaluate and assess what we’re breathing.

So let’s talk a little bit about a couple of terms that were used in this coverage of air quality around the world.

PM 2.5 and PM 10

This year, we’ve written a lot about PM 2.5 on this blog.

We’ve stressed the common sources of PM 2.5, including:

• Wildfires
• Industrial pollution
• Coal burning facilities

We’ve spent a lot less time talking about PM10.

Let’s start with a recap of PM 2.5 – PM 2.5 refers to ultrafine particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These are able to penetrate deep into the lungs, and cause certain kinds of respiratory conditions and health concerns.

OK, so what is PM 10?

The naming convention makes sense, because PM 10 refers to particles around 10 microns in diameter.

So they’re a fair bit larger than PM 2.5 particles.

Are they safer?

Because of their size, PM 10 particles are in general less likely to go deep into the lungs. But they’re still dangerous to human health. They can still get into the lungs and cause problems. They can even be pretty abrasive.

Examples of PM 10

One example of PM 10 is heavy soot, the kind of thing you would see in dangerous smog in cities.

Another is certain types of aerosols that come in the form of mist from liquid dispersion.

Things like mold and pet dander can also qualify as PM 10.

Organic and Inorganic Particles

Reading the literature on PM 10, you also see another item included in the list of contaminants called ‘inorganic soil particles.’

What does that mean?

An inorganic component of soil is a mineral component that doesn’t come from a living organism.

Examples include tiny bits of things like quartz, feldspar and limestone.

As you might imagine, these can still irritate the lungs or internal tissues, and contribute to health conditions.

Evaluating Your Indoor Air

Although you can have a lot of air pollution wafting around the outdoors in your community, many of these contaminants tend to build up in enclosed spaces.

That’s what makes it important to use modern air purifiers to scrub your indoor air and make it cleaner and safer to breathe.

Using modern filtration methods, an air purifier cycles air through the unit, and takes out a lot of these troublesome microbes, whether they come from organic or inorganic sources.

Modern units are also extremely effective. For example, a medical grade HEPA will remove 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns, and a super HEPA barrier will remove 99.99% down to .1 microns, which covers PM 2.5 capably.

We’ve talked in detail about the design of these filters, and all of the new technology in air purification systems, and you can read more about it on our product pages, and elsewhere on the website. In terms of useful models, check out an AirPura c700dlx, or an AirPura i700, or an Amaircare 675. 

US Air Purifiers LLC can help you to cleanse your indoor air, and get a better result with modern technology that fights air pollution where it lives-  and where you live, too!

Make an investment in your health and the health of your family, to breathe easier all day and all night.

It was long ago, and it was far away – (well, at least it was long ago.) In the last part of the 1980s, America’s deep space agency took on a study to figure out whether plants can remove a range of harmful chemicals from our indoor air.

This NASA program was undertaken in the era of Star Wars. It was called the Clean Air Study. This foray was led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in partnership with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Certainly, that latter organization would have had an interest in promoting these uses of green stemmed plants.

Scientists were wondering whether plants could do certain things in space stations. Plants can change carbon dioxide for oxygen during the process of photosynthesis. Could they also remove harmful elements like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene? And how would that work?

These three contaminants are actually three of the most common culprits in decreasing indoor air quality. You may have read about this in an earlier blog post showing what each of these chemicals does. It helps to know why you should try to get it out of your home space or workplace. Knowing how to handle these compounds can help you be more empowered to live healthier. And that's important.

The Findings

Reportedly, NASA and partners found, in general, that plants could remove some harmful chemicals from the air, but not at extremely high levels. They could do a little. But not a lot.

Claiming that the results weren’t applicable to the average building, scientists noted that in order to remove significant amounts of these chemicals, you would need a lot of plants in a very small floor space. In addition, they found that certain chemicals were more vulnerable to these processes than others (we’ll get to that in a moment).

Researchers use things like English ivy. They looked at peace lily and bamboo palms. They also considered the weeping fig. Then there's chrysanthemums and gerbera daisies, which have generally been known to be good for cleaning the air. Each of these plants was studied for its efficacy.

Modern Research on Benzene

What happens when you target particular contaminants? With plants? Well, you might get better results for one than for others.

Fast-forward to 2018, and groups at the University of Washington have genetically modified something called pothos ivy. This plant can scrub benzene and chloroform out of indoor air. It uses a protein called 2E1 that changes those two items into new compounds that are healthier for plants to use.

The benzene turns into phenyl, and the chloroform turns into carbon dioxide and chloride ions.

2E1 is common to human and mammal livers. In genetically modifying the plant, the team made it express that protein. They saw it “devour” benzene in the air.

By contrast, we haven’t seen studies where plants could eliminate formaldehyde or TCE in similar ways.

However, with protein folding and other new innovations, there is the potential for other genetic modifications that might allow us to use green plants for all kinds of air purification.

The NASA Program’s Legacy

Although our deep space program practically stalled out after the 1960s, that early research on house plants did, in a way, bear fruit. It showed us one way to reach those goals and objectives that we set in protecting our health within an enclosed space.

However, there is also new technology that addresses a broader range of contaminants, everything from formaldehyde and TCE to mold, dust mites, pet dander, and more.

Modern air purifiers are made with technology that can trap almost all of a given pollutant down to .3 microns, and that translates to a robust amount of protection for people who live or work in a building.

But how do you know what’s lurking in your indoor air?

First, you can use an air monitor to figure out what levels of benzene, formaldehyde or other contaminants are present.

Then you can install an air purifier that will use HEPA filtration or other means to cycle the air and remove all of these potentially harmful microbes.

For formaldehyde and benzene, which are classed as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, you want a machine that is good at filtering this kind of material out of the air. Often that’s with carbon, or a PECO system. 

US Air Purifiers LLC can help with questions about model design and engineering, and much more. Get the confidence that you need in your purchase, and the particular model that will help you improve your health, at home or at work. Your lungs will thank you!

Let’s be honest – air quality is just a lot more of an issue than it was a few years ago.

We’re getting a lot more data on the health risks of air pollution. Places like the World Economic Forum are warning of worsening air pollution conditions. We’re seeing how this plays out globally. It's concerning.

In any case, if you’re looking for the right air purifier for your home or business, you’ll want to do the research and get the best value. Here are some of the models that are our best sellers in the $400 price point.

AirFree Lotus

The AirFree Lotus air purifier covers up to 650 square feet, protecting against the range of contaminants. That includes many allergens as well as items like dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.

That's the basics. Get a two-year limited warranty, and a portable machine that is quiet and effective. The AirFree Thermodynamic Sterilizing System (TSS) is ISO certified and popular in various countries around the world.

Molekule Mini Plus

The Molekule Mini Plus is a high-tech air purifier rated for up to 250 square feet with 2.5 ACH. It has the true HEPA filter and proprietary PECO technology. It also works on a range of VOCs and other contaminants.

Any of these machines might be an ideal choice for areas of your home or business that you want to make safer and cleaner for inhabitants or visitors. This type of protection is not just high risk groups like children. It's not just for the elderly, the immunocompromised, and people with respiratory conditions. Everyone can benefit from breathing cleaner indoor air.

Respiray A+

What if you could get a wearable air purifier technology that you could take with you everywhere you go, for under $200, with a great HEPA filter and activated carbon? Too good to be true? Not really. The Respiray Wear A+ is lightweight and ergonomic, and features decent battery life and easy filter replacement.

It’s good for capturing allergens, scrubbing the air of volatile organic compounds, and protects against items like pollen and mold.

Makers explain that the wearable device provides an “invisible shield of clean air around your breathing zone” and unlike ozone machines, it doesn’t use that technology to reduce odors and pet dander.

A premium HEPA filter catches 99.9% of allergens, and the activated carbon there is great for strong perfumes and chemical irritants.

Amaircare Roomaid

This portable air purifier works well on certain types of VOCs. With coverage for 300 square feet, it comes with a five-year limited warranty.

There’s a two speed fan, 360° air intake, and HEPA filtration.

This model capably filters items like cigarette, smoke, mold and mildew, and more.

Rabbit Air

If you want a model that will hop along well for under $400, The Rabbit Air bioGS 2.0 comes with HEPA filtration and ultra-quiet operation, as well as a five year warranty. It’s Energy Star certified, and its HEPA filter is 99.97% effective for .3 microns and over 99% effective for .1 microns. 

US Air Purifiers LLC can help advise on the best machine for your needs, and how you can strategize air purification of your home space. You can use an air monitor to see what allergens or contaminants are in the air, and the levels at which they are present, and then get the air purifier machines in place to cycle the air. Ask about all of the new technologies available, and what they do, and get the confidence of choosing the right purchase for your situation.

There’s no city quite like the Big Apple – but New York City is not immune from some of the biggest problems in today’s modern metropolitan areas.

One of them is air pollution.

Locals and federal agencies have been looking at the problem for decades. Now, that research is coming to a head. One example is the controversial implementation of a congestion pricing system. This applies to traffic in lower Manhattan. It's a busy area. And it's one that's getting a lot of attention.

The basic idea is that vehicles coming in below 60th St. will be charged a fee for traffic access, in order to limit congestion. For a regular vehicle, it’s nine dollars. There’s a whole fee schedule for trucks, etc.

But the rules for the system are complicated. For instance, those on nearby freeways aren’t charged unless they “exit into” the congestion pricing zone. And then there’s the idea of complex incentives. How will those change traffic? Some people looking at the plan are thinking that it could add more vehicles to the Bronx. That's because they might move around congestion pricing restrictions and try to avoid these tolls.

The plan might lead more vehicles to use the George Washington Bridge or other nearby infrastructure.

More Air Fixes

Local news affiliates report that part of the city’s plan is to use the resulting money to add air filtration to local schools.

There’s also a program to address asthma within both the Bronx and Manhattan.  A NYC Health Brief from the city shows why this is a problem, explaining:

“Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. (It's) characterized by airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness that can lead to recurrent episodes of wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and coughing. These episodes are typically due to airflow obstruction in the lung that either resolves on its own or in response to treatment.”

The report further shows that asthma has larger effects on black and latino children. It also affects people living in high-poverty neighborhoods. Researchers estimate that 17% of children ages 13 and younger residing in the Bronx had been diagnosed with asthma at some point as of 2017. In other areas of the city, that number is more like 11%.

So that shows why some of this money is going to asthma prevention measures.

Unclear Policy Trajectory for Congestion Pricing Plan

But there’s another wrinkle to the congestion pricing plan. The White House seems likely to shut down the program, despite the objection of local leaders. So it’s unclear whether this new fee system will remain in effect. The issue is in the courts.

Improving Air Quality – Multiple Approaches

When it comes to breathing easier, no matter where you are in the U.S., there’s a two-pronged objective. First, you want to improve the air in your community as a whole. Second, you want to improve the air around you. As someone who lives and works in a particular place, you want clean air for you. As the head of a household, or a small business leader, you want it for everyone. But how do you get it?

Just like with the New York schools, it’s possible to improve quality of life and health with indoor air purification equipment. Air purifiers can easily be installed at homes and businesses.

So as people work to decrease air pollution, it’s also possible to scrub out a lot of these contaminants in the places that we inhabit most of the day and night.

Testing Your Indoor Air

That process starts with an air monitor. Using one of these, you can see what kinds of contaminants are moving around in your indoor air.

You can test for natural health risks like mold and dust mites. You can also look for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other contaminants.

Then you can install air purifier machine machines to scrub these pollutants out of the air.

You can also choose from a wide array of machines. Some models have extra filtration. Others pioneer ground-breaking technologies like probiotics, where the purifier releases beneficial microbes to balance out potentially harmful bacteria in the indoor air.

You can also look for ratings like ACH, which measures the air changes per hour that the machine can provide based on a particular square footage. There’s also cubic feet per minute, CFM, which refers to the power of the motor and how it moves air over time. To calculate these numbers, you’ll need to know the square footage of the space, the ceiling height, and any other calculations for an irregular space (like a curved ceiling). 

Let US Air Purifiers LLC help with model design, effectiveness, pricing, features and more – to make sure that you get the right purchase, and have peace of mind about your indoor air. The company has a track record of helping our customers to make the right decisions about air purification for a home or business. Make an investment in your health and breathe easier over time.

Scientists are discovering a new and less invasive way to test for harmful mold infections in the body.

This is likely to be important in diagnosing these potentially life-threatening conditions.

First of all, how do people get a mold infection?

Doctors explain that usually it has to do with being immunocompromised. When we’re healthy, we’re largely able to withstand the effects of the mold spores that we routinely ingest every day. But in immunocompromised patients, some of those mold spores can turn into infections in various parts of the body. For example, they can get into the lungs.

Certain types of groups are at higher risk for mold infection. This includes transplant patients. People undergoing chemotherapy are also at higher risk.

How it Works

Traditionally, medical professionals had to get a tissue biopsy to figure out whether a mold infection was present.

Now, as of this year, they can use a blood test that looks for small fragments of mold DNA.

That’s important because some of these immunocompromised patients are not ready for the tissue biopsy itself. But the blood test is much simpler .

“A lot of immunocompromised patients are not stable enough to undergo these invasive procedures,” said Niaz Banaei in an article published at the Stanford Medicine News Center written by Nina Bai. Banaei was lead author on a paper titled Concordance of Noninvasive Plasma Cell-free DNA With Invasive Diagnostics for Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease that covers this issue. “So they can’t get a precise diagnosis … that could mean a delay in effective treatment.”

At Stanford, where this process was invented, teams found that the blood test and the biopsy returned the same diagnosis 88.5% of the time.

However, that number differs depending on where the mold infection is in the body. The blood test, scientists said, was more likely to catch more infections in the lungs, and less likely to catch an infection in the sinuses, or in the limbs.

Combating the Harmful Effects of Mold in the Home

One way to prevent these kinds of illnesses is to keep indoor air clearer of potentially harmful mold spores.

That’s important for people who may be immunocompromised or prone to mold infections. It’s also helpful to those who suffer from mold allergies, and that’s a larger group of people.

In any case, you won’t know what’s present in your indoor air until you test it. Using a small air monitor, you can figure out whether higher levels of mold spores are present. You can also test for items like dust mites or levels of pet dander. You can test for a range of volatile organic compounds or VOCs, things like formaldehyde and benzene that can get off-gassed from furniture or consumer goods.

Choosing an Air Purifier

After you’ve done this, you can put an air purifier machine in place to get a lot of these contaminants out of the air. Routinely scrubbing your indoor air will give you a cleaner, more breathable result. It will protect you from various health conditions like the ones mentioned above. Sometimes, these conditions are very hard to diagnose. If you feel uncomfortable in your home, with symptoms like sneezing, coughing, an itchy throat or congestion, some of these air pollutants may be at least partially to blame.

For air purifier models that work well on mold, try an Airpura R700. The Airpura V414 is another useful choice. You might also consider the IDEAL Pro AP80 or the Austin Air Healthmate. 

When you need to clean your indoor air, US Air Purifiers LLC can help, with all kinds of details like warranty information, and selecting the right machine with the right features and performance for your indoor space. Whether it’s a home or a small business, you can use these state-of-the-art machines to improve quality of life and the health of people who live and work in your building.