AIR PURIFIERS If there was only one piece of advice we could give people who discover they are living or working in a mold-contaminated building—based on all of the interviews we have conducted with medical and scientific experts—it would be for them to leave the environment. They should not return until the source of moisture or water intrusion has been corrected, the affected portion of the structure has been remediated, and post testing has confirmed that elevated levels of indoor contaminants are no longer present. Leaving the contaminated home or workplace is especially important for high-risk people, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems for various health reasons. Unfortunately, immediately leaving the home or workplace is oftentimes not a feasible option, nor is immediate remediation. In these situations, experts advise to reduce the level of indoor air contaminants the occupants are breathing by either increasing ventilation, such as by opening doors and windows, or by using air purifiers equipped with properly maintained high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters properly sized for each room. HEPA filters are capable of capturing at least 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 micron or larger in the air that passes through them. By reducing the level of indoor airborne contaminants, the associated health risks to occupants can be lessened. Had our family known to use HEPA air purifiers in our home to reduce the amount of mycotoxin-containing mold spores and fragments in the air we were breathing after Hurricane Katrina, our level of exposure would have been much less and we may not have gotten as ill as we did. There is no way to know for sure, but we were later able to use HEPA air purifiers as successful stopgap measures in a few rentals that had developed structural mold from water leaks. We attribute the preservation of our health while temporarily living in the mold-contaminated rentals to the use of multiple HEPA air purifiers. We strongly recommend the use of HEPA air purifiers in post-disaster areas as well as in normal living conditions, because “normal” environments can also have unhealthy levels of ambient air pollutants, such as heavy pollen, mold, smoke from wood burning stoves, debris that dislodges from trees, particulates from factories and other sources of airborne pollutants. For daily air quality updates by zip code in the U.S., go to airnow.gov. When the outdoor air comes inside it can mix with even more contaminants from indoor sources, such as pet dander, dust, formaldehyde, radon, and perhaps even mold and bacteria and their associated toxins. These contaminants—from both outdoor and indoor sources—become concentrated in the indoor living environment. It is no wonder that the EPA reports, “Indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks.”(1) When we initially began using HEPA air purifiers we started with the less powerful units available at the big box stores. However, after learning that Doris Rapp, MD, who is a board certified pediatrician and environmental specialist, recommends the Austin Air purifiers, we upgraded to the Austin Air HealthMate. What we immediately noticed was the increase in the quantity of air flow through the machine, making it powerful enough to effectively exchange the air in even our largest room, which is crucial as air doesn’t get cleaned unless it passes through the HEPA filter. Another thing we like about the HealthMate is that it is reasonably priced for a quality air purifier, which makes it an affordable unit with which to create multiple “clean” sleeping rooms. By reducing exposure levels to common irritants/allergens while sleeping, the body can more optimally function and use the otherwise spent energy to repair the body. We are firm believers in creating a clean sleeping room for each person in a family. In addition to Dr. Rapp, other medical doctors recommend the Austin Air Purifiers. For example, Mary Ray, DO, who specializes in the treatment of environmental illnesses, shares, “I recently had to use an air purifier in an environment in which I was working that was contaminated with toxic mold. I chose an Austin Air Purifier and immediately noticed a significant improvement in the indoor air quality. As a result, I experience much fewer symptoms when I have to work for long periods of time in the contaminated environment. The true HEPA filter is tightly sealed to ensure that all the air passing through the unit is filtered. Also, the Austin Air HEPA filter is surrounded by a large amount of carbon that filters out VOCs, which is not possible to accomplish with the extremely thin, cheap charcoal pre-filters that are used in the less powerful HEPA air purifiers found in big box stores. As a medical doctor specializing in environmental illnesses, I now recommend Austin Air Purifiers to my patients.”(2) Dr. Ray points out an important capability of the HealthMate—to effectively reduce vapor contaminants in the air that passes through the HEPA filter, which contains 15 pounds of an activated carbon-zeolite mixture. The efficiency of this function was tested in a study commissioned by the U.S. government. According to government documentation, “The objective of this test was to determine the relative effectiveness of a number of previously-selected, commercially-available recirculating home air filtration units at removing contaminant vapor (simulant) from a sealed room.”(3) The study findings report that the Austin Air HealthMate 400 was one of the top four air purifiers that removed the simulant vapor from the air most effectively.(4) One of the most common contaminant vapors is smoke—from cigarettes, forest fires, wood burning stoves and fireplaces. There are several published, peer-reviewed studies that have been conducted to investigate the benefits of using HEPA air purifiers to reduce indoor levels of smoke. One study investigated the impact of using HEPA air purifiers on community health when stressed by smoke from wildfires. The researchers reported, “Our study found lessened lower respiratory tract symptoms with longer use of high-efficiency particulate air cleaners.”(5) Most interesting were the studies that reflected a positive effect on cardiovascular health from the use of a HEPA air purifier. One such study reported the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with exposure to airborne pollutants caused by wood burning stoves by using a HEPA air purifier. According to study investigators, “Our results support the hypothesis that systemic inflammation and impaired endothelial function, both predictors of cardiovascular morbidity, can be favorably influenced by reducing indoor particle concentrations.”(6) Another such study concluded, “Reduction of particle exposure by filtration of recirculated indoor air for only 48 hours improved MVF [microvascular function] in healthy elderly citizens, suggesting that this may be a feasible way of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”(7) Other studies examine the effects of environmental interventions, including use of HEPA air purifiers, on childhood asthma in environments where secondhand smoke is present. The findings from these various studies include reductions in the number of unscheduled asthma visits or significant reductions in asthma symptoms or a combination of both.(8) Studies have also documented successful reduction of airborne pet allergens in association with the use of HEPA air purifiers.(9) Results of studies can vary based on various factors such as the parameters of each particular study, their design and implementation, and the brand of HEPA air purifier used in each study. Different brands of HEPA air purifiers can provide varying degrees of performance based on their design; their measurement of airflow, e.g. amount of cubic feet per minute (CFMs); the filter media; and pre-filter effectiveness. HEPA filter life will always depend on the level of airborne contaminants in the environment in which the HEPA air purifier is being used. However, if the pre-filter can be vacuumed it will help extend the life of the more expensive HEPA filter. For example, the thin, charcoal pre-filters on the units from the big box stores cannot be vacuumed whereas the pre-filters on the Austin Air units can be vacuumed. It is also important to carefully read the product return policy and warranty on any HEPA air purifier you may consider purchasing. The return policy and warranty of any product is a reflection of the faith the manufacturer has in its own products, so if a company manufactures a quality HEPA air purifier, the return policy and warranty should provide the consumer with a commensurate level of protection and assurance. For example, Austin Air offers a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee, which they publicly advertise. To discuss how a HEPA air purifier may benefit your individual health, check with your doctor. To discuss which type of HEPA air purifier would be most appropriate for your specific environment, check with one of the following indoor air quality consultants who are knowledgeable about air quality issues as well as various air purifiers, including the Austin Air Systems: AR: Allergy Relief Store 22005 I-30, Bryant, AR 72022 501-847-5566 E-mail: info@yourallergyreliefstore YourAllergyReliefStore Free shipping on orders over $200.00 AZ: Active Forever Medical Equipment & Product Innovations 800-377-8033 Email: Media@activeforever ActiveForever Since 1993, the world’s first and the nation’s most trusted provider of medical, safety, fitness and productivity products. CA: Quantum Neurology® Independent Austin Air Distributor & Nervous System Rehabilitation Training 323-653-2818 E-mail: Info@quantumneurology Find a doctor near you: QuantumNeurology Wooldridge Health Organization Clarita Wooldridge, RN, MSN, MDIV Office: 925-680-7979 cell: 925-389-6995 wclarita@aol Office, home & hospital visits and phone & e-mail consultations Traditional, holistic & integrative care consultation & advocacy FL: A.M.I. Services 888-484-6653 AMIservices.us Indoor air quality test kits & remote temperature/humidity monitoring devices. Offering great customer service & free ground shipping in the continental U.S. Central Vacuum Stores 800-221-8227 E-mail: salesinfo@centralvacuumstores CentralVacuumStores Austin Air purifiers available on our website Call or visit our website for complete product information Clean Water Revival 5155 Corporate Way, Suite G, Jupiter, FL 33458 800-444-3563 E-mail: sales@cwrenviro CWRenviro Custom air & water purification designed for healthier indoor living State Vacuum & Allergy Supply 3143 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609 888-841-4826 Email: david@statevacuum StateAllergy We offer free shipping on orders over $70.00 GA:Buckhead-Midtown Vacuum/North Buckhead Vacuum & Allergy 2000 Cheshire Bridge Road Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30324 3872 Roswell Road Suite B4, Atlanta, GA 30342 888-810-6181 E-mail: sales@distinctivevacuums DistinctiveVacuums IL: Douglas Vacuum & Allergy Relief 877-962-5537 E-mail: [email protected] HEPA air purifiers, de-humidifiers, HEPA vacuums & allergy bedding. Free Shipping & No Sales Tax SaveOnVacuums Essential Relaxation Services 630-653-5960 E-mail: carla@essentialrelaxationservices EssentialRelaxationServices Specializing in excellent customer service Carla will help identify the right air cleaner for you. US Air Purifiers LLC (d/b/a AirPurifiersDirect2u) 888-231-1463 E-mail: contactus@airpurifiersdirect2u AirPurifiersDirect2U Family owned, US business, military discounts, free shipping Other healthy choices found at ExtremeHealthMakeovers IN: The Logan Institute for Health & Wellness / Natural Pharmacy 8499 Fishers Center Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 317-598-4325 E-mail: pharmacy@loganmd LoganMD Kevin Logan, MD, focuses on uncovering the root cause of illnesses MN: Home Medical Aids 866-666-9680 E-mail: info@HomeMedicalAids HomeMedicalAids RehaDesign wheelchair tire covers and specialized wheelchair glove Free standard US shipping on any order over $75.00 MT: Vacuum City 603 Euclid Ave., Helena MT 59601 406-442-3733 E-mail: [email protected] We carry a large selection of HEPA filtration vacuums, Steam cleaners & cleaning supplies NJ: Active Motion Health 973-778-3338 E-mail: activemotioninc@aol ActiveMotionHealth Proud to sell the full line of Austin Air Products All air purifiers and replacement filters shipped within 24 hours Healthier Sciences Mfgs of guaranteed mold & odor prevention products 866-863-4107 E-mail: raguccir@aol HealthierSciences Powerful earth & people safe formula The Air Cleaner Store David Frome, Physical Therapist, Lic. Acupuncturist 302 Grove St., Montclair, NJ 07042 877-432-1247 E-mail: info@theaircleanerstore TheAirCleanerStore NY: JDO Healthy Living 917-859-0591 E-mail: jdohealthyliving@yahoo JDOHealthyLiving Best prices in the Staten Island/NY Metro area Call now for free shipping on all Austin Air products! N.E.E.D.S., Inc. 3160 Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt, NY 13214 Needs Toll-free phone: 800-634-1380 Save 10% on any Austin Air purifier or filter with promo-code: Mold13. Limited one promo per customer. Expires 12/31/2014 ND: Garnet Schatz, MH, DipHIr P.O. Box 2541, Bismarck, ND 58502 E-mail: austinair@herbaleyes HerbalEyes Free consultations. Free shipping on purifiers & filters TX: Clean Surroundings CleanSurroundings E-mail: service@cleansurroundings Phone: 866-460-7873 Air purifiers by Austin Air; nutritional supplements by Drucker Labs Water filters & books. Free shipping with minimum purchase VA: Purer Air 9702 Gayton Road #260, Richmond, VA 23238 800-997-2989 E-mail: PurerAir@gmail PurerAir 24 hour customer service Free UPS shipping & gift card thank you with purchase WA: Barbi’s Bird House 206-842-6854 E-mail: Barbi@barbisbirdhouse BarbisBirdHouse Specializing in improving indoor air quality for pet owners
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:55:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015