July 14, 2004 -- As you are probably aware, the pollution level in American homes has reached an alarming rate. The US Department of Health recently stated that the air in American homes can be as much as one-hundred times more polluted than the air outside. The Centers for Disease Control has identified this problem as one of the most concerning stresses on human health and welfare.
   
This indoor pollution problem has gotten so threatening that the American Lung Association (ALA), has issued harsh warning for people spending more than eight hours a day indoors, which includes over 94% of all Americans. These warnings are targeted at children under twelve, adults over 60, allergy and asthma sufferers, pet owners, and smokers.
   
The indoor air pollution problem is clear and well defined, what about the solutions? The truth is that most Americans are very confused about what steps to take to protect their families and themselves from this very real problem.
   
There were so many companies offering so many different solutions – what is the truth? After years of discovery and research, the truth became quite clear. The challenge then was conveying this message.
   
There are four simple truths to air filtration that you must understand before you make an air purification decision:
1.If The Unit Does Not Move Air it CANNOT CLEAN AIR
2.If Unit Has No Filters it CANNOT CLEAN AIR   
3.H.E.P.A. Filtration is THE ONLY COMPLETE SOLUTION
4.Units Constructed of Plastic Actually CREATE TOXIC V.O.C.s
(VOC is volatile organic compounds)

These are the four most important factors to consider when purchasing the indoor air quality product that will protect you and your family. They are also the four factors you must focus on when purchasing indoor air quality products.

There are four basic categories of filtration systems:
1.electric spark ozone-creating systems
2.electrostatic filter systems
3.forced air flow-through systems
4.H.E.P.A. filtration systems.

Electric spark ozone-creating systems have no filters and cause little or no air movement. Because there is no filter, they rely on statically charging the air as to draw particles to a metal collector plate. The manufacturers brag about the fact that there is no filter to replace needed, that also means that almost no harmful particles are being captured. These units also move very little or no air at all, which means they only affect the air that happens to float past them. The manufactures brag that they are silent, that also means they are completely ineffective as a whole-house or even a one-room solution. Many people, especially seniors and children are allergic to the ozone gas that is created by these units, some to a deadly level.

Electrostatic filter systems use electrostatic magnetism that causes some pollutants to stick to, again, an electrically charged metal plate. These units work very much like electric spark units but do not create ozone gas. There effectiveness on most odors, bacteria and viruses is almost nonexistent. These units also have a metal plate that needs to be washed often. These units move no air, therefore cleaning almost no air.

Forced air flow-through systems are certainly more effective than the first two types we have discussed. However, the filters these units use are quite ineffective on many harmful particles and most bacteria and viruses. Although they typically have fans, they are generally far too weak to actually create enough air exchanges per hour to effectively treat the air in the average home.

H.E.P.A. filtration systems are the only systems available that address all indoor air pollution issues and effectively eradicate virtually all airborne threats. H.E.P.A. (high efficiency particulate air), was designed to purify the air in hospital operating rooms as well as highly volatile medical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Since its creation, H.E.P.A. has been the air filtration system of choice areas that require complete purification. H.E.P.A. is 99.97% efficient on particulate that is .03 microns or smaller, no other system can even come close.

H.E.P.A. is the best possible system. However, even H.E.P.A. products have some differences. In H.E.P.A. look for metal cabinets. You do not want plastic housings that can emit VOC's and put back in the air what you are trying to take out. The systems should include charcoal filtration for odor and VOC reduction. Cartridges should be sealed which increases filtration and does not allow the particles to go back in the air when you turn the unit off. And, even though the systems must move air, look for one that is relatively quiet.

If you are concerned about the air you breathe in your home, make sure that you spend your hard earned dollars on a product which will help you breathe purer air.

By-Line: Victoria Kamm is a Certified Indoor Environmentalist and a member of the Healthy House Products advisory board. You can reach her at info@healthyhouseproducts.com or 770-729-9900.



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