Where does your city rank in terms of the most polluted air?

The American Lung Association has ranked major metropolitan areas in the country on the basis of 24 hour air pollution rates. Despite the postcards and TV shows, California dominates the list with nine of the top 20 cities being from the Golden State.

Home air purifying systems are all the rage these days. While they may seem to be a modern-day trend, they’ve really been in use for hundreds of years in one way or another.

Ever since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700 and 1800’s, scientists have acknowledged the need for cleaner air, and have been working to find ways to combat the pollutants we are voluntarily putting into our air – and lungs.

In 1832, two brothers – John and Charles Dean – developed a mask for firefighters that would help them be able to more safely fight fires despite dangerous smoke fumes. And, in 1854, John Stenhouse introduced a mask that used carbon filters for divers and coal miners as a way to protect them against the polluted air they encountered on a daily basis.

Then in the 1930’s and 1940’s the US Atomic Energy Commission developed a new type of air filter that could absorb dangerous radioactive dust in the event of an atomic bombing. Although this first HEPA filter was not effective for protecting anyone from radiation, it was soon found to be highly effective in providing protection against mustard gas, chlorine gas, and flamethrowers during World War II. Today, this highly effective filter is used in millions of American homes and businesses to remove nearly 100% of the pollen, dust and other allergens from the air we breathe.

By the late 1960’s people worldwide were beginning to feel the ill effects of smog and pollutants in our nation’s cities, making more research into additional air purification systems necessary. Within 10 years, home air cleaners had ht the consumer market.

By the mid 1990’s, reports began to surface that the indoor air pollution was growing worse, and in some cases could be as much as five times higher than outdoor air pollution, causing a frenzy among scared consumers looking for better and less expensive ways to clean the air in their homes.

Today, there are a myriad of air purification methods available. While most tout a high effectiveness rating, many scientists argue that many of these so-called cleaning methods have never been proven to scientifically absorb and purify anything.

While the renowned HEPA filter remains the best-selling and most highly effective air filter on the market, many advocates still claim that newer ionic air purification systems are both easier to use, and more effective than other models and brands on the market today. They are, however, without controversy, as many critics complain that they add more dangerous ozone to the atmosphere, which may negate any benefits they may offer.

As the quest for cleaner air continues, many consumers anxiously await the next wave of air purifying systems now under development.

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Did you know that after tobacco smoke, mold is the indoor contaminant that has generated the most publicity. You can barely open a news paper or turn on a radio without hearing of some business, school or home that has caused people to leave due to the discovery of mold and potential health risks involved. The cost of cleanup is huge but the danger of not correcting the problem is even bigger.

People are becoming ill in their own homes. It doesn’t matter if it is a residential home, an apartment building or a condominium. Leaks in ventilation systems or poor ventilation can cause dampness and mold. This hazard increases the risk of asthma and allergies. People who have never suffered with either are being diagnosed with both of these respiratory diseases.

Mold isn’t the only hazard invading the indoor space you occupy. The list is endless. Things such as dust mites, bacteria, lead and carbon monoxide are also in the air. Yes, that is correct; even carbon monoxide has been detected in homes from poorly vented appliances and wood stoves.

Everyday things you come into contact with such as air fresheners, paint, dry-cleaned clothing, new furniture and carpet are but a few of the things that can and do produce chemicals and gasses. If you are at home you have more control over these things than you would at work ; but nonetheless many things we would least suspect can be the culprits. Some people are highly allergic to the glue used in the installation of carpet.

Work pollutants can include all of the above but in addition can include hazards from office machines, sprays and possibly fumes if the loading dock or parking lot is not properly vented away from the air exchange of the building. Many people are complaining to their employers of not feeling well while at work but the complaints are rarely taken seriously. Workers complain of headaches, eye irritants and persistent coughs and allergies.

The time has come that we need to be vigilant about protecting ourselves, our children, our parents and our pets against the unseen. Just because it is not easily visible doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. We need to pay attention to the air quality around us. There is no doubt about it; there is a very definite connection between illness and indoor air.

Is that persistent cough you can’t lose really from a cold?

Are you really tired and dragged out because you haven’t been getting enough sleep?

Are your eyes really itchy from pollen?

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It’s sad, but true. The air we breathe is dirty and getting dirtier. Even the air in our homes can be hazardous to our health. It has been estimated that the air inside of the average American home is at leas five times more polluted than the air outside – even in the most metropolitan area!

As our homes become more and more energy efficient, we have not only succeeded in making our homes air tight t save energy costs, but have also succeeded in blocking any natural ventilation to allow chemicals, pet dander, dust and other household allergens and pollutants to escape. Its rare these days for anyone to simply throw open the windows and “air out the house” on a regular basis. Little did we realize how beneficial that simple season changing activity was in the past.

Today’s family suffers much more bouts of cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia and other upper respiratory problems, not to mention an increased rate in asthma and allergies. Why? The simple answer may be that the air we breathe both inside and outside of our homes is s full of allergens and pollutants that our bodies simply can not free itself of these angers and is paying the ultimate price: the ability to breathe easy.

Some of the most dangerous pollutant culprits which are causing a variety of these respiratory afflictions among our families include:

Household Odors and Gases:
Kitty litter dust, tobacco smoke, indoor pesticides and aerosols, among others can all cause mild to serious breathing problems when exposure is commonplace.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s):
Found in a wide variety of household products including paint, varnish, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, glues and adhesives in carpeting and furniture. Ingredients such as benzene, chloride, formaldehyde, and ethylene can all irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. Severe chronic health conditions such as damage to the nervous system may result in some people.

Microorganisms:
Antigens, pathogens, bacteria, mold and viruses can all be found in the air we breathe and make us sick.

So, now that you understand the importance of clean air, what’s the best way to combat the effects of modern-day pollutants? The best thing, experts agree, is to install a good quality air purifier in your home and office to help strip these dangerous pollutants from your living and working areas. Good ventilation is also recommended with a regular airing out of your home.

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With so many different types of air purifiers on the market these days, it may be difficult to figure out which one will best meet your needs. No matter which model or style you choose, just be sure to take the following under consideration when choosing your next air purifier:

Area Coverage:
Always be sure that the square footage listed for a particular model is slightly greater than the square footage of the area in which it will be sued.

Air Changes per Hour (ACH):
How many times per hour the unit can change the air in the room can be very important, especially if you suffer from severe allergies or asthma. The most effective unit will sport a ACH rating of 4, 6, or preferably 8.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR):
Tells you how much air the unit is capable of actually purifying. The higher the rating, the more effective the air purifier is against battling indoor air pollution.

Filter Replacements:
All filter systems need to have their filters replaced on a regular basis, which can become costly. Be sure to take replacement costs into consideration when choosing a model. Also, watch for systems that offer duel filter technology, since these filters usually need to be replaced at separate intervals that may be a hassle for some consumers.

Noise Level:
Be sure to test the unit you are considering since some models can be very noisy while others are extremely quiet.

Energy Usage:
Like all appliances, air cleaners use different amounts of electricity. Also consider whether or not your unit will be run on low, medium or high for most of the day to determine the correct energy usage and cost.

Air Pollution:
Believe it or not, some air purifiers (especially various ionic models) may actually emit enough ozone into the room to rival the air in one of the smoggiest cities in the nation – Los Angeles. Make sure that your model isn’t one of them!

Extra Features:
Like any appliance, air purifiers come in basic standard models, and those that contain a myriad of bells and whistles. Remember, you pay for those extras, so be sure you really need them before agreeing to purchase them.

Price:
It doesn’t matter whether you have $50 to spend or $5,000 t spend on your new air purifier, there’s a model out there to meet every consumer’s need and budget, so don’t let an anxious salesperson convince you otherwise.

Warranty and reputation:
With so many different manufacture’s and models of air purifiers on the market, it isn’t easy to know who’s are the best. Be sure to ask friends and neighbors what they like and don’t like about the system they use before buying your own. Check the Internet for customer reviews, and make sure that the manufactures you choose offers a good service agreements and/or warranty on all the products they sell.

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