The good news is that as a society we’re much more prepared to handle such an epidemic than we were in 1919. The bad news, however, is that we’re not as prepared as you’d like to think: As configured, the medical industry worldwide would not be able to mobilize fast enough and efficiently enough to stop it.

Therefore, there would be more patients than hospital capacity, especially in areas with a high population density. That would force many families to care for their own, which would lead to deaths and extend the life of the epidemic. In other words, this would be a worldwide natural disaster.

Fortunately, not everyone is sitting on their hands, hoping for the best. Members of the Engineering Systems Division (ESD) at MIT, for instance, are researching the possibility extensively and looking for techniques that can make our efforts faster and more effective, saving countless lives in the process.

In their most recent study, MIT’s ESD found that non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) would be the key component to combating a global epidemic. NPI is technical jargon for a much simpler concept: If regular people know how to prevent the spread of the flu, they can do so in their homes and workplaces.

The point is, if everyone took the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the flu, an epidemic, such as the one that occurred in 1919, couldn’t happen ever again. Furthermore, the standard flu kills more than 30,000 people each year in the US alone. If we all applied the techniques outlined by the ESD, we could have a significant effect on the number of casualties immediately.

Fighting the Flu

Since the appearance of devastating flu strains, such as the bird flu or H5N1, scientists all over the world have researched ways for the average person to combat the flu. In order to construct its NPI outline, the ESD examined the best of these studies and compared the effectiveness of the techniques.

It’s worth noting that the flu virus spreads when the infected breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. All of these actions release particles into the air, and these particles contain the virus. When a non-infected person breathes these particles in, they’re then susceptible to the infection.

To prevent that transmission, the ESD recommended the following steps:

• Use a portable HEPA air purifier. Use one at home. Use one at work, if possible. HEPA removes nearly all particles from the air, including those particles carrying the flu virus.
• Control both humidity and temperature. High humidity and temperature, although uncomfortable, can disable and even kill the flu outright, which is important when someone in the home is already sick.
• Wash hands thoroughly when in contact with someone with the flu. Scrub with alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
• Wear a mask. While there is no evidence that masks block airborne viruses, masks do make it difficult to touch the nose and mouth, which is the most common cause of infection.

HEPA Filtration

By far, the most important step you can take is HEPA filtration. HEPA is a vital tool in preventing the spread of airborne viral and bacterial organisms. In homes where the flu virus is not established, HEPA can prevent it from ever claiming a foothold. In homes where someone is sick, HEPA can help that person recover without infecting everyone else who lives in the home.

HEPA filtration is so effective that hospitals and military installations throughout the world use it. In fact, it is so successful in combating the flu that hospitals in Hong Kong used it during the outbreak of the deadly SARS virus. Most of those hospitals used portable HEPA air purifiers manufactured by IQAir, which are the same affordable, high quality air purifiers available to residential clients through companies like Clean Air Plus.

Minimizing the Risk of Infection

Contact with the infected is how the infection spreads, so it comes as little surprise that the ESD found that the infected in turn infect at a rate directly correlated to the number of people they meet during that period. In other words, if you have the flu, avoid contact with others. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. If you don’t have the flu, avoid contact with those that do. If you have someone in the house that is sick, use a HEPA air purifier and take the necessary steps to maintain cleanliness.

The conclusion in the paper published by MIT’s ESD is that simple hygiene and environmental protection, such as HEPA air purification, are the most effective steps that we can take. The steps available to governments and world health organizations can cost billions of dollars and countless man-hours. The more effective steps are the ones available to us individually, and they cost almost nothing at all in comparison.

Clean Air Plus

The value of HEPA goes far beyond flu prevention. Indoor air pollution is a significant health concern. HEPA removes 99.97 percent of all particulates down to 0.3 microns in size, including dust particles, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, bacteria and viruses, which helps ensure optimal indoor air quality. HEPA is so effective that in many cases it provides complete relief indoors to severe asthma and allergy sufferers. Ensure optimal indoor health for your family. Purchase a portable HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

Related posts:

1. CDC Recommends HEPA Air Filters to Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu
2. Five Simple Steps to Purer Air
3. Indoor Mold Growth Prevention in 8 Simple Steps

Most of us spend the vast majority of our lives indoors, especially during the winter. The issue with that is air pollution. Although we tend to think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, indoor air pollution is often far more dangerous because it exists at higher concentration levels.

A chief reason for “sick” homes is inadequate ventilation. Other reasons include pollutants in the home and even a lack of cleanliness. All of these sources are exacerbated in the winter, a time when our houses are more closed up and we’re spending more time in them.

With that in mind, let’s consider ways to avoid indoor pollution and promote a healthy indoor environment:

• For optimal indoor air quality, use a portable HEPA air purifier. HEPA removes 99.97% of particulates, including dander, dust, dust mites, mold spores and more.
• Use an air purifier with an activated carbon component, which extracts odors, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals from your air.
• Clean often. Dust builds up quickly in the winter, so dust and then vacuum several times a week. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure maximum cleanliness.
• Control humidity levels. The recommended level in winter for cold climates is 30-40 percent. Dry air can cause difficulty breathing, especially while sleeping, which can intensify the effect of air pollution.
• Prior to winter, have an energy audit to determine if extra insulation is needed.
• Hire a professional to inspect the home’s ventilation. Optimal ventilation is vital to a healthy home.
• During the winter, monitor the roof for ice damming. This can be an indication of insufficient insulation. It can also lead to water inside the home, which can lead to a bevy of problems.
• Replace your furnace filters on a monthly basis. Don’t wait for them to become visibly clogged because by that time they are already underperforming significantly.
• Furnaces are a danger zone. A dirty or malfunctioning furnace can cause significant pollution in the home. Have a professional service your furnace annually.
• Hire a professional to inspect gas furnaces and gas water heaters prior to winter. Over time, these units build up carbon monoxide. Eventually, they will exhaust poisonous air.
• If you have a gas furnace or any other source of carbon monoxide, you must have a carbon monoxide detector. Install one immediately near the bedrooms.
• Also, install the necessary amount of fire alarms and ensure optimal placement. Once a month, inspect all alarms and detectors, and verify that the battery is in proper working order.
• Test the home for radon every year. The best time to test is in the heart of winter. Radon testing kits are often available through your local Public Health Department for around five dollars or so.
• Do not idle vehicles in attached garages. This is dangerous year-round, but winter is when we’re most prone to do it.
• Drain water from all external water faucets in order to prevent pipe bursting.
• When the outdoor temperature is freezing, run water from indoor faucets at a trickle to prevent pipe bursting. This is particularly important when the home has no heat.
• Avoid using space heaters in the home. If you must, ensure a three-foot clearance around them.
• Never use an oven or similar device to augment heat in the home. Never use a charcoal or gas grill in the garage.

The biggest step you can take to ensure a healthy home for you and your family this winter is to buy a portable HEPA air purifier from a top-tier manufacturer like Austin Air, IQAir or Amaircare. HEPA is an investment that will pay long-term dividends. It will ensure optimal air quality and promote a healthy environment. In fact, HEPA is so effective, hospitals use them, and many asthma and allergy sufferers experience relief after they begin using one. What are you waiting for? Buy your portable HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

Related posts:

1. Maintain a Healthy and Happy Home
2. Don’t Let Indoor Air Get To You This Winter
3. Fighting Back against Winter Allergies

Recently, science has begun to confirm some of our suspicions concerning air pollution. In a recent study, one posted online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers determined that non-smokers in high pollution areas were 20 percent more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers in low-pollution areas were.

Air pollution will never trump the smoking of cigarettes as lung cancer’s leading cause, but in many ways, the air pollution correlation is much more important. People can choose not to smoke, or they can choose to stop smoking. But most people live in areas that have high levels of air pollution because of proximity to employment and our urban way of life. They have little choice, and those areas are accounting for 10 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses at least.

According to Michelle Turner, the research lead and a University of Ottawa graduate student, lung cancer in those who have never smoked is now the sixth leading cause of cancer in the US. And its prevalence is growing. Just a decade ago we thought the rate was as low as 2 percent. Now we know it is much higher, and air quality conditions in many cities are still quite bad despite measures to the contrary.

For some time now, medical professionals have feared that the fine particulates in air pollution that cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs also had a long-term effect. This latest study, which is one of the largest like it, went about proving it by monitoring nearly 200,000 non-smokers for a period of 26 years. They monitored people in various pollution conditions in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. During the 26-year study, 1,100 participants died of lung cancer.

It is important to note that in almost all test areas, pollution actually dropped significantly over the 26- year span. In one sense, this is good news: environmental measures are working. However, it is also disheartening that after all of these positive changes people are still dying at this staggering rate. How many people died in the past due to air pollution? And how much more change do we need before we stop these senseless deaths altogether?

This study provides great evidence that fine particle exposure increases cardiopulmonary mortality. Air pollution not only inflames and irritates the lungs; it changes us at the DNA level. Similar studies in China and in Europe support these findings as well. The obvious conclusion is that air pollution is dangerous and we should avoid it. But it’s dangerous even at moderate levels, and that can be tough to avoid.

More importantly, we often like to think that we’re safe within our homes, but the truth is that the air pollution indoors is actually more concentrated and therefore more deadly. The scariest aspect of this is that many of us spend as much as 90% of our time indoors. The good news is that we can ensure clean healthy air in our homes and our workplaces with a portable HEPA air purifier. HEPA removes 99.97% of particulates down to 0.3 microns in size, including mold spores, dust, dust mite allergens, pet dander, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and many other tiny airborne pollutants.

Don’t you and your family deserve that kind of air quality? Imagine the positive effect it will have on your children, now and in the long term. Don’t put this vital choice off for another moment. Buy your portable HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today. Clean Air Plus sells only the highest quality purifiers from top brands like Austin Air, IQAir and Amaircare, and we are a family owned and operated business that truly understands your needs and concerns.

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2. Air Pollution and Chronic Lung Disease
3. Traffic Pollution Impedes Lung Growth

The holidays can be difficult enough with all the responsibilities, all the traveling and all the family. The last thing you want to deal with is difficulty breathing and perpetual cold-like symptoms that wear you down and sap all the fun out of the holidays. So in order to help you stave off that holiday nightmare, we’ve assembled a series of strategies that should help keep your symptoms in check and the holiday fun in motion.

1. The holidays are a time for decorations, and many of us keep those decorations in attics, basements and garages. Not surprisingly, they’re loaded with dust, mold and other irritants, and these can all set off severe attacks. So before bringing them in, go through them, and clean them one by one. This year, when you take down your decorations, clean them again, seal them and store them properly.
2. Many people suffer from tree and pollen allergies but choose to grin and bear it for the holidays. The problem with this is that you are severely underestimating the irritation that a real tree or wreath can cause. Modern artificial trees are remarkably beautiful. Opt for one of those instead, but avoid those covered with “fake snow,” and target one that has no- or low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
3. The smells are some of the best aspects of the holidays, and during the holidays we’re apt to introduce many scent-creators into the home. Most of these are a big problem for allergy and asthma sufferers. Potpourri, oils, candles and other store-brought air fresheners are significant irritants. Avoid them and stick to natural solutions, such as houseplants that don’t produce irritants.
4. The holidays are also a time when we like to have a nice warm fire. Some of us burn wood, and some of us use a gas or electric fireplace. Unfortunately, wood burning and even gas fireplaces introduce a great deal of particles into the air, and these particulates can cause attacks and exacerbate symptoms.
5. When giving out gifts, be mindful of those people with asthma and allergies. If you’re a sufferer, you probably think about this stuff all the time. Non-sufferers likely don’t recognize the issue. For instance, stuffed animals are a popular gift for children, but most stuffed animals are a terrible gift for children with asthma and they can cause asthma attacks due to all the loose fibers.
6. Even if you and your immediate family are not sufferers, take measures to reduce irritants in the home if you’re serving as holiday hosts this year. A thorough cleaning, even in generally clean houses, prior to the holidays can go a long way toward making a sufferer comfortable during their stay. In addition, vacuum using a cleaner with a HEPA filter, which helps to remove many of the fine irritants that tend to linger.
7. Purchase and run a portable HEPA air purifier. In fact, whether you suffer or not, you should use a HEPA air purifier year-round to ensure that you are breathing the purest air possible. HEPA removes 99.97% of all particulates down to 0.3 microns in size, and all known allergens are larger than that. Most HEPA air purifiers also have an activated carbon component that removes chemicals, gases and even odors.
8. Visit your allergist. Talk to them specifically about holiday triggers. Each person’s allergies are different, and you might be surprised at how effective individualized strategies can be. For instance, you may be introducing a substance to your home during the holidays that you would never suspect but is setting off an attack.

A HEPA air purifier from a top-quality brand like Amaircare, Austin Air and IQAir is the best step you can take to ensure optimal lung and heart health. HEPA is so effective that some sufferers never have another symptom indoors as long as their HEPA air purifier is running. Isn’t that the kind of relief you and your family deserve? Stop suffering. Buy your portable air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

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2. HEPA Air Purifiers Offer Cleaner Air for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
3. The Benefit of a HEPA Air Purifier for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

The research team at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto used local health data on more than 13 million people ranging from 35-80 years of age. The study used 14 years’ worth of data, and over the course of those 14 years, the researchers identified nearly 600,000 cases of COPD.

The results indicated that 35-year-old females were three times more likely to get COPD than breast cancer. It also indicated that 35-year-old males were three times more likely to get COPD than prostate cancer. Considering the prevalence of both, these are staggering numbers. The study also revealed, not surprisingly, that poor people and those in rural areas were at greater risk.

The team published their findings in the special European Respiratory Society issue of the Lancet, a UK scientific journal. The researchers stressed that COPD is a much larger burden on society than we have ever imagined, and we need to put as much focus on this issue as possible. This includes public funding to combat the disease directly and through smoking cessation programs and the like.

A separate study published in the same Lancet issue brought with it some bad news: Airway bypasses, experimental and minimally invasive procedures, have little effect on severe emphysema. There had been some previous indication that this procedure would provide relief where relief is hard to find. With severe emphysema, people struggle to breathe to the point that they cannot eat, bathe or even walk.

The Causes of COPD

For the individual, the good news is that there are four primary causes of COPD, and each of them is preventable. Once COPD manifests, however, it is not reversible. At a minimum, COPD disrupts breathing, and makes life uncomfortable. At worst, COPD has effects such as those described earlier regarding severe emphysema.

There is a genetic component in play. You can’t change your family history. However, the genetic aspect only makes you more likely to develop COPD. Even with a genetic inclination, you can control your fate by controlling your environment. In the following sections, we’ll consider the four main causes, and what you can do about them.

Cigarette Smoking

This one is easy: Don’t smoke. Direct inhalation of nicotine smoke is the leading cause of COPD. In fact, at least 80% and as many as 90% of all afflicted are chronic smokers. That’s overwhelming. Pipe and cigar smokers aren’t off the hook. Those types of smoking are significant contributors too. If you’re a smoker, do whatever it takes to quit now. We all recognize how difficult it is, but you must do it, for yourself and for your family.

Secondhand Smoke

Avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible. At home, force guests to smoke outdoors away from windows and doors. This is serious business, and the reason that states throughout the country are enacting tough secondhand smoke laws. According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke causes nearly 3,500 deaths each year in the US alone. That is simply unacceptable.

Air Pollution

For years, we’ve known that there is a link between air pollution and COPD. Thanks to increased technology and better techniques, recent studies indicate that it may be a more dangerous trigger than ever realized. What’s scariest about air pollution is that our homes are not the safe havens we once believed them to be. While outdoor air pollution can be dangerous, studies show that indoor air is even worse, unless the building has some form of air purification, preferably HEPA and activated carbon.

Occupational Exposure

On worksites, there are numerous causes of COPD: silica, coalmine dust, cotton dust, grain dust and so forth. Employees walk a fine line between budgets and employee health. From a purely financial standpoint, the economic burden on society from this occupational exposure is significant. Therefore, government must continue to be aggressive with laws that enforce safe workplaces. From a civil standpoint, all employees have the right to feel safe within the context of the workplace. Of course, we each have the responsibility to be our own best safety and health advocate.

The Bottom Line on COPD

According to the American Lung Association, more than 10 million adults are diagnosed with COPD each year. It is one of the leading causes of death in the USA, and it steals 120,000 American lives annually. The ALA estimates that by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death in the world. When you consider that it is primarily preventable, these are truly staggering numbers.

HEPA Purification

There are ways to protect you and your family in the home: a portable air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filtration. A HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all particles: dust, smoke, mold spores, pollen, dander, bacteria, particulates from traffic exhaust and so forth. The activated carbon component removes chemicals, gases and odors. Since most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, HEPA provides significant protection against the pollutants that cause COPD.

Conclusion

A HEPA air purifier has many other health benefits as well. Hospitals throughout the world use it, and asthma and allergy sufferers often relieve their symptoms by using it. This is an excellent and affordable investment in your family’s health. The threat of COPD is very real. Don’t take risks. Act right now. Buy an Austin Air, IQAir or Amaircare HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

Related posts:

1. COPD: What Is It and Ways to Prevent It
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – An Overview
3. Air Pollution and Chronic Lung Disease

So why is indoor air quality worse than outdoor air quality? Well, there are a number of factors at play. The big one is concentration levels. Lacking proper ventilation and filtration, a home or an office becomes a trap for pollutants, and the concentration levels continue to rise. The other problem is that we, often unknowingly, introduce contaminants at very high levels into our living spaces. A prime example of this is store-bought air fresheners, which with long-term use exacerbates the problem we’ve purchased them to remedy.

Let’s examine ten simple, cost-effective ways to improve our IAQ:

1. Remove shoes at the door.

We track a great deal of pollution into the house on the bottom of our shoes. The easiest way to prevent this is to put brush-off mats inside and outside of each entryway, and have family and guests leave their shoes on the inner mat. It is also important to clean those mats weekly and replace them regularly, preferably every six months.

2. Promote fresh air naturally.

Coupled with cleanliness, leafy green plants are an excellent way to promote fresh air. Along with proper ventilation and filtration, you’ll never need an unnatural air freshener again. The one thing you want to be careful of, however, is overwatering. This can lead to mold, and even a small amount can compromise your air quality.

3. Avoid dry-cleaning.

Most people are surprised to discover just how toxic dry-cleaning chemicals are as well as the plastic in which they hang the clothes. If possible, avoid dry-cleaning altogether. If not, remove the plastic, and then let the dry-cleaned clothes hang outside to air out. Generally, fifteen minutes is enough for the chemicals to dissipate.

4. Minimize problem surfaces.

Soft and cluttered surfaces are problem surfaces. Soft surfaces include blinds, curtains, carpets, throw pillows and artificial flowers. Cluttered surfaces include messy countertops and knickknacks on shelving. Remove as much of these as is possible. Obviously, it’s not practical to remove them all, so clean the remaining problem areas daily or as frequently as possible.

5. Avoid aerosol sprays.

Despite the known issues, many consumer products still employ aerosol sprays. Each aerosol spray releases propellants into our air. These propellants include hydrocarbons, isobutane, n-butane, propane and other dangerous, flammable chemicals. There is always an alternative, so avoid these at all costs.

6. Do not use store-bought air fresheners.

All petroleum-based air fresheners available at your local store release chemicals into the air. So even though they may provide a temporary fix, they are actually contributing to the problem long-term. The solution is cleanliness, ventilation and filtration. If this is not enough, use enzyme-based cleaners, which will deodorize in addition to decontaminate.

7. Avoid toxic chemicals.

There are many ways that dangerous chemicals can enter into our homes: chlorine, pesticides, petrochemicals, solvents and so forth. Avoid these whenever possible. When it is absolutely necessary, use them properly, and be sure to have proper ventilation. Also, do not store them in the home, and dispose of them per local waste management regulations.

8. Do not dry dust. Vacuum regularly.

The real danger with dust is that it acts as a “sponge” for airborne toxins. Once trapped, these toxins continue to emit harmful contaminants into the air. When we dust in the traditional manner, we tend to move most of the dust around rather then remove it. The better way is to dust with a slightly damp cloth, and then to vacuum after dusting.

9. Use high-quality green cleaning products.

Today, all cleaning products have a green alternative, and the price gap isn’t that wide any longer, so make use of them. Products labeled “free and clear” are the best. Natural but non-free and clear products aren’t necessarily bad, but they may contain essential oils for fragrance that can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms.

10. Use HEPA air purification.

The best step you can take, and the most cost-effective long-term, is to use a superior HEPA air purification system, such as the portable units manufactured by IQAir, Austin Air and Amaircare. HEPA air purification is the best way to ensure pure indoor air since it removes 99.97% of all particles down to 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and many other microscopic pollutants.

Clean Air Plus

Clean Air Plus is a family-owned and operated business, and we are one of the leading online retailers of HEPA air purifiers. When you purchase from Clean Air Plus, you’re not just dealing with experts, but with people who use these same products in our homes and for our children. We deliver attention to detail that you won’t find elsewhere. Buy your HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today. It’s time to start breathing pure clean air that promotes a healthier lifestyle.

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I’ve also battled severe allergies my entire life. Over the years, I’d learned to manage the triggers and be comfortable most of the time. But at night, my allergies were always particularly bad, and they were getting worse as I got older. It got to the point where I simply couldn’t make it through the night. I’d lie there in bed for at least 8 hours and as many as 10, but I’d wake feeling as if I had slept less than half that.

It became so bad it was affecting my life in a big way. I was underperforming at work, a position I had worked very hard to achieve, and I was taking my frustrations out on my family. I don’t think they wanted to be around me, which is a difficult thing to admit, but it was also a catalyst to seek help.

I went to an allergist, a sleep expert and even a psychologist but to no avail. The allergist, however, did ask me about air purification. Other doctors had asked me this too, but I had always dismissed it. I don’t know— I think I was being a cynic. Now, I was at least open to the idea, so I went home and looked for information on the internet.

One of the first websites I came across was Clean Air Plus. The great thing about this site was its scope. Beyond the retail aspect, it was also a knowledge base. There were dozens of in-depth articles, and more than a few of them discussed symptoms so similar to mine that they may as well have been talking about me.

It was phenomenal, and I read those articles from early that afternoon until evening when my wife and daughter got home. Over dinner, I talked to my wife about what I had learned, and I told her I wanted to invest in a portable HEPA air purifier for the home. She was wonderfully supportive and on board from the word go. That night, we sat at the computer together, read the articles and compared the various models that Clean Air Plus sold.

After quite a bit of research and deliberation, we chose the IQAir HealthPro HEPA air purifier. This was the perfect model for me. It was affordable, more than strong enough for the size of my home, and it guaranteed removal of nearly 100 percent of allergens and particles that were exacerbating my condition. Before ordering, I called my allergist. She was familiar with the model, and she assured me that it was a fantastic choice.

That sealed the deal. I ordered the IQAir HealthPro HEPA air purifier through the Clean Air Plus website right then, and it arrived at my house several days later. I was like a kid on Christmas morning the day it was to arrive, and when I opened and unpacked the box, the excitement was so tangible I was trembling. Fortunately, there wasn’t much to it. The wife and I had it set up and running in the bedroom within minutes.

That very first night I slept like a baby. It sounds ridiculous, and it probably is. I even chalked it up to the placebo effect. But the next night came and with it another full 8 hours of sleep. It was incredible. I was waking up happier and feeling healthier than I had in a long time. My family enjoyed being around me again, and my productivity at work was returning to the levels I was at as a younger man.

Here’s the truly amazing thing: Several months later, pollen season hit. Like many people with allergies, this is a difficult time of the year for me. Or at least it was. During pollen season, I avoid the peak times of day and I spend a great deal of time indoors, but the symptoms still got to me. But after purchasing the IQAir HealthPro HEPA air purifier, I haven’t experienced any pollen symptoms while in my home!

The other big benefit has been my pets. As soon as we had our daughter, I knew that I couldn’t deprive her of dogs and cats simply because of my allergies. So I dealt with it, and with the great help of my wife, we managed it pretty well. But the IQAir unit has been a game-changer. I mean we still bathe, brush and wash bedding frequently, but I no longer suffer from those sudden severe attacks brought on by the pet dander.

Thank you Clean Air Plus. The IQAir HealthPro is one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Michael R., California

You’re welcome Michael! We love hearing success stories from families, and we look forward to helping many more families in the year to come. For those of you reading Michael’s experiences, please know that he’s not the exception to the rule. We get dozens of letters just like it, and we’ve had similar personal experiences as well. Stop the suffering. Buy an IQAir HealthPro HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today. You will be glad you did.

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1. Employs medical-grade HEPA filtration

A true medical-grade HEPA filter extracts 99.97 percent of all particulate matter down to 0.3 microns in size. HEPA filters remove dust, dander, dust mite allergens, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pollen, and many other tiny airborne pollutants. The industry calls it medical grade HEPA because this is the level of efficiency demanded by hospitals and other medical environments. In fact, HEPA filtration was the choice of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in its battle against the deadly SARS virus. By opting for medical-grade HEPA filtration, we’re opting for the perfect balance between effectiveness, practicality and cost. Be wary of products with ambiguous labels, such as “HEPA-like.” Less reputable companies use this type of marketing to sell inferior products at higher prices.

2. Employs a high-capacity pre-filter

A pre-filter plays a number of important roles, one of which is extending the life of your HEPA air purification system. The high-capacity pre-filter is the first line of defense, and it is responsible for trapping the largest pollutants, which allows the other stages to operate longer and more efficiently. Air purifiers without high-capacity pre-filtration have a much larger total cost of ownership. Since the pre-filter is not trapping the large particles, the HEPA filter is, and therefore it does not last as long nor does it operate as efficiently.

3. Employs an activated carbon stage

Activated carbon filters provide an added benefit over a HEPA filter alone. Through a process called adsorption, activated carbon removes vapors, gases, and fumes, including smoke, smog, and a multitude of odors, as well as volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). Activated carbon is carbon that is treated with oxygen to make it more permeable. That permeability allows for much greater surface area, so as gasses, chemicals and other pollutants pass through the carbon, it traps them more easily and in greater amounts. When used in conjunction with HEPA filtration, activated carbon can bring clean air to a whole new level.

4. Does not promote offgassing

Offgassing, or outgassing, is the release of gas previously trapped or dissolved within another material. The reason why this is important with air purifiers is that some manufacturers use low-quality plastic in the construction of their units in order to save money. What happens with this low-grade plastic is that it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your air over time. This process is extremely counterproductive because the air purifier is simultaneously purifying and degrading your indoor air quality.

5. Does not emit ozone

Many low-quality air purifiers emit ozone, which can actually degrade your indoor air quality and cause several unpleasant side effects. Ozone, which is a charged oxygen molecule, is very harmful in large doses. It is also an irritant to people who suffer from asthma and allergies, and in those cases, even small levels of ozone can cause big problems. The most common form of ozone-emitting air purifiers is the ionizer, which uses an electrostatic process to clean the air. Avoid this type of filtration in favor of the tried and true HEPA and activated carbon filtration systems.

Clean Air Plus

Austin Air, IQAir and Amaircare are three of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. When you purchase an air purifier from one of these three, you know that you are conforming to these five vital criteria. It is for this reason that Clean Air Plus only sells products from these three companies. Anything else is an inferior product. What distinguishes Clean Air Plus from other dealers is that we are a small family-owned business that takes a personal approach with each of our clients. Don’t put this off another moment. Buy an Amaircare, IQAir or Austin Air HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today. Begin experiencing the pure air that you and your family deserve and need.

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Hurricanes and numerous other rain-heavy events have ravaged these areas, which has left many residents coping with flooded basements and extremely high humidity levels.

When such an event occurs, not all damage is obvious. Some aspects are apparent: the water, the ruined carpet and all the destroyed furniture. But there is more to it than that.

Behind the scenes, mold forms. After all, these are the perfect conditions. Even after removing the standing water, moisture and humidity will continue to contribute to the mold problem.

In the event of such conditions, there are steps that you can take to prevent a long-term problem. The first is to act immediately. The faster you act, the more effective and less expensive your strategies will be.

Here are a series of tips that will make your cleanup a success:

• Avoid contaminated water and electrical shocks. Call a professional, if need be.
• Remove all standing water.
• Remove all contaminated items that you cannot dry easily.
• Use a portable air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filtration.
• Dry the area completely.
• Maintain a relative humidity below 50 percent.
• Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier now and in the year to come.
• Inspect the entire area thoroughly for mold.
• Ensure proper ventilation.
• Use a respirator, gloves and goggles to remove the mold.
• If there is a lot of mold, seek advice from a removal specialist or health provider.
• Clean all surfaces with proven mold-killing products.

HEPA Filtration

Using an air purifier year-round is good advice, and an air purifier is one of the most important steps you can take in situations where water damage has occurred. With such conditions, there can be a tremendous amount of pollution and contaminants introduced to the air. A HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. That includes all mold spores, dust, pollen, bacteria and so forth. In addition, good filters have an activated carbon component, and that aspect is able to remove gases, chemicals and even odors.

Conclusion

If your home has experienced water damage, buy a portable HEPA air purifier. It will be one of the best investments for your home and health that you have ever made. Even if that damage occurred a year ago or more, traces of it can be behind walls and other surfaces emitting contamination into your air. HEPA filtration is so powerful that many asthma and allergy sufferers experience relief from their symptoms with consistent use. Doesn’t your family deserve that kind of protection and relief? Purchase your high-quality HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

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1. Getting Rid and Keeping Rid of Mold
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Bedroom

• The bedroom is the most important room in the house. Ensuring proper sleep will make you happier and healthier, and it will put your body in the best position to combat allergies and other ailments.
• Keep all pets out of the bedroom. The bedroom should be your sanctuary.
• Wherever possible, replace carpeting with hard surface flooring such as hardwood, ceramic tile or stone.
• Vacuum all remaining carpeting frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Cover all pillows and mattresses with dust mite proof encasements.
• To control dust mites, wash all uncovered bedding in hot water (130+ degrees Fahrenheit) every week.
• Use easy-to-clean shades rather than washable curtains and conventional horizontal blinds.
• When buying new furniture, keep cleanliness in mind.
• Keep the bedroom clutter free. Clutter may seem harmless, but it’s a dust trap.
• Use a portable air purifier. Locate it in the bedroom. A medical-grade HEPA air purifier, such as those made by IQAir, Amaircare and Austin Air, removes nearly all the particles that trigger allergies.

Living Room

• Wherever possible, replace carpeting with hard surface flooring such as hardwood, ceramic tile or stone. Many people are attached to carpeting in the living area, but hardwood flooring with area rugs is just as beautiful and much easier to keep sanitary.
• Vacuum all remaining carpeting frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Avoid upholstered furniture. Like carpeting, it acts like a dust trap that continuously releases allergens into the air. Leather, metal, plastic and wood are much better choices.
• Use easy-to-clean shades rather than washable curtains and conventional horizontal blinds.
• As with the bedroom, avoid clutter. In the living room, knickknacks are a common problem area.

Kitchen

• Ensure that the stovetop has a hooded ventilation system. The system should have an external exhaust.
• Store all food properly and immediately. Don’t leave food out for extended periods of time.
• Clean dishes immediately. Clean the sink and the faucet immediately after use.
• Keep countertops and cabinets clean. Use hot water and natural cleaners, but avoid leaving behind excessive moisture.
• Keep your refrigerator up to date. Discard food as soon as it reaches its pull date.
• Every day, wipe the refrigerator for excessive moisture. Wipe any spills immediately.
• Every week, clean the dripping pan, and inspect the refrigerator door seals and element.
• Every week, inspect lower cabinets and under the sink for moisture.
• Use a trash can with a tight seal that blocks insects and odors. Change the bag out in the evening every day regardless of bag capacity.

Bathroom

• All bathrooms must have exhaust fans to reduce moisture.
• After a bath or shower, run the exhaust fan for an additional 10 minutes.
• After a bath or shower, hand-dry the tub, door and wall. Replace shower curtains and mats as soon as there is any sign of mold.
• Opt for tile, linoleum and other easily washable flooring in the bathroom. Rugs are all right, especially to collect moisture near the toilet and bathtub. Clean these rugs frequently, and change them out at least every six months.
• Avoid wallpaper. Use tile for walls or mold-resistant enamel paint.
• Clean the sinks and toilet bowls every week. Fix any leaks immediately. Scrub the mold from plumbing fixtures once per month.

Basement

• Carpeting is a poor choice for basement areas. Avoid it as much as possible. If you must use carpeting, make sure it is easy to remove, clean and discard. Put plastic sheeting, called a vapor barrier, between it and the floor.
• Avoid upholstered furniture. Like carpeting, it acts like a dust trap that continuously releases allergens into the air. Leather, metal, plastic and wood are much better choices.
• Inspect the basement weekly for leaks as well as any damage to windows, stairwell and the foundation. Fix leaks and damage immediately.
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level.
• Clean the basement once a week.
• If you use the basement for storage, store in sealable plastic containers.

Throughout the Home

• Forbid smoking. Guests should smoke outdoors well clear of doors, windows, vents and so forth.
• Avoid opening windows. Instead, use proper air conditioning and air purification. Use natural air fresheners, such as optimally watered houseplants.
• Cockroaches, mice and other pests can trigger allergies even at very small populations. If you’ve never done so, hire an exterminator immediately to inspect the house. Schedule a yearly inspection for entry points and the presence of pests.
• Do not allow the house to be too hot or too humid. For most people, the perfect conditions are 70 degrees and 30-50 percent relative humidity. Try to maintain this at a constant level year-round. You may need to employ dehumidifiers throughout the house to do so.
• Replace furnace and air-conditioning filters each month. Replace air purifier filters regularly, per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Professionally clean air ducts and other ventilation once per year.
• Keeping windows closed and maintaining low humidity throughout the house should stop the presence of mold. Nevertheless, do a whole-house self-inspection every quarter.
• Develop a weekly cleaning routine. Dusting followed by vacuuming with a HEPA filter is one of the best steps you can take toward managing indoor allergies.
• When dusting, don’t forget the tops of windows and doorways. These are often a problem area because they are easy to overlook.

HEPA

Several times throughout this article, we’ve mentioned HEPA, which stands for high efficiency particulate air. What a HEPA filter does is remove 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. Most allergens are larger than 0.3 microns, so using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom can have an amazing effect on your overall comfort level and your ability to sleep soundly.

Clean Air Plus

Clean Air Plus sells only the best HEPA air purifiers from top brands like Austin Air, IQAir and Amaircare. Many of these units also have an activated carbon component, which removes chemicals, gases and even odors. A comprehensive portable HEPA air purifier can have a dramatic effect on the health and happiness of your family. They deserve it. Don’t put this off another moment. Order your HEPA air purifier from Clean Air Plus today.

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2. Warding Your Home from Allergens
3. Achieving an Allergy-Free Home