UV Air Purifiers

If you ever have a mold or another microbiological airborne contaminant problem, UV air purifiers may be your solution. These air purifiers use one or more powerful ultraviolet lamps to stop the reproduction of microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria or viruses. The UV lamp inside the air purifier kills the DNA of these contaminants, preventing them from reproducing. They are extremely effective - especially when it comes to removing mold spores and fungi from moist surfaces, leaving your home or office smelling fresh and clean.

Many UV air purifiers use 10 watt lamps, which are extremely effective. But units like the Airpura UV600 use 20 watt lamps for even stronger air purification!

When most people think about air purifiers, they think of the appliances that capture allergens like pet dander, pet hair, dust, viruses, etc. However, what many don't realize is that sometimes you need a chemical removing air purifier for removing other types of particles in the air, including ammonia, formaldehyde, tobacco, nitrogen dioxide, and more.

These chemicals not only smell bad (ammonia smells like rotten eggs - literally!), but they also are extremely harmful for your health. Many times, these chemicals can come from new carpets, new furniture, paints, cleaning products, and even plants! I know, you're probably thinking, "You're crazy! How can plants be harmful to your health?" The truth is that many plants are sprayed with pesticides - some even produce their own volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These plants include peace lilies, areca palms, weeping figs and snake plants, so be extra careful when you choose the plants that you want to keep in your home.

Outdoor Air Quality

Though people hear the term "pollution" all the time, most don't realize just how bad it can be. A good way to check is by Googling the current API (air quality index) in your area. I think the LA area right now is somewhere between 12 and 20 - which is actually really great. However, areas like Salt Lake City, Utah, have much higher APIs (66), so their outdoor air quality isn't as good, especially for asthma and allergy sufferers. And it's not like we can somehow get a huge air purifier that can circulate the outdoor air. Sadly, it doesn't work like that. Here are some tips that the US Environmental Protection Agency have suggested to help the environment as much as you can:

- Walk, bike, or carpool if you really have to. Or, better yet, use public transportation whenever you can.
- Try not to refuel your car before 7 PM.
- Try to avoid other gasoline powered rec vehicles.
- Use an electric starter when barbecuing instead of charcoal lighter fluid.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered garden equipment (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc).

Mold in the Winter

I just discovered something very eye-opening today. I found out that mold can actually grow during the winter season! I always thought that mold and mildew only grew during the summer, or when the weather is hot. Turns out, mold grows where it's wet. I had to learn this the hard way, sadly.

A few weeks ago, it was raining here and there was a leak in my roof. I didn't really think twice about it, just cleaned it up and got it fixed. However, to my surprise this morning, I was greeted by some nasty mold in the corner of the wall. Of course, I looked online for some cleaning tips. After I washed it off and threw away my clothes and the washcloth, I dried it with a dehumidifier and put my mold air purifier right by it. Thank goodness I have a few air purifiers on hand, though. Could you imagine what my house would be like if I didn't have an air purifier? Because air purifiers kill mold spores, I can rest easy knowing that there won't be anymore mold or mildew in my home tonight! Whew!

HEPA Filters

While watching Jersey Shore yesterday, I saw a commercial for a vacuum cleaner that uses HEPA filters, and I thought, Wow, all types of appliances use HEPA filters. But what exactly is a HEPA filter? Most people know the general idea - HEPA air purifiers capture small particles like dust, bacteria, etc. But just how effective is it?

As it turns out, air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size. That's approximately 1/100th of a human hair! As a result, HEPA filters get rid of pollutants in the air like pet dander, pollen, bacteria, dust, and more. And many air purifiers also feature a pre-filter to go in front of the HEPA filter - to make it last longer and to capture even larger particles.

So, in the end, HEPA air purifiers can help you sleep better, have more energy, and stay healthier!

IQAir at the Dentist's

After experiencing an excruciating toothache last night, I decided to take a trip to my dentist. I really don't like going to the dentist's, mind you, because they always manage to find something wrong with my teeth (though that's probably partially my fault). As I walked in, I noticed something very familiar in the corner of the room. I was pretty excited to see that my dentist uses an IQAir purifier!

I just realized how nerdy and/or weird that sounds. Air purifiers don't randomly excite me, but I havd just never seen one before, even though I read about the brand on Air Purifier Home's website. They're great for removing bacteria and other microorganisms - so at least I know my dentist's office is clean!

Anyway, it turns out that I just need to floss more. My gums were just irritated. I wonder if the air purifier would be able to kill any bacteria that might be in my mouth if I sit next to it for a while...? That's a thought.

Small Appliances

Living in your own apartment or in a college dorm usually means that everything you own has to be either really small or just miniature. It's no different for me. I live in an apartment right next to my university's campus, so space is limited for me. I have to fit everything I own into one tiny room, especially since I share the apartment with a few people. So, everything I own is tiny - my bed, my closet, my desk, etc. I always feel so bummed out that I can only get small furniture when I go out shopping. However, when it comes to appliances, I think that the smaller the units are, the better. When they take up less room, I have more room for my clothes and my books! I have a compact air purifier, a small space heater, and a small refrigerator in my room, which I find all very convenient. Well, minus that refrigerator... I'm a college student, so naturally I need tons of room in the freezer for my frozen meals. Good thing we have another refrigerator outside!