Air Purifier News: Is Canned Oxygen the Next Biggest Thing?

For the past decade or so, people around the world have become more conscious about the quality of the water they drink and the air they breathe. Consumers spend a collective $100 billion every year on bottled water in the belief that it is much healthier than pouring a glass of water from the tap. Air purifiers have also graced the covers of many high-end retail catalogs and have flown off the shelves due to EPA reports showing that indoor air quality can be many times worse than the air outside.

In fact, fresh air started to become a hot topic during the late 1990s, as oxygen bars began sprouting up all over Japan and eventually making their way to the United States. Used for both health and recreational purposes, oxygen bars can now be found in many places such as nightclubs, salons, resorts, and even promotional events. Typically, guests pay up to $1.00 a minute to inhale an increased percentage of oxygen compared to the normal atmospheric content of 21%.

While there is little to no scientific basis for the health claims made by oxygen bars, an increased popularity in "natural" living has lead to the proliferation of business dedicated to carrying natural food supplements, vitamin-infused water, and yes, even oxygen.

With that in mind, believe it or not, canned oxygen may be the next biggest thing since bottled water. These products simply consist of a can of 95% concentrated oxygen sold for inhalation purposes, and some varieties are even flavored with hints of mint or grapefruit which are supposed to make the breathing experience even more pleasurable. The oxygen in the can is sprayed into a transparent plastic mask that is attached to the can, can be used up to six times a day, and each oxygen can usually lasts up to one week. Proponents of these new-fangled products insist that consumers can use these to replenish their oxygen levels anytime they feel a lack of it due to stress, fatigue, or whenever they just need a little pick-me-up during the day.

Retailing for almost $15.00 a can, these products can be purchased in the U.S. via select online specialty retailers and the manufacturer sites themselves, but look for them on shelves soon, as Japanese 7-11s have now been carrying these for over a year.

Air Purifier News: Move Over HEPA - Photocatalytic Oxidation is the Newest Air Purification Technology Out There

HEPA air purifiers have been on the market for a while, but there have also been some recent advances made in air purification technologies as of late. Many air purifier manufacturers are now utilizing Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology as a way of removing toxins from the air. This purification method may be the most advanced one yet, and some of the more advanced models are currently being offered by Airpura and Airsopure.

For years, PCO has been FDA approved for reducing bacteria in meat processing plants, and it is even used to cleanse pesticides from the fruits and vegetables we eat. Essentially, PCO filtration can be summed up as such: An intense light is reflected onto a metal surface which in turns oxidizes toxins from the air. In chemistry, photocatalysis is defined as the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst, and an example of this would be the oxidation of organic contaminants such as bacteria and mold using magnetic particles coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and agitated using a magnetic field that is exposed to UV light. Therefore, this type of air purification technology converts harmful particulates and toxic gases into safer compounds such as carbon dioxide and water.

PCO air purifiers use broad-spectrum UV light which reacts with a thin film of titanium dioxide, which, in the presence of water, creates hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions that "burn" VOCs and microorganisms adsorbed on the catalyst’s surface. With that in mind, many consumers may mistake UV air purification with PCO technology, and rightfully so. However, while both types of air purifiers are similar in that they harness the oxidation properties of ultraviolet light, PCO purification systems utilize UV lamps with additional wavelengths. These additional wavelengths ensure a quicker reaction rate when it comes the degrading of toxic compounds that are polluting the air you breathe.

Because PCO technology is an extremely powerful purification method, PCO air purifiers have the ability to eliminate particles as small as 0.001 microns, including the tiny penetrating particles that can absorb into your lungs and cause damage (HEPA filters are only able to filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns). Studies have also shown that in addition to VOCs, toxic gases, and chemicals, photocatalytic air purifiers can also render gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide harmless - pollutants which can often escape standard air purifiers utilizing HEPA or ionic technology alone.

Those concerned with the possible health effects associated with PCO air purifiers will be glad to know that PCO air cleaners have been found to be much safer than ozone and ionization, and they work wonderfully well for those with asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Nonetheless, one should keep in mind that minute levels of ozone are created during the catalytic free radical generation process, but most PCO air purifiers only produce ozone levels in the 0.01 - 0.04 ppm range (0.05 ppm is the maximum level allowed by federal law for medical devices). Most people can detect ozone at 0.01 ppm, and the general rule of thumb for those with sensitive lungs is that if you can smell the air purifier working, you may not want to use it in your home.

The Truth About Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers often grace the pages of high-end catalogs and specialty retailers. By touting the ability to remove everything from dust to chemicals, these types of air cleaners are increasingly gaining popularity, as more Americans are now being aware of the dangers of indoor air pollution. However, how safe are these air purifiers and can they actually clean the air?

According to a study published by Consumer Reports, it was found that ionic air purifiers such as the Ionic Breeze by Sharper Image actually did little to clean the air. In contrast, these air cleaners actually emitted dangerous levels of ozone - an air pollutant that can be extremely detrimental to humans and animals.

While ozone in the upper atmosphere filters potentially damaging UV light from reaching the Earth's surface, ground-level ozone can drastically affect the respiratory systems of humans. In fact, ozone therapy is considered a controversial alternative medicine practice, and equipment intended to be used for ozone therapy is banned in the United States. In addition, research conducted by both the University of California, San Francisco and Yale University have found that even trace increases of ozone are associated with reduced lung function, respiratory difficulties, and increased mortality.

In order to conduct their ionic air purifier study, Consumer Reports tested six leading ionic air cleaners and found that two of these air purifiers emitted 150 to 300 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone in samples taken 2 inches from the machine, while three of the other air purifiers were in the 26-48 ppb range. It should be noted that even though there is almost no government oversight over ionizers, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that acceptable standards for outdoor ozone levels is 80 ppb over 8 hours.

In terms of efficacy, air purifiers solely using ionic technology have been found to be inefficient at reducing particulate matter. Although they can clean the air to a small degree by charging dust and smoke particles, according to Jeff Asher, technical director of Consumer Reports, these ionic air purifiers were all "ineffective in removing pollen, dust, and smoke from the air."

Instead of ionizers, government agencies such as the CDC recommend the use of HEPA filters to remove particulates from the air. Composed of a mat of randomly arranged fibers which trap pollutants, air purifiers with HEPA filters can both safely and effectively remove up to 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns.

Air Purifier News: Studies Show Pollution Leads to Bronchitis in Children

While numerous studies have examined the effects of air pollution on the adult population, little attention has been paid to the issue of air pollution and its relationship to the health of infants and young children. Irva Hertz-Picciotto, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California, Davis, led the Czech Early Childhood Health Study, a study which analyzed the relationship between air pollution and acute bronchitis in children. Over the course of four years, Hertz-Picciotto gathered data from 1,133 children from birth to 4.5 years of age born in two districts of the Czech Republic between 1994 -1998. One of the districts, Teplice, was known for its high pollution levels, while the other district, Prachatice, had significantly lower levels.

Hertz-Picciotto's studies found that exposure to air pollution components called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, was directly linked to acute bronchitis in pre-school aged children. Common PAHs came in the form of carbon-containing fuels that originated from coal burning, vehicle exhaust, wood-burning stoves, tobacco smoke, and grilling food. Although a number of studies have examined the effects of particulates such as dust, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, very little research has been done on PAHs.

The PAH levels identified in the above two areas in the Czech Republic were found to be comparable to those found in the United States, and some rural areas in the United States have even seen higher levels of PAHs due to the use of wood-burning stoves in the winter.

For four years, Hertz-Piccioto and her colleagues collected standardized medical information from parents about work history, lifestyle, demographics, and other medical histories, and follow-up information was collected once for each child at the age of 3 for those born between 1994 and 1996, and at age 4.5 for those born in 1997 or 1998. In addition, Hertz-Picciotto's research team collected air quality samples on particulate and PAH pollution in the above two regions.

In discussing the results of her study, the UC Davis researcher stated the following:

"We found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have a significant effect on the lung health of children in the study, in particular in increases in acute bronchitis diagnoses for toddlers and preschoolers. We saw the biggest impact on children old enough to play outside, while infants were affected but not quite as much."

Unfortunately, bronchitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs. Symptoms can include an expectorating cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing, along with occasional chest pains, fever, and fatigue. Because of the direct correlation between PAHs and bronchitis in children, Hertz-Piccioto has urged government agencies to address the issues of air pollution, and has stated:

"Air quality negatively impacts children's health and has a definite economic impact on health systems and families."

Air Fresheners Can Cause Cancer & Decreased Testosterone Levels - Are Air Purifiers Any Better?

While perusing down the cleaning aisle of any supermarket, one can be inundated by the number of "Air Fresheners" on the market today. These products, which usually come in the form of aerosol sprays, plug-ins, or candles, often help freshen the air by either masking odors with fragrance; utilize charcoal, rubber, or silica gel to absorb odors; disinfect odors through the use of ozone, bleaching agents, or chlorine; or through the use of anesthetics to dull the smell. The use of fragrances or chemicals to freshen and mask odors has been in existence since antiquity, but during the 1950s, aerosol fresheners were the new trend in air cleaning. By the late 1990s, sales of air fresheners in the United States exceeded several hundred million dollars per year, and this number has since doubled. However, there is now controversy over whether these products can really "freshen" the air safely.

In a study released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 14 air fresheners off the shelf at a local Walgreens were tested, and 12 of these contained phthalates, a group of chemicals used to dissolve and carry fragrances. Phthalates are also found in toys and nail polish, and their health effects have long been questioned. In addition, studies involving humans and rats have suggested that long-term exposure to phthalates can cause cancer, decreased testosterone, and sex-hormone abnormalities.

Currently, the most popular forms of air fresheners are plug-ins, sprays, and liquids, and these are found in nearly 75% of U.S. households. According to the NRDC study, Walgreens Scented Bouquet Air Freshener, Walgreens Air Freshener Spray, and Walgreens Solid Air Freshener were found to have the highest phthalate content. Subsequently, Walgreens promptly pulled these products off the shelves last week. The two air fresheners that were virtually phthalates-free were Frebreze Air Effects Air Freshener and Renuzit Subtle Effects.

For those who are concerned with the health effects of phthalates but still wish to eliminate odors, the use of air purifiers with activated carbon can help with odor control such as the AllerAir AirTube Jr. room air purifier. As well, simple steps can taken in order to achieve fresher air such as proper ventilation through the regular opening of windows, the placement of coffee grounds in a container on the kitchen counter, or by pouring baking soda into garbage cans. All of the above methods can help rid your air of noxious odors - all without the use of harmful phthalates.

Higher Rates of Lung Disease - Smoking Not Entirely to Blame

A recent study led by a research group at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland has found that the prevalence of lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), is steadily increasing. In addition, the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease initiative has found that stages of the disease are now more advanced than previously reported. Interestingly enough, however, these studies have found that smoking is not the only factor accounting for the higher rates of COPD.

The research group at Oregon Health and Science University observed the prevalence of COPD and its risk factors in adults at least 40 years of age and who were living in 12 cities across 5 continents. After interviewing more than 9,000 subjects and analyzing their test results, it was found that Stage II COPD affected 11.8 percent of men and 8.5 percent of women, with COPD II to IV also seeing rates over 10 percent. These numbers increased with age, but varied widely by location - Hannover, Germany averaged 5.9 percent; Cape Town, South Africa, 19.1 percent.

Although these high figures have shown how COPD has been underdiagnosed and undertreated, these studies have also found that contrary to popular belief, smoking is not the only risk factor to blame for these high numbers of lung disease. In fact, the primary risk factors for lung disease also include occupational exposure to gases, dust, vapors, and fumes; exposure to outdoor air pollutants; genetics; by the burning of organic matter for heating and cooking; and perhaps most fascinating of all - indoor air pollution.

Nonetheless, these factors are not surprising to scientists and government health care agencies who have been purporting the dangers of poor indoor air quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted "indoor air pollution as the 8th most important risk factor and responsible for 2.7 percent of the global burden of disease." Some may point out that these figures are disproportionate, as they better represent underdeveloped countries such as Africa or Southeast Asia, but the WHO has also found that 56 percent of all COPD deaths due to indoor air pollution occurs in the Western Pacific region.

While it is noted that smoking and lung disease are undoubtedly intertwined, recent studies have shown that perhaps smoking alone does not account for the greater numbers and increased severity of lung disease.

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