Get Rid of Odors and Chemicals in the Air with a Carbon Air Filter

The most powerful air purifiers, in my opinion, are air purifiers with activated carbon filters, or carbon air filters. These units are the best for removing the most harmful particles in the air, including VOCs, odors, smoke, chemicals, and gasses. Though many other airborne particles in your home can lead to respiratory and home furnishing problems, I believe that odors, chemicals, and gasses are the worst. And, not to mention, carbon air filters usually also come with HEPA filters to remove other airborne particles, such as pollen, dander, dust, and other allergens. As a matter of fact, air purifiers with carbon filters oftentimes come with multiple other filter so that you're left with the cleanest air possible.

These carbon air filters usually feature activated carbon filters (often weighing about 5 pounds or more) that absorb the odors and gasses into the filter. This makes sure that the particles don't escape or cause you anymore damage.

Ugh, Allergies

Growing up, I've pretty much been allergic to almost everything. I'm allergic to seafood (but I love it!); seafood gives me itchy hives, which is rather unfortunate. I can't be anywhere near flowers because pollen brings out the worst in me. My allergies go crazy whenever I'm near any dust. The list goes on and on.

So, as a kind of late Christmas present to myself, I bought an air purifier that specifically takes care of allergies - the Austin Air HealthMate. Well, technically I was going to get the Allergy Machine, but I decided that the HealthMate would be a better choice because it also helps with odors. My room sometimes smells like smoke because, unfortunately, my neighbors hang out next to my window. The HealthMate has a carbon filter, which I found has really gotten rid of the tobacco smoke. And its HEPA filter has really been helpful with my allergies.

Now, if I can just find a way to get rid of my seafood allergy...

Air Purifier FAQs

Here are some common questions that often come up when talking about air purifiers:

What is IAQ and why is it important?
IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality and refers to the purity of the air you breathe, well, indoors. Most of the time, it refers to the air you breathe inside your home. IAQ is important because, as it turns out, most people spend their time indoors. If the IAQ is bad, then you end up inhaling many fumes or chemicals left from cleaning supplies, or even pollutants such as allergens. As a result of bad IAQ, you may have heightened allergic symptoms and more irritations. Air purifiers help improve your IAQ using various technologies.

What are the different technologies that air purifiers use and how are they different?
There are HEPA air purifiers, which are best for removing smaller, hard-to-see particles like pet dander, pollen, and other tiny allergens up to 0.3 microns in size. Ionic air purifiers change the polarity of the contaminants in the air, causing them to fall from the air you breathe. Carbon air cleaners are great for removing odors, gases, and chemicals. And finally, UV air purifiers use a UV light that stop microbiological contaminants such as mold, fungus, bacteria, and viruses from reproducing.

For more information about air purifiers, take a look at this handy air purifier guide! You'll learn all you need to know about using an air purifier to start living a healthier life with this guide.

Pets and Allergies

Many people don't realize that the reason they may be experiencing symptoms of allergies may be because of their pets. Irritants don't only come from dogs and cats, however. A common misconception is that the only residue your pets leave is pet dander. In fact, symptoms of allergies can also be triggered by odors from a litter box, dust particles from a bird's wings, dried saliva from a cat's skin or fur, and waste particles from, well, every pet. These irritants end up triggering the worst allergy symptoms such as runny noses and eyes, sneezing, rashes, and watery eyes.

The best solution to the problems with pets, of course, is an air purifier. However, not just any air purifier will do. There are a few different technologies that are proven the most effective when it comes to pets. Air purifiers that use HEPA technology are great for trapping smaller, harder-to-see particles. Purifiers with a UV light are also great investments because they stop mold, fungi, and bacteria from reproducing on the hairs and secretions of your pets. The best type of air purifier for removing odors is one that uses activated carbon. Carbon filters absorb all types of odors, so you can start breathing fresher, healthier air. A great recommendation for pet owners is the Surround Air XJ3000E air purifier. This unit actually features all three of the technologies I listed above (and some more)!

Air Purifiers: An Introduction

Air purifiers are home appliances that remove contaminants from the air. They are a great addition to your home if you suffer from allergies or asthma and are also great at reducing or eliminating second hand tobacco smoke. They also reduce the need for frequent room and area cleaning.

The biggest reason air purifiers are needed in homes is to improve indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that indoor air pollution levels can be up to 5 times higher than the pollution levels outside. The average American only spends about 10% of their time outside. Common indoor allergens and pollutants include:

- One of the smallest allergen particles, second hand tobacco smoke, is linked to various health issues such as asthma.

- Asthmatic and allergic reactions in people who are allergic to cats and dogs can be caused by animal dander. This allergen is created from dander flakes shed by pets and remains in your home long after a pet has left.

- Each time a door or window is opened, millions of pollen particles enter your home. Pollen is created by trees, flowers and grass.

- Showers, kitchens and basements are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. These plant spores can be found anywhere there is a supply of water and warm, humid climates.

The way air purifiers work is that they draw air from the room with a fan, clean the air and send it back out into the room. There are a few different purification types that air purifiers use to clean the air.

There is adsorption, which uses activated carbon or zeolite to remove chemicals, tobacco smoke and odors. Activated carbon is a porous material that adsorbs volatile chemicals on a molecular basis but does not remove larger particles. Zeolite is a microporous minerals mineral that is also used to adsorb chemicals.

Mechanical filtering is another purification type. This includes HEPA filters which remove 99.97% of 0.3 micrometer particles.

The electrostatic or electronic purification type uses charged plates to give particles a charge of one polarity and a set of collecting grids or plates that have the opposite electronic charge. Air purifiers that use this technology are called ionizers and they produce trace amounts of ozone.

There are also air purifiers that use ultraviolet light (UV) to clean the air. UV light kills microorganisms like bacteria and mold spores. This technology is always used in conjunction with other purification technologies.

One ultraviolet light purification type is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Air that passes UV lamps is sterilized via forced air and microorganisms are broken down. Another is photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). This technology uses short-wave ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

The last type of purification technology is an ozone generator. These air purifiers are designed to produce large amounts of ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidant gas which can oxidize many other chemicals and should be used in unoccupied rooms.

Airsopure Air Purifiers: The Essence of Clean Air

This week, we are continuing our tour of air purifier manufacturers with Airsopure International Ltd. Airsopure has a company goal to provide a cost effective solution to indoor air quality and educate the world about the dangers of airborne contaminants. Airsopure works with national and local governments to prevent poor indoor air quality by creating standards for indoor air pollution.

5 Ways Airsopure is Different from the Rest:

1. Combines U.S. Technology and Asian Manufacturing - Airsopure International Ltd. is made up of two companies, Aurora Wireless Technologies which is based in Taiwan and Garfield Industries Inc. based in the United States. This joint venture between east and west combines U.S. technology and Asian manufacturing.

2. Compiled a List of High-Profile Customers - This impressive list of high-profile customers includes the United States Department of Defense, United States School Districts, United States Postal Service, Oklahoma State Building, San Francisco Fire Department, TGI Fridays, various hospitals in Hong Kong (to help fight the SARS outbreak), the Foreign Correspondents' Club, McDonald's Corporate Office in Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong. It operates from several bases, including offices in the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and the Philippines.

3. Places an Importance on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - The impact interior contaminants have on the air that we breathe is the indoor air quality (IAQ). The health and well-being of people indoors are affected by the nature of the air. Indoor air quality is affected by three different kinds of factors. They are:

• Physical factors such as temperature and humidity.



• Mechanical factors like ventilation rates and filtration.



• Chemicals factors such as building materials, smoking, office equipment, disinfectants and pollutants from combustion devices.

4. Utilizes Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) - Photo-catalytic oxidation uses photons combined with a photocatalyst and titanium dioxide to get rid of airborne contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mold, spores, fungi, allergens and gases. This technology exposes precisely controlled wavelengths of ultraviolet light (medical grade UVC) to titanium dioxide photocatalyst, which becomes highly reactive. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are broken down into basic elements by the medical grade UVC as well. The photocatalyst attacks the chemicals bonds when the organic pollutants become present and once toxic compounds are converted into harmless substances.

5. Includes a Pre-filter and 3 Unique Filtration Stages - You indoor air quality is greatly improved by the pre-filter and 3 unique filtration stages.

• Pre-filter: The high-grade pre-filter captures larger particles like pollen, hair and dust. The life of the filters set up behind the pre-filter are extended as well.



• Activated carbon: Behind the pre-filter is the activated carbon. The carbon adsorbs and dissolves odors, unpleasant smells and other toxic gases in the air such as exhaust fumes from cars. An extra carbon layer is included at the center of the HEPA filter to make sure that the majority of smells and toxic gases won't escape elimination.



• HEPA filter: The hospital-grade HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns such as mold, fungus, spores, tobacco smoke, insecticide, dust and dust mites. Air leakage is prevented by a sponge around the HEPA filter which provides an ultimate filtration effect and true maximum CFMs.



• PCO: As explained above, photo-catalytic oxidation removes airborne contaminants. The HEPA filter cannot catch bacteria and viruses because they are smaller than 0.3 microns, but the germicidal UV lamp is an effective combatant for these contaminants.

Airpura Air Purifiers: SPEC-A Design Air Purifiers For Your Better Health

So you're still looking for that perfect air purifier. The next stop on our tour of air purifier manufacturers is Airpura Industries.

5 Ways Airpura Air Purifiers Are Different From the Rest:

1. The SPEC-A Design Principle- All Airpura air purifiers feature a SPEC-A design principle. The first component of the SPEC-A design principle is a simplified and unobstructed air flow. An airflow that is simplified and unobstructed allows for a performance that is quieter and more efficient. The second component of the SPEC-A design principle is a powerful, variable speed integrated fan/motor. No particles of gases escape the filters because the filter chamber is pressure sealed. The final component is a true HEPA filter and activated carbon (with UV option) working in conjunction to deliver extremely clean air for home, office and industrial application.

2. The Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System- There are four components that make up the Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System.

• Pre-filter- This first line of defense traps larger dust and particles. It prevents larger particles from clogging the other filters. To keep it working efficiently, the pre-filter can be vacuumed from the exterior of the unit.




• Activated Carbon Bed- The next line of defense is the activated carbon bed. Chemicals, gases and odors are adsorbed. 18-30 pounds of activated carbon are contain in each Airpura carbon filter and can trap 60 percent of its own weight in airborne chemicals, gases and odors. This filter typically lasts for 24 months.



• Micro-Suppress Filter- Both sides of the carbon bed have a micro-suppress filter that kill microbes that may collect on them.



• True HEPA Filter- 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns are captured by the true HEPA filter.

3. The Importance Placed on Activated Carbon- Airpura knows that the only safe and inexpensive way to trap noxious gases and odors is activated carbon. That is why 18-30 pounds of activated carbon is placed in each one of their air purifiers. More activated carbon means more chemicals can be adsorbed for a longer period of time.

4. Superior Construction- The air in Airpura air purifiers flows directly from the filters to the exterior which means lower air turbulence and less noise. The motor and electric parts are also not in the path of airflow. There is more space for filtration because of the compact design and vibration problems are eliminated with the one piece motor/fan assembly. Off gassing from the rubber seals is prevented because the filter chamber is sealed with felt gaskets. The pressure seal system on the filter chamber allows all of the impurities to pass through the filter. It is suitable for any decor, featuring a powdercoat steel mesh housing and a modern, attractive appearance. Finally, the unit can be set an optimum CFM for whatever situation because it includes a variable speed control.

5. Different Air Purifier Models for Specific Contaminants- There are a variety of different Airpura air purifiers that are designed to handle different contaminants. There are specific models that are designed to handle airborne chemicals, gases, particles, VOCs, antigens, pathogens, mold spores and tars and chemicals from tobacco smoke. The Airpura P600 air purifier, for example, is specifically designed to filter VOCs, airborne chemicals, odors, particles and microorganisms.

Airgle Air Purifiers:Breathe in Cleaner, Healthier Air

When researching what kind of air purifier to buy it is very important to take into account what specific needs you have. Do you need an air purifier specifically for dust allergies or is there smoke in the air? Or perhaps mold is a problem in your home? After you figure out what your purification needs are, another important step is getting to know the manufacturers that make air purifiers. Anything that makes you more confident when spend your hard-earned money on a product can't hurt, right? This week we're going to get better acquainted with a company called Airgle.

Airgle International Limited was founded in 1999. Airgle is a strange-sounding name but there was a purpose behind its conception. Air-g-l-e stands for Purifying Air with a Great Level of Efficiency. It is Airgle's goal to live up to the lofty promise that its name makes.

5 Ways Airgle is Different from the Rest:

1. Industry Pioneer - Airgle International Limited has been an industry leader since it was founded in 1999. Their main goal is to design air purification systems that improve the health and well being of people all over the world.

2. Advanced Air Purification Technologies - Innovation and technology is combined to help Airgle makes significant advances in air purification technologies.

3. International Presence - Airgle has many partners around the world and has offices in the United States, South Korea and Hong Kong.

4. Eliminates Contaminants and Allergens - Efficient clean air technologies are employed so that allergy and asthma sufferers do not have to worry about dust mites, mold and spores, pet dander, dust or smoke.

5. Tested by AHAM - The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers tested the Airgle 750 Air Purifier and found that the clean air delivery rate (CADR) is the highest out of 159 air purifiers tested. CADR is the best way to measure the effectiveness and performance of an air purifier.

Can an Air Purifier Get Rid of My Cat Odor?

I have cats; Link and Zelda. Well...they were kittens when we adopted them. My boyfriend I went to the shelter over a year ago for some kitty love; Someone special to fill that void in our lives like children would - minus the diaper-changing and college tuition savings. We had to visit the shelter a couple of times, since it had 500 puppy-eyed cats (LOL oxymoron) and we wanted to pick two kittens out. My BF and I decided that we needed two cats because, well, we thought it would be nice to keep them company when we're not around.

My home is about 900 sq. feet and I didn't really think two cats would be problematic. At the time I thought, "Hey, they're young...we'll train them to do whatever we want!" But, I was wrong about that. Despite wanting them to be "well-behaved", they're still cats. They do cat-things like eat Meow Mix and lounge in the sunlight. And the biggest habit that I'm sure all of us would wish away: they use the litter box.

Anyhow...with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment...the bathroom has to be shared with the cats and it was a bit obvious to our guests that there was a litter box by the toilet. I began to get really concerned about the smell...so I had this genius idea that we should potty train them.

At first I thought..."Yes! They're using it right!" but you really had to be vigilant. It took a lot of effort to constantly clean up after them but I was determined that the training would take no more than 6 months. Link seemed to respond really well to the training and had no problem doing his business (yes that picture is of him doing #2...hence his "meh" expression), but it was hard to go to the next level with Zelda making so many mistakes. How did we know that she messed up? We caught her urinating on the couch a few times...and cat urine's concentrated...so the smell's very pungent. After two to three months of constantly washing cushions and gallons of Febreze, we converted back to the traditional kitty litter box but it didn't solve the odor problem one bit.

Most would think, "Oh, just get an air freshener," and I had one plugged in for weeks straight. The bathroom isn't roomy and the odor would get into the towels. The plug-ins only covered the underlying smell; The kind of smell that'd cause you to say..."Hey...it smells like ocean breeze, but...something smells funny still...what is it?"

So what next? Now that my couch smells like wonderful cat urine and the bathroom problem hasn't been solved, what other options do I have? I started researching information on air purifiers and found that carbon filters were pretty efficient at trapping odors.

Now, most people would go out to Walmart or something to find an air purifier, but their products usually aren't industrial grade. If you had your whole couch soaked in cat urine and your living space was condensed to a mere 900 ft...what could work? I borrowed my mother's ionized filter for awhile thinking that it'd do the job. It clearly helped with the danger and my cat-allergic friends were able to spend the night with no problems, but it didn't do anything for the smell. After I returned my mother's filter, I found out that ionized products can harm the environment and it doesn't feel all that great doing that.

I stayed in this limbo of washing cushions and spraying Frebreze every day. I was a bit too busy to keep it up and I was also looking for a new job. It started to become pretty frustrating and I wanted a solution, but didn't know much about investing in an air purifier. But thankfully, I was hired to an online company that researches and markets air purifiers. (Pure coincidence.)

At first, I was reluctant to shell out more than $100 for an air purifier. Most air purifiers from home retail stores cost around $100. But the biggest weakness to these cheaper models is that they're usually not dependable. I remember getting a wireless USB adapter from one of those stores and I had problems with the product after a week. My rule of thumb is: buy from the people who know it best...it'll save you the headache of having to replace/repair/exchange a poor product. I figured that it wouldn't be a bad idea to try out and invest in some high-quality products that I actually need at home.

So at the moment...I'm going to select an air purifier for my home, but I'm not sure on which one to get. I obviously want to have a bit of research done before I spend my money. I do know that there are a few specifications, though:

• something small and compact, not something the cats can tackle down
  
• has a washable filter or a cost-efficient filter
  
• under $300, lightweight (under 50 lbs.)
  
• has a design that compliments my home decor
  
• carbon filter (apparently these are the best for odors)
• relatively quiet (I already have computers, the cats' water filter, and machines buzzing around)
  

Indoor Air Can Be Worse Then Outdoor Air For Children who Sufferer From Asthma

For years, the conventional theory has been that if you are inside your should be free from common allergy and asthma triggers like pollen or pollution. Researchers are now discovering that depending on where you live, indoor pollution can be much worse then outdoor air pollution. Right now, they are trying to educate the public on proper pollution prevention techniques and have a large goal of trying to cut children who suffer from asthma down by 50% by 2012.

While parents have always known that polluted air can bring on asthma attacks, they didn't know how severe the damage that can occur within their homes can be. This is especially true with children who suffer from breathing problems and live within the inner city. Even in their house they are subjected to cigarette smoke, dust mites, mold and even smells that come from cooking with a variety of herbs and spices all of which can trigger an attack.

There is a direct correlation between the air that children breathe at home and the hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits in the U.S. every year. After this study, done by John Hopkins researchers, was released many health care professionals made it their point to educate the public about the dangers of indoor air pollution as an attempt to greatly reduce the amount of child asthma sufferers.

Right now, as many as one in five Baltimore children suffer from asthma, and is the most common disease among kids. The number is disproportionate as a large majority of these kids are inner-city youth. This number has increased greatly over the last twenty years. Unfortunately there is no set specific reason for this increase yet doctors are continuously looking for an answer.

While doctors have known for years that there are always hidden dangers in the air we breathe, this is the first study to directly connect indoor air with asthma. For years, many believed that the simple act of keeping your kids inside during bad pollution days, sweeping the floor and using plug in air fresheners was a good way to keep your family safe and asthma risks down. But unfortunately these misconceptions often do more harm then good. When you sweep you are only kicking up stagnant dust making it easier for inhalation. Air fresheners have been shown to have side effects on young children who have trouble breathing, and the simple act of keeping them inside could be very harmful if your house or apartment does not have proper ventilation.

When trying to keep your house clean, there is a good chance you are making things worse. Air borne insecticides used to prevent mice and cockroaches have a high history of inducing asthma attacks. Also chemicals found in older homes that come from old plaster and wood are beginning to surface as other sources for asthma attacks.

The problem researchers are finding in their Baltimore movement for better asthma prevention is that you begin to encroach on individual rights when trying to educate and change indoor air quality health. This is especially problematic when you discover that for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in indoor coarse air particle pollution there was a 6 percent increase in the number of days of coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. This results in a 7 percent increase in limited speech and a 4 percent increase in the number of days rescue medication was needed. Perhaps, the biggest problem is that there is no set standard for levels of indoor air pollution set by the EPA like there is for the outdoors. This, results in more kids staying inside on "bad days" even if inside is worse.

The one thing all researchers recommend is an item with a HEPA filter. This could be on an air purifier or a vacuum cleaner. Either way, it is a very effectual way to eliminate airborne impurities.

What we recommend:



On that note, we recommend the Electrolux EL491A oxygen PlasmawWave HEPA air purifier, in white sleep mode features multiple levels of air filtration. It begins with a pre-filter that catches all the large pieces of debris so that the air purifier can do its job better. The carbon filter eliminates smells without using any harsh chemicals. The true HEPA filter is a great way to eliminate allergens and asthma triggers as it filters, 99.97% of dust, debris, dander and dirt all the way down to 0.3 microns.

The EL491a operates silently and is energy star certified to keep your energy bill low. There is a sleep mode to keep it running smoothly even when you wish to sleep. There are also odor sensors to automatically adjust performance to the level needed. It features five fan speeds and PlasmaWave technology for added power.

New Discoveries in Air Purification Could Keep Indoor Air Flu-Free

Scientists in Japan may have developed a new form of photocatalyst filtration that could keep indoor air influenza free. This new photocatalyst filter reacts to visible light which greatly raises its purification properties. This photochemical formula is expected to be applied to air purification systems to help stop the flu virus. It should be commercially applicable in three years.

Before now, chemical photocatalysts just used a grounding of titanium oxide that never reacted to light indoors. This new filter produces better results under indoor light. Currently photocatalyst filters breakdown when exposed to sunlight break down organic contamination.

To get better results from visible light, that has a longer wavelength then UV, this team of researchers used copper ions and attached them to the surface of tungsten oxide molecules. There is a 16 times increase in purification after using this process. There are plans to take this technology more viable by using a cheaper titanium oxide in the future. This new technology is especially powerful against airborne viruses like the flu.

Recommendation:



While this new filtration technology isn't available yet, one should try looking at the Airsopure S980 for a powerful purifier. This air purifier offers multiple levels of filtration. It boasts True HEPA grade filters, a carbon odor removing stage, and an incredible design layout that gives you complete control. It's HEPA filter removes 99.97% of airborne particles, including mold, spores, dust, dander and allergens. The next layer of activated carbon virtually eliminates all odors in the room. Its photocatalytic oxidation technology provides great purification. The high grade pre-filter with active carbon absorbs odors and toxic gases and the UV-C lamp is effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses smaller then 0.3 microns.

Significant studies have shown that 90% of the bacteria and viruses are eliminated in the first pass when using the Airsopure S980. The Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) chamber provides 10,000 times the ultra violet intensity of comparable sunlight, which will break the chemical chain of Volitile Organic Compounds (VOC) and turn them into water and harmless gases. The Airsopure is a great way to keep your air clean and germ free.

NYC Couple Sues Neighbor Over Cigarette Smoke

According to a recent article in the New York Times, a New York City couple recently sued a neighbor over her noxious cigarette smoke fumes. The plaintiffs - Jonathan Selbin and his wife Jenny - also claimed that the fumes wafting into their apartment was jeopardizing the health of their young son.

In the lawsuit, Mr. Selbin stated that Galila Huff's smoking made their hallway smell like a casino, and in turn, the Ms. Huff accused Selbin of overreacting. However, due to the publicity of the lawsuit, the company Electrolux offered to donate and install an air filtration system that would supposedly take care of the smoke problem. As a result, the two parties settled out of court, and the issue was settled after the defendant agreed to utilize the air filtration system.

With that in mind, if you smoke or live with a smoker, you must know how smoke odors are pervasive and can be extremely hard to eliminate due to the chemical nature of smoke molecules. In removing smoke odors from the home, one of the most effective (and obvious) methods is to eliminate indoor smoking altogether. Secondly, using an air purifier specifically designed for smoke odors is also one of the best ways to breathe in cleaner, fresher air.

An air purifier with activated carbon is specifically well-suited for this purpose, as the carbon filter is treated with oxygen and works like a sponge. This material has a large surface area with a great amount of microporosity and is excellent at trapping gases and odors that normally pass through a HEPA filter.

One of the best smoke air purifiers on the market is clearly the Airpura T600. Specially designed to deal with cigarette smoke, the T600 air purifier features a special TarBarrier pre-filter
combined with a deep carbon bed to adsorb the 4000 chemicals and gases found in tobacco smoke. The Airpura T600 also recycles the air every 30 minutes and is also effective for larger areas up to 2000 square feet. Best of all, this powerful smoke air purifier comes with a five year warranty on parts and ten year warranty on labor.

New Study Shows How Carbon Can Decrease Greenhouse Gases

Last week, a team of researchers at the Soft Materials Laboratory in Wyoming found that low-cost activated carbons were responsible for removing up to 90 percent of toxic carbon dioxide gas from the smokestacks of electrical power plants.

Such plants burned significant amounts of coal and other fossil fuels (major sources of greenhouse gases) which prompted the need for new and inexpensive methods to remove carbon dioxide gases from smokestacks. The study found that a new carbon dioxide capture process called a "Carbon Filter Process" was able to dramatically decrease carbon dioxide via inexpensive filters filled with porous carbonaceous sorbent that worked well at low pressures. Therefore, their data suggested that these simple carbon filters worked better than existing technologies at just a fraction of the cost.

These studies have corroborated the findings that many air purifier manufacturers have claimed for years; that activated carbon is one of the most effective materials known today for treating airborne gases, chemicals, and odors. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal or activated coal, is processed to make it extremely porous with a large surface area for chemical reactions. Unlike HEPA filters which are more effective at filtering out the tiniest of particulates, activated carbon filters actually help change chemicals and gases from a gaseous phase to a solid phase, and they have had a long history of commercial use in conjunction with other filtration technologies.

One air purifier manufacturer who utilizes activated carbon in all of their models is AllerAir. All of their models, including the AllerAir AirTube, use large, deeper bed carbon filters that adsorb more airborne pollutants than competing brands. Their air purifiers also combine activated carbon with HEPA filters to offer the most comprehensive air purification available to treat airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and odors. As such, AllerAir air purifiers are especially suited for allergy sufferers, asthma prevention, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), tobacco smoke, pet odors, and general home or office air purification.

Activated Carbon: The Natural Air Purifier

If odors, chemicals, or gases are a problem in your home or workplace, using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter can be your best line of defense.

Carbon has been known to man as a highly effective means to purify air and water since antiquity. In fact, the use of carbon dates so far back into history that its exact origin has been difficult to pinpoint. However, historians have found that the ancient Egyptians were using carbon to adsorb odors from wounds and from within the intestinal track. Hindus used it to purify their water supply, and in 17th century London, crude carbon filters were used to remove gases and vapors from sewage systems. Nonetheless, it wasn't until the 20th century that activated carbon filters were beginning to be widely used in military gas masks, and post-war expansion in commercial production of activated carbon lead to its utilization among consumers.

What is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, includes carbon material that is mostly derived from charcoal. The material is considered "activated" when it undergoes a process which opens up millions of tiny fissures and pores to enhance its adsorption properties, and regardless of the name, it consists of high adsorbent material with an exceptionally high surface area. Due to this high surface area, its micro porosity, and its high degree of surface reactivity, activated carbon is very effective in the adsorption of both organic and inorganic pollutants from airborne and aqueous sources. In fact, only one pound of activated carbon has a surface area equivalent to 125 acres.

How Does Activated Carbon Work?
When chemicals, odors, and gases pass through an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, these pollutants become permanently trapped in the millions of pores that are opened by the activation process. Subsequently, due to the large surface area of the activated carbon, it can usually adsorb up to 60 percent of its own weight in pollutants. As well, high-quality activated carbon filters, depending on the environment in which they are used and the level of contaminants in the air, can last up to five years before the pores become full and before the filter needs to be replaced.

Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters
In activated carbon air purifiers, the carbon media is often combined with minerals such as zeolite, which has the ability to adsorb ions and molecules and act as a sort of chemical and gas sieve. For those suffering from respiratory disorders such as allergies, asthma, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), air purifiers with carbon filters are especially useful because they can clean the air naturally without the use of chemicals or ozone, and without off-gassing other pollutants into the air.

Recommend Activated Carbon Air Purifiers:

Austin Air

Austin Air has been a trusted name in the air purification industry for years, and the basic scientific principle involved in all of their air purifier filters, including those used in the Austin Air Allergy Machine, is rooted in the use of medical-grade HEPA and of course, activated carbon. By forcing contaminated air through these filters, up to 99.97% of contaminants are eliminated, as well as over 3000 different types of toxic gases, odors, and chemicals.

AllerAir


Instead of just using a standard HEPA filter to clean the air, AllerAir makes use of a combination HEPA and activated carbon filter to remove particles and the most harmful of indoor contaminants - chemicals and gases. AllerAir air purifiers, such as the AllerAir 5000 Vocarb, use several pounds of activated carbon to ensure complete removal of indoor contaminants. Moreover, AllerAir also manufacturers a product called the EasyPur Odor Catcher. This compact tub includes the same odor-fighting activated carbon used in AllerAir air purifiers, and can be placed anywhere where odors may be a problem, such as refrigerators, freezers, trash cans, and lockers.

Air Purifier Reviews: AllerAir Air Purifiers

Because more people are now realizing the dangers of polluted indoor air, the air purification industry has become big business. This has resulted in larger companies who don't specialize in air purifiers to put out inferior units which do very little to remove pollutants from the air you breathe. Fortunately, AllerAir has made it their mission to innovate, design, and sell safe, high-quality, and well-priced air purifiers which can improve your quality of life.

AllerAir was founded almost 14 years by Sam Teitelbaum because one of his family members developed multiple chemical sensitivity. Because no air purifier could provide sufficient and effective relief, Teitelbaum decided to develop his own product, and AllerAir was born.

Unlike many other air purifiers which tout high-tech purification methods such as ionizers and ozone, AllerAir has decided to simply use a unique activated carbon-HEPA blended filter to purify the air.

AllerAir's Carbon-HEPA Filters Vs. Other Air Purification Technologies

Ozone Air Purifiers
In recent news, ozone air purifiers have received negative reviews because of the health problems associated with ozone gas. In fact, the State of California has even issued a ban on all ozone air cleaners by 2009. Ozone air purifier manufacturers claim that ozone air purifiers clean the air by utilizing the oxidation powers of ozone to cause chemical reactions with harmful particulates. This then renders these particulates harmless, and while this is true, ozone also has an effect on the human body, as exposure to high levels of ozone can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage, and exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. The carbon-HEPA based AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir Air Tube do not cause chemical reactions and pose no serious health or environmental threats.

Electrostatic (Ionic) Air Purifiers
Electrostatic air purifiers use a powerful electric field to charge airborne particles which are then collected onto metal collector plates. Unfortunately, these air purifiers also produce small amounts of ozone, and independent research has shown that ionizers do little to clean the air. In comparison, carbon-HEPA air purifiers such as the AllerAir 5000 Exec are recognized as an effective and safe way to remove airborne particles, odors, gases, and chemicals.

Air Purifiers with Carbon-Treated Filters
Carbon has long been recognized as a powerful adsorption media, and many air purifier manufacturers have taken notice. Unfortunately, these air purifiers frequently use a form of foam media that has been sprayed with carbon that features only a quarter or an inch length of carbon. This translates into an ineffective filter that could stop adsorbing within hours. On the other hand, AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir 4000 Exec UV use several pounds of granular activated carbon which can last for years depending on use.

HEPA Air Purifiers
Many air purifiers only utilize HEPA filtration to purify the air, and while HEPA filters are an extremely effective way to remove airborne particles, they cannot remove odors, gases, chemicals, or smoke from the air. AllerAir's carbon-HEPA combination filter, as seen in models such as the AllerAir 5000 Vocarb, not only removes particles, but they filter out some of the most harmful pollutants - gases and chemicals. For serious indoor pollutant abatement, HEPA, used in conjunction with Activated Carbon, has been found to be the most effective method of ensuring clean air.

Get Rid of Pesky Refrigerator Odors with Activated Carbon!

Although refrigerator odors can sometimes be caused from odor penetration into the refrigerator's insulation, most odors often result from strong, pungent food; food that has been left too long or not packaged correctly; or when food becomes spoiled following a power outage.

In order to deal with pesky food odors, most people have the ubiquitous box of baking soda somewhere in their refrigerator. While baking soda can sometimes be an effective deodorizer, over time, the deodorizing media can become oversaturated and we may even forget about the box altogether. Instead of letting the baking soda box sit in the back of your refrigerator, you can increase its effectiveness by take it out of the box and spreading it on shallow pans lined with foil, such as pie plates or casserole dishes.

Another simple way to remove refrigerator odors is by completely emptying out the refrigerator and throwing out any food that has been spoiled. Take out any removable parts, wash them in a mixture of warm water and detergent, and let your refrigerator run empty on its low setting for a few days. For heavy-duty odor control, here are also a few additional steps to take when using this "emptying" method:

1. Buy activated charcoal and spread this out on shallow pans and on the shelves of your refrigerator while your refrigerator is running empty. This can also be done with cat litter. Also, you can try placing one or two commercial activated carbon odor absorbers such as the EasyPur Odor Catcher by AllerAir in your refrigerator.
2. Put fresh coffee grounds in cereal bowls and place these in the refrigerator. Although there may be a faint coffee scent, this should go away within a few days.
3. Pour a few ounces of vanilla extract into a shallow saucer or dish, leave it on a shelf, and let it sit for a few days.
4. Though this may take a bit longer, pack the shelves with newspaper and lightly sprinkle these with water. Strong odors should be eliminated within a week.

If all of these methods fail to remove the odor from your refrigerator, the liner and insulation may have to be replaced by an appliance technician.

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.