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.

Addressing Air Quality Issues in Commercial Settings

Because humans take over 20,000 breaths a day on average and air is something we can't go without for more than a few minutes, the importance of breathing in fresh, clean air can't be stressed enough. Indoor air quality is important to human health because individuals spend a large fraction of their time indoors at their residences, schools, and workplaces, and breathing in polluted air can result in health problems such as respiratory disorders and even cancer.

IAQ in the Commercial Setting
Those working in industrial settings are particularly at risk due to the high levels of pollution that exist in such areas. In addition, there are numerous sources of airborne toxic pollutants in these indoor environments, and outdoor air ventilation often provides the only primary means to dilute pollutant concentrations.

Dust Masks: Are They Enough?
Many industrial workers make use of filter masks which are aimed to providing protection to the wearer from harmful airborne substances, and these usually cover only the mouth and nose. They work by limiting the course of air so that it flows through a filter that removes harmful particulates, and these types of masks range from single-use, disposable types to reusable models with replaceable cartridges. Because of their simple design, these masks are commonly used for filtering out tiny solid or even liquid particles through dense, fine mesh. Some types of dust masks even utilize mesh that is coated with substances to enhance filtration.

While these masks may be suitable less demanding applications, they are only designed to trap large particles such as sawdust, and generally will not protect lungs from fine particles such as smoke, gases, chemicals, or VOC's. As such, in industrial or commercial situations where there are high levels of indoor air pollution, one of the most effective methods of combating such contamination is through the use of a high-quality, commercial-grade air purifier.

Why Commercial-Grade Air Purifiers?
Commercial air purifiers are essential for any work environment because they are often capable of eliminating the most difficult to remove pollutants, including smoke and toxic chemicals. Some of the best commercial air purifiers utilize a combination of filtration methods, but HEPA filters are usually the most common and effective.

With that in mind, one of the advanced HEPA commercial air purifiers is the IQAir VOC GCX ($1895.00). Engineered to provide maximum control of gaseous chemicals and working just like a professional gas mask, this air purifier relies on an interchangeable cartridge design for optimized gaseous pollutant control. The HEPA filter first eliminates micro- and nano-sized particles such as allergens, bacteria, smoke, and viruses; then the four specialized GCX cartridges filters down the molecular level; and finally, the micro-charged post filter removes any particles left over from the filtration process, therefore ensuring clean, fresh air.

Air Purifier Reviews: Biozone Air Purifiers - A New Type of Air Cleaner

On the surface, air purifiers may seem to employ simple technology to clean the air, as many effective air purifiers often draw air with a fan and through a filter, and send it back out into the room. However, many new and exciting technologies are becoming more prevalent in the air purification industry.

Biozone, a world-leading manufacturer of ozone generators and ozone water treatment processes, have developed air purification systems which utilize ozone oxidation technology. Originally developed for commercial, industrial, and agricultural markets, Biozone air purification technology is now available to consumers, and their air purifiers provide odor control and disinfection by harnessing the high oxidation potential of ozone.

Biozone calls their advanced air purification system "PureWave," and this involves the combination and synergy of two powerful purifying technologies: photoplasma and photochemistry. Photoplasma involves exciting gases by the energy emitted from UV light waves. This creates an energized gaseous state, and the resulting plasma has the ability to destroy organic pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and noxious odors. On the other hand, photochemistry involves the chemical reaction or change in material caused by exposure to light energy. UV light in this range is extremely useful for disinfection purposes, as strong UV light destroys toxic VOCs and viruses. Therefore, unlike other air purifiers which simply filter out particles from the air, Biozone air purifiers break down contaminants at the source, and they are extremely powerful at purifying heavily contaminated areas such as bars or salons. In addition, because Biozone air purifiers use ozone oxidation, photoplasma, and photochemistry to clean the air, they do not employ noisy fans or filters and are silent, making them ideal for home use.

However, there is one caveat: those who are sensitive to ozone, or asthma and allergy sufferers, should not consider these types of air purifiers, as exposure to ozone can cause short-term health effects such as coughing, chest tightness, and can even aggravate asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. Over time, ozone exposure may result in the induction of asthma and permanent lung damage. Although the ozone levels emitted by Biozone are well below the government-allowed limit, those with respiratory problems should take caution.

Pros:
- Excellent filtration of large areas (the Biozone 4000 is capable of cleaning areas up to 4000 sq. ft.)
- Almost completely silent
- Suitable for areas with high pollution and/or odors

Cons:
- Not suitable for those with respiratory problems
- May not be effective at removing larger particulates such as dust and hair

Air Purifier News: Poor Indoor Air Isn't Just Limited to Homes

Unfortunately, poor indoor air quality is not just limited to homes, as office buildings and industrial work sites are notorious for being significant pollution sources. Contributing factors to workplace indoor quality can stem from inadequate ventilation, building materials, and chemical fumes. Also, because people generally have less control over the indoor environment in their offices than they do in their homes, they may be more susceptible to harmful indoor air. Here are some other examples of contamination sources:

-landfills
-oil refineries
-any type of manufacturing plant that uses any kind of cleaning solvents
-chemical waste storage facilities
-chemical manufacturing plants
-incinerators
-gas stations
-machine shops

Generally speaking, people of all ages can be exposed to workplace hazards so potent they cause a range of health problems, and over time, exposure to the above contamination sources can result in an increased incidence of health problems, including the following:

-various forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or skin cancer
-respiratory problems such as allergies, asthma, or breathing difficulties
-learning disabilities such as ADHD
-gastrointestinal effects
-cardiovascular effects
-renal problems, including blood in the urine and other types of kidney problems
-neurological disorders, including chronic headaches and reflex malfunction

In fact, in an investigation conducted by USA Today, it was found that employees in more than 35 states had unwittingly transported toxins away from their work sites, therefore potentially exposing their families and members of their households to contaminants such as mercury, radioactive material, and arsenic. Toxins were often carried in workers’ cars, on shoes, clothes, and even briefcases.

If you work in an industry in which poor air quality may be a problem, alerting your employer to the situation should be your first step in combating the problem. In addition, if you suspect that you have been exposed to contaminants in your workplace, have your case evaluated by a qualified employment attorney. While each exposure and injury can involve different elements of damage, an environmental lawsuit against an employer can usually present the following:

-medical compensation
-emotional distress
-loss of quality of life, as the damages incurred as a result of workplace contamination can affect one’s lifestyle
-personal injury
-punitive damages

Indoor air quality is regulated by both federal and state laws, and state provisions are often monitored by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Therefore, an employment attorney can inform you of your health and safety rights in the workplace, and represent you in court if you choose to file a lawsuit against your employer for violating clean air standards.

Allergy Furnace Filters: Inexpensively Transform Your Home into an "Allergy-Proof Zone"

Although studies have shown that indoor air quality can be several times worse than the air outdoors, cleaning the air you breathe can wreck havoc on your wallet, as some of the more higher-end air purifiers on the market can cost several hundred dollars. However, for those of you watching their finances, clean air may still be within your reach.

Furnace filters are easy-to-install, high-efficiency filters that look like pleated panels. Specially designed to meet the needs of allergic and asthmatic individuals, these are simple to install and require little to no tools, as they are inserted into the filter opening of your home furnace or air conditioning unit. The fibers of a furnace filter act like magnets to attract and capture 90% of large allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander, therefore allergy-proofing your home and almost transforming your home into a "whole house filter."

Nonetheless, while allergy furnace filters are effective at capturing the particles circulating in your home's air, they cannot remove what is hiding in your ductwork. Rather, for the most complete protection against airborne particulates, allergy furnace filters are still best used in conjunction with some time of air purification system, and are simply an inexpensive way to help your home become an "allergy-safe zone."

For more information on allergy furnace filters, Click Here.

Air Purifier News: What Silent Killer is Riding Shotgun in Your Car?

Road-traffic accidents are one of the world's largest public health and injury prevention problems. The World Health Organization notes that more than one million people are killed in traffic accidents each year and whether commuting to work or school, many Americans spend a good part of their day on the road. Unfortunately, this makes us highly susceptible to a number of traffic hazards that could endanger our health or even our lives. However, did you know that another huge threat to your health and safety may be the invisible fumes and toxins that are riding shotgun in your car?

According to a recent report published by the Ecology Center, two categories of chemicals found in car materials - phthalates and brominated flame retardants - were shown to cause a range of health problems, and could even be potentially carcinogenic. Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers added to plastics to increase their flexibility and pliability (often used in car interiors). Brominated flame retardants, on the other hand, are applied to electronics, clothes, and furniture from catching fire. The Ecology Center Study found that both groups of chemicals were shown to cause kidney, brain, and liver damage, as well as thyroid problems. In addition, this study also found that the air in 20 new vehicles had extremely high levels of VOCs in the interiors, and one vehicle actually contained 200 times more hydrocarbons than what is considered safe to inhale.

Some ecologists have proposed that perhaps replacing a car's interior paper filter with activated charcoal filters could possibly decrease the levels of these chemicals.

Air Purifier News: Southern California City to Monitor Air Quality Because of Fires

Out-of-control wildfires ravaged thousands of Southern California homes two months ago, and for days, firefighters struggled to subdue flames that engulfed the entire region. These fires were fanned by hot and dry Santa Ana winds, and some of the worst damage was found in upscale-Malibu, a city known as a popular celebrity enclave.

Over 300,000 acres were scorched, and President Bush ultimately declared Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties major disaster areas, therefore opening the way for federal aid for governments, businesses, and people affected by the fires.

This ultimately caused unhealthy air in the region, and according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Mission Viejo, a city in Orange County, will allow the public immediate access to local smoke conditions. The South Coast Air Quality Management Board will add four new sites to the existing 14 that continuously report levels of airborne pollutants - Mission Viejo, Santa Clarita, Crestline, and Temecula.

Costing approximately $225,000 and proposed because of resident complaints during the October fires, the air quality data from this new plan will be automatically recorded and immediately available through the AQMB website, informing residents whether it is safe to go outdoors or exercise.

Air Purifier News: Are VOCs Polluting Your New Home?

Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ, has become a growing concern. Air purifiers have become a billion dollar business, and home improvement products such as low-VOC paints and formaldehyde-free flooring often tout clean composition. However, is indoor air quality really a problem? Are the above solutions really able to help clean the air in our homes or workplaces?

For the past decade, the EPA has noted that indoor air can up to 10 times worse than the air outside. Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary causes of indoor air quality in homes, and inadequate ventilation can also increase indoor pollutant levels.

While air purifiers can help decrease these types of pollutants from the air through filtration and sterilization, unfortunately, a significant amount of pollution also stems from the off-gassing of difficult-to-remove volatile organic compounds. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, recent studies have shown that the most common indoor airborne pollutant is formaldehyde, which is used in building materials such as particle board and hardwood paneling, and permanent adhesives used in carpeting.

In fact, in order to address these issues regarding VOCs, the California Air Resources Board has decided to place caps on the amount of urea formaldehyde found in the above types of household materials. However, at this point, the question is whether these stringent rules will actually help decrease VOC levels from the air we breathe, and the real problem lies in the categorization of household products: some additives in paint and floor finishes may not be categorized as VOCs, but can still vaporize over time and damage the respiratory system.

Interestingly enough, newer homes can often have worse IAQ levels than older ones, as recently built homes are composed of products that are just starting to outgas, and years may even pass before this process is finished. Mary Cordaro, an environmental consultant who specializes in indoor air quality, states, "There are green products with glycols in them, and they may not smell as strong, but they do outgas. They're volatizing more slowly but at high enough rates to still be toxic. It can take six months for some of these glycol chemicals to finally dissipate."

Although companies such as Bioshield and Safecoat are now coming out with products with "green" considerations in mind, the problem of VOC off-gassing is still a problem, and consumers will still have to take matters into their own hands. Industrial air purifiers specifically designed for chemical abatement, such as the Airpura C600, has the ability to eliminate a host of pollutants such as Formaldehyde, Ammonia, and Toulene from the air. Also, green design experts have also recommended the use of houseplants as natural air purifiers. In fact, studies performed at NASA have shown that common indoor landscaping plants such as spider plants and even gerbera daisies can be very effective as part of a system used to provide pollution-free homes and workplaces.

Air Purifier News: Unsafe Air in Medical Facilities

Between November 2002 and July 2003, the world saw a pandemic of epic proportions. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, lead to 774 deaths and over 8,000 infected cases. Although the epidemic originated in China and was mostly contained within Asia, the World Health Organization also issued global alerts because of SARS transmission in cities such as Toronto, New York City, and San Francisco.

SARS is primarily a respiratory disease that causes initial flu-like symptoms such as fever, myalgia, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, high fever, and other non-specific symptoms. In most cases, symptoms appear within 2-3 days, and about 10-20% of cases require mechanical ventilation.

While the 2003 SARS epidemic died down shortly after the Summer of 2003, the Centers for Disease Control began to question whether health care facilities in the United States were properly equipped to handle a deadly outbreak of SARS or a similar type of virus. In a report by the University of Louisville, it was found that state and local health department budgets prevented adequate studies on these types of diseases. Health officials also warned that a disease like SARS could reemerge and strike at any time, leaving us helpless. In fact, as it is, medical facilities are often polluted from common pollutants such as debris from paper fibers found in operating rooms; and drill aerosols, abrasion powder, and mercury vapors released in the air during dental procedures.

Because SARS and other viruses can spread to new victims through the air, hospitals and clinics are susceptible. In isolation rooms, infectious diseases can still be transmitted to other patients and even healthcare workers. The Univeristy of Louisville report also noted that a few steps could be taken to decrease the chances of viral outbreaks, such as the following:

- Providing a slightly lower air pressure in patient rooms so that microbes do not flow to rooms occupied by people who are not infected.
- Developing more capacity in hospitals for a surge in people quarantined for various diseases
- Delineating authority and responsibility among federal, state, and local agencies.
- Providing increased funding for disease research
- Using a combination of HEPA filtration and UV sterilization technology in medical facilities (such as those found in medical-grade air purifiers).

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.