Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Myths About Ozone and Ions

Here is a list of famous myths and misconceptions surrounding air purifiers and the technology they utilize to clean your air. 

Myth: "Ozone" and "Negative ions" refer to the same thing.
Fact: Not so. They are very different.
A negative ion is an oxygen atom with an extra electron. It is odorless.
Ozone is an oxygen molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. You can smell ozone if the concentration is high enough.
Myth: Ozone and negative ions perform exactly the same functions in purifying the air.
Fact: The functions they perform are as different as night and day. Sometimes both are needed to purify the air we breathe.
Negative ions rid the air of pollen, dust, etc.: stuff you can see under a microscope. Ozone cannot. Negative ions also can improve mood. Ozone cannot do that, either.
Ozone gets rid of odors, pollutants, etc.; stuff at the molecular level (although negative ions can get rid of some odors, too.)
Myth: Negative ions are nothing more than ordinary static electricity.
Fact: That is a falsehood. Is there static electricity near waterfalls or other areas where negative ions are naturally generated? Of course not. Although some ionizers can induce a 'static' charge on nearby objects under certain conditions, negative ions flow through the air like electricity through a semiconductor.
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Myth: Negative ions can go through walls.
Fact: No way. Neither can ozone, although ozone (if present) can go through heating and cooling ductwork. Negative ions generally cannot; they are attracted to the filter, air conditioner evaporator coil (A-coil), and very few emerge at furnace or air conditioning vents. The exception is properly designed and placed UV lamps, although they do not put as many negative ions into the room as a good room ionizer.
Myth: Too high a level of negative ions in the room is bad for you.
Fact: Negative ions have not been found to be harmful even in very high concentrations. Just the opposite has been found the case. In fact, there are patents using high-density negative ions to treat depression.
Myth: Ozone is ALWAYS a bad thing.
Fact: While ozone in extremely high concentrations is a toxic gas, if the ozone level is properly selected, the ozone and the pollutants/odors in the air CANCEL EACH OTHER. Overlooking this fact is the cause of the ozone controversy we sometimes see. What is more, a little ozone is often far preferable to the toxic gases and pollutants it can eliminate from the air we breathe.

Myth: Air pollution is a problem of outdoorsFact: It might be surprising but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate that levels of air pollution inside a home can be two to five times higher and occasionally as much as 100 times higher! than outdoor levels. ! Surprisingly, the Environmental Protection Agency studies show that levels of air pollution inside a house are two to five times higher than outdoor levels. And occasionally as much as 100 times higher! In addition to the pollution outdoors, the air inside your home or office can be much worse unless you utilize an effective air purifier.Myth:  No need to worry about air quality indoorsFact: According to statistics, people spend indoors up to 90% of their time, whether at home, in classrooms or offices. Therefore, indoor air quality is a serious issue. This becomes even more important during winter and hot summer days when windows are closed and there is very little fresh air getting inside. We can easily sense some pollutants, which cause bad odor such as smoke, dust, pet dander and paint. Other air pollutants can be impossible to sense, such as bacteria, pollen, viruses, fungi and mold spores, which can cause allergies and other health problems.Myth: Indoor air quality is what it is and is too difficult changeFact: There are two steps to be taken to eliminate indoor air pollution.

The first step is to get rid of the sources of pollutin, like smoking indoors, mold, paint storage, and dust. Depending on your situation and condition of your home, this might be a difficult task, especially if it means giving away a family pet for example. This can even turn to be impossible if people who share the house with you are not participating. Moreover, this can be unattainable if other people in your household or office will not participate. However, it is always a good idea to see what you can do.

The second step is using a state of the art air purifier, which is efficient enough to remove all the pollutants, which you might have. Honeywell HEPA air purifiers are the best choice for capturing airborne allergens. True HEPA filter
 captures up to 99.97% of common airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through it such as dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, and cat dander. In addition, it also helps reduce airborne viruses and bacteria. The Honeywell glass-fiber HEPA material helps remove airborne particles, viruses & bacteria without the use of chemicals or other treatments. It also includes an activated carbon pre-filter to help remove larger airborne particles and reduce common household odors.Myth: Air purifiers are needed only for people with allergiesFact: It is not all about allergy. Contaminated air can also lead to loss of concentration, sleepiness, headaches, health problems, and even just bad mood. Pregnant women, elderly and babies can be more sensitive, however, everybody one way or another is uncomfortable and at risk in contaminated spaces.Myth: All air purifiers work the same wayFact: There are air purifiers on the market, which are much more effective than others. Not all air purifiers have the same efficiency. In fact, of doctors who recommend a specific brand of air purifier, 70% recommend the Honeywell brand (Source: independent survey conducted at 2005 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology conference). This technology is the #1 Choice of Physicians (Source: 1998 Riter Research). These purifiers are also very convenient. For instance Honeywell 50250-n is a portable purifier, which can be easily relocated as needed. It is great for large rooms, reliable, effective and affordable.Myth: Expensive filters are required for air purifiersFact: There is no need to replace the HEPA filter, which can be vacuumed easily. The Intelli-Check electronic filter indicator reminds you when to check the HEPA filter and when to replace the carbon pre-filter, which is not expensive.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Atlas 302-AC Acrylic Air Purifier Review

The 302-AC Acrylic Air Purifier by Atlas Trading 

The Acrylic air purifier by the Atlas company is one of the newest additions to their great list of home health products. In this review I will focus on the overall looks of the machine, the functionality, the included technology, and the health benefits these functions provide.



- Cosmetic Appearance -

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The Atlas Acrylic air purifier has a very sleek and futuristic look to it. The Acrylic material that comprises the housing makes for a wonderful aesthetic and a welcome addition to any modern household. The way the machine is put together allows the user to view all the inner workings as it runs. Another benefit of the clear housing is the wonderful glow created by the functioning U/V light. This machine creates a beautiful ambiance and has a really calming effect wherever you decide to place it.

- Functionality & Included Technology -


The Atlas Acrylic air purifier is amazingly versatile when it comes to performing in any type of environment. This machine is great to remove smoke and other contaminants from the air and to help keep your living space safe. 

  • The Atlas Acrylic air purifier contains a UV germicidal light which has been designed to safely destroy airborne bacteria, viruses, odors, mold spores, and germ microbes; tests have proven that all viruses are susceptible to UV light for complete eradication. 
  • Ozone generation is the main offense this machine provides against odor and other airborne pollutants. Ozone is one of natures most powerful natural oxidizing (odor removing) agents. This molecule attaches to airborne pollutants and odor causing agents and breaks down their molecular structure in order to neutralize any and all effects of the agent. 
  • This machine also has a photo catalytic filter which utilizes the power of light molecules to break down and destroy harmful air pollutants.
  • A large activated carbon charcoal filter is used to safely remove odors from the air without impacting your surroundings with harmful chemicals or reintroducing the contaminant back into your breathing space. The filter works to trap the airborne pollutants until they can safely be disposed of. 
  • Negative ion filtration is the process by which the adjustable negative ion generators work like a magnet to remove smoke, allergens, bacteria, and viruses which can eventually lead to a plethora of health concerns. 
    • This filter is adjustable to different levels and can be deactivated. 

  • This machine also utilizes a washable Hepa filter as the final stage of filtration. 
    • This filter works to remove and trap contaminants such as:
      • Dust
      • Pollen
      • Allergens

- Health Benefits - 

This machine has everything you would want when it comes to purifying and cleaning the air you breathe. It has the ability, when used and cleaned properly, to eradicate germs and microbes, remove harmful airborne contaminants, and trap dust and allergens. This machine combines the best technology in the industry into a sleek and affordable product that would fit well even in the most modern household. I am very excited about this product and can't wait to tell my friends about it. With the multiple stages of filtration that this unit provides, your air will taste and smell as fresh and crisp as a snow covered mountain range. 

- Final Review - 

  • Price - For everything this machine provides it sets a precedent for reasonable value. I have yet to encounter a machine with this many capabilities available at even twice the price Atlas is able to offer. 
  • Functionality - Each machine is tested on site and is not sent to the customer until it has been rigorously tested for any factory defects or potential problems. Therefore each and every machine runs at its peak capacity, and even on the rare occasion that a problem may arise, Atlas stands behind their product and will take care of repairs at their own warehouse. 
  • Technology - I give this machine a 10/10 for technology because I have yet to see a machine that better combines all of the available technology without sacrificing aesthetics. 
  • Health Benefits - This machine offers a wonderful array of health benefits to a wide gamut of people. From a sufferer of severe asthma to a parent trying to keep their child safe, this machine fits any household situation. 
  • Final Recommendations - If you are interested in purchasing an air purifier or improving the quality of the air around you. Look no further than Atlas. This company is content to provide great customer service and a wonderful product at an affordable and extremely reasonable price. I don't know how they do it, but I hope that they continue for a long time.