|
Protecting Families From Indoor Pollutants
(NAPSA)-You may be able to help your family breathe cleaner,
fresher air by remembering a simple fact: Air pollution doesn't
always stay outdoors.
Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
show that reduced air circulation can cause levels of air pollution
inside your home to be two to five times higher-and occasionally
as much as 100 times higher-than outdoor levels. That may be
one reason the American Lung Association says approximately 160
million Americans are breathing unhealthy air, with children
and seniors most at risk of developing related health problems.
One way to keep the air in your home cleaner is with an air
purifier, which can help reduce microscopic airborne particles
that contribute to poor indoor air quality. But which purifier
is best for you-and your pocketbook? Here's a closer look:
Purifiers called True HEPA are largely considered the "gold
standard" in air purification. They capture 99.97 percent
of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through
their filters. The purifiers also feature permanent HEPA filters
that can be vacuumed to clean-eliminating expensive filter replacement.
With their germ-fighting capabilities and particle reduction
performance, the purifiers can be a good choice for people suffering
from symptoms relating to airborne allergies or asthma. They
can also be helpful in reducing common household particles such
as smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander.
For consumers on tighter budgets, HEPA-type, or Honeywell
HepaClean, air purifiers can greatly improve indoor air quality
at lower price points, with some available for less than $40.
These air purifiers are efficient at capturing 99 percent of
the particles, two microns or larger (or 40 times smaller than
the width of a strand of human hair), that pass through the filters.
These products are a good option for consumers looking for general
air-cleaning capability or those who may suffer from mild seasonal
allergies.
For general, all-around air purification and particle reduction,
the new Honeywell QuietClean air purifiers with ifD filter technology
can be a good choice. They provide HEPA performance with the
ease of quiet, permanent, washable, electronic filters. Effective
at capturing 99 percent of microscopic particles as small as
0.3 microns, the purifiers use a fan to circulate the air in
a room and force it through a filter, effectively and quietly
circulating the air several times each hour. They can be good
for light sleepers and those with mild seasonal allergies who
are looking for general air-cleaning capability.
Honeywell air purifier products, manufactured by Kaz, Inc.,
are available at major retailers such as Target and The Home
Depot. For more information, visit www.kaz.com. There, consumers
can also see a video on how air purifiers can improve indoor
air quality.
|
