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Microbes and the Air Supply

The smallest form of life on Earth is the microbe. Although microbes have existed for millions, and even billions of years, their presence was not detected until the seventeenth century. In 1683 Dutch merchant Antony van Leeuwenhoek, who made microscopes as a hobby, detected "wee animalcules" in scrapings from his teeth. Another 200 years would pass, however, before scientists would establish the relationship between microbes and disease.

Although some microbes are deadly, most are harmless, and some are extremely beneficial. These microscopic organisms can be found virtually anywhere - in air, water, plants, animals and humans.

Grouped by physical and behavioral characteristics, microbes fall into the following major categories:

viruses Viruses (singular: virus) are the smallest and simplest microbes, just a ball of genes wrapped in a shell - about a millionth of an inch across. No one knows how long they've been on Earth or how they evolved. They reproduce by injecting their genes into a cell to produce thousands of new viruses. Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Other popular flu viruse strains include SARS flu (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Asian Flu and Hong Kong Flu.

Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are much larger than viruses - about 125,000th of an inch long. If a virus were human-sized, a bacterium would be about as big as the Stature of Liberty. These one-celled bodies either make their own food through chemical processes or feed on live hosts or dead matter. Bacteria have existed on Earth for more than 3.5 billion years.

Protozoa (singular: protozoan) are a group of one-celled predators and parasites similar to bacteria but about 1,000 times larger. Examples include amoebae and paramecia. Protozoa made their debut on Earth more than 1.8 billion years ago.

Fungus Fungi (singular: fungus) In nature, fungi are decomposers. They break down matter into nutrients and minerals that plants and animals reuse. Of the 100,000 known species of fungus, familiar examples include mushrooms, yeast, mold and mildew.

Most microbials are invisible to humans. Fully 90% of the living matter on this planet are microbes. Some are extremely dangerous to humans and are called pathogens. They all need moisture or water to function or survive. Some microbes (germs) also reproduce at an incredible rate with proper food and warmth. As an example, common E coli bacteria, if sufficient food were available, could produce a mass of bacteria greater than the mass of the earth in less than a week! Some of the more common microbes that are hazardous to our health include:

[Source of the above information comes from Pfizer]

Microbes are found in your heating and cooling system, house pets, garbage, bathrooms and everywhere else in your home. Few people realize that flushing a toilet or using a urinal releases an explosion of pathogenic microbes that coat every surface in a lavatory with fecal clostridium, streptococcus and E-Coli bacteria! Besides washing your hands carefully, you need some form of personal protection against microbes. Many of these creatures that we breathe, eat or touch can result in serious life threatening infection.

Airplane passengers seated in aisle one can spread tuberculosis germs throughout the aircraft according to a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health.

How Can Microbes be Killed?

Outdoors, microbial dangers are minimized because of air flows lowering concentrations of germs and because ultraviolet light from sunlight effectively destroys many of these organisms. Except for someone nearby sneezing or stagnant outdoor moist conditions, microbial infections are minimized during daylight hours. Dry conditions and high ambient outdoor ozone also effectively kills many different microbes.

There are only a few air purification technologies that effectively kill microbials: UltraViolet (UV) light, Ozone, Oxidizers (hydroxyl ions, hydro peroxide ions, ozonide ions), Heat Sterilization and TiO2 (titanium dioxide). Here are the air purifiers we offer that kill microbials, listed in order of effectiveness:

Air Oasis Breakthrough UV Air Sanitizer Technology!

Air Oasis Nano Nickel HCT Air Purifiers No air purifier on the market can compete in effectiveness when compared to the Air Oasis patent-pending Nano Nickel HCT photocatalytic oxidation technology. Other oxidation brands use only titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a catalyst, the cheapest, most available, catalyst metal on the market. Air Oasis contains five rare catalyst metals and nano size metals to increase the kinetic rate of reaction. Plus, Air Oasis UV lamps utilize a proprietary long life 3-year coating, allowing them to outlast any UV lamp on the market.

Air Oasis technology is proven effective against MRSA and may be an answer for many more of today's "Super Bugs", such as Swine Flu. Studies conducted by West Texas A&M University at BSA Hospital confirm that Air Oasis not only purifies your air, but sanitizes surfaces. The study measured reductions in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on surfaces. The study also measured a 75% reduction in other microbes and fungus in only 8 hours of use. Other studies show an almost complete eradication over longer periods of exposure to the Air Oasis oxidation technology. Current ongoing studies are aimed at proving reductions in VOC and odors. more info

Airfree Air Sterilizers

Airfree® Air Sterilizers are excellent for children, asthmatics, allergic people or for anyone who has pollen, dander, dust mite or mold related problems because it works based on a totally natural process: Heat. Inside Airfree®'s patented ceramic core 99.99% of all microorganisms (molds, yeasts, bacteria and viruses) are burned at temperatures around 400F, which is done without significant heat contribution to the room. Airfree® Air Sterilizers don't employ chemical or toxic products such as glass filter fibers, triclosan-coated paper or any kind of material that can be harmful to the environment when wasted. Nor does it produce ozone, VOCs, nitrous oxide or nitric acid. In fact, Airfree Air Sterilizers remove ozone from the air.

Airfree's breakthrough technology provides silent, effective operation, and best of all, there is NO maintenance required because Airfree has no moving parts and doesn't need replacement filters or lamps. And it's energy efficient, using 52 watts or less, depending on model. Airfree is available in three models: P1000 for up to 450 sq. ft., P2000 for up to 550 sq. ft. and Onix 3000 for up to 650 sq. ft. more info

Airpura Commercial HEPA and Carbon Air Cleaners

Airpura Commercial Air Cleaners with True HEPA and Carbon Airpura is a completely new air cleaner with all the design improvements lacking in other similar technology systems. Airpura design principles include a simplified unobstructed air flow for quieter more efficient performance and reduced noise. The prefilter can be vacuumed through the mesh for easy monthly maintenance, then replaced every 12 months. Two special microbial (bacteria and viruses) suppressing filters help to protect the hefty 18 or 26 pound carbon bed. Felt gaskets are used to seal the filter chamber, eliminating rubber seal off gassing. The metal capped HEPA filter removes the possibility of any plastic vapors from non-metal caps.

Airpura uses a powerful, variable speed integrated fan/motor, letting you choose the rate you clean your air from super quiet to premium power filtering with 560 CFM capacity. With Airpura's effective pressure sealed filter chamber, all air is filtered; NO particles or gases escape. Other systems allow leakage and can't achieve the claimed 99.97% HEPA efficiency. And, Airpura offers the cleanest air, using superior quality true HEPA and activated carbon (special carbon blends are available) with optional UV sterilization to deliver truly clean air for home, office and industrial applications. Airpura is available in eight models and three colors: Cream, white and black. more info

Surround Air Multi-Tech Ionizers

Surround Multi-Tech Air Ionizers Negative ions clean the air by magnetically attracting to pollutants until these newly-formed larger particles become too heavy to remain in the air you breathe and they fall to the ground. Surround Air Ionizers continually produce negative ions, without creating the "black-wall" effect of older ionization technologies, so even if one of these fallen particles is kicked up into the air, it is quickly removed again. The most important thing, though, is that they are taken out of the air, preventing you from inhaling them into your lungs, which is how they cause problems.

Since certain technologies are much better than others at removing different types of air pollutants, all Surround Ionizers are multi-technology. All models include ionization, a prefilter, a HEPA and Carbon Filter and UV lamp, plus some models include a TiO2 filter or an optional ozone sanitizer. And, the Intelli-Pro includes electronic sensors. With Surround, you get the best of the most advanced air purification technologies on the market, all rolled into one air purifier. The best part is that Surround Multi-tech ionizers and replacement filters are affordable for every budget. more info

OzoneLite TiO2 Air Purifying Light Bulbs

OzoneLite Air Purifier Light Bulbs OzoneLite™ TiO2 light bulbs are a non-ozone producing, amazing technological breakthrough! By coating an energy efficient light bulb with titanium dioxide (TiO2), a photocatalytic action occurs that effectively eliminates airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, fungi, smoke, dust mites and household odors in rooms up to 10' x 10'.

The discovery of the proper binders enabled the manufacturer to combine the liquid compound of TiO2 to a compact, energy efficient fluorescent light bulb that will last for 6,000 hours. That is 8 times longer than the traditional incandescent light bulbs!

This state-of-the-art technology is not only effective and easy to use, but is the most affordable way to enjoy the benefits of TiO2's photocatalytic action. The TiO2 photocatalytic action is achieved when combined with a properly balanced light source. This action reduces harmful microorganisms that are constantly circulating through the air into harmless CO2 (carbon dioxide, which is expelled during respiration) and H2O (water), thus completely eliminating the microorganism, making OzoneLite™ completely safe for humans and animals. more info

Find the Right Air Purifier for
Your Unique Problem or Application

It's no mystery that the air inside our homes, offices and nearly every building we enter is contaminated with toxic air pollution problems. But wading through the plethora of air purification technologies and models to make our living and working space free of pollution can be a daunting task, especially with the misinformation presented by so many salespeople and web sites. There are many different air purification technologies and air filters on the market, but no one air purifier technology can solve every air pollution problem, which is why we carry different brands. For help determining which air purifier is right for you, click on one of the below links or call us toll free at 866-875-4386 (US and Canada).

Air Purifiers: by Problem - by Technology - by Brand - Air Purifier Buying Guide

On-Line Since 1997 • Order Toll FREE at 866-875-4386
(USA and Canada Only. All Others Call 503-537-0636 PST)

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