Some swear by air purifiers, but do they work? - Chicago Daily Herald

Some swear by air purifiers, but do they work? - Chicago Daily Herald
Buying Guide: This air purifier is small but mighty - Sioux City Journal
A timeline of all mold-related events at Seattle Children's Hospital - Becker's Hospital Review
Can air purifiers protect you from the coronavirus? - Digital Trends

Posted: 29 Feb 2020 05:05 AM PST

Pat yourself on the back if you've sealed your home for energy efficiency. Keeping drafts out is a money-saving move. The hitch? A tightly sealed home may also trap in pet dander, smoke, dust mites, mold and other nasties that can trigger respiratory issues.

One possible solution: an air purifier. Based on manufacturers' estimates, about one in four U.S. households own a portable indoor air purifier, including those that come as part of a fan, says Perry Santanachote, home editor at Consumer Reports. That's not surprising. As indoor air quality becomes a concern for homeowners, manufacturers produce "remedies" for us to buy or, at minimum, buy into. The question is: Is an air purifier worth the investment?

"Air purifiers can be an important part of allergen avoidance, but they are not a cure-all," says Manav Singla, an allergist and immunologist affiliated with MedStar Health with locations in Maryland. "I don't tell all of my allergy sufferers to go out and get an air purifier, just like I don't tell them to install hardwood floors."

Because they filter airborne particles such as dander and pollen, air purifiers might work best for people with animal allergies who own a dog or cat or who leave doors and windows open, Singla says. They aren't effective for those sensitive to dust mites, because mites live in carpet and bedding.

The research into efficacy of air purifiers is inconclusive. In 2018, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology analyzed studies of eight interventions believed to help asthma patients, including air purifiers. It found that: "Despite an extensive evidence base spanning several decades, the evidence base as a whole is insufficient to support meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of many widely used products and strategies for improving patient outcomes by reducing environmental allergen exposure." It also called for better research.

A 2010 analysis by the academy concluded that "the principal role of air cleaning and filtration in the living environment for those with allergic respiratory diseases might relate more toward the reduction of disease progression rather than a 'treatment.' " It added that although portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters appear to be beneficial, especially in bedrooms, for households with forced-air HVAC systems, "regular maintenance schedules and the use of high-efficiency disposable filters appear to be the best choices."

Remember, your furnace and/or air conditioner is essentially a whole-house filtration system, and thus may negate the need for an air purifier. The problem is that many homeowners use cheap, thin filters that cost a few bucks and do little to actually filter the air. Plus, most of us forget to change the filter as often as we should. The simple addition of what's called a media cabinet to hold a deeper (up to 5 inches) disposable filter can greatly increase filtration capabilities. These filters last from eight weeks to six months and are usually less than $35 apiece.

If you decide to buy an air purifier, your first decision is whether you need a portable or whole-house model. If you have ductwork and a forced-air system, a whole-house system will work. Homes with radiant heat and no air conditioning will need portable, stand-alone models.

Assuming your home has forced air, hire a trained professional to inspect your entire system, including equipment and ductwork, says Travis Jackson, a home heating, cooling and air purification expert in Warrenton, Virginia. "An inspection checks for underlying issues such as unsealed ducts, moldy standing water, dirt or glue-filled seams emitting vapors. Your system may just need a simple cleaning," he says. Depending on your location and provider, this type of inspection may be free or cost up to $100.

Unless you have real cause to believe that the air in your home is making you sick, you don't need an indoor air quality assessment, which is extensive, expensive ($800 to $1,200) and typically unwarranted, Jackson says.

Whether you opt for a portable or whole-house purifier, you need to measure the square footage of the space you're trying to treat, whether it's a single room or the entire home. The cost of any unit is dictated by size and efficiency. Here's what else you need to know.

Portable air purifiers

You'll find several types. Basic mechanical models use a fan to force air through a filter to remove particles. Those with higher-grade HEPA filters are certified to capture the smallest particles, including dust, smoke, pollen and pet dander.

Electronic air purifiers are designed to create an electric charge so particles stick to metal plates in the machine, which you then carefully wipe off. Some manufacturers combine technologies. Other models include a UV light and claim to kill mold and bacteria, but Consumer Reports has not tested those models, and there's currently no evidence they do what they claim, Santanachote says.

Some purifiers include an activated carbon filter to absorb odors and/or remove gases. While thicker, heavy-duty carbon filters are effective, they are pricey. Thin mesh ones are a waste of money, Santanachote says.

Expect to spend at least $200 on a portable unit. Top-rated models that purify large spaces may run up to $700. In addition, replacement filters cost $20 to $200 (a few models come with washable filters), and because experts recommend that you run purifiers 24/7, you'll have to factor in electricity.

Don't be dazzled by sleek looks or equate higher cost with better performance. Look for models certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). Then check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which describes how well the machine reduces tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the number the better. Less than 60 is poor, and more than 240 is excellent, Santanachote says.

If there's a floor model available, look inside for a thick filter covering a broad surface. Even better, ask to plug it in. An air purifier, by its nature -- basically a fan and a filter -- is noisy, especially on higher speeds. If that's a concern, you'll want to hear it for yourself. One workaround is to purchase a purifier rated for a larger space and run it at a lower, quieter speed.

Whole-house air purifiers

Assuming your home has ducts, a whole-house air cleaner is an easy, quiet, no-fuss option. If you want to go all out, there are units with multiple filters to capture airborne particles, plus an activated carbon filter to remove odors. These cost $2,500 and up, plus installation. Models that include germicidal UV lamp technology to irradiate bacteria and mold spores in the air stream or on the filter cost even more; however, again, research proving they work is lacking.

It's also possible to add a UV light system to your HVAC system, but they aren't cheap. There are two types: an object cleaner and an in-duct air purification system.

An object cleaner positioned next to the coil of your air conditioner -- a dark, damp breeding ground for mold and bacteria -- floods the area with UV light and kills off organisms before they can be pulled into your ventilation system. These cost $350 to $800. Replacement bulbs, which average a one- to two-year life span, are $100 to $300.

Your second, pricier option is a UV in-duct air purification system. Think of the UV light like the sun's rays. "By putting the 'sun' into your ductwork, the UV light bulb emits vaporized hydrogen attacking germs, bacteria, mold spores, fungus and odors as the air cycles through your home," Jackson says. Some models claim to clean countertops and other surfaces, as the treated air is forced out of vents through your home.

Depending on your home's square footage and the size of your HVAC system, an in-duct UV system ranges from $800 to $1,500. Bulbs last up to three years and cost $300 to $400. Most units can be installed in less than two hours, and you'll typically be charged a flat rate that includes parts and labor.

Although some users swear by UV air scrubbers, Singla points out that UV filtration is of limited value for the average person with allergies because allergens are not living tissue like mold.

Bottom line: Unless you or someone in your household has severe allergies or is prone to respiratory infections, you may want to just keep your living space as clean as possible and your HVAC unit in tiptop shape before investing in an air purification system.

Buying Guide: This air purifier is small but mighty - Sioux City Journal

Posted: 29 Feb 2020 03:30 AM PST

air purifier — (AMAZON)

We hope you enjoy the products we recommend. We may receive a commission if you purchase a product mentioned in this article.

Whether you suffer from allergies, need to eliminate pet or smoke odors from your home, or just want your family to breathe cleaner air, you've probably considered buying an air purifier. But large purifiers take up precious floor space and require additional costs like filter changes. That's where this sleek plug-in purifier comes in.

How It Works

This tiny but mighty air purifier by Hypoallergenic Air is designed to start eliminating odors and sanitizing surfaces the second you plug it into a standard outlet. It doesn't take up any floor space and it's more energy efficient than larger models. The polar ionization eliminates 99% of all viruses, mold, allergens, and odors. You can also rest assured your family will be safe from mold since this air purifier has a mold guard that turns particles into harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.

The cost of traditional air purifiers can add up over time with expensive filter replacements. Not so with this polar ionization air purifier. The purifier comes with a washable pre-filter that you never have to replace for clean air in your home.

Why Customers Love It

Amazon customers are raving about this plug-and-play air purifier giving it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers noticed an immediate difference when they plugged it in; moldy basements suddenly smelled fresh, and cooking odors disappeared from the kitchen. Reviewers also loved that this air purifier was so low maintenance, never required a new filter, and didn't require any set up beyond plugging it in.

Hypoallergenic Air Home Air Purifier available from Amazon

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A timeline of all mold-related events at Seattle Children's Hospital - Becker's Hospital Review

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 01:31 PM PST

Gabrielle Masson - Friday, February 28th, 2020 Print | Email

Since 2005, Seattle Children's Hospital has faced sporadic mold outbreaks. Below is a timeline tracking key events as the hospital worked to figure out the source of the deadly mold.

2005: Detection of mold, 1st lawsuit

Seattle Children's discovered Aspergillus mold in an operating room while investigating the source of three infections, according to The Seattle Times. An outbreak response team didn't think the mold caused the infections and cited a moldy nitrogen tank as the source.

Around the same time, a couple filed a lawsuit claiming their 12-year-old daughter was permanently disabled after being sickened by mold at the hospital. The case was settled in 2008.

2018: Health officials told of mold-related infections

Seattle Children's told county health officials about the infections, some dating back to 2001, KOMO News reported. Officials didn't publicly announce the infections at the time because they appeared unrelated to each other.

May 18, 2019: Mold forces Seattle Children's to close 4 ORs

Seattle Children's shut down four ORs, postponing or diverting surgeries, after detecting mold, KIRO 7 reported. The hospital notified 3,000 patients and worked with an industrial hygienist to investigate the source, according to Mark Del Beccaro, MD, then the CMO of Seattle Children's.

June 20, 2019: Seattle Children's cited for safety violations after patient death

CMS and the state health department both found patient safety violations related to mold in the ORs after a death and five other infections were reported over a two-year span, according to King 5.

CMS informed the hospital June 20 that its Medicare contract could be terminated if the deficiencies weren't fixed. The hospital installed new air handler and humidification systems, implemented a new disinfectant process and sealed potential air leaks, The Seattle Times reported.

July 1, 2019: Seattle Children's closes all 14 ORS

The hospital closed all its ORs as it worked to remove mold, according to The Seattle Times.

July 4, 2019: Seattle Children's reopens main ORs without CMS correction plan approval

Daily air tests showed the ORs were safe, CMO Dr. Del Beccaro said July 3, according to The Washington Post.

Oct. 25, 2019: Another lawsuit filed

The family of a teenage patient sued Seattle Children's, claiming a 2018 mold infection disabled their son, according to The Seattle Times.

Nov. 7, 2019: State questions lack of air filter in OR; another infection confirmed

After a mold-related infection was confirmed Nov. 7 in an infant, the Washington Department of Health interviewed hospital leadership, according to King 5. In October, the baby underwent cardiac surgery in an OR without a high-efficiency particulate air filter. Seattle Children's said the CMO and chief surgeon decided to reopen the ORs to cardiac cases after consulting infection prevention and heart care teams, and that the specific OR had consistently tested negative for mold.

Nov. 10, 2019: Seattle Children's closes ORs again

The hospital closed three ORs and two procedural areas after mold was discovered again, KOMO News reported. All 14 ORs were eventually shut down as the hospital investigated the source.

Nov. 12, 2019: No violations found during state inspection of hospital

"There was no legal requirement for having a HEPA filter in the operating room," Lisa Stromme, a Washington Department of Health spokesperson, told King 5.

Nov. 18, 2019: Seattle Children's CEO discloses 6 patient deaths linked to mold

Since 2001, 14 patients were sickened by the mold and six died, Jeff Sperring, MD, CEO of Seattle Children's Hospital, said Nov. 18, according to The Seattle Times. An air-handling system in the ORs was cited as the suspected cause. The hospital planned to keep its ORs closed through January, using that time to install in-room HEPA systems, KOMO News reported.

Nov. 22, 2019: Mold outbreak prompts new infection-reporting requirements

Healthcare facilities in King County, Wash., will be required to report hospital-acquired mold infections, officials announced Nov. 22, according to KOMO News. Previously, only outbreaks of two or more mold cases had to be reported, while singular cases did not.

Dec. 2, 2019: Three lawsuits filed against Seattle Children's hospital

A class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of three former patients, claiming the patients were exposed to mold due to the hospital's negligence, KIRO 7 reported. The suit claims hospital leaders engaged in years of "cover-up, designed to reassure its patients, doctors, nurses and the public that its premises were safe, when in fact they were not."

The family of an 11-year-old boy filed a separate lawsuit, claiming he contracted a mold-related infection during surgery at Seattle Children's, The Seattle Times reported.

Another lawsuit claims a 4-year-old boy had to undergo a second brain surgery elsewhere because he was deemed to be at "high risk for Aspergillus mold exposure" from an initial Seattle Children's surgery.

"We are incredibly sorry for the hurt experienced by these families and regret that recent developments have caused additional grief," Kathryn Mueller, spokesperson for Seattle Children's, told The Seattle Times.

Jan. 8, 2020: Seattle Children's in compliance with all regulations

A state health department investigation found the hospital in compliance regarding governance, physical environment, infection control and quality assurance, according to KIRO 7. However, the state did verify the presence of mold and "serious mitigation efforts" to address it.

Jan. 8, 2020: Another family joins class-action suit against Seattle Children's

Katha and Micah Hutt joined the class-action lawsuit after their 5-month-old daughter fell ill from mold, KIRO 7 reports. The Hutts say their daughter contracted mold during one or both of her surgeries in August or November 2019.

Jan 10, 2020: Seattle Children's top physician resigns

Dr. Del Beccaro, former CMO and senior vice president of Seattle Children's Hospital, resigned, King 5 reported.

Feb. 12, 2020: 7th mold-related death at Seattle Children's reported

Elizabeth Hutt, a 6-month-old baby, died Feb. 12 after developing a mold-related infection at Seattle Children's, according to KOMO News.

Feb. 20, 2020: Seattle Children's sues to block release of health records

Seattle Children's filed a lawsuit to block the release of health department records regarding mold at its facility, according to King 5.

Feb. 24, 2020: Humidifier tied to deadly mold at Seattle Children's, CDC says

The CDC identified a humidifier that had been turned off for over 10 years and then switched on again in 2018 and 2019 as the cause of the mold outbreaks at Seattle Children's, according to King 5. The hospital has been making "comprehensive improvements" to its ORs since receiving the CDC report.

More articles on infection control:
'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst': UNMC infection control chief talks coronavirus
UW Health sees tenfold increase in pediatric flu cases
Treatment for antibiotic-resistant pneumonia patients could make them worse, study finds

Can air purifiers protect you from the coronavirus? - Digital Trends

Posted: 26 Feb 2020 11:04 AM PST

The coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has become a serious health concern across the globe. The majority of the deaths have been limited to mainland China, but new clusters have appeared in South Korea and Italy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that the virus will likely start spreading in the United States. With a rising infection and mortality rate, people are taking steps to protect themselves from exposure in whatever way they can.

Since COVID-19 is transferred from person-to-person and can be airborne, you might think an air purifier could reduce exposure. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

Can an air purifier protect you from the coronavirus?

No, it can't.

An air purifier can combat other causes of respiratory problems and improve the overall air quality in your home, but a standard HEPA filter can't capture and destroy something as small as a virus. Even if the virus is captured, it'll likely survive for some time.

A PECO filter might make a difference, but only in a limited way. The method PECO filters use to pull particles from the air can catch incredibly small items. According to Dr. Snell, "a PECO filter could remove a virus from the air given its size," but she goes on to add that "it's not likely this will make a large impact, considering [coronavirus] lives on surfaces for an extended period of time."

The coronavirus is spread by person-to-person contact and coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. The best option for combating the coronavirus is to avoid contact with anyone that may be infected and use strong hygiene practices. Wash your hands often, and wear a properly rated facial mask in places where you might be exposed to the illness.

Understanding the science of air purifiers and viruses

Air purifiers use fans to draw in air and pass it through a filter before expelling the purified air out the other side. They're particularly effective at removing odors and large particulates from the air. If you suffer from pet allergies, for example, an air purifier can help capture the dander and reduce your symptoms. On the other hand, there is a limit to what an air purifier can capture.

Even the most powerful air purifiers can only capture particles as small as 0.1 microns or larger, and the vast majority of air purifiers will only capture particles 0.3 microns or larger. A micron is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter, sometimes called a micrometer.

The primary culprits of poor indoor air quality are larger than this size limit; mold, pollen, and pet dander are all larger and can be caught and eliminated by a standard HEPA filter. That slight margin of error is why air purifiers claim an effective rate of 99%.

Viruses are roughly 100 times smaller than bacteria, and typically range from 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size. This means even the most powerful air filters would struggle to purge a virus from the air.

COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses. The 2013 SARS epidemic was also caused by a coronavirus, which was 0.1 microns in size. According to Dr. Mariea Snell, Assistant Director of the Online Doctor of Nursing Program at Maryville University, the size of COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 microns.

Alen Corp, the company behind one of Digital Trends' best air purifiers of 2020, recommended using a filter treated with an anti-microbial coating claimed to kill mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, and viruses on contact.

You definitely want to make sure that you are regularly replacing the filters.

We also spoke with Molekule's co-founder and co-CEO, Dilip Goswami. "Molekule's PECO technology has been shown to destroy airborne viruses, and we've conducted extensive testing on RNA-type and DNA-type viruses to demonstrate that." Goswami added the company is "currently working with the University of Minnesota to test the technology on a strain of Coronavirus."

While Goswami's claims are promising, the company has endured harsh reviews from Wirecutter and Consumer Reports within the last year. Digital Trends hasn't tested Molekule's air purifier.

Finally, we reached out to Dyson. According to a representative (who wished to remain unnamed), Dyson air purifiers will capture viruses, but won't destroy them. The virus will remain alive inside the filter for as long as the virus survives.

As multiple scientific studies have shown, viruses can lie dormant for extremely long periods of time. Dyson went on to comment, "You definitely want to make sure that you are regularly replacing the filters and as long as you purchase a Dyson purifier you can feel confident that you are doing the best you can do to keep your air as clean as possible."

HEPA versus PECO filters

There are two primary types of air filters: HEPA and PECO. HEPA is an acronym for "High, Efficiency, Particulate, Air." On the other hand, PECO stands for "Photo Electrochemical Oxidation."

HEPA filters are made out of a type of fabric that functions similar to a net. Air is passed through the fabric by a fan. Particulates are caught by this fabric, while the now-clean air is allowed to exit out the other side. Over time, the particles will accumulate on the fabric until it loses efficiency. That's why filters have to be replaced.

PECO filters work in a similar, but more complex way. First, air passes through a sort of "pre-filter" that's laced with carbon. Next, it moves through a larger filter that captures and binds molecules to ions and then destroys them.

HEPA filters are not much more effective than medium efficiency air filters.

Which is better? We asked Patrick Van Deventer, product manager for Trane Indoor Air Quality products. "According to the EPA, HEPA filters are not much more effective than medium efficiency air filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 13," said Deventer. "They are also highly restrictive and thus have a limited air delivery, so they are typically used in smaller appliances such as portable air cleaners and not in central ducted HVAC system." For reference, a MERV rating refers to the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a scale that measures how powerful your air filter is.

Michael Rubino, President and an indoor air quality expert with All American Restoration, added more caveats. "There are air purification technologies that can destroy biological contaminants such as mold spores and viruses (such as H1N1 & SARS)," he said. "However, the technology is not just HEPA; air purifiers that utilize Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) release ions into the air that bind to these contaminants and destroy them. There are certain air purifiers that utilize filtration in addition to PCO, such as Air Oasis iAdapt Air."

A final note. We've discussed consumer-grade air purifiers here, but industrial air purifiers capable of completely cleaning the air do exist. However, these machines are large and routinely cost more than $1,500 (sometimes, much more).

Still, even the best air purifier doesn't solve the fundamental problem; like most viruses, the coronavirus is spread by person-to-person contact and contact with contaminated surfaces. Air purifiers are capable of filtering the air in a room over time, but viruses tend to travel short distances between people or land and linger on surfaces. An air purifier, even if equipped to kill a virus, will often fail to catch a virus before it comes into contact with a person or surface.

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