Researchers Confirm Some Air Cleaners Generate Ultrafine Particles

Researchers Confirm Some Air Cleaners Generate Ultrafine Particles
By Jim Rosenthal, 12/15/2008

A University of Texas Study confirms that some air cleaners actually increase ultrafine particles and formaldehyde.

Here is another study to confirm the ill-effects of ozone producing air cleaners in indoor environments. In an article that appeared in Atmospheric Environment earlier this year researchers at the University of Texas found that ion generators and electrostatic precipitators that produced ozone were actually initiating chemical reactions that created more particles than the machines removed. Tests also confirmed that formaldehyde was a by-product in these chemical reactions.

The paper is entitled "Ultrafine Particle Removal and Generation by Portable Air Cleaners" and the authors are Michael S. Waring, Jeffrey Siegel and Richard Corsi. Tests were conducted in a 14.75 m3 stainless steel chamber on 5 air cleaners. Two of the air cleaners were HEPA machines, one was an electrostatic precipitator and two were ion generators.

First, the air cleaners were tested for a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and it was found that the first HEPA had a CADR of 188, the second HEPA had a CADR of 188, the electrostatic precipitator had a CADR of 284, the first ion generator had a CADR of 41 and the second ion generator had a CADR of 35.

The second phase of the investigation called for the operation of the air cleaners in the presence of either a plug-in liquid or solid air freshener. These air fresheners contributed a source of terpenes in the chamber. As a result of the terpene/ozone reactions the electrostatic precipitator and both ion generators acted as net particle generators in the range of particles between 4.61 nm and 157 nm. Formaldehyde levels were also tested with one of the ion generators in the presence of the air freshener. Substantial increases in formaldehyde were detected.

Here is the really interesting part of the study. These increases in particles and formaldehyde were created with relatively low ozone levels. The electrostatic precipitator produced 3.8 mg/hr of ozone while the ion generators produced 3.3 mg/hr and 4.3 mg/hr respectively of ozone. This sheds some additional light on the adequacy of the 50 ppb limits set by the new California law on air cleaners, the FDA limits for medical devices and the current proposal being reviewed by the CPSC. As we have contended in other articles, this 50 ppb limit is not adequate to protect consumers from the negative effects of ozone initiated indoor air chemistry.

News & Announcements

Children in Neighborhoods Near Highways and Railroad Intersections at Risk for Asthma
A study by Mayo Clinic shows that children living near traffic intersections at greater risk of developing asthma.

Study Shows Dramatic Decreases in Particle Counts in School with Mechanical Ventilation
This study shows that a school with mechanical ventilation and a variable volume make-up air system has one-eighth the particulate level of outdoors.

Tex-Air Filters Purchases Pure Air Filter Company of Dallas
The New Location of Tex-Air Filters at 2324 Merrell in Dallas Gives More Convenient Service to Metroplex Customers. Pictured above left to right are Benny Aycoth, Dallas Regional Manager, Stevan Brown, President and Jim Rosenthal, Chairman

Do Some Air Filter Materials React With Ozone to Create Building Related Symptoms (BRS)?
Does a Recent Analysis of BASE Data Really Show a Connection Between Synthetic Air Filters and (BRS) or Sick Building Syndrome?

Researchers Confirm Some Air Cleaners Generate Ultrafine Particles
A University of Texas Study confirms that some air cleaners actually increase ultrafine particles and formaldehyde.

Comparative Tests on Pressure Drop of HVAC Filters
We test 20 filters for pressure drop and efficiency.

Saline Rinse May Cut Cold and Flu Symptoms
Cold medications are out for children. Simple saline rinse could be the answer for quicker recovery from colds and flu.

Sorting Fact from Fiction on Health Effects of Mould
Leading Asthma and Allergy Experts Discuss the Most Recent Scientific Evidence on Health Effects of Mould

What is a Safe Level of Ozone for an Air Cleaner?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is trying to answer this question. Their study and the responses to that study highlight the complexity of the issue.

Study on Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Raises Questions About Formaldehyde as a Byproduct in Indoor Air
Research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) reduces indoor VOC's but could produce formaldehyde as a byproduct.

Study Finds RCI Devices Increase Indoor Ozone and Are Relatively Ineffective at Particle Removal
This study shows that the RCI (radiant catalytic ionization) Air Cleaning Devices produce fairly significant levels of ozone and are less effective than a standard air filter at removing 2 micron sized particles.

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Classrooms Leads to Higher Test Scores
This study shows that improved indoor air quality in classrooms leads to higher test scores for students.

Study Shows Increased Inflammation in Asthmatics Exposed to Air Pollution
Fine particles in air pollution shown to increase nasal inflammation in asthmatic children.

Studies Show Improved IAQ Leads to More Productivity
Numerous studies show that improving the Indoor Air Quality will lead to higher worker productivity. Measures to improve IAQ don't cost - they pay!!

The Indoor Air Thickens - New Study Confirms Links with Ozone, Cleaning Agents and Air Contaminants
Fine particles, formaldehyde and other air contaminants are created when common cleaning agents are exposed to indoor ozone.

Isn't it Ionic? Air Purifiers Make Smog
Another study confirms that ionizers and ozone generators can create unhealthy levels of ozone in poorly ventilated rooms.

Do Air Filters Provide Health Benefits?
Air cleaners and air filters alone have not been shown to be clinically effective at reducing allergy symptoms.

Alchemy, Indoor Air and the Black Box
Be wary of excessive marketing claims for products to take care of indoor air.

Free Radicals Are NOT "Friendly Oxidizers"
Some new air cleaning devices are using free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to "oxidize" indoor air. Free radicals have been shown to be damaging to human health. Testing is lacking on the by-products of the reactions between free radicals and the components of indoor air.

NAFA Expands Air Filter Specialist Program
Only Filter Certification now open to all individuals interested in air filters and indoor air quality.

Avian Flu Filtration Precautions
Proper filtration can help to minimize the risk of spreading the flu virus.

Is there such a thing as Toxic Mold?
Study does not confirm "toxic mold syndrome" in patients

HEPA Air Cleaners Shown to Reduce Asthma Symptoms When Used in Conjunction with Other Control Measures
Inner City Asthma Study shows effectiveness of comprehensive environmental controls including air purifiers to control asthma.

Filter Needs in the LEED Rating System
Building owners obtain points in LEED system with proper filtration.

Proper Filter Installation Ensures Maximum Performance
Gaps between filters can cause significant decreases in filter efficiency.

	Home \| Air Filtration Products \| Air Filtration Services \| Information & Articles \| About Tex-Air Filters \| Site Map
	Order On-line or Call Us at 1.817.261.3791

Replica Rolex ²»Ðâ¸Ö·´Ó¦¸ª ÍøÕ¾ÓÅ»¯