Air filtration for preppers and emergency preparedness

AllerAir 6000 AH

If you are among the thousands of North Americans quietly organizing yourself to be more prepared and self-sufficient, than you've likely covered the basics of food, water, power and security. One neglected area of preparedness is air quality.

In many possible emergency scenarios airborne particles, chemicals, smoke and odors will likely be a problem with a basic air exchange system providing little to no protection. While many sites online recommend HEPA filtration, this type of particle trapper is not designed for chemicals and odors. A great solution is a basic mechanical air purifier with a large, deep-bed activated carbon filter and HEPA filtration. Activated carbon was originally used in water and air filtration by the military (think gas masks, water filters etc.). It's able to attract and trap many times its weight in chemicals and odors. Paired with a HEPA (high efficiency particle filer), an air cleaner like this will cover the widest range of air pollutants.


A unit like the AllerAir 6000 Exec can also be used as a room air purifier or can be modified (AH model) to be used as a by-pass in your existing ventilation plan. The added benefit of an AllerAir unit is that it's designed first and foremost for function. Unlike an air purifier used by a typical home-owner (built as much for style as for filtration), AllerAir units are designed for industrial use. These are simple, robust units made for constant, 24/7 operation. There are no fancy digital panels to maintain or repair and almost no plastic parts to wear and crack. The filters and the 3-speed motor (max power-draw 156 Watts, but typical users leave it on the lowest setting) are housed in tough, powder-coated steel. The carbon filters can also be refilled rather than replaced (this survivalist thread discusses making your own activated carbon, but having some on hand in a sealed container is easier and more reliable.)

For more information on AllerAir air cleaners visit www.allerair.com. The room air cleaners (no by-pass modification) are also available on Costo.com.

Air Purifier Deals: Free AllerAir Upgrades! Choose UV, More Odor-Busting Carbon - One Day Only!

Today's Daily Deal: AllerAir is offering free air purifier upgrades!

Get more odor-busting activated carbon, germicidal  UV, specialized carbon blends or other extras like organic cotton pre-filters.*

Connect with an AllerAir Air Quality Expert to learn more:

1-888-852-8247 or via live chat:

*Promotion includes client's choice of one upgrade. Units limited to one class upgrade: Exec model to Vocarb, D to DX, DS to DSX.

FAQ: Activated Carbon in Home Air Purifiers for Chemicals and Odors

Although carbon purification has been used for thousands of years, most people unfamiliar with air filtration are surprised to see activated carbon filters when beginning their research on air purifiers. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is an important level in the filtration process that removes airborne chemicals, gases and odors.  When paired with a good quality particle filter, air purifiers with activated carbon filters remove a much wider range of contaminants than a standard HEPA-only dust cleaner.

What is Activated Carbon?

Carbon which is “activated” has undergone a process to open up millions of tiny pores and fissures. The surface area created by the activation is so extensive that if you could spread out all of the microscopic openings found in one teaspoon of carbon, it would cover an entire football field.  This gives the activated carbon its impressive adsorption qualities. The word adsorption should not be confused with absorption.  Adsorption describes how molecules or particles bind to the carbon. The huge surface area of activated carbon gives pollutants many bonding sites. When used in air purifiers, chemicals, gases and odors drawn into the unit will attach to the carbon and be trapped. 

About Carbon for Air Purifiers 

Activated carbon is made from a variety of substances that have naturally high carbon contents such as coal, wood and coconut shells. The raw material used will have a different impact on the performance of the air filter and which pollutants it can effectively remove. In some air purifiers, activated carbon is mixed with other minerals or impregnated with additional compounds to better attract and remove specific airborne chemicals and odors including pet urine, cat litter odor, formaldehyde, fragrances and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).

AllerAir is an industry leader in customizable carbon air purifiers and have over 40 blends of activated carbon to address a wide range of air quality problems. A customized option is ideal for those with significant chemical, gas and odor issues as well as those who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).

The Most Effective Activated Carbon Air Purifiers

There are a wide variety of air purifiers that claim to contain “odor” removing filters. The quality and effectiveness of these air purifiers depends on what’s inside the filters. Some air purifiers only contain thin mesh filters with activated carbon dust sprayed on. These filters will very quickly become saturated with pollutants and must be changed often to be effective. Air purifiers with many pounds of activated carbon can last from 2 to 5 years depending on the level of airborne pollutants.

The depth of the filter is also important. Air purifiers with thicker carbon filters will remove more chemicals and odors with each pass of air as there will be more carbon for the pollutants to travel through and more opportunities to be trapped.

To learn more about AllerAir's activated carbon air purifiers contact an AllerAir air quality expert today at 1-888-852-8247 or connect via live chat, or Twitter.

Beyond Allergies: An Odor-Busting Air Purifier Offers More

Americans spend over 500 million dollars a year on air cleaners. The driving force for many of those air purifier purchases is allergy relief, but investing in a more versatile, multi-purpose unit that also tackles odors will quickly turn a simple dust collector into the most appreciated appliance in your home. 

More Uses = Better Value

We all want the things we buy to give us the most for our money, so why opt for a one-dimensional air purifier? Most standard air purifier models only collect dust and particles. To get more out of your air purifier look for a unit with serious odor “adsorbing” filters like AllerAir’s5000 Exec which has HEPA filtration and a thick 18 lb. activated carbon filter. An air purifier with a deeper carbon filter will clean the air more effectively and require fewer filter changes than a thin mesh filter.

An Air Purifier to the Rescue

There are few things more aggravating than a bad smell in your home and while none of us like to dwell on it, there are many sources for odor lurking in every corner. Here are a few examples of where an odor-busting air purifier can provide some relief: 

Pet Odors

If it’s got fur and is living in your home, you can bet that you have some level of odor. The toughest and most unpleasant is urine. Whether it was a protest pee on your carpet or the constant smell of a cat litter box, the right air purifier with activated carbon can make a surprising difference.  Just remember if you have multiple cats or a more significant pet odor problem be sure to consult an air quality expert for advice on choosing the right unit.

New Home, Upgrades or Renos

A few years ago scientists revealed that the “new car” smell people seemed to love was actually a toxic mix of chemicals coming from the materials used to make the interior. A new or renovated home is no different. It’s filled with off-gassing products like new flooring, lumber, particle board, paint and furniture, which can significantly compromised air quality. An air purifier with activated carbon will not only address the odors from all of these materials, but can help remove the more serious airborne VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that may be harmful to human health.

General Odors

A multi-purpose air purifier is also very handy to have for general odors like that horrible stink when you run the self-cleaning oven, the corner where you’ve shoved the diaper pail or that musty storage area. The downside is you’ll find so many places to use your unit, you may find yourself needing more than one.

Ask an Air Purifier Expert

To learn more about a multi-purpose air purifier for allergies and odors, or an affordable and fully customized air purifier for smoke or MCS contact an AllerAir air quality expert today at 1-888-852-8247 or connect via live chat or Twitter.

MCS: Housing accommodations for those with chemical sensitivities

Chemical sensitivity affects 16% of
the population: Experts

Chemical sensitivities are on the rise – and many organizations and individuals are taking notice.

In a recent presentation given at the NCIL Annual Meeting by Mary Lamielle with the title “Accommodating Consumers and Staff with Chemical Sensitivities,” the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc. pointed out different ways and policies to make those suffering from MCS more comfortable.

What is MCS?

People affected by multiple chemical sensitivities react to low levels of everyday chemical exposures, although individual tolerances vary.

The NCEHS estimates that 16 percent of the population may be affected by chemical sensitivities and that up to 6 percent are chronically ill and disabled due to their chemical sensitivity.

A lack of accessible and affordable housing that is healthy and non-toxic forces many people suffering from debilitating forms of MCS to live in tents or makeshift homes, or to suffer in their contaminated homes.

Better IAQ a must for MCS

The presentation stressed the importance of indoor air quality when it comes to chemical sensitivities, especially since 90 percent of Americans spend 95 percent of their time indoors – either at home, at work, in school or in the car.

Combine that fact with a growing number of indoor air pollution sources, a lack of fresh air as well as new or reformulated products and substances,  and it is no wonder that MCS is on the rise.

The Center’s recommendations included:

• Integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pesticide exposure
• Electronic rather than gas appliances
• Hardwood floors instead of carpeting
• Windows that can be opened
• Clean ductwork
• Tolerable or less toxic construction and retrofitting materials
• No smoking policy
• No idling policy
• Non-discrimination policy
• Non-toxic cleaning products
• No air fresheners or scented products
• Notifying tenants of cleaning or renovation projects
• Educating staff and tenants about chemical sensitivities

People affected by MCS may also want to use charcoal masks and activated carbon air filters, the presentation concluded.

Source: National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc.

Charcoal air purifiers for MCS

Carbon (charcoal) filters can remove
airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

A HEPA filter alone is simply a dust collector – it is not designed to remove airborne chemicals and odors.

Chemical sensitivities require a deep-bed activated carbon or charcoal filter, which is the most efficient and trusted filtration media to remove chemicals and gases that may affect people’s health and well-being.

But not every charcoal filter is made alike.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers for people affected by MCS, which come with the following features and bonuses:

• An MCS test kit to find the most tolerable carbon type or blend
• Organic unbleached cotton pre-filter
• A deep-bed activated carbon filter with many pounds of activated carbon
• Super-HEPA particle filter that contains no glue, binders and Polyamide
• Metal housing and metal carbon canisters to prevent off-gassing
• Powder-coated finishes
• Burnt-in motor to reduce the new motor smell
• Positive and negative pressure configurations
• HVAC-compatible components

Some of AllerAir’s most popular models for chemical sensitivities are the 5000 D MCS Supreme and the AirMedic D MCS.

Contact AllerAir for more information or to place your order.

Indoor air quality and hay fever (VIDEO)

The indoor air quality in a home can make a big difference in the comfort level and well-being of residents that have become sensitized to pollen and other types of allergens.

More and more people are suffering from allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever.

The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates have released a new educational video about pollen, allergies and hay fever, which touches on the different types of allergies and ways to reduce exposure to allergens.




Air purifiers for allergies

AllerAir has designed portable and powerful air purifiers for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

The air purifiers feature a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles, allergens and dust up to 0.3 microns in size, a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove irritating odors, chemicals and gases and optional UV germicidal filtration to neutralize bacteria, viruses and molds.

For chemical allergies, AllerAir also offers the most inert and proven air purifiers for MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities).

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized suggestions.

Now I wake up feeling refreshed
Before purchasing your air cleaner, I was taking prescription allergy medication at bedtime to relieve sinus drainage. Since operating your Model 4000 at night with the bedroom doors closed, I have found that I can forgo the medication entirely. The air must be so free of dust mite allergens that I can sleep better without the drug. Now I wake up feeling refreshed. Thank you!
Richard H. Rast

More testimonials...

Living close to a fracking site may harm your health: Study

Air pollution from hydraulic fracturing deemed a major health risk

Researchers named a
long list of health risks
linked to fracking.

As our colleagues from Electrocorp are reporting today, a new study has found a link between the air pollution caused by hydraulic fracturing and acute and chronic health problems for people living near the drilling sites.

Researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health concluded a three-year study that raises concerns about the levels of toxic chemicals in the air around natural gas drilling sites.

The chemicals in question are benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene, which are either known carcinogens or otherwise linked to serious health effects.

The study should ring an alarm bell for people living with a half mile from a natural gas drilling site, since it increases the risk of health effects (in Colorado, companies can drill for natural gas within 150 feet of homes or residential dwellings).

The air pollution caused by fracking may contribute to a number of health effects, including eye irritation, headaches, asthma symptoms and cancer.

The study report will be published in Science of the Total Environment, an article in the Los Angeles Times says.

Cleaner indoor air in homes

Activated carbon air purifiers can help remove harmful chemicals and gases like benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene.

AllerAir offers the most powerful air purifiers for the home and office, featuring deep-bed activated carbon filters for effective removal of gaseous pollutants.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 
See also:

• VIDEO: Natural gas and air pollution 

   

Q&A: How often do I have to change the activated carbon filter?

AllerAir's deep-bed activated carbon
filters typically last 2-5 years.

An air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA can remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants – but many clients are wondering about the filter changes.

How long does activated carbon last? When is it saturated?

There is no all-encompassing easy answer. Activated carbon is the best and safest filter media to adsorb (meaning to trap by way of chemical reaction on its internal surface area) a large number of gaseous pollutants and chemicals.

AllerAir is proud to offer customers 100% virgin activated carbon, meaning it hasn’t been recycled or restocked (that’s why we also don’t accept air filter returns). So when you get your air purifier, it is performing at full capacity and adsorbing a wide range of odors, chemicals and gases.

How long the carbon will last depends on your indoor air quality and requirements. It is not an exact science.

Typically, an activated carbon filter will last about two years, but in many reasonably “green” or “non-toxic” households, it can last up to 5 years. For optimal performance and ease of mind, most people decide to change it after 2 years.

AllerAir suggests the following:

• Asses your indoor air quality. An air quality test is good, but make sure it takes not only dust and mold into account, but also chemicals and gases. Make a list of possible sources: Building materials such as drywall, paint, adhesives, glues, particleboard, carpeting, window treatments, cleaning agents, pets, etc.
• When was the last time you renovated? Renovations will put extra strain on your air purifier, since the chemicals, fumes and particles released in the process may fill up the filter faster than usual
• Make a note in your calendar or put up a reminder notice. Then reassess the situation after two years.

Many people will realize their carbon filter needs changing because it doesn’t seem to be working as well as before – the nose is a good guide.

More questions? Please submit them to askus@allerair.com, consult our FAQ section or contact AllerAir directly.

AllerAir Q&A: You use lots of Activated Carbon in your air purifiers, does that have anything to do with the term Carbon Footprint?

Answer:
The word “carbon” in the term Carbon Footprint refers to“carbon dioxide”. In terms of pollution, carbon dioxide is a waste gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and in this context can be considered an environmental pollutant. 

Ironically, “Activated Carbon” is actually a physical material that removes pollutants. It’s made from natural sources like wood and coconut shells and is highly efficient for filtering airborne and waterborne toxins, especially chemicals and odors. Its use has actually been traced back thousands of years.

To learn more about our activated carbon filters for chemicals and odors, connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

VIDEO: Natural Gas & Air Pollution



Play Video



This is an interesting video report done for the New York Times on the concerns of local residents living in the shadows of natural gas development.

Touted as a "greener" energy source, natural gas production has had an explosion of growth all over North America.

Opponents argue that producing  it spews serious pollutants into the air like VOC's and other toxins that may have serious long-term health effects. One former EPA employee says the industry has been given a pass on environmental laws.

Are you concerned about natural gas, VOC's and your air quality? AllerAir is the industry leader in heavy-duty chemical and odor control air cleaners for residential use.

Our units use deep-bed activated carbon air filters (the same material often used in gas masks) to remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

To learn more about our products and cleaner indoor air quality, connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert

Follow us on twitter

E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Formaldehyde, Styrene Added To U.S. Health Department's Carcinogens List

"....an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals."

The preservative formaldehyde and styrene, the chemical used to make styrofoam, have officially been added to the U.S. health department's list of chemicals that may put people at increased risk for cancer.

"Reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents is something we all want, and the Report on Carcinogens provides important information on substances that pose a cancer risk," said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).


The Report on Carcinogens is a congressionally mandated document that identifies agents, substances, mixtures, or exposures in two categories: known to be a human carcinogen and reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

"This report underscores the critical connection between our nation's health and what's in our environment." added John Bucher, Ph.D., associate director of the NTP.

Formaldehyde was first listed in the 2nd Report on Carcinogens as a substance that was reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, after laboratory studies showed it caused nasal cancer in rats. There is now sufficient evidence from studies in humans to show that individuals with higher measures of exposure to formaldehyde are at increased risk for certain types of rare cancers.

What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is widely used to make resins for household items, such as composite wood products, paper product coatings, plastics, synthetic fibers, and textile finishes. Formaldehyde is also commonly used as a preservative in medical laboratories, mortuaries, and some consumer products, including some hair straightening products.

What is Styrene?

Styrene is a synthetic chemical used worldwide in the manufacture of products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, food containers, and carpet backing. People may be exposed to styrene by breathing indoor air that has styrene vapors from building materials, tobacco smoke, and other products. The greatest exposure to styrene in the general population is through cigarette smoking. Workers in certain occupations may potentially be exposed to much higher levels of styrene than the general population.

Can an Air Cleaner Remove Chemicals?

Yes, an air cleaner with a deep-bed of activated carbon can remove a wide range of dangerous airborne chemicals. AllerAir manufactures over 100 deep-bed carbon air cleaners for residential use and air scrubbers for heavy industry.

For more information on air quality and chemical exposure, connect with us:
 
Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

For our industrial division:
http://www.electrocorp.net/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Electrocorp_Air
Blog: http://industrialodorcontrol.blogspot.com/
Phone: 1-866-667-0297

Indoor Air Quality News: Study finds flame retardants at high levels in pet dogs

It seems even the family dog may benefit from cleaner indoor air.

A new study by Indiana University scientists have found chemical flame retardants in the blood of pet dogs at concentrations five to 10 times higher than in humans.

"Even though they've been around for quite awhile, we don't know too much about these compounds' toxicological effects on humans or animals," says study author Marta Venier.

"The bottom line is that we still need to keep measuring them, particularly in homes."


The study focuses on the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of dogs and in commercial dog food.

PBDEs have been widely used as flame retardants in household furniture and electronics equipment. The compounds can migrate out of the products and enter the environment.
 
Even though some of these chemicals have been phased out, they're still found in homes and in household dust.

Pets spend the majority of their day indoors breathing in these pollutants. Using an air cleaner with a good HEPA and carbon filter can provide cleaner, healthier indoor air for pets as well as the people who love them.

VIDEO: What a toxicologist says about formaldehyde in your kitchen

I found this interesting video clip today from Toxicologist Gary Ginsberg who discusses formaldehyde in your kitchen! Unfortunately, this industrial chemical is also found throughout the home in flooring products, furniture and shelving.

To remove airborne chemicals in the home including formaldehyde we recommend an AllerAir 5000 Vocarb. This is a great multi-purpose air cleaner with an exclusive deep-bed activated carbon chemical filter and a medical grade HEPA filter for dust and other particles. 

(Editor's note: Video plays after a short 15 second commercial which was embedded with the clip)

If you'd like to learn more about removing airborne chemicals, connect with an air quality expert:
1-888-852-8247
Twitter: @allerair
Live chat:

Selling Your Home and Odor Control

One of the top turn-offs for home buyers is smoke odor and pet odor. Unfortunately, those are often the most difficult odors to remove. From AllerAir, the odor control experts, here’s an action plan to tackle odors for your open house:

1. Forget the air fresheners.

Surprised? Cat, dog and smoke odors can’t be effectively masked with air freshening plug-ins, gels and oils. The only thing you’ll do is draw attention to the fact that you’re desperately trying to cover-up an odor problem. These fragrances are also laced with chemicals which are unhealthy to breathe and may trigger allergies in your prospective home-buyers.

2. Bring in a friend for a sniff test

Ask a friend to come in and smell your home – and don’t be offended by their feedback. It’s a neat trick of biology that we quickly become accustom to strong odors in our own environment – so chances are you can’t even smell the full extent of your odor problem.

3. Tackle the odor issue head on

If you smoke – stop smoking in your home and make sure you’ve emptied and removed your ashtrays. If you have pets, change cage linings and litter boxes frequently and consider isolating pets to one room in the house. It’s easier to tackle one stinky room than an entire stinky home.  

3. Increasing air circulation is only a start

Leaving windows open for a few hours prior to your showing can remove that stale lived-in smell, but is not enough to remove pet odors and long-term smoke-smell. Start by doing a top to bottom clean – wash down walls, bedding, curtains, pet toys and blankets and consider hiring a cleaning service that specializes in cleaning carpets and upholstery. In the case of smoke, you may also want to consider re-painting as the smoke will have penetrated deep into your dry-wall.

4. Buy an air purifier (or several) with the deepest-bed activated carbon filter you can afford

Most air purifiers only have a HEPA filter for particles or a tiny carbon filter which is completely ineffective on tough pet odors and smoke odors. A deep-bed activated carbon filter will actually absorb odors and smoke. It’s important to keep these units running 24/7 as it may take time to remove odors that are embedded in furniture, draperies, carpeting, clothing and anything else soft and porous in your home that can hold on to odor. Try a 5000 D or a smoke unit like the 5000 DS with an extra tar-trapping filter. 

5. Bake

Once you’ve taken steps to properly control your odor problem – concentrate on creating an inviting atmosphere. It may sound crazy, but people respond to the smell of freshly baked cookies or bread. If you don’t have time to bake, boil some orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves on the stove top. Real estate agents swear by it.  

Improving Indoor Air Quality in your Home: How an Air Purifier Can Help

An interesting report was released this week about Canadians' attitudes on air quality, green products and sustainability. It revealed that while an overwhelming majority of homeowners (98%) view indoor air quality as important, only half are aware of products to improve their indoor air quality.

So in light of those surprising results, we wanted to discuss how a quality air cleaner can  improve your indoor air quality:

1. Remove airborne chemicals

Environmental chemicals are among the most hotly debated air pollutants. Some studies have linked chemicals in air pollution to asthma, allergies, heart problems and even cancer. A top quality air purifier with deep-bed activated carbon, like the AllerAir 5000 removes a wide range of chemicals - far more pollutants than an air cleaner with only a HEPA filter. For tobacco chemicals and odors try the AllerAir 5000 DS for tobacco smoke.

2. Remove airborne dust, dander, pollen and larger airborne viruses


For those concerned about particles, AllerAir air purifiers are also equipped with medical-grade HEPA or micro-HEPA particle filters that remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size.

3. Remove odors

Many consumers are surprised to learn that most air purifiers can't remove odors. That's because most air cleaners only focus on airborne particles. AllerAir incorporates deep-bed activated carbon filters into their air cleaners. Activated carbon is a well-established and widely used filtration media renowned for its ability to attract and "soak-up" (adsorb) some of the world's toughest chemicals and odors. AllerAir provides homeowners with more activated carbon than other room air cleaners for effective chemical and odor removal. An ideal choice for indoor air quality problems relating to pet odors, smoking, smells from industrial pollution and neighboring dwellings.

For more great reasons why you need an air purifier visit our website!

Housedold products emiting chemicals classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws

A University of Washington study analyzed more than two dozen commonly used scented household items - all of them emitted chemicals that are classified as toxic or hazardous under federal laws. Watch this CBS news report - it follows a short commercial for colon cancer screening...


Will an air cleaner remove these airborne chemicals? Don't be fooled by misleading advertising! A HEPA filter cannot remove airborne odors, fragrances and chemcials. Only an air purifier with a deep-bed activated carbon filter (like what you'd find in a military gas mask) can remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors.

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief

Are facial tissues becoming a hot commodity in your home? Seasonal allergies are taking sufferers by storm in 2010, with millions of American seeking some sort of allergy relief. Probably most surprising is the number of first-time allergy sufferers. According to experts, the pollen count has been hit record highs in some regions. In some parts of the country 6,000 pollen particles per cubic meter of air have been recorded – you only need 10 particles per cubic meter to trigger a reaction in some people.  

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies and Allergy Relief

You can’t control the pollen count outdoors, but you can control your indoor environment. Using a room air cleaner with the right filtration can help clean the air of airborne pollen, mold, chemicals, dust and other triggers which aggravate the respiratory system. Look for a room air cleaner with a medical-grade HEPA filter which can remove over 99% of airborne particles and an activated carbon filter which removes chemicals, gases and odors. Among our top sellers for allergy relief is the AllerAir Air Medic which is designed to be used 24/7 for continuously clean air. Other units which are best for allergies:


4000 Exec
5000 Exec
5000 HEPA

Additional Tips for Allergy Relief:

• For your medication to be most effective, take it 30 minutes before going outside
• Keep your doors and windows closed
• Dry laundry indoors
• Shower before bed
• Wipe down your pets when they come in from outdoors
• Leave your shoes outside or at the door to avoid tracking in pollen and mold

Allergy Information:
Outdoor Allergens
FAQ About Pollen
FAQ About Mold

Smoke Odor Removal

If you've been scanning the internet for solutions to your smoke odor problem you've no doubt come across several sites suggesting a range of DIY solutions from lemons to vinegar. For anyone living with smoke odor issues, you know that a bowl of baking soda  is unlikely to have a serious impact on such a pervasive odor problem.

In desperation, many people turn to odor removing sprays or gel-type deodorizers. These products can't remove odor, they only mask the smell with chemicals agents and actually worsen your indoor air quality. The only product with the ability to “soak up” cigarette smoke odor is activated carbon (also described online as charcoal).

As experts in chemical and odor removal, AllerAir's designers created a special series of smoke removing air purifiers. These air cleaners not only feature 24 to 36 lbs. of activated carbon (a material used by the military for the world's most hazardous airborne pollutants),  but a unique tar-trapping pre-filter. Without this special feature, the filters of an air cleaner would eventually get clogged by sticky tar particles.

If you're a smoker or living in a building that has smoke odor issues, you need a serious solution. Visit our website for more information on our smoke removing air purifiers or chat live with one of our air quality experts to get instant answers to your air quality questions.

Air Quality and Toxic Releases State by State: Benezene, Dioxins, Lead, Mercury, TCE

I discovered a great map on CNN's Toxic Ameria site that shows the airborne emissions of the most widespread and toxic chemicals that we're currently breathing on a daily basis basis including: Benzene, Dioxins, Lead and Lead Compounds, Mercury and Mercury Compounds as well as TCE (trichloroethylene).

All of these compounds have been associated with serious health effects including cancer and birth defects.


Many people aren't aware that a serious home air cleaner with a deep-bed activated carbon filter can remove these types of very serious airborne pollutants. In fact, our units are so reliable for airborne chemicals we've sold them to the U.S. Military, NASA and universities like M.I.T - as well as thousands of American families! See our filtration video.