Clearing the air: how to breathe easier at home

E: The Environmental Magazine, July-August, 2005 by Melissa Knopper

AHAM, a trade association for air purifier manufacturers, does independent testing on different air cleaner models and gives the performance data to consumers. This information is particularly helpful because, as air cleaner sales picked up over the past few years, several companies began selling questionable products via e-mail spam.

So how do you know if you should spend thousands on a whole-house system or $200 on a small High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter? Many health experts say air-cleaning machines really aren't necessary for most of us. But for those struggling with environmental health issues, these machines can offer relief.

Notini advises measuring the size of your room so you can get an appropriate type. Consider the overall design, noise issues and how often you must change the filter. Next, take a look at the performance ratings. Some families may do just fine with a portable HEPA filter, which cleans larger particles, such as pollen and pet dander. To remove chemical gases, such as formaldehyde, a carbon filter is needed. Many new homebuilders offer a central vacuum system that feeds into a whole-house filter.

Also, consider how much ozone the machine produces, either as part of the service (ozone can kill mold, for example) or as a byproduct. While ozone can be helpful, too much can cause serious health problems, Notini says. Ask the manufacturer--and your doctor--before purchasing an ozone-producing machine. The EPA offers a helpful report on the ozone issue at www.epa.gov/ iaq/pubs/airclean.html.

Meanwhile, houseplants may be a cheaper alternative, says retired NASA researcher Bill Wolverton (see www. wolvertonenvironmental.com). While trying to improve indoor air quality for astronauts living in a sealed chamber full of toxic materials, Wolverton discovered that plants cleared the air by absorbing chemicals and converting them into food and energy. Top air-cleaners include philodendron, Boston fern, peace lily and English ivy. Wolverton recommends using two or three houseplants per 100 square feet of room space, although some critics counter that the air cleansing abilities of plants have been exaggerated (see "Living Filters" July/August 1998).

If you want sweeter air inside, don't forget to check outside, says the Lung Association's O'Connell. For example, lawn chemicals usually waft indoors, so it's best to avoid them. If you must have them, invest in an outdoor storage shed.

All of these changes can add up, acknowledges CHEC's Spector. But it doesn't take a lot of money to get started. Get an inexpensive throw rug, mix up some homemade cleaning solutions and throw open the windows. "If you try to make your home as nontoxic as possible, it will give you a sense of control and well being," says Spector. CONTACT: American Lung Association, (800)LUNGUSA, www.healthhouse.org; Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, (202) 872-5955, www.aham.org; Children's Health Environmental Coalition, (310) 820-2030, www.checnet.org.

MELISSA KNOPPER is a Colorado-based freelance writer.