In 1956 the movie Forbidden Planet was released and it was one of the best science fiction movies for its time. One of the main characters, Dr. Morbius, played by Walter Pidgeon, had found the remains of an advanced society known as the Krell. The Krell developed a brain boost device that enabled Dr. Morbius to increase his IQ well over 200. The result was a series of wonderful engineering feats accomplished by the good Dr. that eventually became his own demise.

The advancements being made in technology continue to amaze people even today. Science fiction novels and movies of the past 50 years had imagined technologies and devices one could only dream about. Today science fiction has become more science faction. Digital communications devices, space travel, nanotechnology, robots, holograms are all now part of our world and the hits keep on coming. We all carry a smart phone that is capable of accessing all the knowledge in the world and anyone anywhere at anytime. Some advancements in technology, like 3-D Printers have the ability to revolutionize the world…and at the same time create opportunities for evil doers of the world to create harmful technologies. Like Morbius, one has to be careful of what we develop for the betterment of mankind.

In 1985 Pure Air Systems developed one of the first commercially designed, fan powered HEPA air filtration system to be used in a residential application. Very few people knew of or heard of HEPA filters as they were primarily used in the electronics industry and somewhat in the medical industry.  Trying to explain the benefits and features of HEPA filters to the uneducated market was very difficult since most homeowners had never heard the term HEPA before and had even less knowledge of air filters. In the early 80’s electronic air cleaners were still being sold and installed on many HVAC systems and media filters were usually the fiberglass, see-thru cardboard frame types that at best could capture large, leaf-sized objects.

New ideas, concepts, change often bring a lot of anxiety to the masses. It usually takes some significant issue to get people to focus on a subject and take some time to understand it. The advent of “sick building syndrome” in the mid 80’s got the attention of homeowners and building owners alike. The lack of fresh outside air, toxic fumes from building materials and furniture and the lack of any type of filtration for the recycled air in the homes and offices forced the nation to rethink the issue of Indoor Air Quality.

Pure Air Systems developed six new commercial grade HEPA units since its inception in 1985 and is considered one of the leaders in high volume HEPA systems that can be used either attached to existing HVAC and air handler units or as stand-alone systems. Used throughout the world, the HEPA systems from PAS continue to lead the way in performance and quality. Using the most advanced variable speed drive motors and digital controllers, the HEPA systems by Pure Air Systems are proving they are much more than science fiction. Just ask Morbius.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. You can also call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

For those of you who like to visit grave yards for historical value you will often find some rather creative epitaphs mixed in among the typical “Here Lies So and So” and their birth death dates. One of the more creative mementos chiseled in granite is the ” I Told You I Was Sick” message. I find this funny and somewhat philosophical all at the same time. It may have been done purely as a joke ….or perhaps it was more on the “true” side of their demise. Whatever the case, being somewhat prophetic about your death makes some sense.

It so happens that people who work in dirty environments or in locations where dust, dirt and other airborne debris are present may make the same statement. Even those technicians and medical personnel that are subjected to a wide variety of antibiotic strains of bacteria may call out this phrase. In today’s world of ever changing pathogens it is almost impossible to keep yourself at a safe distance from being the next person to kiss the earth on a permanent basis.

We are constantly surrounded by people…at work, in the stores, on elevators, trains, buses, airplanes, schools, etc. etc. Unless you work at home and live the life of a Monk, you are going to have to come in close proximity to another human being. The latest round of the flu bug has become a nightmare for millions of people and this particular strain is relatively nasty and long lasting. This makes avoiding contact with other humans even more important. Yet still difficult to do.

Almost every indoor environment has a forced air, ducted heating/cooling system that takes all the air through the return air ventilation ducts, heats and cools it and then redistributes the air back into the room. This process aids is circulating all the airborne pathogens and allergens and evenly spreads your germs to the other individuals in the room. This is how and why students at school continue to keep getting sick once a flu epidemic starts. It is a continuous process of passing the viral infection from student to student. This same process is repeated in offices and shopping centers around the world.

Central or whole house filtration systems that incorporate HEPA based filters, such as those offered by Pure Air Systems. PAS has been manufacturing commercial grade HEPA and Carbon based systems since 1985 and has thousands of units installed in commercial, institutional, medical, industrial and residential facilities in North America and around the world. These extremely effective air filtration systems can move from 50 CFM up to 2,000 CFM and work either in conjunction with HVAC systems or as stand-alone units.

The ability of the HEPA filters to remove up to 99.97% of all airborne particles 0.3 microns in size or lager makes this type of filtration system a potential cure for the early grave. These same filters are used in surgery rooms, the CDC and any operation that requires extremely clean air. It has been shown that working and living in environments that use HEPA filters for complete air filtration significantly reduces the number of colds, flu and other respiratory infections. A simple solution to an ever growing problem.

For more information on Pure Air Systems and their complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems please go to their website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow them on Twitter @pureairsystems. You can always call them on their toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

As humans we take a lot of things for granite. Rotation of the earth which produces gravity, land to walk on and water to swim in, and the ever present source of life, the Sun.  Being able to breathe the atmosphere in our environment is also something we take for granite. Interestingly most of us know little about the air we breathe. For example, the atmosphere we exist in is comprised primarily of oxygen and nitrogen. Oxygen comprises 21% while Nitrogen comprises 79%..( actually a little less than 79% as there are some trace elements in the atmosphere as well). In reality we are actually Nitrogen breathers although at the surface pressure of 1 atmosphere our bodies don’t absorb the Nitrogen, but they do take in the Oxygen.

When you have a cold or some form of upper respiratory infection you often find it is difficult to breathe. In actuality the lungs are probably full of mucus and the surface capacity of the lungs to take in Oxygen are significantly reduced, therefore requiring longer and deeper breaths just to get the amount of Oxygen your body requires. This same problem exists when you have lung damage due to smoking or breathing large quantities of airborne particulate in your work place over long periods of time. Ingestion of small, sub-micron sized particles create challenges for the lungs as these particulate tend to stay logged in the lung linings and mucus membranes.  People who smoke have difficulty in running or walking long distances as they get “short of breath” very quickly.

Small concentrations of harmful, respirable sub-micron sized particles, inhaled over a long periods of time can also significantly impair the lungs ability to take in Oxygen. Individuals who work in environments where dust is generated on a continuous basis are more susceptible to lung damage than those working in an office type environment. Even when technicians where masks or respirators, these individuals are more at risk than most.

In 1985, Pure Air Systems was founded to provide a series of commercial grade HEPA and Carbon based systems for the residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and medical markets. Today, the PAS line of HEPA, fan powered systems are used in a wide variety of high performance applications around the world. Removal and reduction of small particles are the key benefit of using HEPA filters. Those used by PAS are initially rated at 99.99% removal of particles 0.3 microns or smaller and approach 98% removal of particles 0.12 microns and larger.

Over the years many home owners have purchased the HEPA units from PAS and found the number of colds, upper respiratory infections, allergies and even headaches were significantly reduced. The same is true of those companies and medical operations that used the PAS HEPA systems. Product through-put, reduction in transfer of airborne pathogens and allergens, increase in product quality and reduction in loss work time for employees were all positively affected when using the HEPA systems on a regular basis.

For more information on the complete HEPA and Carbon based product line please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com or you can follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems or like us on our Facebook page. Of course you can always call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

This year the flu has hit the US very hard. I was up in Indiana for the Christmas Holidays and the majority of the friends and relatives we visited were either sick or just getting over the flu. This story was played out across the US and as of last report 47 of the 50 states had major out breaks of the flu. Coming back to Florida after the New Year I found that the vast majority of those Floridians that went up north to visit relatives were also suffering from the flu bug. Airborne viruses are very difficult to control.

The recommended medical approach to dealing with the flu is to get a flu shot in the summer or early fall to avoid the flu season which usually runs from October through March. And, for many people this preventative measure works. Although while it is possible to get the flu even if you have the shot, the symptoms are usually less severe and are short lived.

Since the flu virus is airborne, sub-micron in size and easily transferred from any infected surface, it is difficult to be in an enclosed structure that uses a forced air fan heating/cooling unit to not have contact with the virus when half the people in the structure are now infected. So when one person gets it..chances are others will as well. I believe many of us saw this take place over Christmas and New Years. Even wearing a mask may not help as the flu virus can live for short periods of time on many surfaces and then it is easily transferred to your hands and then eventually your face ( as we touch our faces up to 500 times per day).

Commercial grade HEPA filters are designed to remove, at a minimum, 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger with efficiencies approaching over 95% on particles smaller than 0.3 microns.  Viruses range in size from .006 microns to 0.5 microns in size. HEPA filters are the primary filtration media used by the CDC and other laboratories around the world that work with highly contagious and deadly viruses. They are extremely effective at protecting the technicians who work with these contagions.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified, HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. They are one of the leaders in offering a wide range of HEPA systems that can be digitally controlled to produce from 50 CFM to 2000 CFM. The PAS line of HEPA systems utilize the ECM variable speed motors that are rate 120/240v 50/60 Hz and can be used anywhere in the world. These units are fabricated from powder coated steel and use state-of-the-art digital control systems.  Since its inception, PAS has sold tens of thousands of its units to the residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, medical and specialty products markets in the North American continent and around the world.

The use of PAS HEPA systems in the residential market has shown over time that those homeowners have experienced fewer colds, allergies and flu symptoms than homeowners that just use standard air filters in their HVAC systems. Of course you can’t carry a HEPA filter around with you to work or the store, but you can significantly reduce the transfer of airborne viruses and allergens in your household or small office area with a very high degree of effectiveness.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based products please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. Of course you can always call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

Taking the Confusion Out of Air Filter Efficiency or What Do They Really Mean When They Say That?

I will try to keep this simple and short so as not to add to some of the confusion over air filter efficiencies. First, I would like to point out that any company that sells an air filter that states an efficiency rating without basing it on a particle size is providing you with basically useless information. For example: an air filter that has a statement reading “this filter will remove up to 95% of all airborne contaminants in your home or office”, doesn’t really tell you anything. Since most of the respirable particles that actually are harmful are usually less than 2 microns in size, don’t you think it would be important to tell you what size particles they actually remove from the air? So, let’s look at this statement again. “95% of all airborne contaminants” sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Our HEPA air filters remove 99.97% of all airborne contaminants at 0.3 microns and smaller. At first glance these two air filters look similar in capability. But the first air filter provides no particle size range or efficiency based on particle size.

Recently the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the air filter industry have come up with a standardized rating system, based on the European concept, of a MERV rating for each type of air filter. This numbering system makes it easier to evaluate and compare mechanical air filters and will hopefully eliminate some of the confusion regarding the overall effectiveness of any type of a mechanical air filter on removing airborne particulates, especially those that are less than 2 microns in size.

Bbelow you will see the new MERV ratings. This MERV rating chart has the MERV ratings, 1-16 on the left hand column and then there are five other columns showing the average efficiency in microns, average arrestance and the final resistance as measured in inches of water. Most companies that make air filters are now using this MERV rating, so you will see a MERV number on the air filter and perhaps some rated efficiency.

Comparing Various Air Filters to MERV Ratings

• Throw-Away Fiberglass Media MERV 1 -MERV 4
• Pleated Media Air Filters 30% ASHRAE MERV 10 – MERV 11
• Pleated Media Air Filters 65% ASHRAE MERV 13 *
• (* 65% ASHRAE is about 20% effective on less than 1 micron particles)
• Pleated Media Air Filters 95% ASHRAE MERV 14

Some of the man-made synthetic media like that used in the 3M Filtrete air filters may be rated MERV 15. However, they hold very little dust and load up quickly and have a relatively high-pressure drop (static pressure) and can affect the performance of the heating / cooling system.

MERV Ratings Comparison Chart

RESPA Air Filter Efficiency – MERV Rating Chart

IMPORTANT NOTES:It is important that you select the RESPA Filter that best fits your application.MERV is an acronym for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. The MERV rating on an air filter describes its efficiency as a means of reducing the level of 3 to 10 micron-sized particles in air which passes through the filter. Higher “MERV” means higher filter efficiency. The purpose of the MERV standard is to permit an “apples to apples” comparison of the filtering efficiency of various air filters. <Read more about MERV and HEPA filter ratings>HEPA air filters are not MERV rated as they exceed the ASHRAE test protocol 52.2 used in determining the MERV ratings. In fact, HEPA air filters are the ONLY mechanical air filters that are tested and certified to meet a specific efficiency at a specific particle size. All HEPA air filters must meet a minimum efficiency of 99.97% at 0.3 microns. <Read more about MERV and HEPA filter ratings> Comparison of EU Standards to ASHRAE 52.1, 52.2 (MERV Ratings) Considerable differences exist between filter ratings in North America and Europe. This article helps the reader to understand the differences between ASHREA and EU standards for Filtration. Additional light is shed on the significant differences in the HEPA filtration standards between the US Government and the European standards. This article will help the reader to appreciate the MERV 16 filtration offered by Sy-Klone International. <Read more about European filter standards and how they compare to MERV ratings> >> Go to RESPA-SD Product Information >> Go to RESPA-SDX Product Information

RESPA Filter Model European Filter Rating Efficiency Standard 52.5 Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) Dust Spot Efficiency Arrestance Typical Controlled Contaminant Typical Applications and Limitations Typical Air Filter/Cleaner Type HEPA Filter*  (FEFF004 for RESPA-SD/SDX)Recommended when the very highest level of filtration is needed, or where HEPA filters are required by regulatory requirements. n/a n/a n/a 0.30 micron particle size: • All Combustion smoke • Radon Progeny • Sea Salt • Carbon Dust • Orthopedic Surgery • Carcinogenic Materials >99.97% eff. on .30 pm Particles MERV 16 Filter* (FEFF005 for RESPA-SD/SDX)Covers all uses that require up to MERV 16 rating. Recommended for uses where airborne contaminants place operator at risk, including contaminants such as Diesel Particulate Matter and Respirable Silica. We highly recommend this filter as it represents the best mix of high efficiency filtration, operator protection and economy. EU P3** (~16+) n/a n/a .30-1.0 micron Particle Size • All Bacteria • Most Tobacco Smoke • Proplet Nuceli (Sneeze) • General Surgery • Hospital Inpatient Care • Smoking Lounges • Superior Commercial Buildings Bag Filter – Nonsupported microfine fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pocketsBox Filter– Rigid Style Cartridge, Filters 6 to 12″ deep may use lofted or paper media 16 n/a n/a 15 >95% n/a 14 90-95% >98% 13 89-90% >98% 12 70-75% >95% 1.0-3.0 micron Particle Size: • Legionella Humidifier Dust • Lead Dust • Milled Flour • Auto Emissions • Welding Fumes • Superior Residential • Better Commercial Buildings • Hospital Laboratories Bag Filter – Nonsupported microfine fiberglass or synthetic media, 12-36 in. deep, 6-12 pocketsBox Filter– Rigid Style Cartridge, Filters 6 to 12″ deep may use lofted or paper media 11 60-65% >95% EU P2** 10 50-55% >95% 9 40-45% >90% MERV 8 Filter* (FEFF003 for RESPA-SD/SDX)Covers all uses that require up to MERV 8 rating. Recommended for non-human respiratory environments, such as electrical compartments. 8 30-35% >90% 3.0-10.0 micron Particle Size: • Mold Spores • Hair Spray • Fabric Protector • Dusting Aids • Cement Dust • Pudding Mix • Commercial Buildings • Better Residential • Industrial Workplace • Paint Booth Inlet Pleated Filters – Disposable, extended surface area, thick with cotton-polyester blend media, cardboard frameCartridge Filters– Graded density viscous coated cube or pocket filters, synthetic mediaThrowaway– Disposable synthetic panel filter. 7 25-30% >90% 6 <20% 85-90% EU P1** 5 <20% 80-85% 4 <20% 75-80% >10.0 micron Particle Size: • Pollen • Dust Mites • Sanding Dust • Spray Paint Dust • Textile Fibers • Carpet Fibers • Minimal Filtration • Residential • Window A/C Units Throwaway – Disposable fiberglass or synthetic panel filter.Washable– Aluminum MeshElectrostatic – Self charging woven panel filter. 3 <20% 70-75% 2 <20% 65-70% 1 <20% <65%

This is an important chart to keep for future reference in determining the best filter style and type for your specific application. Understand that the higher the MERV rating the greater the resistance or static pressure will be across the filter media. For most HVAC furnace filter applications a MERV 8 and lower since these filters will allow for lower resistance with good filtration of larger particles.  Using the 3M type filtrete filter not recommended for most general duty residential heating/cooling systems. These filters load up very quickly and will actually reduce the HVAC fan performance requiring longer cycles to both heat and cool your home.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. These units are designed to be used either attached to existing ducted HVAC systems or as stand-alone units. The ability to use a true HEPA filter system ( which would have a MERV rating of 18 if they rated them) in a residential application makes these unit unique in the filter market.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems and like us on Facebook. Of course you can always call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

There is a visual misconception that happens to most people when it comes to identifying what objects will do them harm. The normal train of thought is…”if I can’t see it, it won’t hurt me.” In essence, nothing could be further from the truth. Tiny, airborne and surface mounted sub-micron sized viruses and bacteria are invisible to the naked eye but can often be deadly to humans. Finely ground dust from any mineral source or pollen, ragweed and grasses range in size from 100 microns down to less than 1 micron in size. You can only see down to about 20 microns with the naked eye.

Ingestion of small amounts of tiny airborne pathogens and allergens over long periods of time can create severe and chronic health issues. And for the under 3 years, over 60 population the ratio of amount inhaled vs time may be shortened dramatically. Of course, for those individuals who are allergy sufferers or have weakened immune systems due to injury or cancer, even small amounts inhaled over a few days can create significant health challenges. While you can’t control the elements of the environment, you can control your personal environment.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. For over 27 years PAS has provided high performance HEPA systems to reduce and remove these fine, harmful airborne particulate in a wide array of applications. Commercial, institutional, industrial, medical and residential customers around the world have relied on the performance of the PAS HEPA units to help them maintain a clean, healthy environment.

Air filters, the type you put in your heating/cooling air handler system, have been around for over 70 years. Originally made from metal strands they evolved to fiberglass media then cotton and now man made fibers. They became more efficient over time. However, they also became more resistant to air flow and created adverse air flow restriction problems for the heating/cooling systems. In order to actually remove the small, less than 10 micron sized particles with any efficiency ( up to 90% and greater removal) you require a HEPA media filter. The filters used in most HVAC systems today have an efficiency of less than 20% on these smaller, more harmful particles. And, some furnace filters have almost no effectiveness on anything smaller than 20 microns.

There is a reason that hospitals, clean rooms, surgery rooms, optical manufacturers, food processors, micro-chip companies, medical and commercial laboratories and many other environment-critical operations ONLY use HEPA filters or air filtration systems using HEPA filters. General duty air filters, electronic air cleaners and ionizers are basically useless when it comes to actually removing airborne particulate. The only way to deal with real airborne pathogens and allergens is to use HEPA filtration systems. Real Dust, Real Filters.

For more information on the complete line of  PAS HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems or like us on Facebook. Of course you can always call us at: 800-869-8025.

Taken from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the term two ships passing in the night references two people that meet for a brief but intense moment then go their separate ways never to see each other again. This may be familiar to many people that have experienced a brief meeting or opportunity to interact with someone for a short time where something significant happened but then never to see that individual again. But the memory lingers on.

You are looking for something specific on Google using every key word you can think of  that should get you to that site or page or photo that will connect you to your goal. Through a series of websites and re-directs you actually find what you are looking for. Forgetting to bookmark the page after you’ve retrieved some of the information, you tell yourself you can find it again. You attempt to   locate it again only to find out you can’t get back to it.

When trying to locate information on a particular company or product a great source of information often comes from a more active website, especially one that produces a weekly blog or update. Since this information is pushed throughout the internet world in a number of forms, even using an indirect search can often result in success.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA based air filtration systems since 1985. Their first website was developed in the early 1990’s and they have made it bigger and better ever since. Searching for HEPA filtration systems or directly for Pure Air Systems will take you to the very first page on every search engine. However, in today’s world, the search engines no longer keep sites up in a certain position unless they are active and producing value added content material on a regular basis. This is why new blogs, like this one, are written for the site every week.

Using Google analytics to track activity for Pure Air Systems shows a high number of visitors each month ( in excess of 2,000) with a fairly high number of new visitors. In addition, the average amount of time each visitor spent on the site is in excess of 2:00 minutes. The bounce rate is relatively low ( 40%) so this tells us a number of people are finding what they are looking for and some are coming back for more information.

The PAS site has a section called “Pure Air University” that consists of a number of individual sections dedicated to providing educational information on everything you wanted to know about air filtration, filter systems, heat exchangers, positive and negative pressure and how to apply the systems.  When looking  at the analytics this particular section has the greatest amount of viewership. This tells us that people are looking for information they can use and that will allow them to make a more objective evaluation of their next filter or air filtration purchase.

Searching for and finding Pure Air Systems on the internet the first time and subsequent times is easy. Even if you don’t bookmark the site, and we recommend you do, coming back to us is simple…unlike two ships passing in the night.

For more information on Pure Air Systems and its complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems please go to our  website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on twitter @pureairsystems. You can also find us on Facebook and of course call us at anytime on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

Walking through an old grave yard the other day I noticed some unusual scripting on some of the tombstones. The typical “born date” “died date” were present on all of them but a few had more creative wording on the granite markers. One of the most popular epitaphs that has been written in dozens of languages world wide is…”I Told You I Was Sick.” I found this on two head stones. I’m sure the deceased relatives didn’t think it was funny, but somehow I think this comment says it all.

People complain about everything today. And with the help of social media they can do it 24/7  and have the world be their sounding board. For many people, complaining about their health or how certain issues affect their health has become their favorite hobby. However, in many instances these “cry wolf”  health concerns are actually valid complaints. Negative reactions to various foods, environmental conditions and industrial pollutants, both liquid and air, are more common than ever.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based fan powered air filtration devices since 1985. Our experience in working with individuals, environmental specialists, Allergists, Physicians and Industrial Hygienists has provided us with a wealth of  practical application knowledge regarding the overall effectiveness of our HEPA filtration systems.

Individuals who either are pre-disposed to a specific type of allergen or pathogen or those who have weakened immune systems due to  constant contact with airborne contaminants (both particulate and gaseous) and who have used one of the Pure Air Systems HEPA units in their living and/or work environment, have achieved excellent results with the systems. In almost every case where an individual was experiencing some physical or respiratory distress from their polluted environment, the introduction of the PAS HEPA systems provided a minimum of 70% relief with the majority of individuals having virtually no symptoms at all.

While these results are not derived from a scientific, long-term study, the fact that people have continued to purchase the PAS products for over 27 years has proven the market recognizes the ability for the systems to excel and provide the performance as promised by Pure Air Systems.

For years individuals have complained about certain health issues that they believe are directly related to their living or work environment. Often these health issues are discarded by the medical profession as emotional or psychosomatic. While there are some instances where this is true, for the most part the symptoms and the suffering is real. Recently the medical profession has determined that the underlying cause for many of the “environmental illness” issues are now related to fibromyalgia…which can be treated to a certain extent with medication.  However, contact with our customers who have been diagnosed with this disease have found that it is the “easy out” diagnosis for everything environmental.

The fact is that those people who suffer from constant contact with any type of allergen, gaseous pollutant or pathogens continue to find more relief when living and working in a cleaner environment. Especially when they use one of the PAS HEPA systems. For individuals who do have an issue with the air they breathe contacting us now is better than having to write something too soon like, “I told you I was sick,” as your epitaph.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems or like us on our Facebook page. You can also call us on our toll-free number: 800-869-8025.

During the late 70’s and early 80’s people that experienced symptoms that resembled allergies, asthma and disorientation were classified as Environmentally Ill or EI for short. These symptoms were often associated with chemical sensitivities due to various types of building materials, carpet sizing, paints, varnishes and house hold cleaning chemicals. In most cases these materials would off-gas into the living space and the exposure to these chemicals over time would be deemed the cause of Environmental Illness.

One of the challenges with EI was the fact that the medical industry did not recognize this as a real illness. Most general practitioners would discount this illness as nothing more than an over reaction to what patients called strong odors and funny tastes in their mouths. The symptoms were so much like a typical allergic reaction or a cold or the flu that the normal treatment was antibiotics or antihistamines.

The Allergists, on the other hand, did recognize that there were significant symptoms and would treat this problem more aggressively usually by doing skin testing to attempt to isolate the allergen or contaminant to which the patient would react. Over time the Allergists began to identify the causes to in fact be from the living environments of their patients.

Fast forward to today. The building industry, both commercial and residential, have significantly changed the types of chemicals and additives used in the fabrication of most building materials. The green approach has been the mantra from the builders now for the past 10 years. There are better ventilation systems and a better understanding of how to make an office, room or home under positive pressure so that any off-gassing of any chemicals will be pushed out of the living environment while introducing small amounts of fresh, outside filtered air.

Founded in 1985, Pure Air Systems introduced one of the first commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based fan powered air filtration systems for the removal of airborne allergens and pathogens in the residential and commercial markets. Many of the residential customers who purchased the PAS HEPA systems were categorized as environmentally ill. As far as they were concerned their homes were slowly killing them. Since the PAS systems were of all metal construction using only hospital grade components, the units did not contribute any chemicals or off-gassing materials to their environment. In addition to removing airborne particulate and gaseous pollutants, the units were able to introduce small amounts of outside, filtered fresh air to assist in diluting any gases trapped in the living environment.

Working with the EI group was the catalyst for PAS to develop larger and more effective HEPA and Carbon based systems as well as having a much better understanding of how to use the units for both introduction of fresh air and the use of positive pressure. For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems. You can also like us on our Facebook page or call us anytime on our toll-free number: 800-869-8025.

Change for the sake of change often is not a good thing….unless the change is really needed. For the most part, people resist change even if they know taking a step in a different direction may actually be good for them. Studies have shown that changing someone’s belief in any subject matter is extremely difficult, even if you can show them actual proof their beliefs are not correct.

Getting people to accept that “process interrupt” is difficult. Getting someone to change their habits is usually most effective when the change affects their health. One of the areas associated with healthy living is the use of or the addition of air filters or air filtration systems for those individuals who suffer from severe allergies or other airborne particle induced respiratory dysfunctions.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. They also offer a complete line of dual-layer polyester ring panel filters that can be used individually from the HEPA systems. For most home owners with allergies, the ability to maintain a high level of clean air is very important. They know that airborne dust and allergens ( including pollen, ragweed, grasses, mold, etc.) are not always just outside the home environment. Much of this material is brought into the living spaces and is distributed through out the house via the heating/cooling system.

Removing the smaller airborne particles from the air in your home is most often done by placing a filter in the main return air duct at the junction of the heating/cooling air handler section. This is the most common location for filters. It is important to remember that filtration only occurs when the air handler fan is running so it is better to have the fan switch in the on position on the thermostat all the time so filtration takes place even when heating or cooling of the environment is not required.

Selecting the correct air filter is important. There are many styles and types but you want one that has the greatest efficiency for removing small, micron sized particles without creating too much static pressure resistance for the air handler. Pure Air Systems offers a wide range of sizes of their ring panel filters. These filters have a wire frame which is wrapped with the polyester media allowing for a very tight seal in the return air duct filter slot. This means no particulate bypass of the filter and total capture of all the airborne contaminants.

Most importantly, the filter will need to be changed on a regular basis. Whether you use the PAS filters or another brand, changing the filters at least once every three months or more often is necessary. The filters are constantly loading up with dirt and dust and as they load up the pressure drop across the filter increases and this can actually reduce the air flow through the air handler. Then there is less air being pulled through the entire system and cooling and heating efficiency is dramatically reduced. As is the ability to capture the airborne particles.

Make a rule that every quarter you change the air filter in your HVAC system. Both you and your air handler will breathe better for it.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA, Carbon and Air Filters from PAS please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com. Or follow us on Twitter: @pureairsystems. Of course you can also call us on our toll free number. 800-869-8025.