It’s Raining Cats And Dogs!

The old expression “it’s raining cats and dogs” usually implies the current weather has produced rain that is falling so hard and fast that you almost can’t see through it. There are a number of references to this supposed phenomenon but one that has some plausibility is that in the 1500’s cats and some dogs used to sit on the thatched roofs of homes and during severe storms the animals would be washed down onto the street. Hence the term ” raining cats and dogs.”

Today, with the enormous pet population in the US, made up mostly of dogs and cats, sometimes it looks like it is raining cats and dogs. The pet population in the United States numbers above 100 million….that’s a lot of cat and dog food. No wonder the pet business in all phases is approaching  $4 billion dollars a year in the US. That includes food, medical expense ( which is fast approaching human medical costs) special clothing, toys, treats, hotels ( yes hotels) pet cemeteries ( no offense to Mr. King) and their own air lines. I think you can even get a dog or cat shrink if you animal is just not feeling right!

Yes! People love their pets……in many cases more than they love their spouse. They would do anything for them and go through extremes to ensure their comfort even if it affects their own well being. Bull you say! Well it’s the truth.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems for the residential, commercial, institutional and industrial markets since 1985. A large percentage of their residential customers use their fan powered units that attach to the existing HVAC systems to filter all the air in the house up to 48 times a day through the HEPA and Carbon filters. The reason pet owners/home owners do this is to reduce the amount of pet dander that is distributed throughout the home from their pets. And the reason they want to do this is because they themselves are allergic to their own pets. Yes….kitty make me sneeze and break out in hives and shortens my breathing…but I love her!

In almost every case where a potential customer has contacted Pure Air Systems regarding this specific issue, when asked if they really wanted to spend the money to put in the filtration system which would not protect them if they pet the animal or have it sit on their lap, they said send it to me…..now.

Animal dander can be a significant allergen and many pet owners develop a reaction to the dander and some are very severe. Cat dander in particular is an extremely strong allergen while there are few people that are allergic to dog dander..but it does exist. The bottom line is this, if you really want a pet make sure you and your family members won’ t be allergic to the animal. Once the pet is home and becomes part of the family ( which doesn’t take long) it is almost impossible to give them away.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems offered by Pure Air Systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com

 

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Drug Companies Like Pure Air Systems Products

With the growing population and the increased demand for health care and drugs around the world, the pharmaceutical industry is growing to meet this demand. While there are a number of large multinational drug companies there are also a lot of smaller pharmaceutical companies that produce both generic versions of the name brand drugs as well as vitamins and other drug supplements.

For most people who take drugs the dose is small enough that there is usually no serious side effects. However, during the manufacturing of the drugs the amount of drug compound that is processed at any one time, which is usually very high concentrations, can be lethal if the technician working in the plant is exposed. To ensure this doesn’t happen the pharmaceutical industry employs hundreds of HEPA filters throughout the manufacturing process and in the plant to remove any of the potential airborne drug compounds.

Pure Air Systems has been making commercial grade, fan powered, certified HEPA filtration systems since 1985. PAS has hundreds of these systems in pharmaceutical plants around the world. These systems use a certified HEPA that has a minimum efficiency of 99.99% on 0.3 microns or smaller. It also uses an ECM digitally controlled 120/240 volt, 50/60Hz motor that has variable speed or variable volume performance.

Since many of the process operations where drugs are made are small to medium in size and capacity the use of the PAS HEPA systems is a perfect match. The PAS units can operate from as low as 100 CFM to as high as 2000 CFM and have variable capability in  between those volumes. This allows the manufacturer to use one HEPA system for a process line that may vary in capacity and drug dust volume. The PAS HEPA system can be automatically or manually adjusted to vary its speed or volume in 1% increments, making this unit one of the most versatile HEPA systems on the market today.

In addition, the fact that the PAS units have a 120/240 volt, 50/60 Hz motor allows for use anywhere in the world. This is an advantage for those drug companies that have plants in North America as well as overseas where much of the electrical requirements are for 220 volt, 50 Hz motors.

Pure Air Systems offers a complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems as well as ancillary filter products. To view our complete line of systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems. com

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Soylent Green Is People!

Remember when Charlton Heston was being carted away on a stretcher in the movie Solylent Green and he shouted out these words? The world’s food shortage was at crisis levels and plankton from the sea was being made into a food substitute called soylent. They had soylent red, blue, yellow and green. Everyone assumed that since this was the only food source available ( and they could afford) that they believed this was good enough to sustain their lives. And since everyone was eating it, it had to be okay…..and soylent green was the best tasting. Hmmm..wonder why?

I also wonder what would happen if everyone found out that soylent green…the best tasting soylent…was made from their fellow man?  Would they still buy it? Would they convince themselves that food was more precious and after all people die every day? After all if enough people believe it is okay…why concern yourself about it.

Today, with over 7 billion people on this planet, the ability to produce enough food to feed the growing population is of some concern to a lot of countries.  And, along with food shortages, the quality  and availability of  water and  quality of the air is also in jeopardy. It’s funny how we take clean water and air for granted. Even with newer technologies and stricter environmental laws being put in place we seem to be on the short side of a losing battle.

It’s interesting to note, that many people will go through the expense of either buying bottled water or putting in a water treatment unit in their homes to ensure they are getting pure, non-contaminated drinking water. Using bottled water or a filtration system will remove odors and some tastes associated with chemicals used to treat the water…and so they associate good taste with better water. However, when it comes to the air they breathe, if they can’t smell or taste anything in the air then it is okay. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Much of the air we breathe in homes, offices, shopping malls and in urban areas has a much higher level of suspended sub-micron sized airborne particulate than we believe. And, unlike tainted water or spoiled food which we can immediately react to, high concentrations of airborne particulate in the air we breathe is never noticed. And, since everyone around us is not falling over dead from breathing the same air….it’s entirely okay.

Over time, breathing in large concentrations of harmful airborne contaminants can cause any number of respiratory or allergic dysfunctions. And, even breathing in low concentrations of certain airborne chemicals and gases can be deadly. Of course then you could become part of the food chain maybe end up as soylent green.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing a line of commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. These systems are designed to remove up to 99.99% of all airborne particulate that is 0.3 microns or larger and approaches the same efficiency with smaller particles. These systems are perfectly suited for homes, offices, commercial buildings and industrial and institutional operations. For more information on the complete line of HEPA based air filtration systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com.

 

 

 

 

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How Much Wood Can A Wood Chuck..Chuck?

Over the past year Geico, the auto insurance company, has been using some comedy in their commercials. The latest involves the old line of “how much wood can a wood chuck, chuck…showing wood chucks throwing (chucking) wood into a  river. An old man comes by and says ” hey, wood chucks stop chucking wood into my river!” I found this amusing but I’m sure others found it ridiculous.

The point is that the commercial gets your attention and whether you like the product or the commercial you remember it. And that is the whole point of making this type of commercial. It differentiates it from other bland commercials and ads.

The ability to differentiate or separate your product or company from the competition is a age old challenge for all businesses today. Trying to tell someone your product or service is really better than the other similar or “like” business is very difficult. Often the best way to really separate yourself from the competition is to do what you do better than anyone else and be consistent. Continue to add value to your service or product line and any changes you make need to fill a known void in demand. Sound simple, its not.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based high end, commercial grade, fan powered air filtration systems since 1985.  Since the beginning PAS has always challenged itself to produce the highest quality, best performing, most reliable air filtration products on the market.  Over the years as more individuals, companies and institutions started to use our product line we continued to listen to their comments and suggestions as to how we could make the product better. We listened and made the appropriate changes.

Today, Pure  Air Systems’ products are recognized as some of the most reliable, best performing and technically superior air filtration systems on the market today. And with almost 20% of our systems being sold overseas, we have increased our product exposure world wide.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA , Carbon and air filter products please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com.

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Production Of High Tech Products Enhanced By Use Of HEPA Filters

We all enjoy the newest and coolest high tech and digital products now coming into the market. Almost everyday a new type of digital hand held device is announced that has star wars capabilities. There are also new advancements being made in almost every aspect of health care and health care products.

All of these digital devices utilize microchips and special optical glass. The manufacturing environment where microchips and optical glass are produced have to be sterile areas. These products are made in what are commonly called clean rooms. These rooms have high rates of air exchange (usually 70 to 120 changes per hour) and all the air coming into the rooms are HEPA filtered.

The HEPA filters used is clean rooms are of varying efficiencies. Some are rated at 99.97% at o.3 microns. Others are 99.99% at 0.3 and many are 99.99995 at 0.12 microns. The ULPA or SULPA filters are designed to have these high initial ratings to minimize the dust and particles in the clean room.

When any particle of dust or debris falls onto a microchip during the manufacturing process the individual layers of the chip can become isolated from the layer above or below and in essence kill the chip. The fewer dust particles in the clean room the higher the production rate. The higher production rate means less waste and thus less cost per chip produced.

The same is true with optical glass. This type of glass is used in a wide variety of products and has to be manufactured in a clean room environment. Again, all the air in the room is HEPA filtered to make sure all the glass surfaces are washed with HEPA filtered air to ensure no dust, dirt or particulates of any kind are allowed on the glass surface during manufacturing and assembly of the glass into its product of use.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. PAS uses only commercial grade HEPA filters that are certified to be  99.99% efficient on particles 0.3 microns and larger. These systems range in capacity from 250 CFM to 2000 CFM and use variable speed drive motors for better air flow control.

Many of Pure Air Systems’s HEPA units are being used in clean room environments as well as hospital surgery rooms, isolation rooms and food and beverage processes where a more sterile environment is needed.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com

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You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

The advent of the cell phone with both photo and video capability has made it almost impossible to hide anything from anybody. Now with the introduction of the new iPhone4 with one of the two cameras on the front of the phone you can now play “Dick Tracy” for real. Imagine, walking along talking and having a video discussion with your family, friends and co-workers from anywhere at anytime. Nothing will be left to the imagination. Nothing.

For all the complaining about people trying to maintain some privacy it seems we are all now truly living in a “glass world” so to speak. No matter where you go…..there they are!

For asthma and allergy sufferers and individuals who react to certain chemicals in the air, it is the same issue. No matter where they go…there they are!

For chemically sensitive individuals the issues are more complicated. Driving in a car, riding in a subway, taking a bus, flying in an airplane; all these transportation methods can be detrimental to the chemically sensitive individual. All of the man made materials that are used in the production of plastic components, seats, carpeting, wall coverings and carpets can produce chemicals that create significant health problems for these individuals. Other than trying to minimize the amount of time they spend in these confined chemical soups, these individuals have few options.

It is the same issue for people who suffer from airborne allergens, pollen, ragweed, etc. Most modes of transportation have little or no air filtration devices in their heating/cooling systems.  When confined in a small space with outside air being introduced into moving vehicles the allergy sufferer is now being bombarded with a high concentration of airborne particulate not only from the outside fresh air but from the clothing of the other passengers in the vehicle.

As the title states, “You can run but you can’t hide” from the world we live in. However, you do have the ability to control the amount of chemicals and particulate you breathe in your own home. Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based whole-house air filtration systems since 1985 and offers a complete line of commercial grade systems to meet your every need.

For more information on the line of HEPA and Carbon systems as well as media filters please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com

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Over The Counter Allergy Drugs Just Mask The Problem

More and more of the ” prescription only ” allergy drugs are now sold over the counter. While these drugs are relatively safe when taken as directed, they are  more powerful and more effective at reducing the bodies reaction to the allergens invading your body. The good part is that these drugs allow you to operate more normally even during the height of allergy season. The downside is that you are subjecting yourself to higher concentrations of these allergens and creating more long term problems for your immune system.

With the countless numbers and types of airborne contaminants that may cause reactions to your system, it is essential that you know which ones they are and to minimize your contact with them. Taking allergy medicine and then playing ball outside in your backyard during ragweed and pollen season is not a healthy thing to do. Keep in mind, just because your don’t suffer as much with the medication doesn’t mean your body and immune system are not being challenged.

In order to gage  which of the allergens create the greatest health issues you will need to sense or feel how your body reacts to certain types and levels of airborne allergens. This means you will need to use either a lighter dose of allergy medicine or none at all. Granted you may suffer for a day or two but this process will enable you to determine what affects you most, when and where. It also allows you to use a stronger or milder allergy drug or change the dose to suit the requirement. This means you won’t be drowsy or have any significant operational limitations when taking that dosage.

The allergy symptoms can persist indoors as well as outside. Even with the windows closed and A/C  running many allergy sufferers still have challenges during the peak of ragweed and pollen season. For that reason we suggest using an air filtration device in your home. Preferably one that attaches to the main heating cooling system like the HEPA systems made by Pure Air Systems.

These units use a true, commercial grade, certified HEPA filter capable of capturing 99.99% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger and is almost as efficient on smaller particles. This system can significantly reduce the levels of airborne allergens and contaminants and allow you to either reduce or eliminate the use of allergy medicine while inside your home.

The use of HEPA filtration or good air filters in your HVAC unit will significantly help you feel better as well as reduce the use of allergy medicine. For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com

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25 Years Of Environmental Service

Started in 1985, Pure Air Systems has been providing commercial grade, certified HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems to the residential, commercial, institutional, governmental and industrial markets for 25 years. Over those years PAS has always subscribed to building the best, most effective high performance HEPA systems for their customers. And some of the customers and applications have been interesting to say the least.

While the HEPA and Carbon systems are used in hundreds of applications there are a few that are somewhat unique. For example, there is a police station in a major city in the southern US that happens to have a lot of marijuana confiscated due to the high percentage of dealers in the area. The pot is placed in the evidence room which is locked and secured. Evidently over time the odor from the marijuana permeates through the evidence room and the employees were having some challenges with concentration ( if you know what I mean).

Pure Air Systems was contacted and asked if we could assist them in this odor problem. We suggested one or our larger, 2000 CFM all carbon units to help in removing a high percentage of the pot odor. The system was installed and the odor issue was resolved. To this day they continue to order replacement carbon for the system. Obviously business is still good!

One of our residential customers was a big game hunter and would have a number of his kills stuffed and mounted. These were the complete animal not just the head. These trophies would be placed in a wall area behind glass for viewing. The enclosure was not completely sealed so dust and dirt would get into the trophy case and get on everything. Keeping the enclosure clean was difficult and tedious, so he contacted us and asked if we could provide him with a HEPA filtration unit and system design to keep his trophy cases somewhat clean room clean.

PAS used two of the small 600 CFM HEPA units and designed a ducting system to attach them to back of the trophy cases and circulate HEPA filtered air through the cases 24 hours a day. This resolved his dust on the Bear problem and he was a happy camper!

The HEPA systems from PAS are designed to be used either attached to HVAC systems or as stand alone units capable of being used in almost any application. One of our customers wanted to use our HEPA systems in a mobile hospital unit. This unit was used over seas and designed to go into the back country to provide medical attention to people who lived in isolated areas. One of the larger HEPA systems was installed and the mobile hospital had a mobile surgery room. The PAS systems use a 120/240 volt 50/60 Hz ECM motor which can work with any of the electrical power systems anywhere in the world.

On our website is a listing of a number of companies and installation types that you can view. For more information on our complete line of  HEPA, Carbon and filter medias please go to www.pureairsystems.com

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When You Renovate Don’t Forget To Ventilate!

Most homeowners will at some point do some remodeling or renovation in their homes. Sometimes it just means painting the walls or adding some shelving. But in many cases the renovations are more dramatic and including adding or tearing down walls and ceilings or adding a room or two.

Whenever you tear down something, paint a wall, cut some lumber, add tile or carpeting you are generating a lot of dust and particulate into the environment. This is inevitable especially when you are removing sheet rock or adding sheet rock and sanding the joints. Cutting wood or flooring also adds a lot of dust into the area. During this part of the renovation you need to be aware of a few things.

First, if you are cutting wood or flooring or sanding sheet rock it is advisable that you cover the return air grills in the affected area and also turn off the HVAC unit. The fine dust generated during the cutting and sanding procedures will find its way into every crevice of the room and if you HVAC unit is running the fine dust will be pulled into the HVAC unit.  Second, you need to open a window or door and place a fan in the opening blowing out the door or window so you are moving some of the fine dust outside, assuming it is not 20 degrees outside. Third, you need to put a new furnace filter in your HVAC unit prior to the renovation and then remove it once you are done. If you are using a HEPA filter system or high end media it is recommended that you remove the HEPA altogether and put a general duty filter in its place during the duration of the renovation.

If you allow the fine dust particles that are generated during the sanding and cutting to get into the supply side of your HVAC system you will have dust blowing out for months. These fine particles are very small and hard to see until they form a layer of dust on a dark surface.  This is why you want to cover the return air grills in your home.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985 and also offers a complete line of furnace and HVAC filters. For more information on the complete line of filters available from PAS as well as information on a wide variety of air pollution issues please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com

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Burn Candles At Both Ends…But Don’t Burn Them In The House

Candles have bee around for almost as long as man has been on this earth.  They were the very first form of man-made light and were used almost exclusively for many years as the main source of light for houses and buildings. The use of a burning wick and combustible fluid or fuel have improved over the years but the basic candle technology is alive and well in 2010.

Today candles are sold on-line, in candle shops, specialty shops and in most large retail stores. They are scented and many of them come in hand crafted jars with all types of accessories. They provide a nice accent to any room and the scented candles can even be therapeutic. However, they generate a lot of airborne particulate that can be health concern.

Most candles use a standard cotton/wax wick. As the wax burns you have the release of the scented wax used in the candle making process and unburned hydrocarbons or candle soot. You may not notice the carbon soot coming off of the burning candle, but if you hold a piece of clear glass about three inches above the flame  you will eventually see the deposition of carbon or soot on the underside of the glass. This soot is light and easily becomes airborne.

You may notice the candle soot when  you change out the furnace filter in your HVAC system. Ever wonder why the filter was black and not grey? Did you think this was just some really dark dirt? Think again. Much of the dark material on the filter is soot from the candles. The soot becomes airborne, is picked up in the return air grills in your home and then deposited on the filter media.

The unfortunate reality is that much of the carbon soot is extremely small and what you actually see is only about 40% of the soot. The other 60% is too small to see with the naked eye. Some of this sub-micron soot will pass through the furnace filter and end up being deposited on your walls, furniture, floors, etc. It can also be inhaled into your lungs.

Over time this can become a health issue especially if you have severe allergies or respiratory issues. For small children with developing lungs, keeping candles out of their rooms is a good idea. If you use multiple candles the amount of soot is increased. And, candles that are scented are made with special additives to the wax to create the scent. Some of these chemicals are released during the burning of the candle and may create some additional health issues.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985. HEPA filters are capable of removing all of the soot particles produced by the candles. The systems incorporated carbon as well as the HEPA filters and the carbon will remove the gaseous molecules produced from the scented candles. These systems easily attach to the return air side of your heating cooling system.

For more information on the complete line of air filter and filtration systems offered by PAS as well as more information on particulate removal, please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com.

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