Blog Tag: viruses

In past blogs we discussed the fact that you can only see down to about 20 microns in size with the naked eye.  For comparison, your hair is about 100 microns in diameter. Dust particles that you see floating in the air are around 100 microns and larger. The larger particles are too heavy to stay airborne so they tend to fall on the floor or other surfaces. 

Airborne allergens such as pollen, ragweed and grasses can also be airborne and they can be smaller than 20 microns in size and stay airborne for a period of time. Allergy sufferers know this all too well. Bacteria can be as large as 10 microns and smaller than 0.3 microns. Bacteria can be on any surface and stay airborne for long periods of time. Viruses, on the other hand, are extremely tiny, as small as .005 microns or 1/1000th of an inch. They can stay alive and airborne for hours both indoors and outside. Covid -19 is a virus.

Removal of airborne particles (both organic and inorganic ) is done best using media style air filters ( think furnace style filter ) that can capture these particles and remove them from the air. For larger dust particles the furnace filters or Merv 7-9 rated filters, are adequate in capturing 90% of the larger dust particles. But less than 10% effective in capturing bacteria or viruses.

Removing these tiny particles requires a HEPA filter. These High Efficiency Particulate Air filters are designed for the commercial, medical and institutional markets and now also used in the residential markets. A standard, true, HEPA filter is rated at 99.99% efficiency for particles 0.3 microns or larger and is over 95% effective at removing particles particles less than 0.005 microns in diameter. Some HEPA filters use a more dense media and are called ULPA  ( Ultra Low Particulate Air) or SULPA ( Super Low Particulate Air ) filters. These are designed for applications like the CDC and micro chip manufacturers.

For more information on HEPA filters and their capabilities go to our website at:   http://www.pureairsystems.com  or call us on our toll-free number at 800-869-8025.

The Corona Virus pandemic has brought out a cry for protective gear, masks, respirators and ventilators not to mention HEPA based air filtration systems to maintain positive pressure rooms in make-shift hospitals. HEPA filters are made from special paper-like materials that are extremely dense and designed to capture a very high percentage ( usually 99.99% or greater ) of sub-micron particulate. These filters are used in surgery suites, laboratories, chip manufacturing, and any place where airborne particles ( bacteria and viruses ) are present. 

With the Covid-19 pandemic there is a race to provide any type of mask for the first responders, medical personnel and now the general public. This demand has brought out a number of individuals and groups making masks ( or printing them ) out of various materials; mostly cloth of some kind. However, some are offering HEPA masks that look like a regular cloth type mask. True HEPA masks worn by first responders are PAPR masks. Positive Air Pressure Respirators.These masks have true HEPA filters in their design and also have fans to assist in pulling the air through the HEPA filters. These masks are battery powered. Without the assistance of the fan you would would have difficulty pulling air through the mask with your own lungs as the HEPA paper has extreme resistance compared to standard surgical masks. 

The N-95 masks are similar to MERV 8 air filters. They are good for 95% of particles in the 3.0 to 10.0 micron range. Certainly much better than cloth but not as good as HEPA media. The reason this is important is that viruses, such as the Covid-19 virus, can be as small as .0005 microns in size. As a comparison, your hair is about 100 microns in diameter. This sub-micron size makes Covid-19 airborne and allows it to pass through standard mask materials. This is why this virus is so deadly. 

For more information on HEPA filters please go to our website at:  https://www.pureairsystems.com   or call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

Air filtration systems for both residential and commercial applications come in a variety of types and performance packages. Depending upon the type of particulate or gaseous pollutant that needs to be removed, the filter media used in the air filtration systems can be general duty filters or high efficiency filters such as HEPA media.

Stand-Alone units mean just that. They are units that incorporate a blower/motor system that is capable of pulling air from an area and pushing air out to the environment or other area. These systems can range in volumes of air moved ( as measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute ) from a low of 50 CFM to 2,000 CFM and higher.

Pure Air Systems has been making HEPA based, fan powered, commercial grade, stand-alone units since 1985. These systems use the newer ECM Variable Speed motors that can be automatically or manually adjusted to produce various ranges of air movement (CFM). This feature makes the units more viable for a multitude of applications using one system.

Pure Air Systems offers 7 different variations of their Hepa Shield Plus units including a small, powerful portable unit for laboratory type applications. Each unit has a dual-layer prefilter, carbon media and true HEPA filter. These are all commercial grade filters and are designed for even the most difficult of pollution control applications.

PAS stand-alone systems can be mounted on a wheeled cart or platform and moved from location to location. The S versions have threaded nuts in the top section so they can be mounted from a ceiling using threaded rod. The units come in 1/3, 3/4 and 1 HP versions and all the motors are rated, 120/240 volt , 50/60 Hz so they can be used anywhere in the world.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based stand-alone air filtration systems please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com  or call us on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

Now that February is here, Spring is just around the corner and with the warmer temperatures and rain comes the new production of grass, tree and ragweed pollen. Allergies to airborne pollen and other airborne allergens is actually more challenging in many ways than fighting off a cold or the flu which can last from a few days to a week.

A person suffering from airborne pollen will have to endure the process for many weeks and even months in some cases. And, the allergy medicine primarily helps relieve some of the symptoms but at a very minimal rate. The only true way to remove yourself from the airborne pollen is to…well remove yourself from the airborne pollen.

Pure Air Systems has been making and selling HEPA based, fan powered air filtration systems since 1985 and is now one of the leaders in high performance HEPA air filtration systems.

PAS has a method of attaching any of their HEPA systems to an existing, ducted HVAC system or the systems can be used as stand-alone units. This means you can have commercial grade, certified HEPA filters continuously filtering the air in your home, office or work place and in addition the systems can be used to slightly pressurize the area to totally eliminate the potential for any infiltration of outdoor particulate.

Thousands of these systems have been sold over the past 32 years and for those individuals who have used the 600HS, 1200HS or 2000HS PAS systems their issues with allergies due to pollen and other airborne particulate have been reduced to the point where they have little or few symptoms.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon filtration systems please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com  or call us on our toll-free number at anytime:  800-869-8025.

My Grandparents used a lot of old cliche’s and sayings when I was a young man and some of those come to memory when a situation arises that links to one of their “words of wisdom” comments. My Father used to say “never make the same mistake twice and never take anything for granted.” On many occasions I found myself thinking about those words when I realized I had fallen prey to one or both of those tenants.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade, certified HEPA based air filtration systems for the commercial, institutional, industrial, medical and residential markets since 1985. For over 28 years PAS has been providing systems that remove over 99.99% of all airborne contaminants at or below 0.3 microns in size. Within this size range falls all types of bacteria and viruses. The removal and/or reduction of these airborne allergens and pathogens is critical in maintaining a safe environment for not only healthy individuals but more importantly for those individuals with significant poor health conditions.

One of the main challenges facing the medical community today is dealing with infections caused by certain types and strains of bacteria. One of the virulent strains is MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This strain of bacteria is very difficult to treat and in many cases it has been the primary cause of limb removal or death. Since most bacteria range in size from 1 to 10 microns ( your hair is 100 microns in diameter) they are invisible to the naked eye and easily transmitted through contact or via air currents.  Obviously antibacterial surface cleaners can be effective at reducing the bacteria from surface areas and hands. However, airborne bacteria, are impossible to remove unless you are using a HEPA based air filtration unit or system(s).

Most Hospitals and Surgery Centers use HEPA based filtration systems in their surgery, bone marrow transplant and infectious disease control facilities. However, many of the patient care rooms and recovery rooms are not well filtered. In addition, because of the high cost of medical treatments many patients are now sent home within 1 to 3 days for their post-operative recovery. For the most part, the majority of the general public does not have any type of filtration system suitable for maintaining a “clean-room” type of environment that is really necessary to reduce and eliminate the possibility of infection. That is why there are a significant number of  patients being treated for infections at the same Hospital from which they were released often within in 2 to 5 days after being sent home.

Pure Air Systems makes a wide selection of true, HEPA based air filtration systems that meet or exceed the requirements for removal of airborne contaminants in even the most critical of applications. These systems can be used either as stand-alone units or as part of an existing HVAC system.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA based systems please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com.  You can also follows us on Twitter a @pureairsystems  or call us at anytime on our toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

A number of years ago the H1N1 Bird Flu created a scenario where a potential epidemic could occur. This turned out to be “much ado without nothing.” Today, another strain of the Bird Flu, H7N9, found in China again has been authenticated as the cause of death in a 35-year old Chinese women. She died of kidney and respiratory failure. As with the H1N1 virus there is no vaccine available at this time to combat this new virus. The CDC () has been trying to isolate the virus so it can develop a viable vaccine and track the extent of the contamination. As of this writing the H7N9 has only  been found in five Chinese provinces.

For more information go to the following link (http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/04/14/177087374/scientists-race-to-stay-ahead-of-new-bird-flu-virus)

If you have followed this blog for the past few years you know the ability to avoid contact with various strains of harmful bacteria and viruses is very difficult. Exposure by contact is difficult to prevent but exposure by airborne pathogens can be significantly reduced and eliminated. The use of highly effective HEPA air filtration systems along with best ventilation and pressurization techniques can prevent the spread of these pathogens. Whether it is a commercial, institutional or residential  facility, with the proper equipment a little ventilation know-how, people can effectively isolate themselves from contraction of these deadly viruses.

The CDC, like all organizations that deal with pathogens, use HEPA filter systems in all of their material handling facilities. Most use redundant HEPA systems and the majority use ULPA or SULPA HEPA filters for maximum security against airborne virus contamination. HEPA filters have been used since 1941 and to-date, no other filter media has been developed that has the effectiveness and efficiency of HEPA media.

Pure Air Systems has been using commercial grade, certified, scanned HEPA filters since 1985 and today is one of the leaders in high volume, fan-powered, variable speed controlled HEPA air filtration devices. Used throughout the world, the HEPA systems from PAS meet and/or exceed the requirements for all commercial, medical, institutional, industrial and residential air filtration requirements. And, the same rugged, commercial grade design that was the basis for the units in 1985 is still used today. Newer ECM, variable speed drive motors and digital controllers have replaced the induction motors and analog switches that have enhanced the overall performance of the units and allowed for use in countries that use 220 volt, 50 Hz electrical current.

The amount of people on this planet coupled with the enormous growth in business, air pollution, climate change, and new wonder drugs have forced the viruses and bacteria to adapt to this new environment. As a result, new drug resistant strains of normally treatable bacterial and viral infections are now prevalent. This new H7N9 Bird Flu is just one more pathogen to deal with. In my previous post I discussed the MRSA problem and the fact that the medical industrial complex is having some real challenges in coming up with viable solutions for these new virulent strains. Maybe the Bible was correct when it said…”and the meek shall inherit the earth.”

For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based products from PAS please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com. Or follow us on Twitter @pureairsystems or you can call us anytime on our toll-free number. 800-869-8025.

The prophets of gloom and doom are always out on the side lines predicting the demise of man…self made no less. It seems like every change by a despot or ruler of a foreign county constitutes major peril to the entire world. The  sequester, changing of the guard in North Korea and climate change are but a few of those apocalyptic events that seem to rock the universe. To those problems  I say…Eh!

The truth is there are more real issues in the world that could eliminate or minimize the level of humans who live on this sphere in the universe…and they are very, very tiny. Yes, we are talking about bacteria and viruses. Those tiny, less than 10 micron sized living entities that dominate the earth in astounding numbers. It has been proven that despite man’s attempt to change human kind and the planet we are facing the reality that “nature always finds a  way” to adopt. New pesticides for farmers has generated a new strain of bugs that love the stuff. But the battle of finding new vaccines and antibiotics that will kill the ever evolving drug resistant bacteria and virus strains may just be the one battle we may lose.

There are now serious concerns on the part of the medical community that many people will die as a result of these new drug resistant strains. The fact that the flu vaccine this year had little effect for those who got vaccinated is a good indication of just how fast these new “bugs” evolve.  Close quarters and crowded spaces make the transmission of these airborne pathogens simple and easy. This is also complicated by the transmission of surface born pathogens that can affect hundreds of people that eat in just one restaurant or take a vacation on a cruise ship.

Airborne bacteria and many viruses can be removed from the air by using commercial grade, certified HEPA based air filtration devices. Systems such as those produced by Pure Air Systems, have the ability to move up to 2000 CFM of HEPA filtered air and come in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Since 1985, Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing these high end, commercial grade, high performance HEPA systems that are now used around the world. Many of the PAS systems are used in hospitals, clean rooms, clinics, laboratories and critical applications where reduction and or removal of  harmful airborne particulate is required.

The PAS systems are currently used in applications including, institutional, industrial, residential, medical, commercial and governmental. In many instances, the PAS systems are the only HEPA unit available on the market that can provide the type of sub-micron particulate removal needed to ensure the safety of people and equipment.  The PAS line of HEPA and Carbon based systems can either be attached to existing air handlers or HVAC equipment or be used as stand-alone systems.

For more information on the complete line of air filtration systems available from PAS please 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.

As a young man I was intrigued by the “Invisible Man” movies. Filmed in black and white they offered a look into what it would be like to go anywhere and not be seen. Of course you had to be naked as clothing was not invisible, so outside temperatures had to be taken into consideration as well as some other issues. Being invisible gave you the opportunity to strike without warning and that was the premise behind the story line. Realizing the invisible man was in the same room but not knowing when or how he would attack you created a special element of fear.

When we take in a breath of air we inhale a fairly large volume of airborne particles made up from dust generated by the carpet, floor, books, plants, etc. You don’t notice this because these particles because they are invisible to the naked eye. As an example of size, one strand of your hair is about 100 microns in diameter. Particles that are smaller than 20 microns are not visible and the amount of particles under 10 microns in most residential environments ranges from 200,000 particles per cubic foot to over 900,000 particles per cubic foot.

The lungs have a tremendous capacity to filter out a very large percentage of these particles. However, the smaller, less than 1 micron sized particles may remain in the lungs or mucus membranes for a period of time as these tiny particles are not easily expelled. This could be a problem as most bacteria range in size from 1 micron to 20 microns and viruses are usually less than .01 microns in size and these particles will remain in the body for long periods of time.

There is no doubt that larger sized airborne particles, those you can see with the naked eye, can be a real health threat as well. Industrial and heavy commercial construction and manufacturing operations can produce harmful airborne particles larger than 100 microns in size. In most cases, however, individuals working in these conditions wear masks or respirators to reduce the ingestion of these particles.

To remove and or reduce the levels of small, harmful airborne contaminants requires special air filtration systems that use HEPA filters. These commercial grade, certified filters are designed to remove over 99.99% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger and approach that same efficiency below that size range. HEPA filters are used in a wide range of commercial, institutional, medical and industrial applications as well as many residential applications.

Pure Air Systems has been manufacturing commercial grade HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems since 1985 and is the leader in large capacity HEPA systems. Their HEPA systems range in capacity from 100 CFM to 2,000 CFM and are designed to be used in either a stand-alone configuration or attached to an existing ducted HVAC or air handler  system. For more information on the complete line of HEPA and Carbon based air filtration systems go to their website at: www.pureairsystems.com. Or, follow them on Twitter @pureairsytems or you can contact them on their toll-free number at: 800-869-8025.

With all the advances in medical technology and treatments it is interesting that we still don’t have a cure for the common cold. We have flu shots, that when appropriately used and target the right strain of flu, will prevent individuals from getting flu symptoms and the flu itself, but no preventative treatments for the common cold.

The word “common” when used in conjunction with the word “cold” is appropriate since this virus is  associated with the common man; meaning it affects all humans the same way. It is a virus that causes upper respiratory dysfunctions along with other symptoms. The viruses associated with the common cold are the rhinovirus and coronavrius. There is no cure for the common cold.

While there may be no cure for the cold virus, it is possible to isolate yourself from people that you know have a cold. The cold viruses are extremely contagious and can easily be passed along via the air or by touching a surface area infected by a cold sufferer and then placing your hand near your mouth, eyes or nose.

Viruses, unlike bacteria, are extremely tiny. The use of general duty air filters or surgical masks are almost useless against a virus. To remove these tiny, sub-micron particles requires a filter media such as HEPA filters.

Hospitals, surgical rooms, isolation rooms, infectious disease control rooms and hospital labs all use HEPA filters to constantly clean the air in areas where patients may be subjected to any type of contagious airborne pathogen.

Because of the efficiency of HEPA filters to remove a large percentage of these airborne viruses, it is possible to keep a healthy individual from contracting the common cold virus. True, commercial grade, certified HEPA filters and HEPA filter systems have been available since 1985 from companies like Pure Air Systems.

Pure Air Systems offers a complete line of commercial grade HEPA filtration systems that are used in the residential, commercial, institutional and industrial markets. Over the years PAS has placed thousands of its HEPA systems in homes and condominiums, hospitals, schools and medical facilities around the world with great success.

In many homes where you have  individuals who normally pass the cold bug from children to adult and back to the kids again, the use of the HEPA filtration systems has shown a significant reduction in passing the cold virus through the family. In many of the pre-schools and day care centers where the HEPA systems have been used, the incidence of colds within the day care population decreased as much as 40%.

While the Pure Air Systems HEPA units are not being marketed as a cure for the common cold, the use of these systems ( when properly applied) has been proven to reduce the spread of the common cold virus.

For more information on the complete line of HEPA, Carbon and media filters offered by Pure Air Systems, please go to our website at: www.pureairsystems.com.