Hello generica,
How thoughtful of you to think of your friend?s breathing
difficulties. As an asthmatic myself, I truly understand your friend?s
quest for allergen-free air!
Below, I have posted several online stores that ship to Canada.
Because you did not post your price limit, I have included a broad
scope of models in varying prices.
First, let me say, you do NOT want to buy a humidifier. Molds and
dust mites, which are very common asthma triggers will increase with
humid air. Molds and mildew can grow within the humidifier, and humid
air provides a very hospitable environment for mites. Dry air is much
easier for an asthmatic to breathe.
?Only a handful of the actions they were taking were potentially
harmful, such as the use of a humidifier in the room of a child whose
triggers include house dust mites. (House dust mites thrive in humid
environments, and using a dehumidifer is a more appropriate strategy.)
But many other strategies described by parents weren't likely to be
useful against a child's particular trigger -- or helpful for any
child with asthma.?
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=4112
Debates abound on the effectiveness of ionizing air filters. If your
friend has an allergy to pollen, animal dander, airborne molds, and
cigarette smoke, an ionizer can help. If her allergy is to dust mites
and allergens that are not airborne, the ionizer will not be as useful
to her. Almost all studies suggest a filter/ionizer be used in
conjunction with other methods of freeing a home from allergens, such
as removing carpet, houseplants, cleaning air conditioner/heater
filters regularly, and frequent washing of bedding and linens with
very hot water. Keep pets outside, or at least keep them out of the
bedroom!
Last summer, I visited someone who was renting a very old house,
that was fully carpeted. The house was clean in appearance, but there
was a detectable presence of mold/mildew in the air. I had to sleep in
my car the first night! In the morning I purchased a Holmes ionizer
at Wal-Mart, for about $80 USD, and let it run all day in my room.
That night, leaving the ionizer on, I was able to sleep in my room! It
certainly helped me, but understand, the effectiveness may vary
according to your friend?s particular asthma-triggering allergy.
http://www.everythinghome.com/hohahetoairp.html?source=bizrate&kw=HAP422-U
Now, on to the studies!
?"Buying an air cleaner is not my first suggestion," says Nathan
Rabinovitch, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at National Jewish
Medical Research Center in Denver. "It's more of a backup
recommendation."
?Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American
Lung Association recommend air filtration for people with allergies
and asthma, but not as a solution by itself. Controlling
allergy-causing pollution and ventilation are more important; there is
disagreement on whether filters give much added relief from asthma in
a clean and well-ventilated home.
This opinion is echoed by the Institute of Medicine, which has said
"air cleaners are probably helpful in some situations in reducing
allergy or asthma symptoms," but that air cleaning "is not
consistently and highly effective in reducing symptoms."
But an air filter still might help you.?
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America suggests asking these
questions before purchasing an air filter:
? What substances will the cleaner remove from the air in my home?
What substances will it not?
? What is the efficiency rating of the cleaner in relation to the true
HEPA standard?
? Will the unit clean the air in a room the size of my bedroom every
four to six minutes?
? What is the device's clean air delivery rate (CADR)? The Association
of Home Appliance Manufacturers rates air cleaners according to their
clean air delivery rates (CADR), which indicate how much filtered air
the cleaner delivers. There are different CADRs for tobacco smoke,
pollen, and dust. The higher the numbers, the faster the unit filters
air.
? How difficult is it to change the filter? (Ask for a demonstration.)
How often does it have to be changed? How much do filters cost? Are
they readily available throughout the year?
How much noise does the unit make? Is it quiet enough to run while I
sleep? (Turn it on and try it, even though you will probably be in a
store and may not get a true sense of just how noisy it is.)
WebMD
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/79/96278.htm
?Dr. Andre Nel believes that filters can help if the source of
breathing problems is pollen. Unlike some other allergens, such as
dust mites and cat dander, pollen is likely to be suspended in the
air, says Nel, a professor of clinical immunology and allergy at the
University of California at Los Angeles.
?But the filter should not be your primary method of prevention,? he
adds. ?Pollen comes from the outside, so the most important thing you
can do is keep the windows and doors closed. That dramatically affects
the pollen counts indoors.?
If the doors and windows are closed most of the time, then the filter
can help clean up any pollen that slips through, Nel says.
Still, Dr. Marjorie Slankard points out, you may do perfectly well
with no filter if you have an air conditioner. ?An air conditioner
with a good filter will take out over 90 percent of the pollen and
mold,? says Slankard, an associate clinical professor of medicine at
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York.
For patients who want that extra bit of air purification, Slankard
does suggest purchasing a filter. And if you?re only going to buy one
filter, she advises that it be placed in the bedroom.?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3076765/
?Cheong presented a paper titles The Use of HEPA Air Filters to
Control Airborne Indoor Fungi at the IAQ 2001 conference, Moisture,
Microbes and Health Effects: Indoor Air Quality and Moisture in
Buildings, sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers in San Francisco.
The study involved asthmatic children between the ages of 6 and 11
from schools in Perth, Western Australia. Portable air filtration
units fitted with HEPA filters were placed in the children's bedrooms
for 15 weeks. Homeowners were told to maintain their normal regular
household cleaning practices during the study, including the
maintenance (or lack of) of the carpets and interior surfaces of the
homes.
In addition to the 70% reduction in fungal levels and 38% of
particulate matter, a 53% decrease was reported in airborne outdoor
fungal levels, Cheong said.
Past studies have indicated the temperature, relative humidity and
suspended particulate matter are possible predictors of indoor fungal
levels, influencing levels of airborne indoor fungi found indoors.
Cheong said this study showed no strong or significant correlation
between the air quality parameters and measured indoor fungal levels.
"Use of portable HEPA units, periodic maintenance of both filter
material and carpets and a general awareness of indoor air issues like
ventilation and source control, could aid in reducing exposure to
airborne indoor fungi in residential environments," he said.?
http://www.sycorp.ca/info/fungiHEPAstudy.htm
Excerpted from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
?There continues to be great interest and aggressive advertising of
air filtration device (AFD) aiming to help in the control of indoor
allergens. This subject was reviewed by Wood of the Johns Hopkins
Medical Institutions in Baltimore, MD. He pointed out that there is
very limited definitive evidence to support the use of AFD in indoor
allergen control. A variety of AFD have been marketed, mainly 1)
electrostatic recipitators or 2) high efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) types. Individual room units of adequate size tend to be more
effective in that room than units placed centrally in the forced air
system because the individual room units filter air more extensively
in the room involved (assuming doors and window are kept closed).
Most of the controlled studies have dealt with room-sized units.
HEPA/AFD can be very effective in reducing airborne levels of animal
allergens, especially when carpeting is removed or cleaned thoroughly
and frequently (see below). In contrast, any AFD has much less effect
reducing airborne levels of dust mite or cockroach allergens. Dust
mite and cockroach allergens are carried on larger particles that do
not remain airborne for any length of time and are therefore less
likely to be trapped by AFD. The concomitant frequent use of HEPA
filter-equipped vacuum cleaners further reduces airborne animal
allergen levels considerably.
The limited studies of the effects of AFD use in the home containing
pets on asthma symptoms in individuals allergic to those animals have
shown modest if any benefit of HEPA/AFD compared to placebo
filtration. However, in one study there was a modest increase in PEFR
and decrease in bronchial reactivity after 3 months use of the HEPA/
AFD. The author of this review concluded that the role of AFD on the
control of indoor allergens is not defined. If benefit is seen, it is
mainly related to reduction in the levels of animal allergens but this
is not a true alternative to removal of the pet from the home if the
patient is very allergic to those animals. Additional controlled
studies, including assessment of effects of AFD on indoor mold levels,
are needed.?
?Although there was enthusiasm in some quarters for the use of
negative ionization in the entrapment of airborne allergens years ago,
most studies have found this approach much less effective than the
newer high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter devices.
Unfortunately, even standing HEPA filters of adequate size (and
frequently sizable noise level) are of only limited benefit because
the major indoor aeroallergen, dust mite, is present mainly on
surfaces and not continuously suspended in the air. Also, a recent
study by Wood et al of Johns Hopkins showed no dramatic reduction by
HEPA filtration of cat allergen-induced respiratory
symptoms.Therefore, the major preventive approach to dust mite
allergens is removal of floor covering, mite-proff enclosures for
mattresses, pillows, etc, frequent washing of bedding in hot water,
and avoidance of excess humidity and clutter/dust catchers in the
room. The practical value of HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaners and use of
acaricides/denaturants of the mite allergen is more debatable,
according to the recent studies.?
http://www.aaaai.org/aadmc/ate/airfiltration.html
========
Reviews:
========
According to Champion Cooler, you want to look for the type of filter
(HEPA is recommended) and how many times the air is cleaned per hour
(CADR) Consider too, the cost of the filters. The Sharper Ionic Breeze
has a removeable filter that can be cleaned, which over time, saves a
good deal of money. Most have a disposable filter that needs to be
changed periodically, depending on the model and how many hours the
filter is used.
http://www.championcooler.com/css-hap_choosingapurifier.htm
This Lowe?s Hardware site explains what to look for in an air
purifier, such as Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and sizing.:
http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=BuyGuide/AirPurifierBG.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavSafetySecurity
Home Improvement has tips as well.
?The CADR is based on the number of cubic feet that an air purifier
can filter per minute. When the CADR is high, that means the unit is
able to filter the room?s air quickly than a lower CADR. The air
purifiers that you see with the CADR approval seal are designed to
remove particles from tobacco smoke, mold, mildew, pet dander, dust,
and pollen. Keep in mind that although you might have a small room, if
it has high ceilings, you will need to purchase a larger air purifier
to accommodate the entire room.?
http://www.home-improvement-home-improvement.com/living-Air-Purifiers.htm
Most of the Honeywell models were highly rated by consumers:
http://www.epinions.com/well-Personal-Air-Purifiers-All-Honeywell
Sharper Image did well, but not as well as Honeywell:
http://www.epinions.com/well-Personal-Air-Purifiers-All-Sharper_Image
Allergy Buyer?s Club Reviews
http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-air.html
Note: This site also sells filters and ships to Canada!
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/shippingpopup.html
Ionic Breeze Quadra Reviews
http://www.epinions.com/Ionic_Breeze_Quadra_Silent_Air_Purifier_Air_Filters/display_~reviews
========================
Where to buy in Canada:
========================
========
Sears
========
There are several air filters, of varying prices, on this page, Sears
Canada, that can be shipped to you. ?Across Canada and to your door!?
http://search.sears.ca/sears/srch?se_l=e&se_q=air+filters&se_cat=air&se_cmd=searchWithLinguistics&se_res=QIR_ShopOnline&cqon=true&se_n=1&se_p=34
Shipping Info
http://www.sears.ca/e/customerservice/shipping.htm#Delivery
================
Canadian Tire
================
Scroll down to see the Honeywell Air filter on this Canadian Tire site
http://gateway.canadiantire.ca/driver.php?fileid=2534374303514169_1408474395348027_845524443249098_
================================
Air Purifiers and Filters
================================
This company ships to Canada. Their products seem very good quality,
but pricey. The site has quite a bit of information on filters and
allergens.:
http://www.airpurifiersandfilters.com/
========
Sycorp
========
Located in Canada, Sycorp sells several models of home air purifiers.
http://www.sycorp.ca/services/IAQ/permanent.htm
http://www.sycorp.ca/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=SHARP
Some less expensive models:
http://www.sycorp.ca/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=AMAIR
Shipping:
http://www.sycorp.ca/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=_SHIP
================
Sharper Image
================
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/search/searchresults.jhtml?_DARGS=/us/en/include/standardheader1.jhtml.13
Sharper Image does ship to Canada
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/cust_help/cserv_shipping.jhtml#canadahow
========
Wal-Mart
========
You may consider checking for a Wal-Mart in your area. The online
Canadian Wal-Mart does not ship merchandise, but there is a store
locator here:
http://walmart.crosscap.ca/wps-portal/storelocator/Canada-Storefinder.jsp
A car ionizer might help too, if you can locate one in Canada!
(However, Circuit City does not ship to Canada)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetailReview.do?oid=100546&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&ct=0&BV_SessionID=@@@@1352083513.1103389826@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadddgfldlkdcfngcfkmdffhdfii.0
Hope this helps you decide on an air purifier, a very thoughtful gift!
If any part of my answer is unclear, please request an Answer
Clarification, before rating, and I will be glad to respond as soon as
possible.
Regards,
crabcakes
Search Terms
Air purifiers
ionizers + air filters
asthma + air purifiers
air purifier reviews |
Clarification of Answer by
crabcakes-ga
on
18 Dec 2004 17:19 PST
Hello generica,
Thank you for your clarification! Whether or not ozone produced by
ionizers is dangerous, like drinking coffee, using cell phones, and
artificial sweeteners, produces a lot of debate and controversial
studies. The EPA site below has a lot of information on this topic,
and has performed several studies on this topic. Some factors to be
considered are the size of the ionizer in relation to the room, the
speed of the ionizer, meaning, if it is run on high, medium, or low,
and the proximity of the device to people.
In conclusion, the EPA states ?When inhaled, ozone can damage the
lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing,
shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic
respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability
of the body to fight respiratory infections.?
EPA
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
This 1998 Department of Health Services document advises against
ionizing air cleaners:
?When an air cleaner is needed, safe, more effective models are
available that can remove air contaminants without the health risks
caused by ozone. These devices can use high efficiency particle
arrestance (HEPA) filters, activated carbon, electrostatic
precipitators, and/or particle ionizers (Note: precipitators and
ionizers can generate low levels of ozone). Evaluations of household
air cleaners have been published by the Consumers Report14, the
American Lung Association (ALA)18 and U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)19. The former two reports give explicit
warnings against ozone-generating devices. The Consumer Reports?
authors conclude, after performing tests, that they ?wouldn?t
recommend an ozone generator even as a last resort.?
http://www.cal-iaq.org/o3_fact.pdf
?Improved air-filtration systems for use in furnaces, air
conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and air filters can help control
biological exposures. HEPA (high-efficiency particulatearresting) air
filters on air purifiers and vacuum cleaners
effectively remove 95-99.97 percent of all pollen, mold spores, animal
hair and dander, dust mites, bacteria, smoke particles, and dust from
the air they
process. Vacuum cleaners with multi-stage filtration systems and double-wall
disposable inner bags are helpful, especially if the bag is changed
when half full.?
http://patriot.lib.byu.edu/MarriageandFamily/image/46810172432003_article2_aug01.pdf
This Singapore Family Physician article does not mention any adverse
effects from ionizers: ?Indoor air-purifiers are of several types
including those that use mechanical filters (eg HEPA filters),
electrostatic precipitating devices (ionisers) and hybrid filters.
They aim to reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants or
allergens. However, they cannot substitute for good cleaning and
hygiene practice, and most studies on air filters or ionisers have
failed to demonstrate an effect on asthma symptoms or pulmonary
function. It may be difficult to determine why air filtration is not
more successful. The most likely explanation is that much
aero-allergen exposure is from local sources close to the individual
(head on pillow, cushion). Therefore, air filtration operating at some
distance does not have sufficient impact on exposure.?
http://www.cfps.org.sg/sfp/29/291/29(1)%2027-29.pdf
On atmospheric ozone (Just throwing in additional ozone information here?.):
Bad news, says Sinus News:
? Children living in high ozone communities who actively participate
in several sports, are more likely to develop asthma than children in
these communities not participating in sports.
? Children living in communities with higher concentrations of
nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and acid vapor have lungs that
develop and grow more slowly and are less able to move air through
them. This decreased lung development may have permanent adverse
effects in adulthood.
? Children who moved away from study communities had increased lung
development if the new communities had lower particulate pollution,
and had decreased lung development if the new communities had higher
particulate pollution.
? Days with higher ozone concentrations resulted in significantly
higher school absences due to respiratory illness.
? Children with asthma who are exposed to higher concentrations of
particles are much more likely to develop bronchitis.
http://www.sinusnews.com/Articles2/air-pollution-ozone-asthma.html
Bunk, says a North Carolina scholar:
?There is no foundation for a widely suggested link between
ground-level ozone, or ?smog,? and asthma among children, according to
a new study by the John Locke Foundation that cautions policymakers
and the news media to ?check the facts? before coming to conclusions
about scientific issues.
In the study, Dr. Roy Cordato, vice president for research and
resident scholar at the Raleigh-based think tank, examined ozone and
childhood-asthma data from North Carolina counties. One of his
conclusions was that increasing rates of childhood hospitalizations
for asthma were hard to connect to levels of ozone pollution, since
there was no evidence that the latter ? measured in terms of
ozone-alert days per monitor ? had been increasing at all.?
http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=101
It certainly appears that ozone from an ionizing air purifier has the
potential for being harmful. Perhaps you would want to consider a
non-ionizing purifier, with a HEPA filter. After reading one of the
above articles, maybe a new vacuum cleaner would be a helpful
alternative gift! (I will say, I have run mine constantly for many
months, with no adverse reactions - so far :-) )
Good Luck!
Sincerely,
crabcakes
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