Pollutants Removed

Best Surround Air air purifier models for each type of pollutant, or specific indoor air quality problem.

1

Particles that trigger allergies; Dust, pollen,  dander, dust mites and other allergens.

HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestors) are proven to be the most effective air-cleaning method at removing solid particles such as dust, pollen, dander and other allergens. HEPA filters are recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. The HEPA's effectiveness is enhanced by the presence of a built-in ionizer, as proven by a Journal of Hygiene study.

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2

Cigarette smoke.

Cigarette smoke is comprised of fine smoke particles, and chemically-based, odor-causing toxins. HEPA filters are not very effective at removing such fine particles and chemical fumes. Activated carbon is the most effective type of filter against chemicals and odors. The fiber of activated carbon filters physically bond with these contaminates.

Ozonators are also effective against the odors produced by cigarette smoke, so an optional (programmable) ozonator/sanitizer is also a valuable feature.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down chemicals and odor-causing compounds such as those found in cigarette smoke.

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3

Mold, mildew from humid environment or water damage.

Mold is a common problem in humid environments, or if water damage has been suffered. Moisture combined with building materials create an ideal breeding ground for fungi such as mold. Once mold growth takes root, it releases highly allergenic mold spores into the air, along with harmful mycotoxins. Mycotoxins have been shown to cause a variety of health problems. HEPA filters along with the support of an ionizer are the best way to remove airborne mold spores. This is the most effective combination at removing solid particles from the air.

As a micro-organism, mycotoxins from mold can be destroyed by germicidal UV (ultraviolet) light technology. Activated carbon and ozonators, both effective against odors, can also be helpful at removing the foul mildewy smell from mold growth.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down chemicals and odor-causing compounds such as those created by mold growth.

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4

Strong odors.

Odors are caused by certain chemical compounds, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) produced by formaldehyde, cigarette smoke, and even bacteria and mold. HEPA filters are of little use against odors, since they are ineffective against chemicals. Activated carbon filters, on the other hand, are the most effective type of filter against chemicals. As a result, activated carbon is effective at reducing odor. Ozonators/sanitizers are also effective against many types of odors.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down odor-causing compounds.

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5

Viruses & germs that cause colds, flu and other sicknesses.

The U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends germicidal UV lamps to destroy micro-organisms. UV light has been proven time and again to be the most effective air-purifying method at destroying germs, viruses and other micro-organisms. The germ-killing "UVC" wavelength radiates UV rays that are deadly against the DNA and protein that sustain micro-organisms.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down bacteria.

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6

Household chemicals, gas fumes; Pollution from  nearby roadway or factory.

Activated carbon is the most effective type of filter against chemicals, fumes and odors. The fiber of activated carbon filters physically bond with these contaminates. Other types of filters, such as HEPA filters, are not effective at removing chemicals from the air.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down many types of chemicals.

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7

Pet dander & odors, such as those from cats and dogs.

Pet dander from cats and dogs is a powerful allergen, triggering hay fever, and even asthma attacks in millions of people in the U.S. Since pet dander is a particle and an allergen, it is effectively captured by HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestors). HEPA filters are proven to be the most effective air-cleaning method at removing solid particles and allergens. The HEPA's effectiveness is enhanced by the presence of a built-in ionizer, as proven by a Journal of Hygiene study.

Odors are also an issue with pets. Activated carbon filters are the most effective type of filter at removing odor. Ozonators/sanitizers are also helpful against odors.

TIO2 (Photocatalytic) Oxidation Filters have also been proven to be effective at breaking down odor-causing compounds.

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Other Factors to Consider in Air Purifier

Surround Air Comparison Chart

Surround Air
Division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc.
334 North Marshall Way, Suite C
Layton, UT  84041

Toll Free: 888.812.1516
PH: 801.547.1162
FX: 801.991.4838 or 801.340.0107

sales@surroundair.com
www.surroundair.com

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