| The quality of the air inside the home or | | | | |
| office can significantly impact one's health. | | | | Inadequate ventilation increases indoor |
| Many people are aware that breathing outdoor | | | | pollutant levels by not allowing in enough |
| air pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, | | | | outdoor air to dilute indoor air pollutant |
| diesel fumes, carbon monoxide among others) | | | | sources and by not carrying them out of the |
| increases the likelihood of developing | | | | home. Unless homes are built with special |
| serious health problems, such as asthma, | | | | mechanical means of ventilation, such as |
| heart disease and cancer. However, many of us | | | | outdoor-vented fans, or air handling systems, |
| do not realize that the air inside our home | | | | "airtight" homes may have higher pollutant |
| can be up to 10 times dirtier than outdoor | | | | levels than other homes. When there is |
| air. | | | | limited ventilation, the air exchange rate is |
| | | | low, and the level of pollutants then pose |
| Indoor air pollution refers to air pollutants | | | | health and comfort problems. |
| that occur inside buildings or other enclosed | | | | |
| spaces. Examples of indoor air pollutants | | | | Research has proven that a freestanding air |
| include dust, fibers, smoke, bio-aerosols, | | | | purifier with a medical-grade HEPA filter and |
| radon, pesticides, asbestos, formaldehyde, | | | | activated carbon is effective at reducing |
| carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Some | | | | particulate levels and trapping harmful |
| sources, including building materials, | | | | chemicals, gases and vapors. Austin Air, a |
| furnishings and household products like | | | | USA-based manufacturer of portable air |
| cleaning sprays and air fresheners, release | | | | purification systems, is regarded by leading |
| high concentrations of pollutants. High | | | | doctors, allergists and indoor air quality |
| pollutant concentrations can remain in the | | | | experts as the air cleaner of choice. The |
| air for long durations, increasing the | | | | Austin Air HealthMate, their most popular |
| potential for serious health problems and | | | | unit, features Hospital Grade HEPA filtration |
| illnesses. | | | | for the removal of 99.97% of all airborne |
| | | | particulate matter larger than 0.3 microns |
| Evidence has proven that individuals exposed | | | | (dust, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, germs, |
| to chemicals, even over short periods of | | | | pollen, and mold spores). This unit also |
| time, may develop immediate health effects, | | | | includes activated granular carbon for the |
| including eye and throat irritation, nasal | | | | elimination of over 3000 toxic gaseous |
| congestion, chest tightness, headaches, | | | | chemicals, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) |
| dizziness and fatigue. Long-term health | | | | and noxious odors. Unlike many of the cheap |
| effects may develop years after exposure to | | | | ionizing-producers sold via television |
| pollutants. These effects include cancer, | | | | commercials, Austin Air purifiers do not emit |
| heart disease, asthma, allergy and other | | | | harmful ozone gas, which can aggravate asthma |
| respiratory diseases, all of which can be | | | | and irritate the upper respiratory system. |
| severely debilitating or fatal. | | | | |