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