With flu season upon us and the continuing threat of the H1N1 virus, many people are fighting back. In attempt to kill the virus in their homes and businesses, different methods and devices are being tried. One of these devices is one you are already familiar with -- the air purifier. The question is, "Can an air purifier kill the germs that cause the flu virus?" The theory behind ionic air purifiers is that they release a steady stream of negatively charged ions into the air. These negatively charged ions electrify the dust, dander, and in the air. Positively charged plates inside the machine attract these negatively charged particles. Reviews on ionic air purifiers are mixed - some love them, some hate them. If you want to purchase one of these home air purifiers to kill the flu virus in your home, be sure you buy one that also has a UV light to kill airborne germs. Not technically an air purifier, the Germ Guardian UV-C Air Sanitizer makes bold claims for cleaning and sterilizing the air you breathe.

According to Germ Guardian, this device kills up to 99% of airborne bacteria introduced into the air through coughing and sneezing. The Germ Guardian backs up their claims with tests performed by the Harvard School of Public Health, an independent third-party testing laboratory. The Germ Guardian UV-C Air Sanitizer claims to disinfect 700 cubic feet of air per hour and kill 99.9% of germs that cause influenza, strep throat, colds, staph infections, tuberculosis, and also destroy bacterial, mold, and fungal spores. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) developed in the 1940's to filter out radioactive dust particulate contaminants in bomb shelters during the atomic bomb tests. HEPA filters are highly effective and designed to capture particles down to 0.3 microns in size with an efficiency rating of 99.97% Using the same standards, HEPA filters continue to clean and remove household dust and allergens to improve the air quality in homes and businesses. While effective, HEPA only trap particles and do not kill them.

If you are interested in purchasing a HEPA air purifier to kill the flu virus and other germs, buy a purifier that has a UV light also. By combining these two technologies, you can effectively kill the flu virus. Technically not an air purifier, this is a typical air filter used in combination with your air conditioning unit. An air filter like the Alen A350 Flu & Bacteria Prevention Filter works for 6-9 months and filters the air for your entire home. This Silver HEPA filter kills up to 98% of bacteria, 50% of viruses that cause the flu, and 650 types of bacteria. Its effectiveness comes from the combination of combining HEPA technology and silver ions, which are antimicrobial. Testing from the Guangdong Center of Microbiology has confirmed these test results. It is possible to kill or greatly reduce viruses that cause the flu virus in your home, if you choose the right product. Designed with allergy sufferers in mind, most air purifiers will not kill the flu virus.

When searching for a purifier that kills germs, keep in mind you will need a UV light or a filter that uses silver ions to effectively kill viruses. To kill flu germs, clean the air of allergens, dander, and odors, and be cost effective, choose air purifiers that have a combination of air-cleaning and germ-killing filters.Air purifiers improve the air quality within the home and workplace. Far more effective than a simple ioniser, high quality air purifiers use multiple filters to thoroughly clean, treat and sterilise the air. giottos lens cleaning kit ukThe difference air purifiers make is immediately noticeable, with indoor air smelling much cleaner and fresher.air purifier with hepa singapore An effective air purifier eases respiratory problems like asthma and allergies by removing airborne allergens such as pollen, pet dander (pet hair) and dust mite excretion. hepa air purifier in singapore

An air purifier also filters volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which, such as formaldehyde in cigarette smoke, are known human carcinogens while others are simply the cause of unpleasant odours. The best air purifiers also use ultra-violet (UV) light to kill bacteria and viruses, to help combat the spread of airborne illnesses such as coughs and colds. How do air purifiers work? Ecoair's high quality air purifiers treat the air in six ways • Carbon filter - to remove unpleasant odours • Antibacterial HEPA filter - to remove 99.97% of airbourne particles of 0.3 micrometres or larger • VOC filter - to remove toxic volatile organic compounds and unpleasant smells • Ultra-violet light - UV light treatment to kill airbourne bacteria and viruses • Ti02 filter - Titanium Dioxide coated screen to maximise UV effectiveness to kill 99.9% of germs • Ioniser - to generate negative ions that attach to allergens, making them heavy enough to drop to the floor

The six complementary air purification systems create a powerful air purifier that combats physical (including microscopic) and gaseous allergens as well as bacteria, viruses and unwanted smells. The HEPA filter is particularly important for asthma sufferers, while the UV light and Ti02 filter are vital for killing germs. Maintaining an air purifier is straight-forward. With normal usage, the filters need only be replaced once a year and are very simple to fit. Ideally air purification should be addressed across the entire household or workplace, with a combination of air purifiers. Kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms are worthy of special attention, particularly if the aim is to ease asthma symptoms or other allergies such as pollen to ease hay fever. Aside from ensuring an air purifier has all six air treatments, other considerations when buying an air purifier should be • Size of the room or building (measure room volume by calculating room width x length x height)

• Noise level (for example, choose silently operating air purifiers for bedrooms) • Energy efficiency (particularly is the air purifier will be left on for long periods) • Weight (if portability is an issue) • Advanced controls, such as timed operation (to 'set and forget' operations) PURE126 and PURE155 Air Purifier – Air Purifier with the 6-Stage Purification System Ecoair's ethos of innovation with reliability and modern design, and our commitment to improve our environment has now brought in yet another outstanding air purifier - PURE series. The effective air flow brings you a complete air treatment system to clean and purified your environment. With 6-stage air purification system, the PURE126 and PURE155 bring the filtration as: 1) Carbon Filter - Reduces cooking, tobacco and pet odours, Captures large dust particles, Lint and pet dander. 2) HEPA Filter with Anti Bacterial Filter - Effectively captures 99% of smoke, dust, pollens and other airborne particles.