Appliances add comfort and convenience to the lives of millions of people around the world.  AHAM and its members work every day to bring safe, energy efficient and innovative appliances into your home. AHAM offers you a direct line to the collective knowledge of the world’s leading home appliance manufacturers to help you keep your appliances doing what they do best: taking care of the household chores so you can spend more time doing what you love.Dyson's Air Multiplier tech has been around for a while now. It's that unmistakable blade-free design that defines the brand's fans, heaters and humidifiers . As of today, the team is adding a new product to the Multiplier platform -- an air purifier-fan hybrid called the Pure Cool.If you happen to live in a place where pollution is particularly prevalent, your local media may issue occasional smog alerts suggesting that you stay home. Unfortunately, indoor air quality can be a concern as well.According to Dyson, "The problem is microscopic particles suspended in the atmosphere.

When we breathe them in, they cluster on the lining of the lungs. Ultrafine particles can travel even further into the lungs - their small size meaning they can collect in the smaller branches and gas exchange regions of the lungs. They've been linked to respiratory problems, heart attacks, and even skin aging." That certainly doesn't sound good.This new air-purifying fan is supposed to fix most of that. It boasts a 360-degree glass HEPA filter that claims to be able to rid your home of 99.95 percent of those "ultrafine particles." Dyson says it put the Pure Cool to the test with cigarette-smoke-enveloped rooms and more, but that the performance of the filter and DC motor remained steady.The Pure Cool is scheduled to make its retail debut in China and Japan in April, with availability in the US and elsewhere to follow. Pricing is set at CN¥5,190 in China (roughly $835, £565 and AU$1,090 at the current exchange rate), and ¥69,984 in Japan ($580, £390 and AU$760). In Singapore you'll pay S$999 ($725) with replacement filters setting you back S$79 ($54).

Given that there's a pretty significant difference between CN¥5,190 and ¥69,984, it's a little tough to lock down reliable estimates for other countries right now. Dyson's existing Air Multiplier products range in price from $300 to $450, so I'd expect the Pure Cool to be priced somewhere in that ballpark. We'll be sure to keep track of international availability and update this piece when we learn more.As cities in China struggle with air pollution, an American company is shipping air purifiers to Chinese consumers.Smog in Shanghai has closed schools and airports, and cause breathing problems for much of the population.In an unusual export move, the U.S.-based, veteran-owned green home products company recently started shipping containers of their new U.S. designed and manufactured air purifiers to China. Oransi's new line of Erik Air Purifiers utilizes hospital grade air filters, which are equipped to handle the air quality problems in China.These models can clean spaces in a home or office up to 1700 square feet, feature up to 39 times more filter media when compared to other air purifiers, and use 90 percent less energy than competitors’ models.

The powerful new American-made HEPA air purifiers caught the attention of Chinese consumers seeking relief from some of the world’s worst air pollution. While it's not uncommon for containers from China in the U.S. to be shipped back to Asia containing raw materials, it is rare for the containers to be sent holding consumer finished goods, especially consumer appliances."oransi v-hepa air purifier reviewOransi knew our premium quality, higher performance air purifiers would provide much needed relief in China," said Oransi CEO Peter Mann. honeywell portable air cleaner 52500"In fact, a recent study showed the residents of Northern China have a life expectancy that is 5 ½ years less than other parts of China (which are still polluted) as well as air quality readings from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing that regularly report dangerous levels of particulate matter. oczyszczacz air purifier

We’ve found consumers will pay for a better product - even in China - and our hope is that other manufacturers of high-end products in the U.S. will follow our lead."Oransi's new Erik line of Air Purifiers are available for sale in the U.S. in six different models ranging from the Erik M16 ($989 U.S.) to the Erik Ultra Plus ($1495 U.S.). The Erik air purifiers offer the same industrial air filtration system that is used in hospital operating rooms and they have the ability to filter more than 99.99 percent of particulates from the air including dust, smoke, pollen, mold, pet dander, some viruses, allergens, VOCs/gases and bacteria.Read more about indoor air quality. Infographic provided by Oransi. View the original infographic here.If you have an allergy that never ends when seasons change, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere, and disturbing a mold source can disperse the spores into the air. What Is Mold Allergy? Mold and mildew are fungi.

They differ from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The "seeds" called spores, are spread by the wind outdoors and by air indoors. Some spores are released in dry, windy weather. Others are released with the fog or dew when humidity is high. Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to late summer. But with fungi growing in so many places, allergic reactions can occur year round. Although there are many types of molds, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions. Alternaria, Cladosporium (Hormodendrum), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helmin thosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium (Pullularia) are the major culprits. Some common spores can be identified when viewed under a microscope. Some form recognizable growth or colonies. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, in compost piles and on grasses and grains. Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost.

Most outdoor molds become dormant during the winter. In the spring they grow on plants killed by the cold. Indoors, fungi grow in damp areas, particularly in the bathroom, kitchen or basement. Who Gets the Allergy? It is common for people to get mold allergy if they or other family members are allergic to substances such as pollen or animal dander. People may become allergic to only mold or fungi, or they may also have problems with dust mites, pollens and other spores. If you are allergic to only fungi, it is unlikely that you would be bothered by all fungi. The different types of fungi spores have only limited similarities. People in some occupations have more exposure to mold and are at greater risk of developing allergies. Farmers, dairymen, loggers, bakers, mill workers, carpenters, greenhouse employees, wine makers and furniture repairers are at increased risk. There is only weak evidence that allergic symptoms are caused by food fungi (e.g., mushrooms, dried fruit, foods containing yeast, vinegar or soy sauce).

It is more likely that reactions to food fungi are caused by the food's direct effect on blood vessels. For example, histamine may be present because of the fermentation of red wines. Fungi on house plants can cause an allergic reaction, but this is only likely to happen if the soil is disturbed. Fungi can even grow in the human body. If not properly treated, intense inflammation can recur often. It can permanently damage airway walls. This is not common, though. What Are the Symptoms? The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, itching, nasal discharge, congestion and dry, scaling skin. Some people with mold allergies may have allergy symptoms the entire summer because of outdoor molds or year-round if symptoms are due to indoor molds. Mold spores can deposit on the lining of the nose and cause hay fever symptoms. They also can reach the lungs, to cause asthma or another serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Sometimes the reaction is immediate, and sometimes the reaction is delayed. Symptoms often worsen in a damp or moldy room such as a basement; this may suggest mold allergy. How Is Mold Allergy Diagnosed? To diagnose an allergy to mold or fungi, the doctor will take a complete medical history. If mold allergy is suspected, the doctor often will do skin tests. Extracts of different types of fungi will be used to scratch or prick the skin. If there is no reaction, allergy is not suggested. In some people with allergy, irritation alone can cause a reaction. How Is Mold Allergy Treated? As with most allergies, patients should Avoid contact with the spores. Wear a dust mask when cutting grass, digging around plants, picking up leaves and disturbing other plant materials. Reduce the humidity indoors to prevent fungi from growing. These measures will reduce symptoms. Take medications for nasal or other allergic symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants are available over the counter-without a prescription.

Because these antihistamines can cause drowsiness, they are best taken at bedtime. If drowsiness continues to be a problem, talk to your doctor about taking non-sedating antihistamines, which require a prescription. For moderate and severe allergy symptoms, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid nasal sprays. If these medications are inadequate, talk to your doctor or allergist about taking allergy shots (immunotherapy). This works for some carefully selected patients. How Can I Prevent a Reaction to Mold? Allergies cannot be cured. But the symptoms of the allergy can be reduced by avoiding contact with the spores. Several measures will help: Stay indoors during periods when the published mold count is high. This will lessen the amount you inhale. Mold spores are "counted" by collecting a sample of particulates in the air then identifying and counting the mold spores in the sample. The amount of airborne spores are likely to change quickly, depending on the weather.

The counts reported are always for a past time period and may not reflect what is currently in the air. The mold that causes your allergic reaction may not be counted separately. This means that allergy symptoms may not relate closely to the published count. But knowing the count can help you decide when to stay indoors. Use central air conditioning with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment. It will help trap spores before they reach you. Air conditioning with a HEPA filter attached works better than electrostatic air-cleaning devices and much better than freestanding air cleaners. Devices that treat air with heat, ions or ozone are not recommended. No air cleaners will help if excess moisture remains. If indoor humidity is above 50 percent, risks of fungus growth rise steeply. Hygrometers can be used to measure humidity accurately. The goal is to keep humidity below 45 percent, and preferably about 35 percent. If humidifiers are necessary, scrub the fluid reservoirs at least twice a week to prevent mold growth.

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also be a source of mold and should be cleaned. To prevent mold and mildew build up inside the home, especially in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas, be aggressive about reducing dampness: Put an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom. Quickly repair any plumbing leaks. Remove bathroom carpeting where moisture is a concern. Scour sinks and tubs at least monthly.Fungi thrive on soap and other films that coat tiles and grout. For problem areas, use ordinary laundry bleach (1 ounce diluted in a quart of water). Fungicides (chemicals that kill fungus) are less important than a good scrubbing. Fungicides may be added to paint, primer or wallpaper paste to slow fungus growth on treated areas. But this will have little effect if excess moisture remains. Clean garbage pails frequently. Clean refrigerator door gaskets and drip pans. Repair basement plumbing leaks, blocked drains, poorly vented clothes dryers and water seepage through walls.

Use an electric dehumidifierto remove moisture from the basement. Be sure to drain the dehumidifier regularly and clean the condensation coils and collection bucket. Raise the temperature in the basementto help lower humidity levels. Small space heaters or a low-wattage light bulb may be useful in damp closets. Be careful where they are placed, though, to avoid creating a fire hazard. Polyurethane and rubber foams seem especially prone to fungus invasion. If bedding is made with these foams, it should be covered in plastic. Throw away or recycle old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding. Promote ground water drainage away from a house. Remove leaves and dead vegetation near the foundation and in the rain gutters. Completely shaded homes dry out slowly, and dense bushes and other plants around the foundation often promote dampness. In the winter, condensation on cold walls encourages mold growth, but even thick insulation can be invaded if vapor barriers in exterior walls are not effective.