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Air purifiers are seen for years as an additive to the home, but not really an essential tool unless you live in smoky environments or may be allergic. But the rise of Covid has changed all that, and air purifiers have quickly become an essential item when it comes to keeping the air in your space clean and virus-free.
The best brands of air purifiers have also doubled their technology in recent months, with powerful units now capable of capturing and destroying harmful bacteria, including the Covid-19 virus.
One of these brands is EnviroKlenz, of which the Air System Plus air purifier is 99.9% effective in preventing viruses. Using a state-of-the-art HEPA filtration system, germicidal UVC rays and ‘advanced chemistry technology’ (more on this later), EnviroKlenz says testing has shown that its medium-sized air purifier is in fact pathogens that are about 1/4 of the size of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – also known as the virus that causes Covid-19.
EnviroKlenz
“When EnviroKlenz decided to do third-party testing, we did so under the FDA’s guidance of what they consider to be a surrogate or more challenging virus to remove phi-X174 – a virus about the size of Covid-19 and Flu, “explains George Negron, VP of Customer Relations and Operations at EnviroKlenz. “Our third-party tests showed 99.9% removal in less than two hours.”
In addition to the phi-X174 virus (which the FDA actually referred to as a “surrogate virus” for Covid), EnviroKlenz says that testing has also been done on Staphylococcus epidermidis (bacteria) and E. coli (bacteria), with the results showing 99.9%. reduction rate for all three pathogens. EnviroKlenz says its air purifier has also been able to effectively trap and filter droplets in the air, and so the Covid-19 virus is often transmitted.
We tested the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus in our home (about 2000 square feet) and it made a noticeable difference in air quality. The air felt less stagnant and stuffy, and our allergies also improved (we had a cat, and the air purifier was able to effectively trap and reduce allergies, and our throats were less dry and the eyes less watery).
The air purifier works by means of a high-quality HEPA filter, which is a ‘high-efficiency particulate air’ filter. In essence, it is a super-fine mesh filter that traps dust, pollen, mold and other potentially harmful particles in the air. The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier also has a military air cartridge that, according to the company, works to remove and destroy toxic and harmful odors, chemicals and pathogens. The company’s “NanoActive” technology neutralizes the chemicals and odors by breaking down harmful chemical compounds until they become inactive. EnviroKlenz says this technology has been “tested and certified for a wide range of chemical pollution mitigation measures, including the very toxic chemical warfare agents.”
What actually sets the Air System Plus apart from other air purifiers on the market is the use of two light bulbs of nine that use the power of UV-C light for extra germicidal power. EnviroKlenz says its UV-C system also helps clean the system.
EnviroKlenz
The industrial-looking unit is not as attractive as some of the other top-cleaners on the market, but it was smaller and less intrusive than it looked in photos, and easily tucked into the corner of our living room. The four-speed blower was also surprisingly quiet, and even at the highest speed settings, the air purifier was no louder than an electric fan. Everything is set up within minutes and the front direction is easy to use and monitor.
Of course, there are no guarantees that the Air System Plus can completely eliminate the coronavirus, but it certainly helped with peace of mind to turn on the unit while we were at home.
Negron says sales at EnviroKlenz are up nearly 400% year-on-year, as people across the country are looking for ways to keep their homes safe while preventing the spread of the coronavirus. “The CDC and EPA both say that the use of an air purifier is designed to reduce the risk of transmission in the air,” he says. ‘Although it can not guarantee that you will not get Covid-19, it will can however, you provide air that is exchanged which can significantly reduce the risk of airborne particles and transfer into an enclosed airspace. ”
EnviroKlenz
And while Covid fears still dominate the discussion these days, Negron says there is a long-term benefit to having an air purifier. post-pandemic also as a way for people to control their indoor air environment.
‘I believe that the quest to acquire air purifiers was rather a greater awareness or – if I may – a hyperconsciousness of all the terrible things that can happen in the air, ”says Negron. “We pay close attention to what’s in our water, the food we eat, but never really thought about what could possibly be in the air. The pandemic showed us that it is better to be prepared now for any of the unknowns. ”
“I believe that one big misconception is that people think they should only operate an air system if there is a negative threat that leads to poor air quality (ie smoke or mildew mitigation),” he continues. ‘Air systems need to run regularly to help with the filter and clean air. We need to see and treat our indoor air regularly, just as we use vitamins, and [use it as] a proactive measure to help our immune system and not wait until we are sick. ‘