Keeping your home healthy during Flu Season with an Air Purifier
by: Linda Treasure
Turn-Key’s line of air purifiers by IQAir stops the spread of flu viruses and can help improve the air quality in your home. The IQAir captures and retains viruses and eliminates them from circulating in the air, stopping their spread. If you have concerns about flu viruses in environments where you live, work, or play, the IQAir is your source of protection.
Transmission of the flu virus is spread person-to-person by airborne droplets expelled from the respiratory tract of an infected person during coughing or sneezing. Most droplets created by coughing or sneezing are relatively large (over 5 microns), and most travel only a short distance of 3-6 feet before settling out of the air and onto surrounding surfaces. Transmission can also take place through sub-micron droplets (droplet nuclei) which may remain suspended for longer periods of time and be transported over longer distances.
The highest risk of transmission is through the direct inhalation of these droplets and occurs when in close proximity to infected individuals, who sneeze and cough. The IQAir’s HyperHepa Filter captures and traps small and ultra-small particles, including viruses, bacteria, allergens and sub-micron sized dust. IQAir’s air purification system provides clean air and peace of mind.
Another source of transmission is when droplets settle on surfaces and contaminate them. We touch these surfaces and then touch our mouth, nose or eyes and spread the virus. To stop the spread of virus from these sources hand washing is essential.
When considering an air purifier, it is important to consider the size of the particles captured and retained. Many purifiers on the market today do not capture particles as small as viruses. Competitors claim to clean particles of 0.3 microns. However, less than 10% of all air born particles is this big. Ninety percent of all air born particles in a room is smaller than 0.3 microns. Other air purifiers are missing 90 % of the particles. Viruses are usually 30 times smaller than 0.3 microns. The IQAir filters down to 0.003 microns in size. In fact, it achieves a total system performance of 99.5% clean air returned to the room.
How Can You Improve Your Home’s Health
When considering the performance of an air purifier what factors are important? Some factors to consider include:
- Size of the particles captured and retained
- The performance of the pre-filter
- The performance of the fan which is used to draw in the air to be cleaned
- The quality and effectiveness of the Hepa filter system
- The performance of the diffuser which distributes the clean air back into the room
- The seals each component creates so that the unpurified air does not escape
The IQAir is a Swiss made product which uses the finest components with attention to detail and quality like a fine Swiss watch. Each filter is manufactures in-house by IQAir to ensure quality and superior performance. Before an air purifier leaves the Swiss Factory it has passed a grueling performance test to insure it meets published specifications. Each purifier is issued it unique personally signed individual certificate of performance.
Flu Shots are Not the Only Answer
Since people with the flu can infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick, what additional steps can you take to protect yourself and your family. It is helpful to avoid close contact where people congregate. It is also helpful to avoid crowed indoor environments. It is important to wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, it is important to use alcohol based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect surface and objects that may be contaminated with germs. If you or a family member gets sick, it is recommended that you stay home for a least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Your employer and children’s school should be taking additional measures as well.
Take control of your Home’s health and the health of your family. For more information on our line of IQAir purifiers, visit our products page.
