Air Purifiers - Efficiency Level

There are several aspects that should be considered when you are computing the efficiency level of the air purifiers. Basically the efficiency level tells you how proficiently the device is working in order to eliminate impurities from the environment. However there are two most important aspects that must not be ignored in measuring the efficiency level. One is the quantity of air that the air purifier can purify every hour and the percentage of pollutants and impurities that the device eliminates from the air that is flowing within. The 2nd aspect is known as the efficiency.

hepa vac

You can get better understanding of the efficiency level from the given example. Say if the atoms number per cubic foot of air that is inserting the air cleanser is one million atoms and the atoms number per cubic foot of air that is leaving the filter is around three hundred then the efficiency of the device is going to be 99%. From this you actually come to know why efficiency of the air purifier is very much vital. Say if an air purifier has the efficiency level of only sixty percent then it means about 0.4 million atoms will be going back into the environment which is a problem.

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You can find several diverse air cleansing devices in the market but the device that you must prefer buying is the one that has got the highest efficiency percentage. Do not buy those air purifiers on which the efficiency level is not written. If you have bought a HEPA filter and have set it up in your air cleansing device then there are certain other factors that must be considered as well. When the air is pulled in the air cleanser, some quantity of air actually avoids the filter element and that depends on the manner the filter is installed within the air cleansing device. Majority of the HEPA filters allow only forty to fifty percent of the air to flow through the filter medium which actually shows really bad performance. This means that the majority of the air is not purified and the impurities still exist in the atmosphere that can harm your health and fitness. So you must remember to buy the air purifier that has got a very high level of efficiency about ninety percent so that it can clean maximum impurities from the environment and in turn you will be able to breath comfortably.

Air Purifiers - Efficiency Level

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Cat Fatty Liver Disease - Don't Overlook This Leading Cause of Deadly Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

Feline Hepatic Lipidosis, also known as cat fatty liver, is simply an accumulation of fat in the liver tissue primarily found in older cats. Sounds simple but at best it is problematic and at worst, cat fatty liver can lead to fatal complications. To understand this condition it helps to understand liver function.

Cat livers, like our own, do some critically important jobs for the body. The liver filters blood, prepares toxic waste for elimination by the kidneys and detoxifies drugs, chemicals and other unusable substances. The liver must also manufacture blood proteins and fats and store energy including fat soluble vitamins and iron for future use. And that's not even nearly all; the liver is responsible for over 1000 essential functions which cannot be done anywhere else in the body.

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The most common feature of cats presenting with cat fatty liver is obesity and the most common symptom is loss of appetite. The irony is that this appetite loss is both the cause and the initial symptom. When an obese cat stops eating for whatever reason, could be stress or illness, whatever the reason the cats body must then convert fat to usable energy.

This is a normal function of the liver and normally not a big deal. But when the loss of appetite persists and the liver is forced to perform this function for a period of time, fat builds up in the liver itself and the result is cat fatty liver. A cat suffering from liver disease will be jaundiced and will begin to suffer other organ breakdown if left untreated.

Caught in the early stages there is a 90% chance of full recovery. If allowed to progress the prognosis drops to 10% chance of recovery in the late stages. It is therefore imperative to seek treatment for a cat that is not eating. Initial treatment will involve feeding the cat intravenously to shore up its energy and relieve the liver.

Once the cat is on the mend small amounts of easily digested food can be given by mouth. Every three hours small portions of very liquid natural foods until the cat shows signs of a full recovery. This may take three to six weeks.

Once the cat is on the road to recovery pet parents will want to ensure the pet stays out of the woods (no one who has been through cat fatty liver will want to go through it again). Keeping weight manageable, making sure the cat has plenty of opportunities for exercise and providing a natural homemade healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will keep the liver strong.

Cat Fatty Liver Disease - Don't Overlook This Leading Cause of Deadly Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

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Air-Storm Vacuum Cleaner Review

No vacuum cleaner is perfect. Almost every vacuum cleaner has design flaws that create problems. Maybe the biggest problem is that, as the filter bag fills with dirt, there is less airflow and suction. This problem is even shown in bagless vacuums because the filters clog up as the container fills with dirt, dust, and pet hair.

hepa filter vacuum

The worst feature that most vacuum cleaners have that they have bags that eventually clog up and restrict air flow. All bags and filters are porous. All bags, cloth or paper, have tiny air holes that allow the air to flow through them. When there is a dirt particle larger than the air hole, the particle clogs the hoe and restricts the free flowing of air. Eventually the entire surface of the bag or filter is coated with this dust. The airflow is slowed dramatically, and that is why your vacuum cleaner loses suction as the bag or filter clogs up.

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That restricted air flow is what causes motors to overheat. The Air-Storm vacuum cleaner has an airflow system that constantly keeps the bag surface clean, allowing for constant airflow and no loss of suction. As the air is pulled into the bag chamber, the angle of the airflow actually blasts the back of the bag clean, allowing unrestricted air to reach the motor and flow out the exhaust. The Air-Storm vacuum cleaner casing is made out of a near indestructible resin material that will never warp when heated.

The metal motor in the Air-Storm is a pleasant surprise. Metal is more durable than plastic, and is a conductor of heat. As the heat is generated in the motor, it is dissipated away from the inside of the motor. This keeps the bearings from drying out. Metal motors are far more durable than plastic motors. Most vacuums made, and all that you buy in discount stores have plastic motors.

Remember that Hoover vacuum your grandmother had for 50 years? It lasted because it had a metal motor and metal parts. Most vacuum cleaners are no longer made as well.

The Air-Storm cleaning system also has two HEPA filters that prevent any dust from escaping the exhaust. One of the HEPA filters is optional, and isn't included in the standard package.

The Air-Storm tools have air holes drilled in the, called "venturi air vents" that allow for constant airflow at the tools. This is especially useful if your upholstery is coated with Scotchguard. If your tools shut of the airflow, you won't be able to pick up any dirt at the tool. Other vacuum cleaners also have similar air vents at the tools; Riccar, Tri-Star, and Carpet Pro also use some form of air vets at the tools.

The Air-Storm vacuum cleaner is American made in California, and it's the most well designed vacuum cleaner we have seen. My only complaint is that the Carpet tool, or power nozzle (as it is called) is from a manufacturer that has parts unavailable to most retailers. At ,895 retail, it's not cheap, but. The Air-Storm gets our recommendation.

I have seen the Air-Storm sold for less online, but a local dealer would be able to provide service far more easily than an internet seller. You always want to buy from an authorized dealer to guarantee warranty service will be provided.

Air-Storm Vacuum Cleaner Review

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Relief From Mold and Mildew Allergies - Can Air Purifiers Help?

I used to start sneezing, sniffling and asthma from mold and mildew exposure (although my allergies also included dust, pollen, and pets). Shots at the allergist and medications were a weekly routine. I began to experiment with air purifiers and air cleaners of all kinds at age 11. When allergic to mold you'll try anything for relief.

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Thirty years of experience has given me a lot of experience with air purifiers and mold problems. The following represent the primary types of air purification, with a quick rating on their effectiveness for mold and mildew allergies.

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Electrostatic Plates

An electrostatic machine is basically a machine with positive and negatively charged plates. Oreck may call these plates "Truman Cell" (maybe it stands for Harry Truman??) but they're most often called "ionic" or "electrostatic". Works for pollution since carbon from car exhaust is charged, and they are washable but since most pollen and dust carries little charge however they are not effective for pollen or dust or mold FOR MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR

HEPA Filters

The 1st choice for allergies like pollen and dust HEPA traps and holds pollen and dust. Allergists recommend it most. The downside = you have to replace it every year or so. It will remove mold spores to reduce the spread of mold but will not kill mold or mildew. If you include HEPA find affordable replacement filters as some companies can soak you after you own their Hepa air purifier. Avoid the expensive air purifiers like IQAIR ($and Austin Air which are primarily HEPA and forget about them for mold & mildew. They're over-priced for a HEPA filter, and even though they are well made you can find better mold air purifiers for less than 0. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR (removes mold spores only)

Ozone Producing Air Purifier Machines

Ozone, which is isimply Oxygen with an added particle of oxygen (o3), works for odor, mold, and mildew, but is not good for gathering pollen and dust. Too much ozone will irritate the lungs, especially in asthmatics. Ozone machines did little for allergies. Today's primary Ozone brand is Ecoquest (formerly Alpine). MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT FOR MOLD AND MILDEW REMOVAL, BUT DANGEROUS TO LUNGS.

Ionizers Air Purifiers

Ionizers put negative ions into the air. Will kill some forms of mildew, pollution, and odor, but not very good for pollen or dust since there is nothing to collect the pollen in the air. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR

Carbon and/or Zeolite

Primarily for smoke, chemicals, odors and fumes since these organic minerals absorb and trap gases. Not effective in any way for mold or mildew. But they do not trap dust and pollen. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR

Ultraviolet (UV) Air Purifiers

UV (ultraviolet light) and Tio2 ( Titanium dioxide - nanotechnology) are used by hospitals and dentists because they kill bacteria, germs, and mold/mildew. UV light has a frequency which kills micro-organisms and hence is effective for mold, while Tio2 magnifies UV light up to 1000 times MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT AND SAFE.

So: Should You Buy A "UV ONLY" AIR PURIFIER?

I would avoid UV only air purifiers and get a combination of UV, Tio2, HEPA and Ion. That's because you can find many air purifiers for 0-300 using a combination of these technologies to do an effective job on mold and mildew, plus clean the air completely.

Relief From Mold and Mildew Allergies - Can Air Purifiers Help?

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Different Kinds of HEPA Filter Vacuums - What You Need to Know

If you are planning to buy a vacuum that cleans out dirt and dust and makes the air free from allergens, you should consider HEPA filter vacuums. As you can see from the name, these vacuums use specialized filters that clean the air. Having vacuumed carpet is not enough. You should also focus on the air that you breathe, especially if you or other members of your household are suffering form asthma or other respiratory problems.

hepa vacuum cleaners

HEPA filter vacuums can trap and remove small allergens like pollens, pet furs and hairs, dust mites, and other substances that irritate your nose and lungs. It can trap almost all of these hazardous small particles that float in the air inside your house. You are breathing these particles without knowing it. By using HEPA filters, you can breathe fresh air inside your house.

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These filters are also used not just at home but in other settings like industrial, medical, and military settings. In fact, these filters are developed not exactly for a vacuum cleaner but for nuclear power plants. They purify the air, removing airborne toxins and other hazardous substances.

Another benefit is these vacuums are also very user-friendly. They are used just like your ordinary vacuum cleaners but they are more efficient in terms of cleaning the air and your surroundings. You need to change the filter once it gets too dirty to function. Replacing it with a brand new HEPA filter will make your vacuum as good as new.

There are different types of vacuums based on style and they are as follows.

o Upright style. Upright vacuum cleaners are sold as a single unit. This means there are no detachable parts. Some upright cleaners include an attachable hose but that's it. Usually, you cannot remove the parts which make it difficult to clean. It can stand on its own and you will not have a hard time controlling it.

o Canister style. For this type of vacuum cleaner, it has a small container that follows you as you clean the house. This vacuum cleaner has a detachable hose that you can use under the bed, in room corners, and in other places that are difficult to reach. It is also easier to clean because you can detach the hose whenever you want.

o Stick or broom style. This is a type of cleaner that has less suction than the other two mentioned previously but they are very light and easy to carry. They are perfect for cleaning small rugs and carpets.

o Handheld style. as the name suggests, handheld vacuum cleaners are those that you can hold suing one hand and they are used for small jobs like on the sofa or couch or sometimes in the car.

In choosing the right kind of vacuum cleaner, you have to determine your needs and the areas that usually require cleaning. But all of these will be able to purify and clean the air because of the HEPA filter feature that all of them have.

Different Kinds of HEPA Filter Vacuums - What You Need to Know

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Have a Diabetic Cat? You Must Know These Four Dangerous Complications of Feline Diabetes

Let's face it; when you have a diabetic cat, you must pay more attention to your feline friend's health. Although cat diabetes doesn't lead to blindness or circulatory problems like it does in humans, there are certain problems that go with this disease that you must be aware of. Here are some complications that a kitty with feline diabetes may face.

Feline Ketoacidosis

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Your kitty's body normally breaks down glucose for energy. However, if your kitty is an untreated feline diabetic, glucose is not available for fuel, so his body will try to break down fat instead. When this happens, ketones are produced as a waste product. These ketones will build up in his body, leading to some very serious problems.

Symptoms of feline ketoacidosis include:
Either drinking excessive amounts of water, OR not drinking any water at all Urinating often Not eating for more than twelve hours Lethargy and weakness Dehydration Breathing fast Vomiting Breath smells sweet, or like nail polish remover

This is a veterinary emergency, and your kitty needs immediate treatment, or he'll die.

Feline Neuropathy

This may be the first symptom you'll notice of diabetes in cats. Your pet may walk on his "wrists" on his front legs, or on his hocks (the "elbows") on his back legs. This strange walk is due to nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels.

Diabetic neuropathy is sometimes reversed when your kitty's blood sugar levels are regulated properly. It does take some time and patience, however, before this can happen.

Hepatic Lipidosis

Overweight kitties who suddenly stop eating are at risk for this problem. Like ketoacidosis, it's a result of the body trying to use fat for fuel instead of glucose. In this condition, the fat builds up in your kitty's liver, which causes swelling. The symptoms are similar to those of ketoacidosis, mentioned above, with the addition of jaundice. You'll notice a yellowish cast to the whites of his eyes, his gums, and the insides of his ears.

This is an emergency situation. If your kitty won't eat, your vet may have to tube feed him. Although hepatic lipidosis is fatal if not treated, most kitties get better after being fed by tube.

Hypoglycemia In Cats

If your feline diabetic gets too much insulin, or doesn't eat on schedule, or has an unusually vigorous exercise session, his blood sugar levels can drop to dangerous levels. This affects the brain first, since it can't store glucose like other organs can. Your pet may become dizzy, weak, listless, and uncoordinated. He can have seizures, and may go into a coma. This condition can be fatal very quickly.

Keep some Karo syrup on hand so you can put some into a syringe (without a needle) and squirt it into his mouth. If he's already unconscious, rub some syrup on his gums and under his tongue. Wrap him in a blanket and get him to the vet right away.

Can Complications In Cats With Diabetes Be Prevented?

The best way to avoid these complications in your kitty is to try to keep the glucose levels in his blood where they should be. Natural remedies for cats that include the herbs goat's rue, astragalus, and fenugreek, along with the supplement chromium, have been shown to help regulate blood glucose levels naturally. In fact, many people who live with diabetic cats have been able to reduce or even eliminate insulin injections by treating their felines with herbal pet remedies.

If your kitty has diabetes, you'll want to prevent these complications. Don't wait for your kitty to become a victim. Discover how you can protect your feline companion now.

Have a Diabetic Cat? You Must Know These Four Dangerous Complications of Feline Diabetes

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BCAA Powder

BCAA powder is popular among endurance athletes and bodybuilders for its role in muscle tissue function and muscle gain. Alongside its benefits in exercise, this supplementation has also promised beneficial effects for those with liver disease.

The three essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine make up bulk BCAA powder. They are metabolized in the muscle. Their levels in the body decline when exercising, inducing the breakdown of muscle, fatigue, and an accompanying decline in the levels of testosterone. This is one scenario that bodybuilders do not want to happen. To preserve these precious muscles, they take bulk BCAA powder. It does not only help preserve muscle from being expended as fuel during very strenuous training, it is also shown to expedite recovery and prompt fat loss.

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In medicine, this supplement has been shown to provide average effects in hepatic encephalopathy by relieving symptoms as portrayed in the aggregated results of all studies looking into its effects on the said condition. Unfortunately, high quality trials did not show similar observations.

Sufferers of metabolic stress can benefit from BCAA Powder intake. Their lean body mass may diminish due to the increased breakdown of body protein and organ tissues. Severe trauma, major surgery, sepsis, burns and long-bone fractures can all trigger metabolic stress. BCAA powder may be administered to expedite healing and recovery in these health conditions.

For infants to optimize their growth, they require BCAAs especially isoleucine and leucine. Adults also require this triad of amino acids for nitrogen balance for tissue formation. Isoleucine is vital in hemoglobin formation and in the maintenance of normal energy levels. It helps keep blood sugar and energy at appropriate levels. Your diet must be rich in these amino acids because your body cannot produce it. Another option is to supplement with BCAA Powder.

Leucine is essential in regulating raised blood sugar levels and in the healing of bones, skin and muscle tissue. It is also crucial in protein synthesis regulation in adipose tissue and in the skeletal muscle via various pathways. Valine is important in glucose production in the liver during exercise.

Since these amino acids are essential, you do not have to be a bodybuilder or have to be a patient of any medical condition to require them. You can source them from foods rich in them or by taking BCAA's. When considering taking this supplement or any other supplement, it is wise to consult your doctor for proper assessment on the suitability of your body to take the supplementation. Pregnant or lactating women should not take it.

BCAA Powder

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How to Determine What Treatment to Use For Your Cancer Type

There are various factors considered when determining the type of treatment that should be used in cancer patients. One method is to analyze the size and reach of the tumor. Read further to find out how this is done.

A tumor can be either benign, which is non cancerous, or malignant, in which case it is a cancer. If it is benign the process is simple, remove it. If the tumor is cancerous, then further investigation is needed to determine the range of the growth. In either case surgery is required.

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To compare one type of cancer to another and to also determine the type of treatment needed going forward staging is required. Staging is a universal formula used to determine at what stage the cancer is at.

The standard formula letter are: T,N,M.

As mentioned before once the surgeon can get to the actual tumor he can get tissue samples, do a size analysis and see how the surrounding areas are affected by the cancer cells. Cancer cells can grow in any part of the body and the surgeon is very aware not to "spill" or aggravate the existing cells into other body parts when he is doing the exploratory study.

It is always best for you, the patient, to get informed and know exactly what is going to happen to your body. Thought cancer is a serious disease, knowing the things you can do for yourself as well as what the medical system has in store for you always benefits you. To get more details on what TNM means.

How to Determine What Treatment to Use For Your Cancer Type

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Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner market in the USA is huge with over 2 billion dollars per year spent by consumers. Almost every household has a vacuum cleaner and many households have more than one. However, consumers need to give careful consideration to the kind of vacuum they buy, especially if they suffer from asthma or allergies. A vacuum with HEPA filtration will help remove allergens from the air and create a healthier environment for those in the household.

hepa air purifier

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and it is a particularly high level of air filtration. HEPA filtration has had longstanding use in the biomedical industry and (in conjunction with UV) helps to inhibit the spread of mold spores as well as airborne bacteria and viruses. It has also found practical uses in the aerospace, semiconductor, food, nuclear and pharmacological industries. HEPA filtration removes 99.97% of all particles in the air with a diameter of 0.3 microns or larger. In the case of a typical household this will include dust, pet dander, dust mite feces, pollens and other allergens. So a vacuum with HEPA filtration should exhaust much cleaner air than one without.

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However not all HEPA vacuum cleaners are created equal. Many vacuum cleaners advertise their HEPA filter feature but do little to ensure that the air sucked into the vacuum is passed through the filter. If a vacuum is not properly sealed it will allow leakage around the filter and/or leakage to the outside air prior to the filter. Some manufacturers, like Miele, provide a "sealed system" vacuum cleaner that ensures all of the air sucked into the machine is forced through the HEPA filter. This approach produces very high quality exhaust air from the vacuum. Tests have shown that sealed system vacuums typically produce better quality exhaust air than those that don't have a sealed system.

One can also find HEPA filtration in many vacuums certified as asthma and allergy friendly. For example, many of the Dyson vacuum cleaner models have certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (in conjunction with Allergy Standards Limited) launched the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program in 2006. The certification involves independent testing in accredited laboratories and ensures that the certified product is suitable for those with asthma or allergies. In the case of Dyson all the accredited vacuums use HEPA filtration.

Before buying a HEPA capable vacuum it is also important to check the longevity of the filter and the cost of replacing it. The lifespan of some filters can be extended via filter washing but only certain kinds of HEPA filters are washable. Many HEPA filters simply have to be replaced, often every 6 to 12 months depending on the amount of vacuuming. Also some HEPA filters can be pricey so it is a good idea to check the costs for the specific filter that fits your machine. You don't want to have to buy expensive filters frequently.

If you have pets you may wish to use a HEPA filter that comes with activated carbon. These are available for some vacuum models but not for others. Activated carbon is usually made from basic charcoal but it is extremely porous and has an incredibly large surface area that helps it trap odors. Filters with activated carbon leave the air smelling clean after vacuuming.

Things to Consider When Buying a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

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Air Purifier Types

HEPA, Activated Carbon, Oxidation, Ionizers, Ozone... Confused? Don't be. Now days, having an air purifier may be essential for a healthy living, especially for those of us who live in big polluted cities.
 
There are different types of air purifiers (AKA air cleaners), so in this post I'll be writing about the different types of air purifiers available. I don't plan to go into complicated details, but an overall understanding of air purification technology is good to have, especially if you are planning to buy one but don't know which one to choose.
 
Filter Based Purification
 
Filter based air purifiers work by "filtering" particles and allergens by size. Air is pushed from a fan through the filter and this one traps small particles.
 
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are said to remove 99.97% of air particles, 0.3 microns or larger in size. Filter based air purifiers usually have a pre-filter that helps prolonging the life of the filter by capturing larger particles like dust. Pre-filters can be washed and be reused.
 
Air purifiers that use filters are good at capturing allergens, but lack the ability to trap smaller particles, like chemical gases, odors, smoke, etc.
 
Activated Carbon Air Purifiers
 
This type of air purifiers are highly effective at capturing chemicals fumes and odors. Activated carbon filters are made of a highly porous material that chemically react to particles, these filters don't trap larger particles, but using them along with HEPA filters can be a great combination.
 
Ionizers
 
Ionizer air purifiers work by electrically charging the air with positive or negative charges and then capturing the previously charged particles with collector plates that have opposite charge. Most ionizers are fanless and noiseless, but because of that they move much lower amounts of air through the collecting plates, making them less efficient at cleaning the air. Even though they don't kill viruses and airborne bacteria, they can capture most particles. These units don't remove smoke or other chemicals.

hepa vac

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Air Purifier Types

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The Importance of HEPA Filters in Your Home

The HEPA air filtration standard requires that 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns be removed from the air by constant filtration. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance, and it is no surprise by the large amount of airborne contamination a HEPA filter traps that it is the highest standard in meeting air quality requirements in both industrial and household settings.

hepa air purifier

Once dust, contaminates and particles are trapped in a HEPA filter, they are locked in and will not re-enter the air. The only way to remove the caught particles is by removing the filter and washing it. Periodically washing and maintaining your HEPA filter will ensure it can continually be used to trap a high number of air particles. Without cleaning the filter regularly, especially after using in a highly polluted environment, the HEPA filter cannot successfully capture the 99.97% of airborne particles.

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HEPA filters are environmentally friendly and will not emit any harmful bi-products into the atmosphere. Other types of air filters, such as ionic air filtration systems, release ozone as they process airflow. Using a HEPA filter will ensure that you are not breathing in or releasing any harmful materials or chemicals.

In home use, HEPA filters can be found in vacuum cleaners, furnaces and air conditioning systems. There are also some floor-fan models that employ HEPA technology to filter the air as it is circulated throughout your house. Some in-home air purifiers and humidifiers also use a HEPA filtration system to remove unwanted particles and toxins from the air in your home.

It is imperative that you create a healthy environment for you family by regularly keeping up with the maintenance and cleaning that go along with using HEPA air filters. Be sure to look after any appliance that uses filters, especially furnaces and air conditioners. It is recommended you change those filters at least once every two months to ensure maximum filtration in your home's airflow.

An improved air quality standard in your home can be beneficial to your health. If you suffer from allergies, you know the importance of breathing air free of pollen, dust, pet dander and other irritants. A HEPA air filtration system can remove those particles from the air at a greater efficiency than other filters and improve your quality of life.

It is important to mention, also, that some products on the market today claim to be "HEPA Type" or "HEPA Like". These filters do not remove 99.97% of harmful airborne particles with a diameter larger than 0.3 microns. They can remove as much as 95%, which may sound like a significant number, but can be misleading especially if you are prone to allergies or are using the filter in an environment with a lot of airborne contaminates.

Use HEPA technology to virtually eliminate and trap all airborne particles from entering the airflow of your home. You'll immediately notice the difference.

The Importance of HEPA Filters in Your Home

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Sugar in Food Causes Fat Cells to Multiply Faster

As we all know, obesity is a growing issue for children. New research points an accusing finger at fructose, a sugar in food that is a major component of widely used high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks, processed foods and candy, and suggests it may cause fat cells in children to multiply faster, playing a key role in obesity. Shockingly, an estimated 17% of children in the U.S. aged 2 to 19 years are now considered obese.

Obese kids and teens face a host of struggles... beyond being at higher risk of asthma, hepatic steatosis and sleep apnea, they're also at increased risk for other dangerous health conditions usually only seen in adults.

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More likely to be obese when they reach adulthood, these kids are also the targets of an early, systematic and relentless social discrimination, leading to an understandable lack of self-esteem that is likely to be with them the rest of their lives.

This new research is just the latest argument in the raging sugar vs. high fructose corn syrup debate.

On one side critics claim it contributes to obesity and tricks the body into wanting to eat more. And then there are the health conscious who balk at putting any kind of toxic, man-made concoction into the body. The industry, predictably, says high fructose corn syrup is just fine... perfectly safe... the same as sugar.

You've probably seen the TV commercials the Corn Refiners Association has been running, despite questions on the objectivity of the quoted research raised by reports of funding for the studies being supplied by companies with a financial stake in the outcome.

The research on fructose and childhood obesity involved a team extracting preadipocytes, cells that will eventually turn into fat cells, from 32 normal weight children who had yet to go through puberty. The cells were of both types, subcutaneous or just below the skin, and visceral, deeper in the abdominal cavity. The cells were soaked in normal level glucose, high level glucose or high fructose solutions and allowed to grow.

Upon examination the visceral fat cells, the cells that were in fructose divided and multiplied more than those soaked in glucose. Both the subcutaneous and visceral cells exposed to glucose showed increased insulin resistance, known to be a risk factor for diabetes.

High fructose corn syrup is used more often in American foods than sucrose. It is made from milling corn, processing that starch into syrup and adding enzymes to change it into fructose. Glucose syrup is added to create a mixture that's 45% glucose; 55% fructose. The industry says that high fructose corn syrup helps prolong the shelf life of products, keeps moisture in and, probably most important, is cheaper than sugar.

The worrisome thing for medicine is that doctors are seeing more type 2 diabetes today than ever before, and claim this is due to kids being overweight.

Our children may be unknowingly increasing their risks for other adults-only conditions, like cardiovascular disease. Experts have seen a rise in cholesterol numbers and blood pressure readings in overweight children... just as they would in the grown up population.

A cardiologist and consultant to the Corn Refiners Association points out that high fructose corn syrup is not the same as fructose. High fructose corn syrup is half fructose and half glucose. A minor point considering we're still talking about sugar and how it is often an unavoidable part of the foods and drinks around us.

When it comes to high fructose corn syrup, one expert suggests that the thinking be "it's just as bad as sugar". While trace amounts of high fructose corn syrup are probably not going to hurt you, too much of any kind of sugar in the diet will.

Another important point. The study, while using actual human cells, was conducted in the lab, so you should look on the results with some measure of caution. Experiments in human subjects would be needed to confirm the findings of the effect of sugar in food. This is an important point, however there is a growing number in the medical community who fear that this will be the first generation of children who may not outlive their parents.

Sugar in Food Causes Fat Cells to Multiply Faster

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