HEPA Filters Not Garbage, Study Says
Exposure to particulate matter is associated with risk of cardiovascular events, possibly through endothelial dysfunction, and indoor air may be most important, says a Danish-Swedish study, led by Steffen Loft of the University of Copenhagen.
The study investigated the effects of controlled exposure to indoor air particles on microvascular function – a key measure of cardiovascular health – among 21 non-smoking elderly couples who lived hear heavily trafficked roads.
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters were used during one of two 48-hour periods. A finger sensor was used to measure the function of small blood vessels in participants.
The study found that reducing airborne particles, through the use of HEPA filters, resulted in an 8% improvement in microvascular function – the ability of small arteries to relax when blood is flowing through them.
The authors concluded that the filters, “may be a feasible way of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
For New Yorkers (I live above the oft congested Lexington Avenue), the study strikes close to home. In 2006, New York’s air pollution was among the worst in the country.
The American Lung Association, which grades locations according to air quality, gave Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx an F in its 2006 State of the Air report. The study reported that 1.4 million New Yorkers with cardiovascular disease live with unhealthy levels of particulate pollution
The Sharper Image: Ionic Breeze
The news comes too late for The Sharper Image, a well-known purveyor of overpriced, useless garbage. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February blaming declining sales and complaints related to its line of Ionic Breeze air purifiers (the purifier does not incorporate a HEPA filter).
In October, a federal court denied approval of a settlement of class-action suits related to the efficacy of its Ionic Breeze. The product was sold to 3 million consumers at a tremendous mark-up.
3 Responses to “HEPA Filters Not Garbage, Study Says”
1 Aaron 4 March 2008 @ 11:32 am
I’m glad the ionic breeze is done. I feel bad anyone who bought one of those when they could have installed a HEPA bypass or eac for the whole home. Thanks for a nice article
2 Marcus Taggart 4 March 2008 @ 1:40 pm
So if I can get this straight: Air Filters good. RadioShack has them moderatly priced, and they break after one or two uses. Or are you saying they have the product, it’s not “crap”, and the price is not too expensive. I’m betting you will purchase one, but hate yourself for doing it
3 Barry 8 March 2008 @ 11:21 am
I have been predicting Sharper Images downfall for a very long time! They have been pushing their cheap low quality Ionic Breeze while putting all of their money into advertising to sell a product that does not operate as advertised. They also neglected to choose other quality products to supplement their product line! They depended on their name that used to be known for selling quality cool stuff and thought that it could carry them over while selling cheap junk to the people that trusted them!
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