Alpine Living Air Classic - Taking A Closer Look

For more than a decade, Americans have beenthat do not exceed public health standards, ozone
becoming increasingly aware that the air that theyis generally ineffective in controlling indoor air
breathe in their homes is generally not of goodpollution.” The concentration of ozone would
quality. Between cooking and pet odors, mold,have to greatly exceed health standards to be
mildew, the widespread use of plastic materials,effective in removing most indoor air
and carcinogenic cleaning products, many feel thatcontaminants. In the process of reacting with
their inside air has been compromised. What dochemicals indoors, ozone can produce other
consumers do? Purchase an air purifier. In 1998 Ichemicals that themselves can be irritating and
was given the gift of an Alpine Living Air Classiccorrosive.
machine. It has been touted as an ideal solutionAs you can imagine, I no longer use my Alpine
for problem air. Let’s see if the productLiving Air Classic. It sits in my office, unplugged,
lives up to its billing.and working well in its new role as a coffee cup
As far as air purifiers go, the Alpine Living Airholder while I work on my computer. Frankly, the
Classic [now sold by EcoQuest International] isclaims made against this unit made by the federal
neither cheap nor does it look cheap. Weighing 19government and others are certainly frightening.
pounds, the “Classic” is housed in aSo, how do I achieve clean air today? Again, by
wooden cabinet available to consumers in fourvisiting the EPA’s site I have learned that
colors: dark walnut, light oak, putty, and black. It isthere are 3 common approaches to reducing
a solid unit with a thick six foot electrical cord.indoor air pollution:
Claiming coverage of up to 3,000 square feetSource Control: Eliminate or control the sources of
most homes could operate with just one unitpollution;
although a second one might be needed if yourVentilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through
house is large, indoor air pollution is high, or yououtdoor air ventilation, and
have high humidity. Prices currently start at $549Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air
so it is no cheap investment.cleaning methods.
How does it work? The unit produces ozoneOf the three, the first approach -- source control
which coupled with an active fan it reproduces-- is the most effective. This involves minimizing
and spreads the clean, fresh scent of athe use of products and materials that cause
thunderstorm throughout your home. Okay, I amindoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices
parroting some of the marketing material...I had toto minimize biological contaminants (including the
because it isn’t that easy to describe.control of humidity and moisture, and occasional
So, does it work? As far as producing thecleaning and disinfection of wet or moist
‘thunderstorm scent’ it certainlysurfaces), and using good housekeeping practices
does. As far as getting rid of pollutants, odors,to control particles.
and the like I cannot tell you for sure that it does.The second approach -- outdoor air ventilation --
Indeed there has been plenty of controversy andis also effective and commonly employed.
government rulings against the reported claims ofVentilation methods include installing an exhaust
air purifiers over the years by the U.S.fan close to the source of contaminants,
Environmental Protection Agency {EPA},increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical
Consumer’s Union [they produceventilation systems, and opening windows,
Consumer’s Report magazine], and theespecially when pollutant sources are in use.
American Lung Association.The third approach -- air cleaning -- is not
The EPA has this to say, “whether in itsgenerally regarded as sufficient in itself, but is
pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozonesometimes used to supplement source control
can be harmful to health. When inhaled, ozone canand ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air
damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts ofcleaners and ionizers are often used to remove
ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortnessairborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is
of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsensometimes used to remove gaseous
chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma ascontaminants when source control and ventilation
well as compromise the ability of the body toare inadequate.
fight respiratory infections." They go on to say,If you are intent on purchasing any air purifier, I
“some studies show that ozonerecommend that you first do plenty of
concentrations produced by ozone generators canindependent research apart from what the
exceed health standards even when one followsmarketers tell you. By following the 3 methods
manufacturer’s instructions. Many factorsstressed by the EPA you should be able to
affect ozone concentrations including the amountachieve acceptable indoor cleanliness without
of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size ofresorting to purchasing expensive – even
the indoor space, the amount of material in thedangerous – air sanitization equipment.
room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozoneFor more information please read:
concentration, and the amount of ventilation.The EPA’s Position:
These factors make it difficult to control theSome Air Purifiers May Produce Dangerous Levels
ozone concentration in all circumstances."of Ozone:
In conclusion, the EPA states: “AvailableWhat is Ozone Air Pollution?
scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations