MERV 8 Air Filter
90 percent efficiency with particles makes MERV 8 the most common filter on the market. Effective at controlling dust, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander (unless you have more than one pet).
Applicable in most commercial buildings, residences, industrial workplaces, and paint booths. MERV 8 filter is the minimum standard air filter we recommend for residential use.
MERV 11 Air Filter
MERV 13 Air Filter
MERV 13 is effective at controlling airborne bacteria, most tobacco smoke and pollutants released through sneezing as well as dust, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
They capture 90% micron-sized contaminants. Applicable in residential homes, general surgery suites, smoking lounges, and commercial buildings with superior HVAC units.
Household dust is a mixture of various substances that can have negative effects on your health. Some of the hazards of household dust are:
– **Phthalates**: These are chemicals used to make plastic softer and more flexible, especially in vinyl flooring, blinds, and food packaging. They may disrupt your hormones and affect your reproductive development.
– **Environmental Phenols**: These are chemicals used as preservatives in shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, water bottles, and detergents. They may also interfere with your hormones and harm your reproductive system.
– **Flame retardants**: These are chemicals used to prevent fires in furniture, baby products, electronics, and insulation. They may damage your nervous system and cause hormone disruption.
– **Fragrances**: These are chemicals added to cleaning products, personal care products, perfumes, candles, and air fresheners. They may cause allergic reactions or irritate your skin or eyes.
– **Dust mites**: These are tiny insects that feed on dead skin cells and live in carpets, bedding, and furniture. They can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itching, or wheezing.
– **Bacteria by-products**: These are substances produced by bacteria that live in dust. They can also cause asthma attacks or respiratory infections.
Dust mite debris is the term used to describe the waste products and dead bodies of dust mites. Dust mites are tiny insects that live in house dust and feed on dead skin cells. They are too small to see without a microscope.
Dust mite debris can cause allergic reactions in some people who inhale or come into contact with it. The symptoms of dust mite allergy include:
– Sneezing
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Itchy or watery eyes
– Coughing
– Postnasal drip
– Itchy nose, throat, or skin
– Red or rashy skin
In some cases, dust mite allergy can also trigger asthma symptoms, such as:
– Wheezing
– Chest tightness or pain
– Shortness of breath
– Difficulty sleeping
To treat dust mite allergy, you may need to take medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or allergy shots. You may also need to use an inhaler if you have asthma.
To prevent dust mite allergy, you should try to reduce the amount of dust and dust mites in your home. Some ways to do this are:
– Wash your bedding regularly in hot water and dry it on high heat
– Use allergen-proof covers for your mattress, pillows, and box springs
– Vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture at least once a week with a HEPA filter
– Dust with a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth that traps dust
– Keep the humidity level in your home below 50 percent with a dehumidifier or air conditioner
– Avoid using wool blankets, feather pillows, or down comforters that can harbor dust mites
Exhaust particles are a type of air pollution that can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. They can come from various sources, such as road vehicles, aircraft engines, power plants, factories, or fires.
Some of the hazards of exhaust particles are:
– They can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
– They can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia
– They can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes
– They can damage the DNA and cause cancer
– They can affect the development and growth of babies and children
– They can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere
– They can reduce visibility and affect aviation safety
– They can harm plants and animals by altering their habitats and food sources
Some of the prevention measures for exhaust particles are:
– Using cleaner fuels and vehicles that emit less pollutants
– Installing emission control devices such as catalytic converters or filters on engines
– Avoiding unnecessary idling or driving during peak traffic hours
– Using public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling whenever possible
– Maintaining your vehicle regularly and checking tire pressure
– Following local air quality alerts and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high
– Keeping indoor air clean by using air purifiers or filters, avoiding smoking indoors, and ventilating your home well
PM2.5 are fine particles that have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. They are a type of exhaust particle that can come from various sources, such as vehicles, power plants, fires, or industrial processes.
Some of the hazards of PM2.5 are:
– They can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and cause inflammation and oxidative stress
– They can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, COPD, and diabetes
– They can worsen respiratory infections such as pneumonia or COVID-19
– They can affect the development and growth of babies and children and cause low birth weight or preterm birth
– They can reduce visibility and affect aviation safety
– They can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere
Some of the prevention measures for PM2.5 are:
– Using cleaner fuels and vehicles that emit less pollutants
– Installing emission control devices such as filters or scrubbers on power plants or factories
– Avoiding burning wood, coal, or trash for heating or cooking
– Using public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling whenever possible
– Following local air quality alerts and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high
– Keeping indoor air clean by using air purifiers or filters, avoiding smoking indoors, and ventilating your home well
Smoke is a mixture of gases and particles that are produced by burning materials such as wood, coal, tobacco, or fuel. Smoke can have harmful effects on human health and the environment depending on its source, composition, and exposure level.
Some of the hazards of smoke are:
– It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
– It can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD
– It can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes
– It can damage the DNA and cause cancer
– It can affect the development and growth of babies and children and cause low birth weight or preterm birth
– It can reduce visibility and affect aviation safety
– It can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere
Some of the prevention measures for smoke are:
– Avoiding burning wood, coal, trash, or tobacco for heating, cooking, or smoking
– Using cleaner fuels and vehicles that emit less pollutants
– Installing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home or workplace
– Following local fire safety regulations and avoiding open burning
– Following local air quality alerts and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high
– Keeping indoor air clean by using air purifiers or filters, avoiding smoking indoors, and ventilating your home well
Pet dander is the term used to describe the tiny flakes of skin and hair that are shed by animals with fur or feathers. Pet dander can cause allergic reactions in some people who inhale or come into contact with it. The symptoms of pet allergy include:
– Sneezing
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Itchy or watery eyes
– Coughing
– Facial pressure and pain
– Rash or hives on the skin
– Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
Some people may also develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can cause low blood pressure, swelling of the throat, and loss of consciousness.
Some of the prevention measures for pet dander are:
– Avoiding contact with animals that trigger your allergy
– Keeping pets out of your bedroom and off furniture
– Washing your hands after touching pets or their belongings
– Vacuuming your carpets and upholstered furniture regularly with a HEPA filter
– Dusting with a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth that traps dust
– Washing your bedding and pet bedding frequently in hot water
– Using an air purifier or filter to reduce allergens in the air
Candle soot is the black residue that is left behind on walls, ceilings, furniture, or other surfaces after burning candles. Candle soot is composed of tiny particles of carbon and other substances that are released from the candle flame.
Some of the hazards of candle soot are:
– It can stain and damage your belongings and surfaces
– It can reduce indoor air quality and cause respiratory problems
– It can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in some people
– It can contain toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, or lead
Some of the prevention measures for candle soot are:
– Choosing candles made of natural waxes such as soy or beeswax
– Avoiding candles with metal-core wicks or synthetic fragrances
– Trimming the candle wick to 1/4 inch before each use
– Burning candles in a well-ventilated area away from drafts or fans
– Keeping candles at least 1 to 3 feet away from walls or other surfaces
– Using a candle snuffer or lid to extinguish candles instead of blowing them out
Odor is the sensation produced by certain substances when they stimulate the olfactory nerves in the nose. Odors can be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the source, concentration, and personal preference of the person who smells them.
Some of the hazards of odor are:
– They can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue
– They can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in some people
– They can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, or lungs
– They can affect mood, memory, or performance
– They can indicate the presence of harmful chemicals or pollutants in the air
Some of the prevention measures for odor are:
– Identifying and eliminating or reducing the source of odor
– Improving ventilation and air circulation in indoor spaces
– Using air filters or purifiers to remove odors and contaminants from the air
– Avoiding smoking indoors or near windows or vents
– Storing chemicals and garbage properly and disposing of them regularly
– Cleaning spills and leaks promptly and thoroughly
Lint is the term used to describe the small flakes of fabric or fiber that are shed from clothing or other textiles during washing, drying, or wearing. Lint can accumulate on surfaces such as lint screens, filters, vents, or ducts.
Some of the hazards of lint are:
– It can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems in some people who inhale it
– It can clog filters, vents, or ducts and reduce the efficiency of appliances such as washers, dryers, or air conditioners
– It can increase the risk of fire by providing a flammable material that can ignite easily
Some of the prevention measures for lint are:
– Cleaning lint screens and filters regularly and disposing of lint properly
– Vacuuming surfaces where lint may accumulate such as carpets, furniture, or curtains
– Using dryer balls or sheets to reduce static cling and lint formation
– Washing clothes with similar fabrics and colors to avoid cross-contamination
– Choosing clothes made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool that produce less lint than synthetic fibers
Mold spores are microscopic particles that are produced by molds, which are fungi that grow on damp or decaying organic matter. Mold spores can be found both indoors and outdoors, and they can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, or on clothing, shoes, or pets.
Some of the hazards of mold spores are:
– They can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people who inhale them or touch them
– They can cause respiratory infections or inflammation in people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases
– They can produce toxins that can affect the nervous system, liver, kidneys, or skin
– They can damage your home and belongings by staining, rotting, or corroding them
Some of the prevention measures for mold spores are:
– Controlling moisture levels in your home by using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, fans, or vents
– Fixing any leaks in your roof, walls, pipes, or appliances as soon as possible
– Cleaning and drying any wet areas within 24 to 48 hours after a spill or flood
– Removing any moldy materials such as carpeting, drywall, insulation, or furniture
– Using mold-killing products to clean hard surfaces such as tiles, woodwork, glassware etc.
– Avoiding carpeting in areas that are prone to moisture such as bathrooms,
basements etc.
Viruses are microscopic organisms that can infect cells and cause diseases. Viruses can only multiply by invading and taking over living cells. They can affect humans, animals, plants, bacteria, and other forms of life.
Some of the hazards of viruses are:
– They can cause a wide range of infections, from mild to severe, such as colds, flu, chickenpox, measles, AIDS, Ebola etc.
– They can mutate and evolve rapidly, making them harder to treat or prevent
– They can spread easily from person to person or from animals to humans through direct contact, respiratory droplets, blood transfusions etc.
– They can trigger immune responses that can damage healthy tissues or organs
– They can increase the risk of cancer by interfering with normal cell growth or function
Some of the prevention measures for viruses are:
– Practicing good hygiene habits such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
– Avoiding contact with sick people or animals and staying home when you are ill
– Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and disposing of used tissues properly
– Getting vaccinated against common viral diseases such as measles, mumps etc.
– Using condoms or other barrier methods during sexual intercourse
– Avoiding sharing needles or other personal items that may be contaminated with blood or body fluids
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that can be found almost everywhere on earth. They can live in soil, water, plants, animals, and humans. They can be beneficial or harmful, depending on their type and function.
Some of the hazards of bacteria are:
– They can cause infections and diseases in humans and animals, such as strep throat, tuberculosis, cholera etc.
– They can produce toxins that can damage cells and organs or cause food poisoning
– They can develop resistance to antibiotics and make treatments less effective
– They can contaminate food and water sources and cause outbreaks of illness
Some of the prevention measures for bacteria are:
– Practicing good hygiene habits such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
– Avoiding contact with sick people or animals and staying home when you are ill
– Covering your wounds and keeping them clean
– Getting vaccinated against common bacterial diseases such as tetanus etc.
– Using antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and completing the full course
– Cooking food thoroughly and storing it properly
– Drinking safe water or boiling it before use
Pollen is the fine powder that is produced by flowering plants for reproduction. Pollen can be carried by wind, insects, or animals and can reach different parts of the same plant or other plants of the same species.
Some of the hazards of pollen are:
– They can cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to them
– They can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or asthma attacks
– They can affect the quality of life and productivity of people with pollen allergies
– They can contribute to air pollution and climate change by affecting cloud formation and precipitation
Some of the prevention measures for pollen are:
– Checking pollen forecasts on local news and online sources and planning to spend less time outdoors when pollen levels are high
– Taking allergy medications as prescribed by your health care provider
– Avoiding touching your eyes while you are outside and washing your hands when you go back inside
– Showering after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair
– Changing your clothes after being outdoors
– Keeping windows closed during pollen season and using air filters or purifiers in your home
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 0.1 µm (100 nm) or less. They are a type of exhaust particle that can come from various sources, such as vehicles, power plants, fires, or industrial processes.
Some of the hazards of UFPs are:
– They can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and cause inflammation and oxidative stress
– They can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, COPD, and diabetes
– They can worsen respiratory infections such as pneumonia or COVID-19
– They can affect the development and growth of babies and children and cause low birth weight or preterm birth
– They can reduce visibility and affect aviation safety
– They can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere
Some of the prevention measures for UFPs are:
– Using cleaner fuels and vehicles that emit less pollutants
– Installing emission control devices such as filters or scrubbers on power plants or factories
– Avoiding burning wood, coal, trash, or tobacco for heating or cooking
– Using public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling whenever possible
– Following local air quality alerts and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high
– Keeping indoor air clean by using air purifiers or filters
Coughing and sneezing can spread germs that cause serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, whooping cough, and COVID-19. Some of the hazards of cough/sneeze debris are:
– They can contaminate surfaces or objects that may be frequently touched by other people.
– They can infect people who touch their face with unwashed hands after touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
– They can infect people who are within 6 feet of a person who is coughing or sneezing.
Some of the prevention measures for cough/sneeze debris are:
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away in a trash can.
– If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
– Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
– Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin when you are around people outside your home.
– Stay away from people who are sick and stay home if you are sick
Smog is a type of air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog. It can have different causes and effects depending on its composition and source.
One type of smog is sulfurous smog, which is caused by burning coal or other fossil fuels that contain sulfur. This type of smog can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, reduced visibility, and acid rain. Sulfurous smog is also known as “London smog” because it was common in British cities in the past.
Another type of smog is photochemical smog, which is caused by the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by cars and other sources. This type of smog can cause ozone formation, which can damage plants, irritate the lungs, and worsen asthma. Photochemical smog is also known as “Los Angeles smog” because it is prevalent in urban areas with heavy traffic.
Some of the prevention measures for smog are:
– Driving less and using public transportation, walking, biking, or carpooling whenever possible.
– Taking care of cars and keeping them well-maintained to reduce emissions.
– Fueling up during cooler hours of the day to avoid evaporation of gasoline vapors.
– Avoiding products that release high levels of VOCs, such as paints, solvents, cleaners, etc.
– Avoiding gas-powered yard equipment like lawn mowers and using electric or manual alternatives instead.
– Using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power instead of fossil fuels.
– Supporting policies and regulations that limit emissions from industries and vehicles