The effect of carbon emissions and other air pollutants on our health has become a major concern for most of us. We wonder if the air we breathe outside will harm us and our loved ones, and we shudder to think that scientists are right in their assertion that air pollution can be linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, one critical question many of us neglect to ask ourselves is "How safe is the air in my home?"

Although we have limited control over the contaminants present in the air outside, the quality of the air in our homes is very much in our own hands. Did you know that that the average person breathes in approximately 700 times per hour? That means if the air in your home is populated with smoke particles, mold spores, dust mite feces or other volatile organic compounds, you and your family are taking in 700 doses per hour of potentially health-threatening contaminants.

If you or a member of your family suffers from allergies, it is likely that your doctor has already suggested you purchase a good HEPA air purifier. A HEPA air purifier removes dust, pollen and other particles such as pet hair, human skin and mite feces, which are commonly floating around us in large quantities and are known to trigger allergic reactions. A HEPA purifier will remove 99.7% of these particles; however, it is not the best air purification system for a home infested with airborne bacteria, mold, yeast or other fungi.

Airborne bacteria and viruses are a common source of respiratory infection and are especially dangerous to infants, the elderly and individuals with immune deficiency or cardiovascular problems. Whooping cough, meningitis and influenza are just a few of the many infectious diseases spread through the air. The airborne toxins that are produced by many mold spores are also a critical health threat, as they can cause very serious illnesses including chronic bronchitis, weakened immune system, hearing loss, impaired memory, lung damage, brain damage, and even death.

Unfortunately most people have no idea they are breathing dangerous bacteria or mold spores until they are already sick, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency warns, "It is prudent to improve indoor air quality in your home even when symptoms are not noticeable". To combat these serious threats to your family’s health, an Ultra Violet (UV) purifier is essential. Unlike HEPA purifiers, which filter offending particles out of the air, UV air purifiers work by killing living bacteria, viruses and yeast organisms floating around your home.

If you are considering purchasing an air purifier and want to be sure to get the type that is best suited to your air quality issues, or if you already own a home air cleaner and are not sure how effective it is against mold, yeast and bacteria, you can conduct your own indoor air quality testing and get in-home results that will set your mind at ease. Easy to use, with color coded results that are easy to read, our Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Test Kit will arm you with the information you need to protect your family.