Personal Air Purifiers and Safety/Effectiveness

Posted by phoenixrises @phoenixrises, Oct 9, 2020

I have Bronchiectasis and have been having bad winters/springs getting sick with flu, bronchitis/pneumonia, and bronchiectasis flareups. In light of the flu season approaching and COVID, I'm considering purchasing a personal air purifier - specifically AirTamer 315 - that you wear around your neck.

Background: AirTamer electrostatic purification creates a 3-foot sphere of cleaner, healthier air around your head by repelling many negative ion micron-sized pollutants including viruses, bacteria, mold, etc. AirTamer runs on ionic technology that emits negative ions that are reported to be ozone-free. AirTamer was tested to California (CARB) standard for air purifier ozone emission and was given an ozone emission rate of zero. Upon further searching, I found that AirTamer does emit 4 parts per billion ozone levels, however, it's 10 times lower than the EPA’s recommended 50 parts per billion limit on ozone from electronic equipment and FDA's limit for medical devices so it's supposedly considered safe. However, my understanding is that ANY ozone emitted (especially if wearing around your neck) can cause lung irritation and/or further lung issues especially for people with lung conditions (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis, etc.).

My functional MD doctor is recommending this device for me (and he personally wears this device and his health has improved considerably), but he doesn't have a lung condition.

My questions are: Has anyone with a lung condition - especially bronchiectasis - worn a "personal air purifier" that uses negative ions (no UV)? What has been your experience? Have the negative ions emitted further comprised your lungs OR has it helped prevent you from getting sick? Has your doctor supported your using the personal air purifier with your lung condition?

I'm hoping this could be a positive thing to help protect me when I'm out and about, shopping for food, with other people, and/or on a plane, etc. It's scary out there, especially with the Fall/Winter approaching, but I don't want to (further) damage my lungs. Thanks for your thoughts!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

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I’ve read that MAC likes charcoal/carbon. Does the HEPA filter clean the bacteria that might be growing on the charcoal filter? Or any suggestions on a carbon/charcoal free air filter?

Thanks!

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I believe the carbon filter concerns are when a carbon filter is used in conjunction with a water filtering system. BTW, I have a number of air purifiers that use a carbon filter and have not experienced any adverse side effects.

Reading Dr. Falkinham's paper on ways to avoid NTM exposure might prove useful to you. He addresses the carbon filter concern in water filters.

Shared files

Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (3) (Reducing-Exposure-to-Nontuberculous-Mycobacteria-3-3.pdf)

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Very helpful. I was wondering if there was a distinction between the use for air and water. Good to know. I will read Dr Falkinham’s report.

As an FYI, I just finished a 15 month course of antibiotics and have been negative for 13 months. Doing my best to prevent a recurrence.

Thanks again!

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