Do you know someone who smokes? Forget about all the damage they are doing to themselves, just think about all of that second hand smoke you are being exposed to. Not only yourself, but what about the smoker’s family? What about anyone who enters the smokers abode?

In 2000, the National Institutes of Health (prepared by the National Toxicology Program) released the 9th edition of a report on Carcinogens. A carcinogen is any substance or exposure to the substance that are “known” or are “reasonably anticipated” to be cancer causing. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS, second hand smoke) is generated from exhaled smoke, as well as the smoke given off by the burning end of cigarettes, pipes and cigars. This type of smoke is listed in the report as a “known human carcinogen.” There are significant studies referenced in the report noting that spouses of smokers and co-workers of smokers are at an increased fist of lung cancer due to this ETS. Just imagine what this second hand smoke does to children. We will get to the effects of ETS on children in a few moments.

Tobacco smoke which is directly inhaled, is also noted as a “known human carcinogen.” It is long known that cigarette smoking causes cancer in humans and is now considered to be the leading preventable cause of cancer. Another form of tobacco is smokeless tobacco. This is in the form of chewing tobacco and snuff. This type of tobacco is known to cause cancers in the oral area (mouth, lips, tongue).

Now, onto the effects of this second hand ETS smoke on children. Children are especially vulnerable to second hand smoke. Since their bodies are still developing, and they have a higher breathing rate vs. adults, children are at the greatest risk of developing serious health effects. ETS can cause asthma in children. ETS increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Infants younger than 6 years old are also at risk for lower respiratory track infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis and also middle ear infections.

On June 27th, 2006, the Surgeon General released a major new report on involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke, concluding that secondhand smoke causes disease and death in children and nonsmoking adults. The report finds a causal relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and declares that the home is becoming the predominant location for exposure of children and adults to secondhand smoke. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2006pres/20060627.html

The National Survey on Environmental Management of Asthma and Children’s Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (NSEMA/CEE) done in 2004 by the EPA finds that 11% of children under 6 years old are exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis. Parents of these children were found to be responsible for 90% of the children’s exposure. http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/pdfs/survey_fact_sheet.pdf

Now that we know all the bad news and statistics about ETS (second hand smoke), what can we do to help our children?

First and foremost, PLEASE quit smoking! Secondly, help to improve the air inside your home and the amount of ETS your child(ren) is exposed to. One way to improve your indoor air pollution from tobacco smoke is to use an air purifier cleaner. There are many different types of air cleaner purifiers out there. Invest some time and research to find the right type and model for your home. This will help you understand the different types of air cleaner purifiers available.

An air cleaner should not be expected to remove 100% of all pollutants in the air. An air cleaner purifier should be used in conjunction with the removal of toxins from the air in other ways too. A great way to do this is to begin replacing all toxic cleaning products in your home with safer ones. By replacing your cleaners, the toxins that they dispel into the air will be removed.

So you want to invest in an air cleaner purifier? Great! Air cleaner purifiers are perfect for in the home, office, or business location. So if you have a smoker in the building, a child at your feet or someone with asthma or allergies, you are doing them a great blessing by purchasing an air cleaner purifier.

To start off with, you will want to decide if you want to get a room air purifier, for a specific room in the location, or an air cleaner purifier to work on the entire space at the location you choose. Air cleaner purifiers vary greatly in the amount of coverage they can handle. They can range anywhere from about 150 sq. ft. to about 3000 sq. ft. Find out how big of a space your room, home or business is. For a business location, you may need more than one air cleaner filter.

Next, you will want to decide upon the type of filtration you want to use. There are many different types to choose from. You will see filtration types such as Photo-Ionization, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), Fiber/Foam, Carbon Media, Ionizers, Ozone Generators and UV (Ultraviolet) Light. There are other types out there, this is just a list of the main types.

Photo-Ionization units are capable of improving the air quality of not just one room but an entire house, even multiple floors. The cleaning and disinfection process occurs as a result of the free radical formation that develops when ozone gas reacts with a high-intensity broad spectrum UV light on a trimetallic target (copper, silver and titanium). The resulting advanced oxidation gasses are dispersed into the air. The cleaning and disinfection process occurs as a result of the free radical formation that accompanies the decomposition of the oxidation gases, which is accelerated by high intensity targeted UV light. This type of unit treats all the air and surfaces in your building that the treated air can reach. Thus, the unit is considered an “active” air purification system because it brings the remedy right to the sources of the contamination. Most others are passive, only treating the air that passes through the filter.

HEPA filters are certified to remove 99.7% of all 0.3 micron-sized particulates. These units usually require frequent filter changes which may be expensive as well. Odors, gases, pesticides and many bacteria will not be removed with this type of unit. They may also be on the noisy side of the spectrum.

Fiber/Foam filters will not remove the fine particulate <2.5 m microns. Particle build-up in the unit acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. These units will not remove odors, gases, pesticides and many bacteria.

Carbon Media filters also require frequent filter changes. They can act as breeding ground for microorganisms and become “blinded” by competing chemicals in the air causing the filters to cease functioning.

Ionizers use what is known as collection plates which are used to attract incoming particles. These plates need to be cleaned every 2 to 4 weeks. Only the particles from the air that passes through the system. They will not remove particles smaller than 1.0 microns, which means that 98% of all particulates will remain in the air. These units are good at removing smoke, but not very effective against viruses, mold, odor and gases.

Ozone Generators will produce and discharge Ozone (O3) into the air. Ozone is a gas made of three oxygen atoms. This contains more than the two atoms that make up the oxygen that we breathe every day. Ozone type filters are known for its ability to remove odors best. There are however, health concerns to be aware of with these type of filters. These units are not safe approved for use in occupied spaces. When directly inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs, cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Ozone can also worsen asthma and respiratory diseases.

Last but not least are UV Light units. Ultraviolet has been used in the medical profession for many years. When microbes and gases are exposed to ultraviolet light for a long enough period, the energy from the light rays can destroy some of the bacteria and organic contaminants in the air. At certain wavelengths, ultraviolet light can also emit negative ions and ozone. UV filters should not be used when the area is occupied.

When buying an air cleaner purifier you should take into account the maintenance and cleaning the unit will require. You should determine how often the unit needs to be cleaned. How often the filters must be either cleaned or changed. How much do new filters cost? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can decide which one best suits your needs in terms of long range cost.

After you have researched your selected air cleaner purifier thoroughly, check it also for noise level. Of course you do not want to purchase a noisy air cleaner. Low noise level and clean air, will make your location healthy, healthy, healthy.