As with other types of smoke, marijuana smoke creates tenacious residues and odors. Similar to cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke can offend non-smoking neighbors and guests, and residual odors can alert others to the habit.

The legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes in the United States and Canada has made it much more accessible and accepted than it was previously. In the US, 37 states now allow access to medical marijuana while 21 states have legalized recreational use. Canada has also legalized recreational use of cannabis.

Whether someone smokes cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, cleansing the air after smoking is usually a good idea. The right air purifier can cleanse indoor air of both harmful particles and unwanted smells from marijuana smoke.

Pollutants in cannabis smoke

Cannabis smoke contains two types of pollutants: particulates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). While there are no cannabis odor control requirements listed by the Government of Canada for residential areas, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends ventilating thoroughly when using products that impact the quality of your indoor air.

Particulates

Particles in marijuana smoke usually fall into the category of microscopic ‘liquid particles’ which are easily inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause lung disease in the long term.

Volatile Organic Compounds

The VOCs in cannabis smoke are similar to those found in other types of smoke, such as cigarettes and wildfires. These gaseous chemicals include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene and formaldehyde, among hundreds of others. Exposure to VOC’s has been known to cause:

• Visual disorders and memory impairment
• Eye and respiratory tract irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Disease

Minimize your exposure to the chemicals in cannabis smoke

There are a few ways you can minimize your exposure to the more harmful products in cannabis smoke.

If possible, smoke near an open window or fan. Reduce the amount of paper used to produce less smoke overall. This also allows you to inhale the active compound THC while minimizing exposure to other chemicals.

You can also clean your home frequently to avoid the build-up of toxic products in furniture, carpets and upholstery.

The fewer chemicals you inhale, the lower your risk of associated side-effects. Using the right air filter can mean exposing yourself to fewer toxins after you’ve finished smoking.

Which type of air purifier is best for cannabis smoke?

There are a variety of air purifiers on the market. Here is a quick look at which air purifiers work for cannabis smoke.

HEPA filter

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are widely acknowledged to be the most effective filters for eliminating particulates from the air. Made from a very fine paper, a HEPA filter traps over 99% of allergens from the air, including dust, pollen, smoke particulates, bacteria and pet dander.

Unfortunately, an air purifier with a HEPA filter will not be able to capture VOCs. However, an air purification unit that combines a HEPA filter and a carbon filter will guarantee you clean, healthy indoor air.

Carbon filter

An active carbon filter contains carbon that has been exposed to high heat, which causes it to become more porous. Carbon filters remove chemicals and some particulates from the air.

Used alone, an active carbon filter will be less efficient than when used in tandem with a HEPA filter. Together, these filters will remove both visible smoke particles and invisible airborne toxins from your indoor air, making this type of residential air purification unit your best choice for eliminating cannabis smoke and smells.

UV light air purification

Other types of air purifier can also get rid of smells quickly and efficiently, including the smell of marijuana smoke. Recently developed UV light air purification technology uses UV rays to eliminate VOCs, chemicals, odors, mold, viruses and bacteria from indoor air.

While UV units may be best suited to commercial facilities, including growers,  they are a state-of-the art method for cleansing and purifying indoor air that is safe, eco-friendly and affordable.

Get rid of cannabis smoke quickly

Remember, the longer cannabis smoke remains in the air, the more likely it is to damage your health and surroundings. In addition to bad odors, tiny particles from marijuana smoke can create a sticky brown dust that damages your walls, clothing and furniture.

Turn on your air purifier immediately or set it to start automatically for best results.

Reduce cannabis smoke and smell with a Sanuvox air purifier

Cleaning your home regularly can help to reduce lingering marijuana smoke and smells, but to be sure you are breathing fresh, clean air indoors after smoking, the most effective solution is to install an air purifier.

Sanuvox offers a range of powerful, high-performance commercial and residential air purifiers that are scientifically proven to remove smoke, VOCs and other allergens from the air in your home or business. Contact us today and breathe more easily!

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is commonly found in children, but may occur at any age. Eczema is two to three times more prevalent now than it was 30 years ago, particularly in urban areas, leading scientists to believe that its development may be related to high levels of pollution.

While there is no cure for eczema, it can be managed. A major part of any management strategy is identifying which environmental pollutants (triggers) are likely to cause flare-ups, and avoiding them. This is where air purifiers can help!

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic condition that affects the skin. Common symptoms include itchiness, rash, and dry, cracked skin. Persistent scratching often leads to skin infections, thickening and discoloration.

People with eczema usually experience flare-ups, periods of time when their symptoms are acute, which can last for days or weeks on end. The triggers that cause flare-ups differ from person to person.

What causes eczema?

In most people, skin acts as a protective barrier that prevents bacteria, allergens and irritants from entering our body. In people with eczema, the skin’s barrier function is weakened as a result of genetics or other factors. The weakened skin is less able to retain moisture and protect the body from environmental pollutants. When encountering such elements, the immune system goes into overdrive and creates inflammation as a natural defense mechanism.

What air purifiers can do

Air purifiers are designed to improve indoor air quality by removing a variety of environmental pollutants from the air. Residential air purification systems can help people with eczema limit their exposure to potential environmental triggers.

Common eczema triggers

Extreme temperatures can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation in people with eczema, and emotional stress is also known to cause flare-ups. However, most triggers are common allergens and irritants—eczema often co-occurs with allergies and asthma, and is susceptible to similar contaminants. These include:

• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Cigarette smoke
• Cleaning products
• Fragrances

How air purifiers help with eczema triggers

Studies have shown that eliminating environmental chemicals and pollutants that are known triggers from the air can improve eczema symptoms. There are a few different types of air purifiers, each of which has its own particular mechanism for removing contaminants. If you have eczema and want to purchase an air purifier, it’s important to determine what your triggers are and find out which air purifiers are most effective against them so you can select the device that’s right for you.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters

A HEPA filter is a finely-woven mechanical filter that traps 99.97% of even the most penetrating airborne particles. This type of air purifier effectively reduces dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and other physical particles that often provoke an immune response.

Since the HEPA filter traps the particles as air passes through, it will eventually become saturated with contaminants. People with eczema should take care when cleaning or changing out the filter—either have someone else do it or make sure to use gloves.

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters are treated with oxygen to make them very porous. The increased surface area creates more chemical attraction, so that airborne molecules adhere to the filter as the air passes through. This type of air purifier captures VOCs, cigarette smoke, perfume and other chemicals and odors that can’t be trapped by physical means.

As more and more molecules stick to the activated carbon filter, it will eventually become saturated and cease to work, at which point it will need to be replaced.

UV air purifiers

UV light air purifiers use high-intensity UVC and UVV wavelengths to destroy airborne contaminants. UVC is a germicidal wavelength that deactivates viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, while UVV degrades chemicals and odors through oxidation.

The UV process is unique among air purifiers because it actually destroys the pollutants rather than simply trapping them. UV air purifiers also tend to be able to cover larger rooms than other types of air purifiers.

Other flare-up prevention methods

As previously mentioned, one of the most important steps people with eczema can take to prevent flare-ups is to determine what their triggers are and do their best to avoid them. It’s also vital to diligently follow a good skin care routine:

• Shower every day to keep your skin clean, but limit how much time you spend in the shower and how hot the water is
• Use non-soap cleanser and avoid scrubbing with a washcloth or loofah
• When you get out of the shower, gently pat yourself dry rather than wiping or rubbing
• Moisturize your body within three minutes of getting out of the shower, while your skin is still damp
• Moisturize at least twice a day

Remember that even the best home management solutions can’t take the place of professional advice. If you have eczema, it’s best to consult a dermatologist who will be able to come up with a treatment and management plan that is tailored to your needs.

Keep pollutants at bay with Sanuvox!

Eczema is a condition that can cause severe discomfort. If you have eczema, you may be scouring the internet for anything that might help alleviate your symptoms or prevent flare-ups. Remember that everyone reacts differently, and not all solutions will work for everyone. You may need to resort to trial and error to figure out what works best for you.

If you’d like to try improving your indoor air quality with the help of an air purifier, contact Sanuvox today! We offer a range of UV air purifiers, some of which also include other filtration and purification systems to eliminate the maximum amount of pollutants. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common gaseous chemicals that are difficult to avoid in indoor spaces and can have adverse health effects. Fortunately, some types of air purifiers are effective at trapping or deactivating these airborne pollutants. Discover the best air purifiers for VOCs in this article!

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds are a large group of chemicals that vaporize easily at room temperature. While they are found in both indoor and outdoor air, concentrations indoors are usually up to ten times higher, significantly lowering air quality. Many common household and workplace products emit VOCs in a process known as off-gassing.

Common sources of VOCs in households and workplaces

• Cooking
• Cigarette smoke
• Candles and incense
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Paint
• Glues and adhesives
• Building materials and furnishings
• Office equipment such as copiers and printers

Health consequences of VOC exposure

Exposure to volatile organic compounds can have consequences for your health, depending on the type of VOC, concentration and exposure time. Children, seniors, pregnant people and those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma are particularly susceptible.

Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and nose and throat irritation that can lead to nasal congestion and sinus problems. In severe cases, exposure may lead to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage or cancer.

The best air purifiers for VOCs

Not all types of air purifiers are effective at removing VOCs from the air. While HEPA filters are widely considered to be the air purification gold standard, they are designed to trap physical particles, so harmful gases are likely to pass right through. Fortunately, there are other types of commercial and residential air purification systems that work better against VOCs.

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters use porous carbon material to trap VOCs and gases through a process called adsorption. As air passes through the filter, the contaminant molecules get stuck to the substrate and the cleaned air is released back into the room. These types of air purifiers are also great at getting rid of unwanted smells.

UV light air purifiers

Some residential and commercial UV air purifiers are designed to emit UVV wavelengths that degrade chemicals and odors by oxidation. Air is drawn into a chamber and subjected to high-intensity UVV rays before being released back into the room. The UV process is very effective at breaking down VOCs.

Remove VOCs with Sanuvox!

While it’s a good idea to try to limit the number of VOC-emitting products in your space, it is virtually impossible to eliminate them entirely. The right air purifier can help mitigate the effects of off-gassing and ensure that VOC levels remain low.

Sanuvox offers UV light air purifiers that effectively combat volatile organic compounds and odors. Our powerful air purifiers are rated for large rooms, and some can even cover an entire apartment or house! Contact us today to lower VOC levels in your space and safeguard your health.

Your nose is your body’s first line of defense against the various irritants commonly found in the air we breathe. Your nasal passages are lined with hair and cilia that are designed to trap these intruders before they can make it into your airways. Unfortunately, this natural defense system isn’t perfect, and irritants sometimes make it through, causing inflammation and congestion. An air purifier can help trap airborne contaminants so that your nose doesn’t have to!

What causes nasal congestion?

When contaminants make it past the first line of defense, they can irritate your nasal tissues, causing inflammation and triggering your immune system to produce more mucus in an attempt to flush out the intruders. The swelling and additional mucus create the feeling of a stuffy nose and make it more difficult to breathe.

There are several types of irritants that can cause nasal congestion:

• Viruses and bacteria can cause infections such as colds, flu and sinusitis that trigger an immune response.
• Allergens are triggers that make the immune system overreact and release histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, sneezing and other processes designed to expel the perceived threat from the body.
• Odors and chemicals can also irritate the lining of the nose and throat, leading to inflammation and congestion.

How air purifiers can help with nasal congestion

Air purifiers help prevent nasal congestion by removing irritants from the air you breathe. There are a few different types of filtration and purification mechanisms that work best on different types of contaminants.

UV air purifiers

UVC air purifiers emit a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light that deactivates and help to destroy viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. Fans push the airstream past high-intensity lamps that cleanse the air before sending it back out into the room, reducing the likelihood of infection.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters

HEPA filters are mechanical filters that use finely woven mesh to trap particles. These types of air purifiers effectively trap allergens such as dust, pollen and pet dander that commonly circulate in households and are a major source of airway irritation and nasal congestion. Note that HEPA filters eventually become saturated with contaminants and must be cleaned or changed regularly to maintain their effectiveness.

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters chemically attract odors and pollutants through a process called adsorption. These types of air purifiers work well on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cigarette smoke smell and other common irritants. These filters also become saturated eventually and must be replaced.

Eliminate airway irritants with Sanuvox!

If you are suffering from a stuffy nose, the first thing to do is to determine what’s causing the irritation. Ideally, you’ll want to minimize your exposure to whatever is triggering your immune response. The right air purifier will help alleviate your sinus problems by eliminating contaminants and improving the air quality in your home.

If you’re concerned about pathogens circulating in the air, consider investing in one of Sanuvox’s residential UV air purifiers. We also offer air purifiers for the entire house that are equipped with multiple filtration and purification mechanisms to cover a wider range of airborne irritants. Contact us today to improve your air quality and alleviate your nasal congestion!

While sinus problems aren’t usually severe, there’s no question that they can be extremely unpleasant. You may be suffering from dry nasal passages that bleed at the slightest provocation, or stuffy, blocked sinuses that cause painful headaches and make it difficult to breathe.

Looking for the source of your discomfort and wondering whether your air purifier might be the culprit? Find out everything you need to know about how air purifiers affect the sinuses in this article.

The most common causes of sinus problems

Sinus problems can be caused by a number of different factors. Humidity, for one, can have a significant impact on sinuses. Particularly in winter in colder climates, indoor heating can really dry out the air and make it difficult for our nasal passages to stay lubricated. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, nosebleeds and more.

Airborne irritants such as allergens and chemicals are often at the root of sinus problems. This category includes many types of particles that are common in homes and difficult to avoid entirely. Particularly for those with sinus and/or respiratory tract sensitivity, inhaling these contaminants can easily cause inflammation and congestion.

It goes without saying that infections and illnesses can also wreak havoc on our sinuses.

How air purifiers work

Air purifiers use a fan to pull air in from the room and pass it through some type of purification mechanism, which may include HEPA filters, activated carbon or a UV disinfection process. Once the air has been cleansed, they release it back into the room.

Do air purifiers dry out the air?

Air purifiers do not dry out the air. In fact, they don’t affect indoor humidity levels at all. They simply circulate the air and remove contaminants. Depending on the placement of the air purifier, the air may feel a little dry if the fan is blowing too close to you, but it won’t actively affect humidity. If you think dry air in your home is causing your sinus problems, consider investing in a humidifier to add some moisture to the space.

How air purifiers can help with sinus problems

Air purifiers don’t cause sinus problems. In fact, they can actually help if the problems are caused by airborne irritants. Air purifiers filter out the dust, pollen and dander that may be triggering your allergies and inflaming your sinuses. Some types of air purifiers can also trap or degrade VOCs, paint fumes and other irritants. Residential UV air purifiers can even deactivate viruses and bacteria in order to lower your risk of getting sick!

Breathe cleaner air with Sanuvox

Your air purifier may not be at the root of your sinus problems, but it’s a good idea to find out what is. Particularly if your symptoms are severe, consider discussing your situation with a medical professional to get to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort.

If you’re interested in reducing the amount of airborne irritants in your home and breathing cleaner air, consider investing in a UV light air purifier from Sanuvox. We offer a range of large room and whole house air purifiers that are designed to destroy harmful microorganisms, degrade chemicals and improve air quality. Contact us today!