Ionizers are devices that disperse negatively or positively charged ions which attach to particles in the air. The particulate matter is then collected by the ionizer or attaches to nearby surfaces. Ionizers are typically sold as "air purifiers" that remove allergen or asthma-inducing particles from the air. However, ionizers are not as effective at removing airborne particles as air purification devices that use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters. Additionally, ionizers may also produce ozone, which can cause or worsen respiratory problems. Although ionizers are often advertised as devices that help improve allergy symptoms by removing allergen particles from the air, they have not proven to be particularly effective. While these devices do remove some small particles from the air, such as those found in tobacco smoke, they may be ineffective at removing the larger particles such as pollen and house dust allergens. Ionizers have also been studied for their effects on certain mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, as well as their effects on sleep and personal comfort.

Experimental research suggests that anxiety and severity of depression decreases with exposure to negatively charged air ions, however findings are inconsistent. More research is needed to examine the potential positive mental health effects of ionizers. One area in which ionizers have demonstrated some beneficial health effects is in controlling the spread of infection in hospital settings. A study published in "BMC Infectious Diseases" in 2010 found that use of a negative air ionizer significantly reduced infection-causing bacteria on plastic medical equipment. The study concluded that the use of ionizers in medical settings may help reduce the risk of disease transmission via infected equipment.Here’s another reason cities need more pedestrians: If someone is wearing clothes that happened to be washed in the right detergent, just their walking down the street can suck smog out of the surrounding air. For the last few years, researchers at the Catalytic Clothing project have been testing a pollution-fighting laundry detergent that coats clothing in nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide.

The additive traps smog and converts it into a harmless byproduct. It’s the same principle that has been used smog-eating buildings and roads, but clothing has the advantage of actually taking up more space.air rifle stock cleaning "If you were to unravel the fibers in clothing and set them out as a single surface, we’re all wearing the equivalent of a tennis court," explains Helen Storey, professor at the London College of Fashion."k&n air cleaner kitThe other advantage is that we walk around in pollution, and that movement is an aid. clean air mold inspectionsIt allows more air to be purified." On a typical London street, the researchers calculated that a pair of jeans washed in the detergent could take out 80% of the nitric oxide in the air around the wearer as he or she walks along.

The detergent is now in development with a major laundry manufacturer, but there are a few hurdles to overcome—like how to market a product with a main selling point that benefits the greater good. "You personally don’t benefit," Storey says. "The person behind you benefits. So one of the other challenges for the industry is how to market altruism. We’re used to marketing something that makes you more beautiful or cleaner or better fed. The idea of marketing something where someone else benefits more than you do is a challenge." Another issue is the fact that the product isn’t compatible with the usual scented detergents. "The catalysts can’t distinguish between a good smell and a bad smell," says Storey. "And they get rid of perfume. So that’s a very big challenge, because most companies that make detergents also produce detergents with a scent because psychologically, we’re convinced something is clean if it smells clean." One place to start may be China, where people aren't as attached to smells like "liquid breeze" or "April fresh."

"In China they have a very different relationship to scent, in that it’s not as important to them culturally as it appears to be in other parts of the world," Storey says. "And given that China has probably the biggest pollution problem, it’s actually interesting to use that as the first trial market." Eventually, for the idea to really work, the researchers say that all detergents would have to use the additive—and companies would have to collaborate in bringing it to market. "It’s going to need a new business model in order to deliver it," Storey says. "Just at a time when the world needs to be behaving as if it’s more connected—because it is—here comes technology that would actually require us to do that."All auto filters are designed to prevent harmful debris from entering any parts where air and fluid flows, including your engine, radiator, fuel lines and more. Once a filter is no longer performing its intended function, decreased performance – even engine damage – can result.

You’ve been reaping the benefits of filters your entire life. If you’ve ever used a furnace or air conditioning system at home, you’ve had to replace a filter from time to time. If you haven’t, well, you might want to go and check those out too. You can send us a thank you letter later – if you want. In the meantime, here’s what each automotive filter does: Air filter: Prevents harmful debris, dirt and contaminants from entering your engine. Cabin filter: An implementation that began appearing in vehicles in 2002, it prevents dust, pollen, dirt and other pollutants from entering your car through your A/C and heat vents. Fuel Filter: Keeps dirt, debris and contaminants from clogging your fuel lines and causing erratic, unstable fuel performance and reduced fuel economy. Generally, it’s recommended that you get your filters replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for specifics about your vehicle’s filter replacement schedules.

Time for a filter replacement? Any filter – home, auto or otherwise – will eventually age and become contaminated with pollutants and debris. When that happens, the filter loses its effectiveness and hinders the performance of the parts it is supposed to protect. When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents. It can also lead to unwanted, unfiltered air in the cabin. As for a mucked-up fuel filter, that’ll land you with a weakened fuel supply to injectors, a reduction in engine power, poor acceleration and lousy fuel economy – not to mention a potential breakdown. Replace old filters to avoid placing stress on other vital car parts. Find your new filter at Firestone Complete Auto Care. The benefits are car-saving and performance-enhancing.

They protect vital car parts by keeping harmful debris at bay so your car runs right. Filters also ensure your car runs more efficiently. The cleaner your filter, the more it allows for the maximum flow of air or fluid through the system. Like a clogged drain, a dirty filter starves the system of the vital air or fluid and makes each system it protects work harder to do its job. Once filters are dirtied, they should be replaced. The purpose of each filter is clear: to trap and protect. Air filter: Engine protection is the name of the game. So is engine performance. Acceleration can improve up to 11% after an old, dirty air filter is replaced. Our Purolator Classic air filters are engineered to trap 96.5% of harmful contaminants that can damage your engine.* *Based on ISO 5011 on A13192 Cabin air filter: Made to prevent outside allergens and dust from entering your ride’s air vents. The benefit: it keeps the air that you breathe inside the cabin clean. They’re engineered to trap a whole bunch of things, including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, soot and smog – none of which belong in your nose.

Fuel filter: The cleaner the fuel system, the more efficiently your vehicle will operate. Even a slight reduction in fuel flow can affect your vehicle’s overall performance and fuel economy. With a new fuel filter, you typically notice a boost in fuel efficiency and overall performance. And with the cost of gas these days, that savings can be significant. Time for new filters? Once a filter is old and full of crud, you’ll notice a decline in your vehicle’s operation. Filters are all about ensuring clean and pure performance. If you see a drop in fuel economy, a decrease in power and performance or notice the A/C and heating system just doesn’t appear to be working as well, it may be time to replace one or more filters.Air filter: Old and dirty air filters lead to reduced engine power, decreased throttle response, weaker acceleration and increased engine wear. Well, it is, and you should have it replaced when it gets bad. Cabin air filter: As time passes, you may notice air flowing through your vents is weaker.

This happens when the filter is REALLY mucked-up — in the worst case. You may also notice that there is a difference in air quality in the cabin when you’re on the road. This may be the result of unwanted, unfiltered air entering the cabin because the filter is dirty. Fuel filter: Replace your fuel filter if you start noticing reduced MPGs or sluggish engine performance (sputtering horsepower, dragging). Avoid these situations by replacing your fuel filter, regularly. If you delay a fuel filter replacement, you could clog a fuel injector completely with dirt or debris, cutting off fuel from the engine and making it stop. Now, that’s bad news. Check your owner’s manual or check your scheduled maintenance interval here. New filters to get your ride flowing right. We’re a proud supplier of the latest and most effective Purolator filters by Bosch. We also carry Champ air and fuel filters. Both Bosch and Champ have been at the forefront of filter technology. Learn more about Bosch and Champ filters

Schedule a filter installation today. Maintenance for most filter replacements is pretty simple. Put your right hand up. We just shared a virtual high five. Most air filters that need replacing only require us to remove and install the new filter. Some filters can be harder to reach, though, depending on your car’s make and model. Either way, we’ll let you know how long it’ll take to replace, and we’ll have you back on the road in no time. Get your new filter fast. Times vary, but most filters can be replaced quickly, provided they’re in an easy-to-reach place. However, more and more of today’s vehicle manufacturers are placing filters in trickier locations, largely for design and space efficiency purposes. Hard to reach filters ultimately require extra service time when they need replacement. If this is the case, we’ll keep you informed on how long it will take. Hard or easy to access, we’ll replace your filter and have you on your way as soon as possible.