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Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Addie Parker was a happy 4-year-old who appeared to have the flu. But within hours she was in a coma.More >> Addie Parker was a happy 4-year-old who appeared to have the flu. But within hours she was in a coma.More >> Two new studies offer some solace to those who can't control their weight despite diet and exercise by providing more evidence that genetics may play a role in obesity.More >> Two new studies offer some solace to those who can't control their weight despite diet and exercise by providing more evidence that genetics may play a role in obesity.More >> Catching up on your sleep on weekends may help protect you from developing diabetes, a small, early study suggests.More >> Catching up on your sleep on weekends may help protect you from developing diabetes, a small, early study suggests.More >> Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >> Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >>
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Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >> Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >> Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >> Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >> For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.More >> For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.More >> Anyone who has ever been a volunteer knows that it feels good to help others, but researchers have found a less obvious benefit: volunteering can help reduce older adults' risk of high blood pressure.More >> Anyone who has ever been a volunteer knows that it feels good to help others, but researchers have found a less obvious benefit: volunteering can help reduce older adults' risk of high blood pressure.More >>
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Americans spend more than $500 million on air cleaners each year. But do they really purify the air like they promise? The video spot for LightAir air cleaners promises that they can protect you from dangerous pollutants. Consumer Reports tested the $300 LightAir Ion Flow 50-F Surface, along with more than two dozen other portable air
cleaners.
To evaluate how well they remove dust and smoke, testers place them in a special
sealed room. The chamber is filled with fine, powdered clay dust, as well as cigarette
smoke. Testers use a particle analyzer to measure how well the air cleaners remove the
contaminants. Testers found the LightAir about as effective at removing dust and smoke
as using no air cleaner at all.
An air cleaner from Brookstone, the PureIon Pro, did far better removing dust and
smoke. But it produces a small amount of ozone, which can aggravate asthma. The
Brookstone meets voluntary standards on ozone levels. But Consumer Reports does
not recommend any product that produces ozone.
Consumer Reports says even if you do have asthma or allergies, you probably don't
need any air cleaner. To improve air quality, put dust-mite covers on your mattress and
pillows. Don't use a fireplace or let pets in your bedroom.
If you've taken those steps and still think you need an air purifier, Consumer Reports
found some that are good at dust and smoke removal. The Holmes HAP756-U air
cleaner for $150 is a good choice.
Consumer Reports says there's another inexpensive way to improve the air in your
home. If you heat and cool with forced air, you can replace the filter with better one-
something you need to do every couple of months. Consumer Reports tests found that
the $25 the 3M Filtrete Elite Allergen 2200 MPR filter does an excellent job removing
dust and pollen.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances,
cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports' website.
Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.
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