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Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Some cancer doctors may build up emotional walls -- distancing themselves from the patients they can't save -- to avoid grief, sadness and even despair.More >> Some cancer doctors may build up emotional walls -- distancing themselves from the patients they can't save -- to avoid grief, sadness and even despair, new research shows.More >> The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff.More >> The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives, according to a new German study.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a new study.More >> The number of liver transplants in the United States has decreased since 2006, a new study finds.More >> The number of liver transplants in the United States has decreased since 2006, a new study finds.More >> Researchers who say they've linked type 2 diabetes with earlier development of precancerous colon lesions recommend people with the blood sugar disorder start colorectal screenings at a younger age than others.More >> Researchers who say they've linked type 2 diabetes with earlier development of precancerous colon lesions recommend people with the blood sugar disorder start colorectal screenings at a younger age than others.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Certain gene variants linked to prostate cancer may make men more susceptible to lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. More >> Certain gene variants linked to prostate cancer may make men more susceptible to lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. On the other hand, a different gene variant might protect against those symptoms.More >> Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.More >> Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.More >>
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Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> Got hair? If you don't, you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer, a preliminary study suggests.More >> Got hair? If you don't, you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer, a preliminary study suggests.More >> Many American teenagers, including some with a normal, healthy weight, already have one or more risk factors for heart disease, researchers say.More >> Many American teenagers, including some with a normal, healthy weight, already have one or more risk factors for heart disease, researchers say.More >> Drowning kills more American children 1 to 4 years old than any cause except birth defects, according to a new federal report.More >> Drowning kills more American children 1 to 4 years old than any cause except birth defects, according to a new federal report.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> In a new study, teens who loved listening to music blasting at high decibels on their MP3 players were also more likely than others to smoke marijuana.More >> In a new study, teens who loved listening to music blasting at high decibels on their MP3 players were also more likely than others to smoke marijuana.More >> In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications, there are a few additional moves that can help ease the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes of seasonal allergies.More >> In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications, there are a few additional moves that can help ease the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes of seasonal allergies.More >> A preliminary study links chemicals found in certain sunscreens to a higher risk of endometriosis.More >> A preliminary study links chemicals found in certain sunscreens to a higher risk of endometriosis, but it's too soon to say whether there's any reason for women to change their habits.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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