RE: Air Oasis Photocatlaytic as Adjunct to HEPA air purifier

A Reader writes:

Hello again, Ed. I've really been enjoying my Rabbit Air.

But I've also been reading about the Air Oasis series of air purifiers from www.negativeiongenerators.com. The technology is intriguing.

Do you know much about them?

I've been wondering if adding one of those units would be even more advantageous than the Rabbit Air alone.

I'm not concerned about viruses or bacteria, but am more focused on VOC's, molds, dust, and other possible allergens that would be missed by the Rabbit Air (both being operated in a small efficiency apartment or average size bedroom).

What are your thoughts on that?

Do you know if the Air Oasis series can be run in "clean mode" while people or pets are in the room also?

They seem to be similar technology to the Sharp Plasmacluster purifiers, but i don't recall reading anything about that issue.

Ed's Reply

First, www.negativeiongenerators.com is a web vendor - among many - for Air Oasis air purifiers manufactured in Amarillo, Texas, by Oasis Enterprises.

I have purchased three IG-133A ion generators from www.negativeiongenerators.com, with fast delivery and very good customer service when a small part was short shipped.

Air Oasis air purifier is a better quality filterless photocat, it does not trap larger airborne particulates (dust).

Since you are already running the RabbitAir, this will not matter much.

While it can destroy very small particles, you are correct in seeing Air Oasis as a sanitizer, aimed at microbes and chemicals.

The AHPCO cell is an advanced metal-doped photocatalyst, capable of generating strong oxidizers.

I do not believe these are "safe." Safer than the ozone they replaced, but still dangerous near the machine. There is no "safe mode" or low power setting. Air Oasis is either on or off.

Do I think this is dangerous? Only to the many who buy an air purifier without study of the benefits and risks - you are not among them.

For the informed, photocats and plasmaclusters, and even ozonators can be used effectively and safely.

I recommend Air Oasis run only while people, plants and pets are not in the closed room.

Room size should be commensurate with the purifier's power, to fully oxidize the room air before re-entry. Many will under-install these oxidizers, believing claims of "3000 square feet."

Air Oasis does a good job of alerting buyers of competing photocats of the dangers of partial oxidation. Most troubling is the potential to create aldehydes, especially toxic and addicting acetaldehyde.

The much shorter half lives of these radicals casts doubt on Air Oasis ability to oxidize contaminants on surfaces in the room, especially far from the machine. Lab tests are done using petri dishes just feet from the exhaust.

This is why photocats are safer than ozone, common in previous generation market leaders - Ionic breeze and Oreck - users would need to be near the photocat to be seriously affected.

When I first bought my Sharp Plasmacluster (oxidizer air purifier), I set up some experiments with small house plants. Results were similar to the lab tests used by Air Oasis - severe damage to small plants placed 1 foot from the exhaust, but much less tissue injury at greater distances.

With these caveats in mind, the only issue is whether the Air Oasis experiment is worth the cost, starting at $300, for additional microbial and VOC reduction.

Air Oasis looks like a good quality product - metal instead of plastic - with low maintenance costs on an annualized basis.

Air Oasis also can be used as a local area sanitizer - moldy bathrooms/kitchens, closets full of dry cleaning chemicals, catbox area odors, water damage, and automobile interiors.....

I consider it safe when used wisely, never while sleeping, or sitting close.

As was true of the ozone prone best sellers Oreck/Breeze, many people will notice improved allergy symptoms when using oxidant technology. I believe this effect is due to the oxidants ability to kill yeast growing, not in the air, but on the mucous membranes of the sinuses and lungs. But using an air purifier as a medical device to achieve this blindly is not wize.

Be sure to observe the recommended burn-in period on a patio or balcony.

Good Luck, and let me know how it works out....

Ed