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Re: Samsung Virus Zero USA Air Sanitizer for Mold Allergy

A Reader writes:

Greetings Ed,

First off, thanks so much for all you do.

I am currently searching for my first air purifier I've ever owned and your website has been invaluable.

I live in a small, one bedroom apartment (living room is only 160 sq. ft) in a very old building in western Washington.

I have no real HVAC, only a few in-wall fan heaters that are pretty much useless so I use a couple of radiant heaters during our long, cold rainy season.

It turns out they are not enough.

I have struggled this past year (my first since moving out here from Michigan) with three sinus infections from what I believe is a mold issue.

I've found some noticeable mold in the bathroom and bedroom during our rainy season and am quick to eradicate it, but I'm certain it's also in places I can't see and no doubt in my air.

I am leaning towards a RabbitAir BioGS as my apartment is quite small, they get loads of great customer reviews (something I place a priority on), and they match my other needs (cost [hoping to spend under $400], energy efficiency, replacement filter cost effectiveness, size, looks, functionality, noise level, customer service, and warranty).

I know you like Sharp's Plasmacluster and I think they might be worth considering too, but I can't find a lot of customer reviews on them, they only have a 1 year warranty, and I have some concerns about what they release in the air that may be harmful to me.

I'm also intrigued by a company's product line I just stumbled upon tonight that I can't find any customer reviews on and that's Virus Zero USA

Samsung Virus Zero USA company website.

Do you happen to know anything about these products and if they're effective, safe, and would be ideal for my high moisture environment?

I like them because they're small, quiet, don't need replacement filters (maybe a bad sign), and specifically claim to fight off mold.

My concern is they may be effective in some situations, but since they're creating more moisture, my specific problem with mold could increase.

I'm just not certain they're right for my situation and would greatly appreciate any insight/advice you'd be willing to share given my needs.

Am I on the right track with a RabbitAir?

Should I look into something instead to eradicate mold spores, not just trap them?

And if so, is Sharp's or Samsung's models my best bet?

Thank you very much for your time, and again, thanks so much for all you do.

Sincerely, A Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

Samsung "Super Plasma Ion" Virus Zero USA is a stand-alone plasma ion streamer designed as an air sterilizer. It is not a particle capture machine.

The water production mentioned in the company's sales literature occurs only where ozone ("activated oxygen") is encountered. I don't expect this to produce much water vapor relative to the very damp pacific northwest.

Asia as a whole is very nervous about viral contamination, and Sharp has been doing very well with the Plasmacluster plasma ionizer selling as a stand alone device - separate from an air purifier with filters.

After the breakthrough into the automotive market, these filter-less ion streamers are being sold attached to almost any consumer product.

Samsung smelled the coffee and joined the boom with the "Virus Zero USA," which they imply is an advancement over competing products (they mean Sharp).

TV sets, refrigerators, air conditioners - almost any higher ticket consumer item - can have the small plasma ion emitter embedded.

My problem with all these claims of protection from the "flu" is that tests involve lowering of ambient airborne microorganisms, NOT the reduction of infectious transmission.

Most viruses are transferred by touching and direct sneezing, not from floating around on the air for protracted periods.

Some diseases, like Tuberculosis, are another story.

When the truly airborne virus finally arrives, it might be yet another story.

I remain unconvinced that air purifiers will provide a meaningful firewall against a major epidemic or bio-weapon. (Forget duct tape too.)

With the older building and constant moisture, mold control will be very difficult. I'd try to clean the air near your sleeping space as the first priority.

As a long-time mold allergy sufferer, I believe that internal factors, especially antibiotics and sugars in the diet, are far more important than inhaled mold spores as causes.

I'd also consider the possibility that positive ions and electromagnetic fields from the portable heaters are a contributing cause. Any heater that has glowing red heating elements will strip electrons off the air.

I have no central HVAC in my cabin, and use portable heaters exclusively. I have owned maybe 30 over the years. The best are water-filled radiators, but these are no longer sold.

In my opinion, any heater with red hot elements exposed to the air is a major killer.

The Virus Zero USA from Samsung does have allure, for applications like hospitals, classrooms, subways, and aircraft cabins - high density shared breathing environments.

But a household air purifier needs to capture and control particles, chemicals, and odors first.

Sharp Plasmacluster FP-P40cx is a good choice for mold spores, but filters are growing scarce.

Due to the market downturn and decline of support from many brands, I am recommending the Rabbit Air 421A to most budget minded first time buyers.

It is not an air sanitizer, but you have chosen well. It is very safe to use in the bedroom.

I am not dismissing the Virus Zero USA as a mold reducer. I have long been a plasma-ion booster, as you point out. But with $400 to spend, I think an air purifier will do the most good.

As finances permit, you could add the Samsung air sanitizer.

Best wishes,

Ed

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