|
A Reader writes: Dr. Mercola on his web site promotes the following: Way Healthier at Dr. Mercola (Note: This link is not an endorsement.) I didn't see Way Healthier brand products on your site, so thought I would share and get your reaction. Thanks. A Reader.
Hey Reader; Dr. Mercola's "Way Healthier" air purifier is an Airwise 2200 Photocatalytic (PCO). Most re-marketers do not bother to remove the Airwise label, and if you look at the rather small and obscure photos of the actual product on products.mercola.com, you'll see the white lettering atop the box: "airwise."
See my PCO tech page for background on photocatalysis; Photocatalytic air cleaning explained See my review of a technologically similar machine, the Pionair; Pionair photocatalytic air purifier review Airwise/Way Healthier uses PCO, a negative ionizer, and hydroxyl radicals (OH-) to oxidize smaller particulate, odor and chemicals. PCO works at the molecular level only, it does not destroy larger particles as implied in marketing literature. The ionizer is the source of marketing claims concerning particle removal. A negative ionizer merely drops particles to the floor near the machine. The negative charge attraction soon wears off and the particles return to circulation. In most (positive-ion dominant) urban environments, the neg ionizer is but a candle in the wind, making very little contribution to the room's ion balance, and no real impact on particulate levels in the .3 micron and up range. Naive buyers often do not realize that this type machine cannot eliminate particles too large to oxidize. So these (Airwise) stand alone photocat machines are marketed with the questionable claim of effectiveness against large (.3 to 10 micron) particulate, which they do not remove, but merely flocculate to the floor and other horizontal surfaces temporarily. Airwise uses Titanium dioxide (TIO2) doped with copper and zinc ions ("proprietary metals") to enhance electron excitation on the substrate surface. Photocats are generally fan-less, and Airwise relies solely on convection currents for circulation. There is no filter. I am very skeptical of claims that hydroxyl radicals created by PCO (or other technologies like plasma-ion) can actually reach a 750 sq. ft. area. I think the radical density obeys an inverse square relationship with distance from the machine, with very low levels at any meaningful distance. Mercola rightly warns of formaldehyde, but I doubt this product can effectively eliminate all the partially oxidized byproducts of aldehyde oxidation. The positives are noiselessness and low 10 ppb ozone emissions. But claims of economy are overblown, at $379 the Way Healthier air purifier is overpriced relative to other small PCO air cleaners. UV bulbs must be replaced every 12 months, even though they still light up. That will be $139, for a 12 watt light bulb. I strongly disagree with Mercola's statement, in bold type and yellow highlight:"If you need to purify air in a large space, the HEPA is probably not your best choice." HEPA is the only choice! Airwise/Way Healthier is a chemical and odor removing adjunct to an existing true-HEPA air purifier, NOT a substitute. From the EPA: "the primary competition to photocatalysis for indoor air purification is carbon adsorption and permanganate oxidation." (For odors and chemicals.) Comparison to HEPA and pretense about particle removal is marketing BS. That said, this air cleaner does serve a specific niche; mold and odor removal in baths, kitchens, basements, and other damp areas where expensive activated carbon odor/chem filters could be damaged by moisture. Another possible application is the walk-in closet which stinks of dry cleaning and other chemicals. When I first studied PCO 6 years ago, I thought it held enormous promise. But the high tech oxidizer relies on expensive and environmentally unfriendly UV bulbs for indoor air cleaning (sunlight for outdoors). PCO has been added to several HEPA based air cleaners, but generally has not caught on in a declining air cleaner market. Innovations, such as a porous 3 dimensional profile for the substrate, have looked for a market and found little acceptance. Best wishes, Ed
End Re: Way Healthier at Dr. Mercola is an Airwise air cleaner, Return to Emails Air Purifier Reviews | Reviews Air Purifiers |