Air Filter

Yesterday, we bought this new filter. The dust in my room has been out of control for awhile (between the cats, the birds, and my inability to figure out how a duster works...) but we have always put it off. Well I got temperamental about it the other day so we went out and bought this pretty cheap filter that I found online with good reviews. It is not a HEPA but I think it is doing pretty well so far!

Sharper Image® Br?the® Air Cleaner with Nano-Coil Technology - BedBathandBeyond.com

On a high setting it is pretty noisy but on quiet or slow it is unnoticeable. I feel like the air is easier to breathe already

Hi,
I think it is great that you have invested in an air purifier! Not consistently using an air purifier is the single biggest regret that I have, I and believe my failure to do this caused my beloved parrot's death. I have huge, huge guilt about this, and I applaud you for taking this step.

However, I have serious concerns about your unit. I don't know for sure, but I think that it, like other Sharper Image models, it is an ionic air purifier that "cleans" the air by generating ozone. This is a gas that is very dangerous to both persons and parrots.

Here is some general info about ionic air purifiers:

The Dangers of Ionic Air Purifiers

Like I said, I'm not familiar with that particular model, but I would encourage you to contact the company and ask about it. Having an ozone generating air purifier is very dangerous for parrot owners:

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - The Dangers Of Ozone Generators for Pet birds and Parrots

I don't think it does and I knew ionizer was bad so kept away from those when looking. No where on the package does it say ESP or ion. I had my stepfather look and he doesn't think so either. He thinks it cycles air through a coil and the material used is what causes it to cling. I emailed the company and the place I bought it just incase so we shall see what they say about it.

OK, good. Sorry for the scare! I have no idea what nano coil filtering is, but if it doesn't generate ozone and it is helping with the dust, then that sounds great!

I hope so too! I googled nano coil and can't come up with anything but I'll post when the company answers

Interestingly, on the Sharper Image webpage it is described as using "ion technology," although that language is omitted from the BB&B description:

Nano-Coil Air Purifier @ Sharper Image

I'm curious to see what they say...

I found this interesting!
California Certified Air Cleaning Devices

A lot of the popular ones are listed as 'Other' meaning they likely produce ozone but under the regulated amount. Even the mechanical ones listed say they might produce ozone but not as likely as the ones listed under other....

Impressive research skillz! This is very helpful information to have. Your unit passes the California test, so we know that it emits ozone at or below .050 parts per million. It is likely safe for human beings.

Still, I think there is a lingering question of whether that kind of unit is the best kind to have around parrots. Obviously reasonable people can disagree, and life is all about managing risks, but ozone does accumulate in the air, and parrots' lungs are especially sensitive (one researcher in Europe has told me he thinks that Pulmonary Fibrosis in parrots is due largely to "gasses" with ozone being a likely culprit). Given that we have so many other devices that produce ozone in our homes, it may be prudent to choose purifiers that produce as little ozone as possible.

On the other hand, it sounds like this unit has really helped with the dust and other pollutants in your home, and these clearly are not good for you or your parrots, so maybe it is worth the risk. I don't know. Being a parrot owner is so complicated!

While I'm sure it is completely obvious, I just wanted to stress that my postings on these boards in the last couple weeks are not motivated by a sense of great parrot knowledge or delusions of expertise. I hope I haven't been too much of a downer, warning people of various threats, etc. I know you are pleased with your new purifier, and I didn't mean to rain on your parade.

I'm clearly working out my own issues regarding my parrot's death. The regret and guilt are so awful, and I genuinely would like to do what I can to protect others from these feelings. Of course, I recognize that life is complicated, and often there isn't just one right way of doing things. Anyway, I hope I haven't stepped on too many toes; I really do want to help!

sam4life said:

Of course, I recognize that life is complicated, and often there isn't just one right way of doing things. Anyway, I hope I haven't stepped on too many toes; I really do want to help!

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I almost tried hugging my laptop because that made me wanna overwhelm you with warm fuzzies! Never feel bad for trying to educate others, so long as you're being positive, informative, and not headstrong, we all appreciate this information. I especially do, considering that I had NO idea that air purifiers even emitted ozone, and I didn't even realize it was bad for humans. I probably could've figured it out, but now I have more help with my own search for a good air purifier.

Thanks!

And Victoria, I'm really keen on the difference it makes. My family has never really invested in one, and living on my own I've never really thought of it. The only time I've considered them is when dealing with individuals who smoke since it gives me a seriously sore throat and I lose my voice (which is odd, considering that my parents smoked in the house until the quit when I was 15). I'm kind of a freak about smells, and while birds don't smell bad, they definitely don't smell as delicious as my fuzzy peach air fresheners that I haven't been able to use since welcoming Avery into my home

But perhaps an air freshener will help things smell a bit more... fresh?

The list isn't proof of emitting ozone just that it is under the limited amount, so either they have none or under the regulation amount. It is a government website so never expect a definite answer haha

So this is the email I received from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Thank you for your patience. The manufacturer informs us that the Sharper Image® Brthe® Air Cleaner with Nano-Coil Technology does NOT produce ozone.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] or by calling our 24 hour, eService Center at 1-800-462-3966.

Sincerely,

Asaan
Customer Service Representative
Bed Bath & Beyond
1-800-462-3966
Bedding, Bath Towels, Cookware, Fine China, Bridal & Gift Registry - BedBathandBeyond.com


I also emailed Sharper Image directly yesterday so we will see what they say too.


I wasn't all that worried about my filter when I bought it Sam4life since it didn't say ionizer on it but it is always nice to be reminded that we need to worry about everything not just the obvious dangers!

I know what it is like to feel regret over losing a pet. I lost my first cockatiel because I wasn't listening to myself when I thought Rukia was acting strange. It wasn't anything obvious at first so I thought I was imagining it so I asked my parents for their opinion and they said she looked fine. I still wasn't sure but listened to them instead of myself. By the time it was obvious to everyone it was already too late to save her. It was a harsh lesson to always listen to myself because I know my animals best. So don't worry about reminding us that we need to be alert about the things in our animals lives because sometimes we need that reminder

Dino it really made the air easier to breathe. A noticeable difference to me at least and after turning it off the difference was noticeable once again. The one I bought also has a filter for removing odors from the air. I haven't installed it yet and my room doesn't really smell so not sure I could say if it worked or not for that even when I install the thing... I can't use air fresheners since I have sensitive skin and a lot of different things irritate me. I use organic everything except for shampoo but even that has mostly organic materials. Even some organic products irritated me and I'm guessing they aren't as organic as the label claimed....

I just wanted to say tonight I was informed by my stepfather that the nano coil tech was invented so the filter could was electrostatic tec without emitting ozone. I'm not sure how that works but I think something about coils was mentioned... he used to be a clean room certification guy so I kind of zoned when he got into explaining it. I still want to know what sharper image has to say since he hasn't been in that field for a little bit (plus he was on the much higher end side) but so far my filter seems safe.

riddick07 said:

I just wanted to say tonight I was informed by my stepfather that the nano coil tech was invented so the filter could was electrostatic tec without emitting ozone. I'm not sure how that works but I think something about coils was mentioned... he used to be a clean room certification guy so I kind of zoned when he got into explaining it. I still want to know what sharper image has to say since he hasn't been in that field for a little bit (plus he was on the much higher end side) but so far my filter seems safe.

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And all the science, I don't understand. It's just my job 5 days a week...

Rocket Man...bird sitter likes Elton not sure I understand the appeal still...

sam4life said:

While I'm sure it is completely obvious, I just wanted to stress that my postings on these boards in the last couple weeks are not motivated by a sense of great parrot knowledge or delusions of expertise. I hope I haven't been too much of a downer, warning people of various threats, etc. I know you are pleased with your new purifier, and I didn't mean to rain on your parade.
I'm clearly working out my own issues regarding my parrot's death. The regret and guilt are so awful, and I genuinely would like to do what I can to protect others from these feelings. Of course, I recognize that life is complicated, and often there isn't just one right way of doing things. Anyway, I hope I haven't stepped on too many toes; I really do want to help!

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Don't worry, you're fine. That's what the forum is for... not only to ask and answer questions, but to express your feelings and opinions too!

I think it is only natural to focus a lot on the way that our beloved parrots died. I know that for me, everyone knows that I'm very avian virus paranoid. I mean, it's with good reason because you do hear of it often enough, but it's even more magnified with me because of my experience with it. And no matter what we tell you, I know it is hard for you not to blame yourself for Sam's passing, and so understandably you're hyper aware when you hear of parrots maybe in similar situations. It's pretty normal, so I don't think anyone thinks you need to apologize

I just bought and started using my Honeywell air purifier. It's HEPA with a carbon pre-filter. It does feel and smell nice and fresh in the room. I like the air movement it gives.

I do think it's pretty noisy on high though. When going to bed I'll be turning it down to the lowest setting.

I got mine at Home Depot. I figure it will be convenient to get replacement filters.