4. Questions & Answers
I'd like to know more about air filters and cleaners that I can use in my home. Specifically, what about negative ion generators? Are they good in cleaning up the air, and are there any worthwhile machines to filter out cigarette smoke?
Air cleaning machines and ion generators do not solve the air pollution problem. The chemicals are still in the air that we breathe even after being filtered through these machines. Air-cleaning devices, however, have been effective in eliminating particles of dust, pollen, and smoke from the home and business.
Before buying or using one of these air-cleaning machines, you should first investigate very carefully how they work. Some of these devices may have harmful chemicals in the filtering mechanism they use, so make sure that you are not creating another problem when you use such machines.
Negative ion generators are very popular and are widely advertised. The verdict is still out on these machines, but caution is urged. All negative ion generators emit ozone as well as negative ions. Make sure that any ion generator you might buy has a very low level of ozone emission. Many people also report a difficulty in sleeping when one of these generators is in the bedroom. Evidently the negative ions have a stimulating effect on the organism, and this may prevent a deep sleep or rest.
If you must work in a smokey or dust-filled environment, however, an air-filtering device or ion generator might be more beneficial than harmful and should be carefully investigated.
I want to move where there isn't any air pollution. Where should I go?
I would suggest the moon. There is no air there, nor any pollution at this point. Seriously, there is now no place on earth that does not have an air-pollution problem. Air pollutants have been found in the Antarctic air where there are no cars nor industries.
There are definitely worse places to live than others, however. If you live in the nation's top twenty urban areas, you'll be worse off than many of your country cousins. It's not just urban density, however, that determines the quality of your air. You also have to consider the terrain and weather conditions. Some cities produce an awful lot of pollution, but the prevailing winds simply blow the poisons downwind to another town or state.
Generally, however, you would do well to avoid cities that have heavy industries, like petroleum, plastic, or chemical plants. Coal-burning areas are always worse than locales that do not use coal as a major fuel source.
You cannot, however, run away from air pollution. It will follow you no matter where you live. The ultimate solution to air pollution is not to remove yourself from it, but to remove the pollution from the air. It is an uphill fight, but it can be won if you make your voice heard.