AngelaApr 6, 2023

I've seen the Sunbeam portable #HEPAfilter recommended by a few of my social media mates, went by the nearby #Briscoes to look for it, and it was fresh out. Asked a worker there if it was in stock anywhere else, she checked and it's sold out across the whole #canterbury region.

Looks like consumers are catching on that #COVIDIsAirborne and we should #CleanTheAir. Now if only more workplaces and governments got with the program. Because it's a #publichealth issue, not #personalresponsibility 😒

Show threadClean Air StarsApr 6, 2023
@seawall How effective personal air purification will be is complicated and these particular devices deliver a very low airflow rate (the manufacturer doesn't even say what it is). If you think its reducing risk when it isn't and you change your behaviour accordingly (extend your exposure time in high risk situations) these can inadvertently do more harm than good. If you can find out what their airflow is please pass it on.
Show threadAngelaApr 6, 2023
@cleanairstars will do. I'm already a bit side-eye about it containing UV light in addition to HEPA as I've been informed by engineers that the speed of the air moving through the filter tends to go too fast for the UV to zap any viruses zipping through. But at least it has HEPA? 🤷‍♂️
Show threadClean Air Stars
@seawall Correct, the UV will add negligible/no value on top of a HEPA while introducing energy costs and reducing battery life. What ultimately matters is the amount of airflow which, for this device, is not easy to find.
Apr 6, 2023 at 3:58amWeb
Show threadAngelaApr 6, 2023
@cleanairstars 🤔 I wonder how hard it would be to hack and disconnect the UV light...
Show threadClean Air StarsApr 6, 2023
@seawall if it had a high airflow it may be worth it, but until you know what the airflow is and how helpful it is likely to be then it would most likely be a waste of time.
Show threadAngelaApr 6, 2023
@cleanairstars is there any way a layperson could test the airflow?
Show threadClean Air StarsApr 6, 2023
@seawall not for that particular device unfortunately. The manufacturer should really publish that information