May 29, Second Hand Smoke Air Purifiers

 

I have recently purchase a condo in a high rise building in Burlington ON, Canada. After totally renovating to remove the smell of second hand smoke left behind by the former owner I have that not only was the last owner a smoker but I have a smoker below and above me that are very heavy smokers of cigars and cigarettes. Their smoke is coming into my unit throgh the heating/air conditioning ducts and through the plumbing channels.

My unit is quite small. Three main rooms. 2 10x12 1 15x30. The other rooms effected area are 2 bathrooms less than 8x8. If the doors of the bathrooms remain closed for longer than 2 hours it smells like someone has just finished smoking a cigar.

Can air purifers help? I have done a lot of research and it seems that if there is a solution it is a very expense one. One that I don't want to invest in only to find it can't solve the problem.

What are my best options to eliminate the smoke from my unit?

Your assistance is greatly appreciated as I love my new home but with an 8 year old child can not remain if I can't solve this problem. We are already experiencing what my doctor indicates could be smoke related health issues.

Having the windows and door open 24/7 is just not an option once winter rolls around.

A: Here are some options for you:

#1 - In the bathroom I wonder if you have a ventilation fan of any kind. If so it may be the source of the smoke - since condos/apt's often have mutual ventilation chambers - which may be eliminated by shutting off or sealing the ventilation. I've seen that work, but of course you have to sacrifice the fan for your health.

#2 I'd get a few inexpensive plugin Negative ionizers ($20-30 each). It's not only good for the lungs and the brain it will kill much of the floating smoke in the air. I use one in my office to think better and in my bedroom (in an air purifier) because I sleep better. A hospital in France was known for using them in treating children with asthma successfully. Here's a link for the one I like:

Negative Ion Generator for Home

I have several of these in my home, and in my office. They use next to no energy, and I just leave them plugged in 24/7. It will also kill odor in the bathroom. (Sorry I don't have Canadian links - so I don't know where you will find them there. Check ebay as well - just make sure it isn't just an "ionizer" but specifically a 'Negative Ionizer")

#3 I'd look for a few small inexpensive air purifier wiht negatve ions included. While a HEPA air purifier will do nothing for smoke many include a negative ionizer built in that will do the same as the plugin, and will also remove dust and pollen.

The one below is a small HEPA that has a negative ion generator, and inexpensive. It's "ok", not great. There hasn't been a small unit I am really, really in love with, but this would do the job. You can probably find one locally in stores as well.

Holmes® Small Air Purifier

Breathe Well,

Mark

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