The CleanAirDB Protection Guide
Living near industrial facilities requires more than a standard dust filter. Here is the equipment we recommend for VOCs, chemical fumes, and heavy particulates.
1. Best for Chemical Fumes (VOCs)
The Problem: If your local report shows Benzene, Styrene, Ammonia, or Formaldehyde, a standard HEPA filter will do nothing. These are gases, not particles.
The Solution: You need "Activated Carbon." Specifically, you need a unit with lbs of carbon, not just a thin sheet.
Austin Air HealthMate
Gold Standard • 15lbs Carbon
This is the tank of the air purifier world. It contains 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite. It is widely used in FEMA trailers and industrial settings to scrub dangerous gases.
Check Price at SylvaneIQAir GC MultiGas
Medical Grade • Swiss Made
Significantly more expensive, but tested to remove 99% of specific gases like formaldehyde. Common in hospitals and labs.
Check Price on Amazon2. Best for Particulates (Soot & Smoke)
The Problem: If your report shows Lead, PM2.5, or Cobalt, these are physical particles.
The Solution: A True HEPA (H13 or H14) filter is required.
Coway Airmega 400
The best balance of performance and price. It moves a massive amount of air (cleaning a 1,500 sq ft room twice an hour) and uses dual filters to trap heavy industrial dust.
- Washable Pre-filters (saves money)
- Real-time air quality sensor
- Energy Star Certified
3. The Budget Solution (The "Corsi-Rosenthal" Box)
You don't need to spend $500 to breathe clean air. University research shows that taping four MERV-13 Furnace Filters to a standard Box Fan is actually more effective than many expensive commercial units.
What you need: