How One School System is Managing Their Reopening Strategy

How One School System is Managing Their Reopening Strategy

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, school districts across the country have been trying to determine the best way to reopen (and stay open) safely for students, teachers, and staff. While there has not been a standard playbook that each community can follow, each state has created its own criteria to be adopted and customized by each school district to best fit their physical spaces’ needs in each school building. Many of these reopening strategies include mask-wearing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and enforcing social distancing. 

The North Andover Public Schools (NAPS) in North Andover, Massachusetts, created a comprehensive reopening strategy that includes all the essentials of creating a safe environment, including social distancing, screening, mask requirements, proactive community communication, and hand washing. In addition to opening doors and windows to improve ventilation, plus placing tents outside the schools for band and chorus, the school system also looked into how to make the air cleaner, researching portable air purifiers to support the CDC guidelines of adding extra layers of precaution.  

NAPS extensively researched air purifiers available on the market before learning of a local technology company called Celios, which had recently launched an air purification innovation. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1). Beyond the company’s local roots in Wakefield, MA, Celios’ CEO has personal ties to North Andover as he is a town resident with two children in the school system.  

Once they concluded their research, North Andover Public Schools chose to order and deploy 100 Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifiers because they firmly believe it is the best option available. Their focus for the units is in smaller, interior spaces that do not have the ability to open windows. Now the units, along with other precautions, have become critical to their efforts to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Kathleen Pease, RN and School Nurse for North Andover Middle School, explains why the G200 provides another mitigation measure in helping to manage the COVID-19 pandemic so that staff and students can return to the classroom: 

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your school system? 
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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
Helping Keep Employees Comfortable: BostonbeaN Embraces the Confidence the G200 Brings Customers

Helping Keep Employees Comfortable: BostonbeaN Embraces the Confidence the G200 Brings Customers

Featured Image: The Celios G200 is in use at one of BostonbeaN's customer sites in the Boston area 

Since March, the majority of offices have elected to have employees work from home whenever possible. But for some industries, this isn’t a feasible alternative. And for others, work from home policies are beginning to shift into reopening policies. Employers have to consider ways of making their workspace as clean as possible to make employees feel comfortable while they’re at work. Beyond the employees in the office, what do these changes mean for companies that service our workspaces? 

Back to Work Means a New Business

Woburn-based company BostonbeaN provides breakroom snacks and coffee services to offices across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As offices closed and sent their employees to work from home, the company saw a need to pivot to meet its customers’ changing needs. In an effort to keep their own doors open and better provide for their customers, BostonbeaN decided to pivot its focus from coffee to cleaning supplies. And with this shift, a new division was born: BostoncleaN.

Now, offices are beginning to reopen, and it will be more important than ever to ensure employees feel confident and comfortable when returning to work. In addition to adhering to CDC or State requirements, employers can purchase supplemental measures for the benefit of their employees.  Specifically, BostonbeaN is now supplying companies with cleaning and protective equipment, including surgical and N95 masks, cleaning wipes, gloves, and even air purifiers.

BostoncleaN continues to be confident that adding supplemental air purifiers to an office space can play a significant role in helping employees feel more comfortable returning to work and being in the workplace. There is no doubt that any employee is looking to be reassured that their employers are taking every precaution they can to create a clean and productive work environment. 

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality 

As the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved, so have BostoncleaN’s offerings. In March, they began by offering basic cleaning and protective equipment such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, touch-free dispensers, and more. With the increased emphasis on airborne transmission, the company recently evaluated multiple air purifiers to find the right one to augment its cleaning portfolio. 

While many companies are upgrading their HVAC systems in an effort to improve air quality, the CDC also recommends a supplementary filtering system. This is particularly important in rooms that may not have windows for airflow, such as private rooms, closed offices, or break rooms. 

In September, the company formally partnered with Celios to offer the G200 Advanced Air Purifier to its clients. The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (1) It is also up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. 

Taking the Guesswork Out of Clean Air

Beyond providing the initial air purifiers, BostoncleaN also services the devices by handling any air filter changes that may be needed. Just like there is never a concern if the break room will be fully stocked on Monday morning, employers can now be confident that their air purifiers will always be ready to go for when employees do return. 

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your office space? 
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
What Particles Can the G200 Advanced Air Purifier Capture?

What Particles Can the G200 Advanced Air Purifier Capture?

Did you know that particle size matters when it comes to air quality? Particles floating around in the air include allergens, pollen, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, and viruses, and can be harmful to a person’s health if they enter the lungs. Within this range of airborne particles, the smallest are defined as ultrafine particles, which are less than 100 nanometers (or 0.1 microns) in diameter and are typically the most abundant type of air pollution, especially indoors

While a typical air purifier can clean the air, these ultrafine particles are often too small to be effectively captured by HEPA standard air purifiers and other filters on the market today. For example, HEPA standards offer 99.97% filtration down to 300 nanometers, resulting in some of these smaller particles, such as viruses, slipping through the filters. 

How the G200 Can Help 

Designed for offices, healthcare facilities, and temporary residences like hotels and dormitories, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier can capture ultrafine particles down to 10 nanometers (or .01 micron) in size. Celios’ patented technology provides up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency. That’s up to 30 times smaller than HEPA standards and up to 3,000 times more efficient.

The G200’s next-generation patented 3-stage filtration process can also provide ultra-purified air that exceeds Class 1 cleanroom air quality standards in a portable air purifier that’s easy to use and maintain. The Core Filter captures ultrafine particulates down to 10 nanometers in size, delivering cleanroom-quality air without outgassing. At the same time, the Granulated Activated Carbon Filter is an oversized filter for adsorbing gases, VOCs, and odors, while the Pre Filter removes the larger air pollution particles, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

What Can the G200 Capture? 

With various particles that affect indoor air quality, below are some of the pollutants and viruses that the G200 can capture. 

  • Viruses: Viruses typically range in size from approximately 20 to 400 nanometers. Celios captures particles down to 10 nanometers — well below the size of most viruses. The Celios G200 is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (1)
  • Bacteria: In a leading third-party laboratory, Celios has proven its ability to capture airborne bacteria, which is typically around 3 micrometers.
  • Allergens: Particles well below the size of the tiniest common allergens such as cat dander, dust mites, and mold spores (typically < 3 microns) are captured by Celios’ proprietary filtration system, which delivers next-generation air cleaning efficiency without generating any foul odors or outgassing.
  • VOCs: Celios captures volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and gases with its oversized granular activated carbon filter.

For more information on the Celios G200, visit our blog to learn more about how the technology’s three filters work? 

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.

The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.

October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
How One Restaurant is Serving Up Clean Air and Delicious Eats

How One Restaurant is Serving Up Clean Air and Delicious Eats

People and businesses alike have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one industry among those hit the hardest is restaurants. Many have been forced to close their doors permanently, while those that have been able to reopen have been hit with capacity limits or curfews or have been forced to pivot with a greater emphasis on ‘takeout.’ 

On top of state regulations, restaurants are also dealing with the reality that not everyone feels comfortable eating inside a restaurant right now. When choosing a restaurant for dine-in or supporting a local business with takeout, people look for precautions taken by restaurants, including adequate distancing between tables, disposable dishware, and air purification. Diners want to know that, when they walk into or sit inside at a restaurant, measures are being taken to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Like many restaurants, BuenoMalo, a southern-California style Mexican restaurant in Andover, Massachusetts, had to temporarily close its doors in March. When they were able to reopen a month later, owner Franco Lozano III decided that it was best for everyone if they only offered takeout. Once the weather started to get warmer, his patrons began to ask when the restaurant would be open for indoor dining again. At first, Franco wasn’t sure if he wanted to go down that road and was concerned about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission indoors. However, with so many customers expressing interest, Franco started to look into ways to improve air quality and surface cleanliness in the dining room—not just for guests but for himself and his staff. 

To start, he followed all recommended guidelines—arranging tables six feet apart, requiring staff and patrons to wear face masks, adding plexiglass barriers between tables, and increasing sanitation. Despite these changes, Franco still thought there was more to be done, especially when it came to improving indoor air quality. 

Franco looked at various air purifiers before deciding that the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier was the best choice for his restaurant. Specifically, Franco was impressed that the G200 is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standard filters and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1). 

Franco has noticed a difference in his diners since adding the G200 air purifiers. According to him, the optics of physically having an air purifier has really helped his business. It’s one of the first things people see when they enter the dining room, and they want to learn more about it. Not only that, but people have commented on how nice it is to have them in the restaurant near where they’re eating. 

Deciding to introduce an air purifier to his restaurant was largely to have cleaner air in the restaurant, but another part of it was for the comfort of his diners. Franco believes it gives diners peace of mind to see the restaurant employ measures to purify the air. He also believes that, for now, until things get back to a new “normal,” people expect to see this type of technology in places where dine-in is allowed. 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
How One Yoga Studio is Keeping Its Calm with Cleaner Air

How One Yoga Studio is Keeping Its Calm with Cleaner Air

Over the past year, the practice of Yoga has spiked in popularity as people have a newfound understanding of the importance of meditation for people’s well-being. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased stress and anxiety not only to individuals but also to the businesses trying to survive and navigate ever-changing guidelines for staying open. Because of this, health and fitness studios, especially those that rely on bringing people together, have been hit hard. 

As a small business owner, Stephanie Paolini of 3 Bridges Yoga knows firsthand how the pandemic has affected local fitness studios and people’s overall wellness. Despite being closed for the first few months of the pandemic, when the studio reopened in the summer of 2020, Stephanie knew cleanliness—something her studio already took seriously—was the key to help practitioners feel comfortable returning to classes. 

As a breath-based practice where visitors are typically barefoot, no matter how clean the studio is kept, the current pandemic takes the necessity for cleanliness to a new level, with new protocols being put in place. Stephanie wanted people to feel as comfortable as they possibly could when the studio reopened. Despite making masks mandatory and increasing the need for handwashing and sanitation, Stephanie kept asking herself what else she could be doing to ensure that people felt comfortable walking into the studio. 

With the studio reopened and COVID-19 cases on the rise, Stephanie wanted to implement additional measures to help mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the studio. After some careful consideration, she decided to introduce a Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier to the studio. The G200 is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. It is also effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1).

Since adding the G200, Stephanie has seen a positive response from not only her employees and instructors but also from her practitioners. She feels a sense of happiness knowing that with the addition of the G200, people are more comfortable and confident being in the studio. Stephanie understands that you can never ensure that everyone will be fully compliant, so she has been doing everything she can to help keep the studio clean. 

Much like with surface cleaning, cleaning the air of the studio with the G200 is something that she can control. According to Stephanie, adding the G200 has been part of taking responsibility for others’ wellbeing and believes cleaning the air is something like wearing "a mask for your business.” 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
Two Surprising Benefits of Clean Air During the Pandemic – Confidence and Peace of Mind

Two Surprising Benefits of Clean Air During the Pandemic – Confidence and Peace of Mind

When stressed and unsure how to move forward, sometimes the act of making an important decision provides immediate ‘relief’ and a sense of accomplishment, and even confidence. 

The current COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy. Even with loosened public safety restrictions, businesses that rely on in-person interaction are struggling to remain open and provide a clean environment for customers and employees. 

Most people are aware that masks, social distancing, and handwashing are three fundamental proactive measures individuals and businesses can take to prevent infections and spread. But, for many business owners, these precautions are just a start. They want to do more to ensure their staff, and customers feel comfortable, but they struggle to decide what else they can do. 

Each day, many businesses face nearly impossible questions: Am I doing enough? What else can I do to provide peace of mind to my staff and customers?  How can I afford new measures while my business is so slow?

The Role That Indoor Air Quality Can Play  

Experts now understand that the SARS-VoV-2 virus can spread through airborne transmission, with the FDA acknowledging the role that certain air purification technologies can play in capturing the airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus. When speaking with many of Celios’ customers, we have heard that air quality investment provides much more than simply cleaner air. It brings forth an enormous sense of emotional confidence that they are doing all they can to provide a cleaner environment for all who enter their business.

For most businesses, success starts and ends with engaged and appreciative employees and happy, loyal customers. Making decisions to keep their environment as clean as possible requires thoughtful analysis, but it often results in a true sense of relief.

In late December 2020, the government passed the second pandemic relief bill totaling $900 billion, which reopens the Paycheck Protection Program, providing funding to small businesses that continue to struggle during the pandemic, especially in the face of renewed lockdowns (PPP Round Two).  Lawmakers followed scientists’ lead, authorizing billions of dollars to implement risk mitigation strategies among business owners.

In no uncertain terms, the program also recognizes the importance of clean air indoors. Small businesses that qualify for PPP Round Two funding will now be able to update existing HVAC systems or invest in ventilation systems and certain portable air purifiers to help employees and customers feel more comfortable when inside. 

If you are looking to do more to provide your employees and customers with clean air and have questions about air purification, we’d be happy to connect with you. 

Contact us, and we’ll help you find some relief by making a great decision.

Are you interested in incorporating the Celios G200 into your business or school?
Fill in the form and a Celios representative will get in touch to help you.

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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
Small Business Today - Celios CEO Brian Packard Discusses How Businesses Can Adapt in 2021 and Beyond

Small Business Today - Celios CEO Brian Packard Discusses How Businesses Can Adapt in 2021 and Beyond

“While it’s possible that things will never truly return to ‘normal,’ many of the protocols put into place over the last year – including improving indoor air quality – are here to stay.” 
- Brian Packard, Celios CEO

With the vaccine rollout accelerating and restrictions lifting, businesses are preparing for the ‘new normal.’ But during the COVID-19 pandemic, not everyone feels comfortable returning to work or entering a business. Business owners want to ensure employees and customers feel comfortable but find themselves having to rethink what defines a ‘clean’ environment.

As people return to their everyday routines, they want to feel assured that business owners are taking necessary precautions to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including providing a clean environment. With the pandemic putting a spotlight on the importance of indoor air quality, experts are advocating for proper ventilation indoors as a necessary measure to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 – including introducing outdoor air inside, equipping HVAC systems with better filters, and adding portable air purification devices - such as the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier. (1)

In a byline for Small Business Today Magazine, Celios CEO Brian Packard discusses what businesses can do to prepare for their “new normal” by touching upon how air purification can help instill confidence in employees and guests. Read the full article here

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.
The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.
October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
Celios Featured in the Boston Business Journal

Celios Featured in the Boston Business Journal

"The air is filled with nasty threats. That doesn't go away when Covid goes away...We always filtered our water and never thought twice about it. Now, everybody thinks about, 'Wherever I go, I have to be breathing clean air.'" - Brian Packard, Celios CEO

With re-openings in progress and indoor air quality front-of-mind, the Boston Business Journal recently spoke with Celios CEO Brian Packard to discuss how the Wakefield, MA-based company and its air purification technology are playing a role in keeping indoor air pure and clean. When Celios’ air purification technology was first being developed - well before the COVID-19 pandemic - the goal was to capture the smallest particles (down to 10 nanometers in size) - which is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and captures particles up to 30 times smaller. 

Now, various industries, including schools, restaurants, hotels, and fitness spaces, are using the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifiers as part of their reopening strategies to help people feel more comfortable spending time indoors. In addition to these verticals, Packard also discussed what the future looks like for the air purification company. 

With organizations recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus is airborne and can be carried by aerosols, the need for improved ventilation and air quality has been front and center. When it comes to air purifiers claiming the ability to capture the virus, the FDA requires manufacturers to demonstrate certain capabilities. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier is effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1) in accordance with the guidance provided by the FDA. To learn more about Celios, read the full article in the Boston Business Journal.

(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.
The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.
October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Tags: Celios
Top 8 air purifiers to keep your house and home office fresh and clean

Top 8 air purifiers to keep your house and home office fresh and clean

Working and sheltering at home may have created an environment that's toxic to allergy sufferers and unpleasant for everyone else. We pick the latest in home air purifiers. 

From the gross-but-true files: Dust in your home is made up of about 50% dead skin cells. The rest is composed of plant pollen, human and other animal hairs, textile fibers, paper fibers, minerals from outdoor soil, burnt meteorite particles and various other bits of the local environment. 

Sheltering at home during the pandemic brought a more-than-usual amount of bodies together throughout the day. Everyone at home was a dramatically different pre-pandemic, with a home cleared out in the early morning with residents jettisoning off to work and school, only to return in the evening. The current build-up of dust and other particles has created surroundings that wreaked havoc on those with allergies. 

Additionally, by adhering to strict safety protocols for more than a year, people have grown accustomed to sanitizing, avoiding and removing toxicity in the environs.

The general consensus has been that fully remote work-from-home will soon evolve into a hybrid model. Through at least this fall many students and workers will be given the choice of continuing remote until they are comfortable enough and feel safe enough to step onto either the school grounds or their office lobby.

More people will continue to stay at home both during the day and in the evening. Many, notably those who were forced to shelter alone, adopted what are being called COVID-19 pets, adding a new level of elements to a home's air quality. Spring sprung many allergens.

The bottom line is that we must be mindful of air quality, and this time, it's within our homes.

"We learned from COVID-19 we need to do better with respect to indoor air quality," said Dr. Steven Haywood, an advisor to GreenTech Environmental, board certified emergency medicine doctor and former respiratory therapist. "We now know air purification and ventilation is one key to preventing the spread of contagions, and now that we know we can't ignore it; we need to find ways to bring the outdoors inside. It isn't only viruses we should be worried about. Asthmatics and those with COPD know how dust, dander, and volatile organic compounds, called VOCs, like fumes from carpets and paint negatively impact indoor air quality and our ability to function at our highest productivity levels."

While keeping a nursery's air fresh is obvious, on the other end of the spectrum, seniors are more affected by the state of the air around them. They "tend to spend more time indoors where pollution levels are about five to 10 times higher than outdoors," said OneLife CEO Christoph Burkhardt, a health tech innovator and author. "Comorbidities make the elderly more vulnerable to the effects of fine dust and ultra fine particles, and aging bodies are not well equipped to deal with inflammation which has linked air pollution in the elderly with a form of 'silent stroke.'" 

One highly recommended way to tackle allergens is to purchase an air purifier. Today, purifiers range in size from those that can be worn around the neck to nearly industrial-grade models the size of dorm fridges and even larger. 

"During the high allergy season, it is best to use a high-efficiency HEPA filters," said Chris Winters, technical specialist at the Redmond, Washington-based CieloWigle Inc., an HVAC and smart-home company. "It forces air through fine trapping the harmful particles, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander and tobacco smoke. But after some time, the filters can become clogged, and instead of filtering the air, the trapped particles would be forced into your room. To avoid this, you must clean the filters regularly. How often they should be cleaned depends on your usage, but two weeks or monthly is recommended for HVAC systems during the peak of summer."

Peter Mann, CEO and founder of Oransi (his mod jr. purifier model made this list, below) concurred: "To effectively remove allergens, which are airborne particles, most importantly you need an air purifier with a HEPA filter and sufficient air flow for the room size. No other feature is needed nor will impact performance." Monitoring your lifestyle is critical, too.  "Limit outdoor activities if your allergy triggers are present," Mann added. "MapMyAir.com shows allergen levels down to five meters of your location as well as a three-day forecast to help you plan."

Charlotte Spence head of sleep health research at Mattress Nerd strongly advocates for a purifier in the bedroom. "It's a simple premise: the easier it is to breathe, the better you sleep. However, with air quality, purity can be microscopic so you often don't recognize when your air isn't as clean as it could be." Spence also said it's important to keep the purifier by your bed "When you are breathing in cleaner air for those 8 hours (fingers crossed) per night that you are asleep, you will feel better when you wake up in the morning. Your body will be less likely to have strong reactions such as allergies, sinus infections, or even dry mouth, nose, or eyes."

Nearly all top-quality purifiers will use a HEPA filter, said Glenn Wiseman, sales manager of Top Hat Home Comfort Services, a Canadian-based company with an expertise in indoor air quality and air conditioning for homes. He said, "Charcoal and carbon filters in a system helps to remove odors and chemical vapors." HEPA "is a hospital-grade filtration system that is capable of removing nearly all allergy-aggravating contaminants," and will help in what Wiseman said anyone with allergies should aspire to do, eliminate all allergens, and the best way is through the proper use of an air purifier. "This time of the year can be very rough for people with allergies," he said.

A purifier is beneficial beyond its primary purpose. "Most basic air purifiers containing a HEPA filter will be effective, but it may be of interest to note that some products have a fan which can be beneficial to safely circulate air in the home especially during fire season," said Dr. Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD, allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy. "There are also some that contain humidification which may be beneficial during the winter or for patients with an irritated airway or nasal passages from asthma or allergies."

It can be a challenge to choose one, but once you've established what you need purified and a proper price point to fit into your household budget, you will have many to choose from. 

EnviroKlenz Mobile UV

The manufacturer said it is 99.9% effective in helping to ward off viruses, according to recent testing, conducted against Staphylococcus epidermidis (bacteria), E. coli (bacteria), and phi-X174 (virus). The virus tested is what the FDA terms as a surrogate virus for COVID-19. The EnviroKlenz Air System Plus captures and neutralizes odors and VOCs, which include mold, pet dander, smoke, dust and more. The air purifier is made up of a three-stage filtration system: the EnviroKlenz Air Cartridge, a medical-grade HEPA filter and UV-C lights.

The company recommends users replace the air cartridge ($80) every six months and HEPA filter ($120) every two years. The UV light system ($32) lasts about 18 months.

Alen's BreatheSmart Flex

Alen said its circulation purifies 700-square feet every 30 minutes for 99.99% airborne particle removal to capture allergens, dust, mold and pet odors, with an option to further purify against smoke. The medical grade filtration H13 true HEPA machine is available in six colors with the choice of three different types: dust, mold, pet odors; dust, mold, pet odors plus smoke; and dust, mold, pet odors and heavy smoke. A "lights out mode" turns the purifier's lights out for a sleep mode. It has low energy consumption (50 watts on turbo speed, the lowest setting). Alen said the purifier uses less than 50 cents per month in electricity. Alen suggests the BreatheSmart Flex's filter B4-Fresh ($99) be replaced every nine to 12 months.

The Celios G200 Advance Air Purifier

The Celios G200, said the company, delivers "cleanroom-quality air, providing purification of ultrafine particles, bacteria, allergens, pollen, mold spores and VOCs." Celios said the G200 was designed to filter ultrafine particles down to 10 nanometers in size. Its three-stage filtration system removes allergens, mold and up to 99.99999% of airborne viruses and bacteria, which the company said is 3,000 times more effective than HEPA standards, a 70-year old technology. The company also says it's even effective at capturing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Celios said the third-party labs testing the G200 are Blue Heaven Technologies, Nelson Labs and Intertek. Studies are available on the Celios website. The G200 is designed for smaller spaces of up to 250 square feet. It has a Bluetooth remote control that the company said "works through walls." It's recommended that the filter ($99) be replaced every eight months.

You can also purchase the unit and filters on celios.com

The AtmosEverest

Designed for rooms up to 800 square feet, the AtmosEverest incorporates HEPA filtration and UV disinfection is integrated with bi-polar ionization, which "emits ions into the air to suppresses airborne and surface micro-organisms and pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and mold, and reduces odors as well as unhealthy and irritating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is effective against the spread of coronavirus," said Tony Abate, vice president and CTO at Atmos Air Solutions. "The bi-polar ions seek, attack and attach themselves to airborne viruses, odors and pollutants, rendering them inactive." The company says the unit was tested by Microchem Laboratory, which tests sanitizing products registered by the EPA and FDA. Microchem confirmed that the presence of the coronavirus was reduced by 99.92% within 30 minutes of exposure to AtmosAir's bi-polar ion technology. Atmos recommends the filter be replaced quarterly when the unit is used 24/7.

HoMedics' TotalClean 5-in-1 filtration UV Large Room Air Purifier

It features a HEPA filter and removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. A carbon odor filter reduces unwanted household odors and VOCs, and a pre-filter captures larger particles. It also has UV-C technology that HoMedics claims kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and an ionizer releases negative ions to help the purification process. There are five settings to adjust to space, and it has automatic shut-off. Also included for aromatherapy are three essential oil pads and two demineralization cartridges. It covers rooms up to 343 square feet. It's now on sale for $224 for Mother's Day. HoMedics recommends filters ($45) be replaced annually.

Aair Lite Air Purifier from Aeris

The Aeris Aair Lite, said a company rep, has an upgraded air filtration, compact design, quiet operation and real-time air quality updates. It's equipped with Wi-Fi to control the unit and create schedules from a smartphone. It has three levels of filtration, traps large particles like pollen, dust and other allergens, and removes bacteria, mold spores and other microscopic particles. It is on sale for $449 and comes in two colors, Nimbus Cloud and Sailor Blue. Aeris recommends the filter ($99) be replaced every nine months.

Mod jr. HEPA Air Purifier from Oransi

It has a true HEPA filter to capture all types of allergens and provide sufficient air flow for the average work-from-home space of 878 square feet. It reportedly cleans the air completely two times hourly. The mod jr. has a smart design: A dirty filter will never be touched because there is a glass user interface to the cylindrical shape with a blue handle. Precise fan speed can be set. It removes allergens, asthma, dust, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, viruses and VOCs. The mod jr.'s filters ($72) will last between six and 12 months. The filters and unit can also be purchased from Oransi.

Mila Air Purifier

Mila is the first smart HEPA air purifier to deliver a guaranteed level of clean, with proof you can actually see, the manufacturer said. Mila gives users daily control and understanding of the air around them anywhere with its simple smart control iOS and Android apps. Mila's algorithms combine the physics of air flow and air filtration with real-time data from eight built-in air-quality sensors to monitor air from every angle: airborne particulate, humidity, temperature, chemicals, carbon dioxide, room presence and differential pressure. Mila is also the first smart HEPA air purifier with a built-in carbon-monoxide sensor. Mila reportedly can clean the air in a room up to 1,000 square feet.  

There are seven different filters available on the milacares.com website, each based on lifestyle and need, all of which should be replaced every six months: 

  • The Basic Breather 
  • The Big Sneeze 
  • The Rookie Parent 
  • The Critter Cuddler 
  • The Home Wrecker 
  • The Mama-to-Be
  • The Overreactor 

If interested in learning more about the Celios G200 Air Purifier, check out some of our commonly asked questions and read our reviews here 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Celios G200 Air Purifier: Why Do Scientifically Proven Results Matter?

Celios G200 Air Purifier: Why Do Scientifically Proven Results Matter?

Every product wants to be the best on the market, with some making bold claims stating that they are better than their competition. However, how do companies with the real deal prove their claims? Through scientific evidence

Scientific testing can be a lengthy process but is a necessary tool to help us critically evaluate and understand a topic or issue. Once the studies have been conducted, a company is able to make a claim about their product and have the evidence to support it. In the air purification world, scientific testing can include: what particle sizes a device can capture, how well it can clean the air (from bacteria, allergens, and viruses), does the device create any byproducts, etc. 

Recently, savvy business owners have recognized the importance of breathing pure, clean air, and they know that not all air purifiers are created the same. However, did you know that particle size matters when it comes to air quality and health? Ultrafine particles, less than 100 nanometers in diameter, are the most harmful and typically the most abundant type of air pollution. A wide variety of air purifiers claim that they can capture the smallest particles, but typically, these particles are too small to be effectively captured by air purifiers with HEPA filters and other filters on the market today. To meet HEPA standards a filter only needs to provide  99.97% particulate filtration down to 300 nanometers. 

When evaluating different air purifiers, business owners want to be fully aware of what they are purchasing and whether or not it will be the right fit for what they're looking for. Many products on that market make claims on what their devices can do, but do they have the data to back it up? The Celios G200 does! At Celios, we want to show the research to back up what we're offering, so those searching for an air purifier for their business will have a sense of confidence knowing they are getting what they are promised. 

Celios G200 Scientifically Proven Results

Celios’ G200 Advanced Air Purifier has been tested by three leading independent testing labs - Blue Heaven Technologies, Intertek, and Nelson Laboratories. The G200 has demonstrated unmatched performance capturing ultrafine airborne particles. The independent testing at these leading laboratories confirmed that the portable unit’s filtration technology is up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards and can filter particles - including allergens, pollen, mold spores, VOCs, bacteria, and viruses - down to 10 nanometers in size. Celios’s proprietary filtration system can also deliver next-generation air cleaning efficiency without generating foul odors caused from outgassing

An overview of the four independent test results can be found below: 

Blue Heaven Particle Size Filtration 

  • The EN1822-5 test standard evaluates a filters’ particle removal efficiency in a size range, typically falling between 20 nm – 300 nm.
  • The G200’s filters have demonstrated the ability to filter out particulates as small as 10 nanometers and has demonstrated up to 99.99999% efficiency. Viruses range in diameter from approximately 20 to 400 nanometers. Most bacteria range in size from approximately 200 to 2,000 nanometers, but some are larger.

Nelson Labs  

  • Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE): The test procedure was performed to evaluate the BFE of test articles at an increased challenge level. 
  • Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE): The test procedure was performed to evaluate the VFE of test articles at an increased challenge level. 
  • VFE and BFE tests were performed on the G200 filters at Nelson Labs using an increased challenge level, and using suspensions of ΦX174 bacteriophage (a virus with a maximum diameter of 32 nanometers) and Staphylococcus aureus (a bacteria up to 1,000 nanometers in size). The G200’s filters captured between 99.9998% and 99.99999% of these viruses/bacteria. 

InterTek VOCs Testing 

  • The purpose of this testing is to determine the efficacy of the Celios G200 to remove challenge VOCs. VOC removal testing was performed referencing NRCC-54013 (April 2011): Method for Testing Portable Air Cleaners sections 3.2 and 5.1.2.
  • The G200 was challenged with three VOCs representative of what are found in homes: formaldehyde, toluene, and D-limonene.
  • After 8 hours of testing, the G200 removed 99% of toluene, 99% of D-limonene, 71% of formaldehyde.

It’s essential to do your research when looking for an air purification device for your small business, school, restaurant, or hotel. With so many air purification terms being thrown around and companies making claims about what their devices can capture, you want to make sure you’re getting the one that is right for your business. 

If interested in learning more about the Celios G200 Air Purifier, check out some of our commonly asked questions and read our reviews here 

Free Consultation: Learn how you can incorporate the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier into your organization.
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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Celios CEO Brian Packard Featured in Hospitality Technology

Celios CEO Brian Packard Featured in Hospitality Technology

“As scientists have advanced their understanding of how this virus spreads, lawmakers have followed their lead, authorizing billions of dollars to implement risk mitigation strategies among business owners.” - Brian Packard, Celios CEO

Over the last year, COVID-19 provided many businesses the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to withstand what is likely the most tumultuous time in the history of the hospitality industry. Those who survived had to make radical changes to the way they operate, with employee and guest safety becoming the top priority.

Prior to the pandemic, cleanliness was a hallmark of the guest services industry - and imposed CDC pandemic regulations increased this commitment dramatically. Now that it has been made clear that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted via airborne particles, it has become critical to redefine the guest experience - one that now completely revolves around the question how clean is the air inside my restaurant or hotel?

In addition to sanitizing, mask-wearing and social distancing, the hospitality industry has started making wide-ranging air quality upgrades in an effort to instill confidence in guests that the air at their location is clean. From full-scale HVAC solutions, to placing tabletop air purifiers - such as the Celios G200 - at the takeout counter or arming housekeepers with them to use when cleaning guest rooms between check-ins, owners are doing their part to ensure the air breathed by their guests and employees is clean.To help cover these costs, the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill provides funding for upgrades to existing HVAC setups, in an effort to mitigate the airborne spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

In a byline for Hospitality Technology, Celios CEO Brian Packard explains how hospitality decision makers can implement tabletop air purification to restore confidence in both employees and guests. Read the full article.

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October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera
Cambridge’s “Miracle of Science” Provides Guests with a Real Miracle: Peace of Mind

Cambridge’s “Miracle of Science” Provides Guests with a Real Miracle: Peace of Mind

Warmer weather has many New England restaurant owners finally seeing some relief, as the ability to dine al fresco creates a safer environment for guests and employees. For those with hybrid indoor/outdoor seating, providing guests with purified indoor air is critical to a guest experience marked by cleanliness - perhaps the most important thing we can do to create a positive dining experience.

After five months of closure due to COVID-19, Cambridge, MA hotspot Miracle of Science Bar + Grill reopened its doors in April 2021. Chris Lutes, the owner of both Miracle of Science and Horse Thieves Tavern in Dedham, MA, had to navigate building community confidence to re-open the Cambridge restaurant.

While his Dedham location continued to welcome guests throughout the last year, the city of Cambridge saw a sharp drop in patronage across all of its restaurants - making restoring guest confidence in “dining out” especially challenging. The vastly different community perceptions of COVID risks among residents of nearby areas has been stark.

Before welcoming back guests, the staff and leadership at Miracle of Science executed a weeks-long sanitation and infrastructure update process that included extra staff training and the implementation of new technologies to provide guests with the cleanest and most enjoyable experience possible. One of these updates included the introduction of Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifiers, which have been placed throughout the restaurant.

While cleanliness has always been a pillar of the hospitality industry, Lutes recognized that the G200’s advanced filter technology allows for the capturing of up to 99.99999% airborne viruses and bacteria and that it is also capable of trapping the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1).

Providing guests the ability to see the measures that management is taking to ensure a high standard of cleanliness, at a time when airborne transmission is of utmost concern, is key to keeping doors open. While every business owner is taking measures to follow state and federal guidelines - social distancing, mask wearing, and sanitation - providing guests with cleanroom quality air can offer them a little more peace of mind.

Watch the video below to learn more:

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(1) The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier meets the performance and labeling requirements provided in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 2020 Enforcement Policy for Sterilizers, Disinfectant Devices, and Air Purifiers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency, published March, 2020 (the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has not been cleared by the FDA). Specifically, the Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has demonstrated up to 99.99999% filtration efficiency of ultrafine airborne particulate matter and is capable of filtering particles down to 10 nanometers in size. The Celios G200 Advanced Air Purifier has also demonstrated up to 99.99999% virus filtration efficiency of ΦX174, a small bacteriophage virus with a maximum diameter of ~32 nanometers.
The G200 Advanced Air Purifier is not intended to prevent or protect from any form of illness or disease (or otherwise). To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device. Unplug or disconnect the appliance from the power supply before servicing. The appliance is only to be used with the power supply unit provided and it must only be supplied with voltage corresponding to the marking on the appliance. Do not operate any fan with a damaged cord or plug. Discard fan or return to an authorized service facility for examination and/or repair. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover cord with throw rugs, runners or similar covers. Do not route cord under furniture or appliances. Arrange cord away from traffic areas and where it will not be tripped over. Do not allow children to operate the G200 Advanced Air Purifier or play near the G200 Advanced Air Purifier. Only plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. Do not use outdoors. Do not immerse the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in liquid and do not handle the G200 Advanced Air Purifier with wet hands. Do not insert a finger or foreign object into the airflow openings. Do not use the G200 Advanced Air Purifier in toxic or explosive environments or where flammable or combustible gases are present.
October 13, 2022 — Stephanie Giera