Understanding Air Scrubbers and Negative Air Machines

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Air scrubber placement in office building.

Air scrubbers, the go-to tools for professional air quality experts, are specially designed devices that play a crucial role in purifying the air post-fire. They're not just limited to smoke and soot; they also tackle viruses, bacteria, and stubborn chemical odors.

Here's the deal: air scrubber machines use high-tech filters to capture those tiny particles and droplets hanging around in the air. They pull in the contaminated room air, run it through their filtering, and then release clean, fresh air back into the room. Typically, you'll find air scrubbers hard at work for about 24 to 48 hours to really get that air spick and span. It can vary depending on the situation. For the exact timing, it's best to consult with a professional air quality expert who can give you the scoop.

Now, let's talk about their cousins, the negative air machines. They're like the sidekicks of air scrubbers, but with a twist. Negative air machines vent air outside the room, creating a negative pressure zone inside. This smart move keeps all the nasties inside the room and stops them from escaping and contaminating other areas. It's super handy, especially when you're dealing with situations like mold or asbestos cleanup, where you really don't want those particles spreading all over the place.