:: PURE AIR ::

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Q. Why is it important to purify air?

Indoor air pollution has been described by the EPA and Congress as America’s top environmental health problem. Air pollutants can cause allergies, sick building syndrome, bacteria infections, and spread viruses to name a few.

Q. What are some statistics on Indoor Air Quality?

	People spend 75-90% of their time indoors.
	Exposure to airborne contamination is considerable.
	50% of all major office buildings have contaminated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). If not properly maintained, they are a hotbed for growth of molds, bacteria and viruses.
	40% of all major office buildings can expect occupants to suffer from symptoms.
	All buildings are at least slightly polluted with chemical aerosols.
	The World Health Organization Committee’s (WHO) report 1984 suggested that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Q. What is the definition of "Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?"

SBS is used to describe situations in which building occupants suffer from acute health and comfort disorders. The complaints appear to be linked to the time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone or may be widespread through a building.

Q. What causes sick buildings?

Mold, bacteria, viruses, plumbing problems, tightly sealed buildings, off gases from carpets, glues, copy machines, furniture, etc.

Q. My heating and air conditioning unit has an air filter on it. Why do I need anything more?

Traditional air filters only trap medium-to-large particles and have no effect on gases, vapors, and microbials. In fact, traditional air filters are a fertile breeding ground for microbial growth.

Q. When is a building classified as a sick building?

IAQ experts consider a building to be "sick" when there are known contaminants at harmful concentrations or when 20% or more of its occupants are plagued by a variety of common symptoms that occur only while at work.

Q. Can REME™ cure a sick building?

No, first you have to fix the problem that is causing the sick building. REME™ can eliminate the airborne problems.

Q. Could we use REME™ in a musty, smoky room and remove the odors?

Yes. The odors will be permanently removed, provided the odors are not reintroduced to the room.

Q. What substances does REME™ kill or reduce?

REME™ is known to reduce or eliminate the following substances: Airborne viruses, bacteria or yeast, smoke, odors, spores, fungus, pollen, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, ozone depleting substances, oxidizes some heavy metals; garbage, fish and bathroom odors; paint fumes, pet smells (urine and feces), airborne mold, auto and truck pollutants (exhaust fumes), toxins and airborne ketones from insulation, carpets and furniture.

Q. At what level does REME™ start to destroy microorganisms and remove odors?

At .005 ppm of Advanced Oxidation Plasma.

Q. What REME™ ppm level should I reach to deodorize an area?

The amount of time depends on the amount of odor. .01-.02 is ideal for maintenance.

Q. What are some of the uses of PureAir REME™ systems?

To reduce or eliminate bacteria, mold, odors, particulate, viruses, VOCs

	Autos
	Boats
	Homes
	Hospitals
	Food Storage Areas
	Labs
	Barns
	Offices
	Factories
	Restaurants
	Locker Rooms

Q. What are the sources of indoor air pollution?

Indoor Combustion, Bacteria, Viruses, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Sources, Airborne Allergens & Pathogens, Formaldehyde Sources, Radon, Asbestos, Inadequate Ventilation and Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Designs (HVAC).

Q. What is the major contributor to volatile organic compounds?

	Building materials
	Consumer products
	Cleaning solvents
	Paints
	Adhesives
	Hot water-Vaporized Chlorine (showers)
	Indoor combustion sources Conditions in offices are worse when spaces are newly decorated or renovated and when there is excessive use of photocopying machinery and erasing chemicals, etc.

Q. What is the major contributor to airborne allergens & pathogens?

“Bioaerosol” especially from viruses, bacteria, fungi and their spores and protozoans. One can get some idea of the pollution levels by looking at the filters of improperly maintained air handling units or dark patches on damp walls.

Q. What is the major contributor to formaldehyde?

	Pressed wood products
	Insulation
	Combustion
	Textiles
	Furnishings
	Consumer products

Q. What is the major contributor to asbestos?

Building Materials. Building materials containing asbestos are generally forbidden for use in buildings. The most dangerous situation for occupants is generated by the insulation materials used in old buildings, wherein the fibers, when detached from these materials, could recirculate inside the spaces and be inhaled.

Q. What is the major contributor to inadequate ventilation?

	The minimum outside air requirement is 20% (makeup air), any reduction in this results in improper dilution
	Relative humidity
	Temperature

Q. What is the major contributor to HVAC designs?

	Deficient designs (air exhaust/intake)
	Poor distribution and mixing of supply air
	Insufficient made up air
	Lack of preventative maintenance
	Changing loads and activities

Q. What are the consequences of Sick Building Syndrome on individuals?

Gaseous Contamination
	Respiratory irritation
	Pulmonary edema
	Nausea, vomiting
	Vital organ damage
	Skin irritation & burns
	Cancer
	Nervous system damage

Microbial (Bio)
	Infection
	Risk of cardiovascular disease/infections
	Influenza
	Increased tendency to asthma attacks and colds

Particulate
	Respiratory irritation
	Cancer
	Poisoning
	Damage to cell tissue
	Blood poisoning

Q. What are the office environmental factors causing the most complaints by office workers?

	Temperature 38.5%
	Noise 11.2%
	Stale Air 24.3%
	Tobacco 10.2%
	Lighting 15.5%

Q. Doesn’t a HEPA filter purify 99% of all contaminants?

No, a HEPA filter only filters the air in a room that actually makes it through the filter, and HEPA filters have little effect on gases, odors or microbials (viruses, bacteria).

Q. In very simple terms, just how does the ion attraction to dust work?

It is very much like static electricity or the attraction your television screen has (televisions emit ions).

Q. What generates ions?

Electrical motors	Lightning
Waterfalls	Televisions
Showers	Radios
Wind	Ocean waves
Ultraviolet light

Q. What is the ion level of the average home or office versus the ion level of nature?

0 in a closed home where people smoke 2,000 - 3,000 in a forest 50 - 150 in an average home or office 100,000 by Yosemite Falls

Q. What is the scientific theory as to why ions make you feel so good?

Published studies have shown that ions may stimulate the body’s ability to absorb oxygen.

Q. What makes up indoor air pollutants?

The three categories are:
Particulates – dust and particles
Gases - fumes and off-gas from furniture, carpeting, etc.
Microbial (Bio) –viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.

Q. What is the most effective method to remove particulates from the air?

With a good quality HEPA or Ultra Filter, and a good quality ion or electron generator.

Q. What is the most effective method to remove gases from the air?

Oxidation by REME™, catalytic oxidation or photohydroionization is the most efficient. A second method is a carbon filter.

Q. What is the most effective method to remove microbials from the air?

REME™ to create a catalytic oxidation or photoionization is by far the most efficient.

Q. How can I remove mercury from the air?

With a carbon/platinum cartridge filter in a HEPA or Ultra Filter.

Q. To what level of particulate does a HEPA filter go?

As low as .01 micron if it is a true HEPA filter or 99% of .3 micron.

Q. To what level of particulate does an Ultra filter go?

As low as .30 microns, which is more than enough to remove any pollen, spores or molds which are no smaller than 1.0 microns.

Q. Why is an electrostatic filter better than a standard traditional particle filter?

In a traditional particle filter, the particulate must come in direct contact with the filter media. An electrostatic filter relies on static electricity to attract particles with a magnetic-like attraction.

Q. What is the best method to remove pesticide vapors and gases from the air?

REME™, catalytic oxidation, photohydroionization or carbon filters.

Q. What is the best method to remove odors?

REME™ Catalytic Oxidation, photohydroionization and carbon.

Q. Is a UV light effective on removing particulates from the air?

No. Particulates are very small solids that are best removed with a REME™, HEPA, Ultra Foam filter or Ionization.

Q. Will REME™ remove mold from my wall?

It would take a lot of REME™ Plasma to clean mold off a wall. Generally, air purifiers are designed to remove airborne mold, bacteria and viruses.

Q. Are all molds health risks?

Some molds are harmless, some produce compounds that may cause strong reactions in 15% of the population.

Q. Are any molds really dangerous?

Some molds produce compounds that can make even the nonallergic ill.

Q. Does poor IAQ cost business?

Yes. It is estimated that productivity losses related to poor IAQ are 14 minimum per day per employee without considering liability issues.

Q. What is fungal growth?

Mold is an interchangeable name for fungal growth.

Q. What does mold live on?

Molds needs a food source such as paper, leather, wood, paint, glue, natural fibers and organic matters.

Q. What temperature is optimal for mold growth?

77º F to 88º F.

Q. What humidity is best for mold growth?

70% to 93% relative humidity.

Q. Is light necessary for mold to grow?

No.

Q. Will UV light rays damage my eyes?

Prolonged exposure can cause dry eyes and a burning sensation. You should not look directly into a UV light.

Q. I’ve heard of EPA and state indoor air studies or reports giving ozone a negative rating.

This is true. Various states and Federal agencies have found ozone generators or lighting air generators emit ozone far in excess of legal limits. One report by the University of Tulsa found room concentration of 2 ppm, which is four times the legal limit and twice the human tolerance level. They should not be used in occupied areas.

What are the various oxidizers in order of strength?

1. Fluorine,	6. Chlorine
2. Hydroxyl Radical*	7. Bromine
3. Ozone	8. Iodine
4. Hydrogen Peroxide*	9. Oxygen*
5. Permanganate (*=described as friendly oxidizers)

Q. What do you mean by “friendly oxidizers”?

These are oxidizers that are based on oxygen and hydrogen and revert back to harmless carbon dioxide and water after they oxidize. No chemicals are involved.

Q. Does the RGF REME™ System produce ions?

Yes, Ionized hydro-peroxides.

Q. Does the RGF REME™ System use germicidal UV rays?

No.

Q. What applications is the RGF REME™ Air technology used in?

Plants	Restaurants	Vehicles
Medical Facilities	Hotels	Boats
Veterinary Offices	Residences
Offices	Refrigerated Trucks

Q. Who owns RGF Environmental Group, Inc. & RGF Marine Environmental Systems, Inc.?

Both are privately owned companies of which Ronald G. Fink, Founder, President & CEO, owns 100%. Hence the name RGF. As Ron always says: “With a name like “Fink”, you cannot call the company Fink, Inc.”!

Q. Can I buy directly from RGF?

No, RGF only sells through factory-trained authorized distributors who sell to licensed HVAC contractors to insure safe and professional installations.

Q. Is PureAir PHI™ or REME™ an ozone device?

No, it has been tested by ETL, TUV and numerous major USA companies for safe ozone levels and passed.

Q. Why is indoor Air Quality becoming such a big issue today?

What most people don’t know is that inside a home, school, hospital or business, the indoor air quality can be much worse than what is outside. Recently, the EPA and the U.S. Congress declared IAQ as the biggest single health risk to America. Americans, on the average, spend more than 90% of their time indoors where pollutant levels can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. The air in even the cleanest homes can harbor dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold and other airborne contaminants.

Q. What happened to cause such a problem with IAQ?

Many different conditions have combined to cause today’s indoor air crisis. The energy crisis of the 1970’s saw us create buildings that didn’t exchange air to the outside, this helped to save energy. Homes and buildings were made much more airtight and energy efficient. In addition, the materials of construction used in all forms of furnishings give off gases into the indoor and combine with other chemicals to create potential health risks. Also, from a medical perspective, we have truly become a global society. As a result, we are seeing viruses and mold strains from foreign lands mixing with our rather robust strains from America. These events and the deterioration of the overall outdoor air quality in the past 15 years have combined to create this legitimate health risk.

Q. How do the PureAir REME™ products actually work?

PureAir has developed a proprietary technology known as Photohydroionization or PHI™ technology. This technology creates an advanced oxidation reaction that eliminates odors, mold, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens without causing any harm to the occupants or the environment. Micro-organisms can be reduced by over 97%. This process features a broad spectrum UV light and a quad metallic target that combine to generate nature’s friendly oxidizers: Hydroxides, Hydro-peroxides and Super Oxide Ions. These are called friendly oxidizers as they return to oxygen and hydrogen after making contact and destroying pathogens. They do not create chemicals that remain in the air, nor are they harmful to humans. The products can be installed in the ductwork of an air conditioning system or plugged into a common wall outlet.

Q. Are the PureAir products the same as UV lights now available in the HVAC industry?

No. They are very different. First of all, the UV light used today in the industry is a specific use product. That is to say, it is used when mold is discovered on an air conditioning coil. The light is effective if it is positioned to shine directly on the mold for an extended amount of time. It does not affect pathogens (viruses, bacteria, mold) or gases (odors) that circulate in the air. It only affects pathogens if the come in very close contact to the light and have no affect on odors. The PureAir sends advanced oxidants throughout the house, via the duct system, to kill microbials and odors at the source, every time that the central air conditioning and heating blower operates. The PureAir also works for approximately 17,000 hours (2 years) compared to 8,000 hours (1 year) for the UV light.

Q. Is the PureAir product safe?

Yes, they are safe both to people, pets and the environment. The photohydroionization process has been approved by the USDA-FDA-FSIS for food processing. This process produces Advanced Oxidation Plasma levels that are virtually undetectable at a very safe level of less than.02 ppm. This process produces no residual chemicals, just friendly oxidizers. They are also intrinsically safe. PHI™ and REME™ technology utilizes low voltage current and the PureAir PHI™ product uses proprietary protective covering (PPC) on the UV light portion of the PHI™ technology. This protects against an accidental spill of mercury in case of a broken light in the HVAC duct. The PureAir PPC light is unbreakable, and is ETL/TUV certified.

Q. How do the PureAir REME™ products help IAQ?

The PHI™ technology creates three distinct effects that protect residents from poor indoor air quality:
Guardian Plasma System (GPS)
Provides a pro-active atmosphere of Advanced Oxidation Plasma for continuous protection from microbials and odors.
Mold Intervention System (MIS)
Kills airborne mold spores and mold odors.
Virus Interceptor System (VIS)
Kills viruses, even the stubborn SARS, Norwalk viruses and MRSA. The PureAir kills both airborne, as well as surface borne microbials. No other product on the market can make that claim.
Particulate Attractant System (PAS)
Ionically attracts particulates to near HEPA levels.

Q. Does the PureAir product leave a smell in the air?

As a matter of fact, it does. It leaves the smell of pure air. Another way of saying this is, when you take all of the contaminants out of the air, what is left is pure, clean smelling air. You will know it the very first time you smell it.

Q. What is the life expectancy and warranty of the PureAir product?

The PureAir lasts for approximately 17,000 hours of continuos operation or about two years. The PureAir PHI™ comes with a two-year parts warranty from RGF.

Q. What happens at the end of the Three Year Life Expectancy?

The PHI™ cell that produces the photohydroionization process can easily be replaced by your licensed HVAC contractor.

Q. If RGF’s Advanced Oxidation is so good and did reduce absenteeism in the Chicago schools, why isn’t it in every school?

When you present a new (20 years?) technology to a School District, they present it to the Board. The Board promptly (2-3 months) turns it over to the engineers, who are usually an outside consulting firm paid “by the hour”. The engineers rub their chins and study it for many months. Engineers, by nature, are very conservative. I know, I am one, so is our Founder, President and CEO. We have lots of them. Presented with a new technology, these engineers will not want to make a decision, or if they do, it is easier to just say “no”. Then they have no risk! Accordingly, schools are a tough sell. We’ve sold many schools, but most sales people will lose interest in the one year plus decision process.

Q. Have RGF’s PureAir products been tested for ozone?

Yes, many times by many agencies, labs and major hotels, restaurants, cruise lines and theme parks. May products produce low levels of ozone, including computers, fluorescent lights, refrigerators, electric motors, air conditioners, and hair dryers, to name a few. PureAir products tested less than half of the legal safe limits.

Q. Some UVC light companies state their UV systems can kill 99.9% of MRSA on a single pass and then reference an EPA study. Is this possible?

Yes, it is possible. However, this is very misleading as the test was conducted on a test unit of five UV high-energy lamps, each 50” long in a reflective tunnel, which burns 1,100 watts of electricity. This is the equivalent of running a hair dryer in you’re A/C 24 hours a day. This obviously generates a lot of heat in addition to burning a lot of electricity, and the units cost thousands of dollars. This system is not something the homeowner would install. We make similar industrial UV systems. However, we specify those for industrial, very expensive heavy duty systems for food processing or medical applications. A standard 12” HVAC UV light system installed in an A/C coil will destroy mold growth on the coil that the UV light shines on. What sections of the coil the light does not hit will grow mold. To completely cover a coil with UV light would take four to six lights. The lights used on an A/C coil will provide little, if any, airborne microbial kill as the UV energy and dwell time is not nearly enough to kill fast moving, airborne microbials. Air passing through an A/C coil is doing so at about 1,200 cfm or 30 inches per second; in layman’s terms-“very fast.”

Q. RGF has a tremendous amount of studies, lab tests and validations. Can I get copies?

That would be impractical due to the sheer volume and the fact that most of the studies and tests were done by third parties or clients who will not permit us to send out their data. We can provide a summary of validations signed off and notarized by a licensed chemical professional engineer and licensed attorney. We will also show clients or approved representatives copies in our West Palm Beach office.

Q. How safe is the RGF Advanced Oxidation Plasma?

Very safe. We are no higher than levels found in a forest or at sea.

Q. Why does RGF use a mega yacht as a showroom of new products?

The yacht Envision is a floating R&D lab for new RGF products. The indoor air quality on a yacht is far worse then most buildings. This is due to a yacht being very tightly sealed, holding bilge water, storing sewage and being very damp. So, if RGF can cure Sick Yacht Syndrome (which we can), then we can easily cure Sick Building Syndrome.

Q. What other products does RGF have demos for on the yacht Envision?

	Ice Maker Sanitation
	Bilge Odor/Bacteria Control
	Sewage Holding Tank Odor/Bacteria Control
	Potable Water Treatment
	Fuel Bacteria/Algae Treatment
	Refrigerator Treatment
	Food Sanitizer
	Hot Tub Sanitizer
	Room Positive Ventilation Systems
	HVAC Air Purifiers
	Head (toilet bowl) Sanitizers
	Garbage Compactor Sanitizer

Q. Why did RGF develop the simulated sneeze machine?

We had to prove in a double-blind study that our Advanced Oxidation Plasma was pro-active and could actually kill microbials at the source: airborne, which the sneeze machine did.

Q. What are the advantages of REME™ over PHI™?

REME™, in addition to doing what PHI™ does with gases, odors and microbials, also drastically reduces particles. In addition, REME™ generates ionized hydro-peroxides, which are much faster than PHI™.

Q. What does REME™ stand for?

Reflective Electro-Magnetic Energy

Q. If REME™ is not - An ozone generator
     - A UV light device
     - A filter
     - An electrostatic filter
     - An ionizer
     - An electron generator What is it?

REME™ is a reflective electro-magnetic generator of ionized hydro-peroxides.

Q. Who are some of the strategic alliances RGF has signed with?

British Oxygen Corp.	American Gas Association
Caterpillar	Dominion
General Electric	Marley
Golden Bear	Hilton International
McDonalds Corporation	Steris Corporation
Kraft Foods	Disney
Seaboard Corporation	Sandia National Labs
Conagra	Kansas State University
EPRI	Seven Trent Services

Q. How many countries does RGF distribute it’s products in?

Q. What other products does RGF manufacture?

Waste water recyclers	Marine odor, food, air, water devices
Food sanitation	Fuel sanitation
Water & air sanitation	Sewage treatment
Medical devices	Odor control
Oil water separators	Military equipment
UV light devices	Ice vending machines

Q. Has any RGF employees been published in trade publications?

Over 90 articles have been published.0

Q. Has RGF won any awards?

Scores. Product of the Year, MCI Customer Service, etc.

Q. Where is RGF located?

We have a 50,000 sq ft facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Q. How long has RGF been in business?

Since 1985. However key RGF employees have UV radiation experience dating back to the 1960’s.

Q. Does RGF manufacture ozone devices?

Yes. Large commercial units not for residential use.

Q. Approximately how many RGF Advanced Oxidation products have been sold?

Over one million worldwide without a serious problem.

Q. Is REME™ or PHI™ considered a medical device?

No - And RGF makes no medical claims.

Q. Is REME™ or PHI™ an ozone generator?

No - No more than any electrical devices that generate very low levels of ozone such as, flourescent lights, copy machines, computers etc.

Q. Should I run my HVAC fan even when I am not heating or cooling to circulate REME™’s Advanced Oxidation Plasma?

It is better to run your fan but not required as REME™ has a built in Plasma Propulsion System that runs 24/7 and is completely silent.

Q. Why is it important to purify air?

Indoor air pollution has been described by the EPA and Congress as America’s #1 environmental health problem. Air pollutants can cause allergies, sick building syndrome, bacteria infections, and spread viruses to name a few.

Q. What are some statistics on indoor air quality?

1. People spend 75-90% of their time indoors.
2. Exposure to airborne contamination is considerable.
3. 50% of all major office buildings have contaminated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). If not properly maintained, they are a hotbed for growth of molds and bacteria.
4. 40% of all major office buildings can expect occupants to suffer from symptoms.
5. All buildings are at least slightly polluted with chemical aerosols.
6. The World Health Organization Committee’s (WHO) report 1984 suggested that up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality (IAQ).

Q. What is the definition of “Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)?”

Q. What causes sick buildings?

Mold, mildew, plumbing problems, tightly sealed buildings, off gases from carpets, glues, copy machines, furniture, etc.

Q. My heating and air conditioning unit has an air filter on it. Why do I need anything more?

Traditional air filters only trap medium-to-large particles and have no effect on gases, vapors, bacteria and viruses.

Q. What are some symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome?

Sore throat, headaches, sore eyes, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, itching, nausea and lethargy.

Q. When is a building classified as a sick building?

IAQ experts consider a building to be “sick” when there are known contaminants at harmful concentrations or when 20% or more of its occupants are plagued by a variety of common symptoms that occur only while at work.

Q. Why do cities post ozone levels when talking about air pollution?

Publishing the “ozone level” as a measure of air pollution creates a perception of ozone that is overwhelmingly negative. The fact is ozone itself is not smog. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun creates ozone by splitting off oxygen atoms from the nitrogen oxides emitted by auto exhausts. This is what gives us an ozone level. Many scientists argue this ozone is actually good as it oxidizes other pollutants. Others argue it is a direct indication of auto exhaust levels. Both are correct. Ozone in very strong concentrations can kill plants and irritate a person’s lungs, eyes and nose. The EPA sets ozone standards of .12 ppm and many metropolitan areas repeatedly exceed this standard. OSHA’s maximum work place standards are .1 ppm for an 8-hour day. The difference between “good” ozone and “bad” ozone depends strictly on where it is and how it is being used. If used properly in a specific closely controlled application, it is safe.

Q. Is ozone good in treating people with asthma and emphysema?

No, persons suffering from chronic breathing problems are known to be sensitive to ozone. Air purified with ozone, catalytic oxidation and negative ions or filters is, no doubt, better than dirty air for asthma sufferers. However, the ozone levels must be within OSHA levels of .04 ppm, or preferably lower.

Q. Is it ok to breathe ozone?

We all breathe some ozone that is produced naturally. Levels below .04 ppm are acceptable according to Government regulations.