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- RoHS-compliant
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Lifetime warranty
- Noisy on high setting
- Confusing control pad
- Fewer levels of filtration than rivals
- May emit ozone
The Alen Paralda is not only energy efficient (77 percent more efficient than the average air purifier, according to 1GreenProduct.com), but it also is the first air purifier to be Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant, meaning it's free of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury. It uses a HEPA filter and an ionizer, as well as an ultraviolet (UV) light, which can be turned off. However, experts say ionizers often emit ozone, a known lung irritant that can worsen asthma and cause other respiratory problems. Alen says the Paralda is "ozone-safe," but we found no independent testing to show that it is ozone-free. Although UV light has been shown to kill bacteria, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says home air purifiers probably don't emit enough UV light to make a difference. The Paralda also lacks a prefilter, which experts say lengthens the life of pricey HEPA filters by keeping big particles out. The Paralda's HEPA filter should be changed every six to nine months, whereas top-rated units with prefilters -- such as the ozone-free Austin Air HealthMate (*Est. $490) -- can last up to five years between filter changes.
Air-Purifier-Power.com provides an appropriately critical, fact-based review. Reviews at websites that sell air purifiers -- AllergyBuyersClub.com and AchooAllergy.com -- are less critical. A website called 1GreenProduct.com evaluates the Paralda's ecofriendliness, but not its air-cleaning ability.
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Our Sources
Ed Sherbenou, whose air-purifier reviews lean heavily on scientific data, finds very little available for the Alen Paralda. He does find drawbacks to this unit, which omits several important features you'll find on better purifiers in this price class.
Review: Alen Paralda Review: Style Trumps Substance, Ed Sherbenou
A website dedicated to providing news and reviews on the best green products, 1GreenProduct.com declares "Air Purification Week" and reviews the Alen Paralda. This ecofriendly air purifier is not only a green product, but it is also literally the color green. The reviewer tests this product and reports on issues such as its energy efficiency, footprint size, noise level and ease of use. However, he says he does not have the ability to measure clean-air output.
Review: Air Purification Week -- Paralda + Kill-a-Watt Sweepstakes Winner, Aaron Dalton, Dec. 5, 2008
This website gives the Alen Paralda a rating of "very good," saying it offers "great HEPA filtration performance," but there is no specific mention of any testing. A long list of pros is followed by a shorter list of cons.
Review: Alen Paralda HEPA UV Tower Air Purifiers, Editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com
The owners of this retail site say they test every product they sell but offer no details of their testing methodology. In their blog, they provide a short write-up on the Alen Paralda, saying it "could very well be the most eco-friendly air purifier on the market." They recommend this air purifier for any allergy and asthma sufferer who doesn't have multiple chemical sensitivities or smoke- or odor-control issues.
Review: Introducing the Alen Paralda, "Jamie", Jan. 27, 2009
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Rabbit Air BioGS (model 421A - covers 600 sq. ft.) High Quality Ultra-Quiet Air Purifier - Low Maintenance - Washable Filters!
In Stock.
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Rabbit Air MinusA2 SPA-780A [White, Odor Remover]
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