Car Owners Can Now Use Nanotechnology to Improve Cabin Air Quality

SALEM, NH Jul 28, 2004; The NanoBreeze(TM) Car Air Purifier from NanoTwin Technologies uses photocatalytic nanotechnology to clean and purify the air inside the passenger compartment of any motor vehicle. Motor vehicles emit several pollutants that EPA classifies as known or probable human carcinogens. EPA estimates that motor vehicles account for as much as half of all cancers attributed to outdoor sources. One fact is clear: vehicles are such an integral part of our society that virtually everyone is exposed to their emissions.

The NanoBreeze Car Air Purifier is a dashboard accessory that decomposes the harmful gases from fuel or tobacco smoke, airborne germs or allergens, odors from mildew or trash, and the fumes from plastics, finishes, perfumes and cleaners. The product oxidizes both volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and bioaerosols.

VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and many can cause adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs can be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by tobacco smoke, fuels, plastics, solvents and fragrances. A bioaerosol is a microscopic-size powder or droplet of biological origin suspended in air. Frequently encountered bioaerosols include molds, bacteria, viruses, pollens, and pet dander.

Nanotechnology is the design, manufacture or control of single molecules and atoms to perform the duties of a machine. The NanoBreeze Car Air Purifier uses crystalline molecules of titanium dioxide TiO2 as a molecular machine. TiO2 is a semiconductor charged by UVA photons to drive oxidation and reduction reactions on the catalyst surface. The reactions convert organic pollutants to carbon dioxide and water. The process is known as oxidation by photocatalysis, from combining the Greek words for light and dissolve. Even the American Lung Association reports that photocatalytic nanotechnology is capable of rapidly destroying toxic components of tobacco smoke such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and benzene.

Other air cleaners for automotive interiors include ozone generators and ion generators. EPA does not recommend the use of ozone generators. Ozone is considered toxic and can aggravate asthma. Ion generators act by charging particles in the passenger compartment so that they are attracted to the dashboard, floors, seats and occupants, etc. Some include collectors that need regular cleaning. Ion generators can create ozone as well as produce electromagnetic interference that does not comply with automotive standards for electronic devices. Due to the technology's many advantages, photocatalytic air purifiers are being built-in to certain vehicles by some automakers.

A patented fluorescent light tube is the active component in the NanoBreeze. The inside of the tube is coated with a phosphor to produce UVA radiation and some blue light. The outside of the tube features a fiberglass wrapping that has been coated with a nanometer thin layer of photocatalytic TiO2 absorbing all ultraviolet emissions from the lamp. The NanoBreeze emits no harmful UV, produces no ozone, and requires no chemical additives.

The NanoBreeze Car Air Purifier plugs into a vehicle's 12-Volt power outlet. When placed over a dashboard vent, the air circulating inside the car is cleaned by reduction and oxidation. The product can be purchased on-line at http://www.nanotwin.com. Free shipping is available to customers in the U.S. and Canada.

NanoTwin Technologies is newly formed corporation focused on a simple goal, new and exciting products to improve the everyday environment of the 21st century. Our team is dedicated to providing "nanotechnology for clean living."

For more information visit nanotwin.com