Wellness and the Home – Air Filtration

In times like these, the elemental purpose of the home is shelter. Having mastered the elements, we turn to the next set of threats: air pollution and pathogens, impure water, and lighting systems that negatively affect our sleep and health.

Founder of New York City’s Rusk Renovations and professor at Columbia University, John Rusk briefly explores the emerging technology of air filtration.

Today, our single greatest concern is breathing in the Coronavirus. The molecule of the Coronavirus is small, but it is almost always airborne on a moisture molecule and in this way, the Coronavirus is easily trapped in HEPA quality air filtration. While hospitals have created HEPA filtration levels in their operating rooms to lessen the chance of infection, HEPA filters are rarely used in homes because HEPA filters are so dense that they strain the fans, slowing down the air as it passes through them, often leading to equipment failure.

Architecture & Design: Haute Architecture DPC, Photography: Annie Schlecter

This issue can be overcome by using separate HEPA filtration systems that clean all the air in the home, which is then circulated by the heating and air conditioning system. Rusk uses the DARWIN System by Delos, which constantly monitors the air for pollution and responds by increasing or decreasing the level of air filtration. HEPA and carbon filters remove airborne pathogens, particulate pollution and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) levels are also monitored and if CO₂ levels rise, for instance in a closed master bedroom overnight, the system opens fresh air louvers to bring in fresh air, passes it through filters and introduces it into the bedroom.

Whether from wildfires in California or a burnt piece of fish in the kitchen, air pollution and contaminants can now be dealt with effectively through integrated technology that scrubs clean the air we breathe, providing shelter not previously available to our families.

Learn more about Rusk here: ruskinc.com