Definitely a good read, but I think I will still stick with my air purifiers, just for the sake of my own little baby's lungs.

I know this sounds selfish, but if we are really gonna talking about the power consumption in return of reproducing pollutants, air conditions, cars and all that should be more emphasized than an air purifier. my air purifier uses as much power as a a light bulb does actually, and it is just a solution we seek out for the unavoidable air that we have to live inside. Plants is an option, but not really the best choice for the night as we all know, and I am pretty sure it doesn't clean up as much particles as an air purifier.

Anyway, I think I don't like how he uses those number to trying to prove something in the last article, which I don't think is proving anything or providing any decent suggestions here. I'd rather to see someone point out the fact we all need to do something by either not driving a car, or not putting your air conditioners on 18 degree on a hot summer day to help to contribute something to the environment. and all that ... Hopefully one day, we can actually live without even considering the idea of getting an air purifier, because I can't even see across the street from my window on some days, and my little girl is coughing every night.

I see your point! I live in Pudong though and swear the air isn't as bad.. When they have come to see me it just feels like they're trying to sell me something I don't really need. Totally agree re. the traffic and constant use of airco in the summer + winter! Pollution for me is definitely the biggest worry about living in Shanghai - that and I suppose what I would do in a true medical emergency!

Hi - I thought I should post this as part of this earlier thread I started on air purifiers... The US has lowered cutoff for lead poisoning in young kids. I still need to understand how air purifiers can reduce inhaled lead but they are supposed to help, this has definitely made me decide to buy one for my newborn's room.

US Lowers Cutoff for Lead Poisoning in Young Kids
ATLANTA May 16, 2012, 04:20 pm ET
For the first time in 20 years, U.S. health officials have lowered the threshold for lead poisoning in young children. The new standard announced Wednesday means that hundreds of thousands more youngsters could be diagnosed with high levels of lead. Too much lead is harmful to developing brains and can mean a lower IQ. "Unfortunately, many, many more parents will be getting bad news," said Rebecca Morley, executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing, a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on hazards to kids in homes. Read full article here.

Hi Maria,

Louie Cheng from PureLiving China (and our panel of experts) has the following to say about your post:

Airborne lead is an issue in Shanghai. We've found that the level fluctuates with season and industrial activity. Sources include: industrial emissions, lead battery production and reclamation of lead from batteries, some diesel and aviation fuel, and use in manufacturing. Lead is a particulate (lead dust ranges in size from 0.3 to 10 microns), so most HEPA filters will help reduce. However, filters, are only one part of a lead reduction strategy -- other critical steps include knowing when and how to ventilate, testing for lead in your environment because lead in soil is persistent for decades and can be easily tracked into the house, using HEPA vacuums. If any of the forum members need more specifics, they can contact me separately