To the editor:

Everyone’s been affected by the smoking ban, but is it the best option? Some air purifiers present an unconsidered alternative. Technology in several units available has been proven to eliminate smoke and smoke odor. This is the optimum win-win situation available; non-smoking facilities, or adequate air purification.

Some air purifiers also have been proven to kill bacteria and mold/mildew and rid the air of pollen, chemical gases, dust, and allergens. It brings the fresh air quality of the mountains indoors by using ions and ozone (mother natures’ own defense against pollution). According to a study done by the University of Leeds, U.K., airborne infections from the intensive care ward in St. James’s Hospital dropped to zero in the yearlong testing of a negative air ionizer.

With air purifiers in bars and restaurants, not only would the smoke be eliminated as it’s being made, it would eliminate unaddressed odors and pollutants such as toxic cleaning chemicals, dust, mold/mildew, body odors, etcetera. With purifiers, the air quality in bars and restaurants that allow smoking could be better than those without smoking and air purifiers. To me, the answer is clear: nonsmoking, or adequate air purification.

Carol Fittell,

Lawrence