The US is considering dropping the mask mandate on airplanes on April 18th. This should not happen. There is no data to support this decision. In fact, everything I have seen is just the opposite. Clearly, passengers are at risk while boarding and exiting. Stop this!
Yesterday, I tweeted that the mask mandate on US airplane flights should not end on April 18th. Here is why. I measured CO2 on airplane flights. On boarding and exiting CO2 levels are 2,200 to 2,400ppm. This means 4-5% of the air you breathe comes from somebody else’s lungs.
Florida Judge voids airline mask mandate. Here is her incorrect rationale - "“Wearing a mask cleans nothing. At most, it traps virus droplets. But it neither ‘sanitizes’ the person wearing the mask nor ‘sanitizes’ the conveyance.” Did she talk to anyone who understands physics?
This picture was taken yesterday mid-flight from DFW to San Diego. This was the lowest CO2 reading of the flight. It is the worst of any I have measured. About 15 people wearing masks - including the person next to me. (I think he is buying an Aranet4.)
New paper showing that air filters and HEPA air cleaners reduce indoor particles by 90%. More confirmation of the effectiveness of these mitigation measures.
My Godson is a struggling artist who drives a cab to make ends meet. For his birthday present I built this MIni-Mini
#corsirosenthalbox
. It uses PC fans and and 4- MERV 13 - 6X6X1 filters. Connects to a USB port. Should provide about 30 ACH in his cab.
A good friend has been very careful for 2 yrs. to take all steps to avoid Covid (including 4 vacs). 4 weeks ago he went to a funeral. No one wore masks. Out of respect, he did not. He and his wife both were + in 3 days. 12 days later he was -. Very bad case. Wear a mask.
This is a very important study done by researchers at the CDC on
#corsirosenthalboxes
and other DIY air cleaners. It found that they reduce aerosols by up to 73%. It is very meaningful to have this independent confirmation of effectiveness.
I just received word that one of my major suppliers is not able to fulfill orders on time because one third of their employees are out with Covid. Good reminder: We might be done with Covid, but Covid is not done with us.
Just because airplanes use HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of particles that reach the filter, that does not mean they remove 99.97% of the particles in the space. The removal effectiveness depends on the particles generated and the rate of the flow through the filter.
I built this Mini-Mini
#corsirosenthalbox
to help protect my Godson from airborne aerosols in his cab. Unfortunately, it was not able to protect him from his passengers. One of them killed him on Easter Eve.
My Godson is a struggling artist who drives a cab to make ends meet. For his birthday present I built this MIni-Mini
#corsirosenthalbox
. It uses PC fans and and 4- MERV 13 - 6X6X1 filters. Connects to a USB port. Should provide about 30 ACH in his cab.
Amazon just sent me an email and suggested that I might like this:
DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box: 4-Pack Filtrete MPR 1900 20x20x1 Air Filter + 1 Roll 3M Multi-Use White Duct Tape
#Amazon
via
@Amazon
Boeing study shows that on an airplane with HEPA filtration, particles transferred between a cougher and breather are about the same as separation of 2 meters in a conference room. Wear a mask!
This tweet has received 1,000's of likes, a 1,000 retweets and a seemingly unending barrage of negative comments. Apparently, there is something really offensive about a man on a plane with a CO2 monitor and an N95 mask. Really?
This picture was taken yesterday mid-flight from DFW to San Diego. This was the lowest CO2 reading of the flight. It is the worst of any I have measured. About 15 people wearing masks - including the person next to me. (I think he is buying an Aranet4.)
Trolling for trolls. First, you need good bait. Any pro-mask tweet will do, My “N95 Mask Challenge” was very productive, I received hundreds of attack tweets. Then - you just block all. Very satisfying.
Some have questioned the expense of a Corsi/Rosenthal box because it is a “temporary” solution. It lasts 6 months and then the dirty filters need to be replaced. Look at it this way. It is like a “mask” for a room. An extra layer of protection for pennies a day.
Here is a Monster Virus Trap. The fan is a Honeywell HF-910 Turboforce Floor Model. I left it on its stand and built the CR box around it using 4 - 16X26X2 MERV 13 filters. 1 1/2 hour build time. 920 CFM on Speed 1. 49 DBA. Now - where do I use it?
More on plexiglass barriers. Positive airflow going toward the barrier will ALWAYS create negative flow behind the barrier drawing particles to that space. This applies to schools, stores, offices and the debate stage. This is not debatable - it's physics.
Last week I drove my daughter and husband to the airport for a private plane to Turks and Caicos. A friend was having a 40th birthday. On the way to the airport, I asked them about masks. They were "in their luggage." Returned last night. + Covid. Never let you guard down.
Seeing this rapid rise in SARS-Cov-2 in wastewater is very concerning. If it is in the wastewater, many people have Covid and it also in the air. We know what is going to happen. It is like watching a car wreck. Please follow the recommendations in this thread to avoid it.
1/ SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are skyrocketing in wastewater across California. Results below for the Hyperion treatment plant that serves a large fraction of City of Los Angeles wastewater.
The Corsi/Rosenthal Box air cleaner receives the "Idea of the Year Award" from the Waterloo Filtration Institute. Many thanks for this recognition and honor.
@CorsIAQ
#corsirosenthalbox
Air cleaners work! Schools using air cleaners had dramatically lower cases of Covid-19. It is pretty simple. If you reduce the particles in the air, you lower the risk!
When you see the opposition to vaccines, masks, and reasonable steps to improve ventilation and filtration, consider this: “56% of Americans oppose teaching Arabic Numerals in schools.” Keep pushing for logical solutions!
New peer-reviewed research showing
#corsirosenthalboxes
are effective at reducing both VOC's and semi-volatile organic compounds in indoor environments. This is counter to the common belief that particle filters cannot reduce VOC's. Very important finding!
In a carefully controlled study we found that 95% of air cleaners will not remove SARS-Cov-2 particles unless they are turned on. (plus or minus 5% statistical error)
Visited one of our intervention wards on Thursday and all but 1 of 6 HEPA/UVC air cleaning units had been turned off.
Any insights from CLASS-ACT to improve acceptance
@CathNoakes
?
IPC treating COVID no longer as a problem doesn't help.
Staff then don't see air as a priority.
Well written and well researched article on the
#corsirosenthalbox
. This would be a good piece to add to any presentation to a school administration considering allowing CR boxes to be used in their classrooms.
Have you wondered how the PC Fan versions of the
#corsirosenthalbox
compare to the original? We decided to do some tests. Here are the results. (Hint: They did pretty well!)
I tweet CO2 levels on airplanes for information purposes. Passengers have a right to know. It does not create unhealthy anxiety, it arms people with data so that they can make appropriate decisions about risk. It also may increase pressure to improve airplane safety.
High school reports over 1,000 students out with the flu. Don't worry, they are "deep cleaning" and checking the water supply. Maybe the fact that 1,200 attended a dance in the cafeteria has something to do with it. The Flu virus is airborne.
Now that things have settled down, it is time to address the situation with the name
#corsirosenthalbox
. Last weekend I made a "quote post" to the creator of a promising new air cleaner informing them that the name was Trademarked and asking if they would "consider" a donation.
Here is another way to build a
#corsirosenthalbox
- modular PC fan systems. Lots going for it - easy to build, moderately priced, quiet, low energy usage, good air flow, small footprint.
The design for the
#corsirosenthalbox
is a story of continuous improvement. Many really smart and creative people have made modifications making these air cleaners even better. One of the best so far is the use of PC fans. They combine very low noise and lots of power. /1
We are establishing a non-profit called the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation. It’s purpose is to promote education and research in IAQ, The idea is that users of the name would pay a small royalty to the Foundation. All proceeds would be used to help underserved communities.
I agree. We would certainly support the development of an inexpensive, effective and quiet commercial version of the
#corsirosenthalbox
. As long as it is a quality product at a reasonable price, the makers could even use the name to promote acceptance.
Excellent story on the benefits of HEPA filters explained by
@linseymarr
Best line - "And she doesn't see how they could be harmful — 'unless people take apart the HEPA air cleaner and grab the filter and start, you know, rubbing it on their face.'"
An interesting fact about the 1918 Pandemic is that they did not know the flu came from a virus. That was not "discovered" until 1931. But they observed the disease did not spread as rapidly when people were masked and buildings had good ventilation. The virus is airborne!
There is a great book on the 1918 pandemic called ”The Great Influenza” by John Barry. Chicago did better than most cities. But much of the response in the US in 1918 was just like the last three years. Unfortunately, we did know history and we were destined to repeat it.
One last comment. Over the past week many derogatory comments were made about me because I am an old white guy who owns a business. You made assumptions about me that were untrue and hurtful. I try to treat everyone with respect. I ask that you do the same for me.
Fabulous story of how a 5th Grade class, the University of Connecticut and the EPA worked together to prove the effectiveness of the
#corsirosenthalbox
. Well worth the read. Congrats and many thanks to all involved.
Joe, I am sorry you feel that my tweet was “terrible”. I regret that the CDC Director has Covid. We can’t change that. What we can change is our emphasis on IAQ and measures to decrease Covid transmission. I thought that you would be in favor of that.
The airports and airplanes are packed. Everyone needs to being wearing masks! Wear them properly. N95 - if possible. CO2 on the plane like this means that 5% of what you are breathing came from someone else's lungs!
#CleanAirHolidays
Good news! On my flight today from Indianapolis to DFW. Picture taken during boarding. CO2 high - particle count low. Engines were running. HEPA filters with high ACH. Nice.
I would like to thank all of the people who extended their support on the loss of my Godson. He was an exceptionally kind, caring and talented man. He will be missed. I debated announcing the news, but decided to do so to inform my many friends that I have yet to meet. God Bless.
Yes, the
#corsirosenthalbox
movement has evolved into a Foundation promoting clean air for all, education in indoor air quality and R & D. The US group is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. The UK group is finalizing their app. We can make a difference.
@CorsIAQ
@kprather88
As a movement and as an organization we will work to promote clean air in indoor spaces.
This is not just about Covid. It is about other airborne pathogens, allergens and pollution too.
We complement other movements dedicated to improving outdoor air quality.
The US is considering dropping the mask mandate on airplanes on April 18th. This should not happen. There is no data to support this decision. In fact, everything I have seen is just the opposite. Clearly, passengers are at risk while boarding and exiting. Stop this!
Filters will do a great job of reducing the particles from wildfire smoke - but you have to use the right filters. The old MERV 8 (mechanical) do not work on <1um particles. Go with MERV 13 for best results. Here are the tests:
Latest test: MERV 8 mechanical filters in a CR box. Particle removal results: at 0.3 um-3%, at 0.5 um-3%, at 1 um-21%, at 2.5 um-41% Bottom line: these filters are very ineffective at removing outdoor pollutants or SARS-Cov-2 particles. Not a good choice.
I want to thank our Board Members of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation and of our UK affiliate. I am sorry for creating this controversy and hope that it does not hamper the implementation of our mission. I make mistakes. I am not perfect. I am just trying to do the right thing.
A bacterial infection has now claimed the lives of 8 patients at Virginia-Mason Hospital in Seattle. Could this be caused by airborne transmission?
@DFisman
@kprather88
Do you have any questions about the
#corsirosenthalbox
? How to make it? How to use it? How to explain to schools why they should allow it? A great resource is this fabulous website (Many thanks to
@LazarusLong13
)
The Irish government is financing the purchase of HEPA filters for classrooms! Well done
@Orla_Hegarty
and all of the others who have worked on making this happen!
EPA tests on
#corsirosenthalbox
es. 97% reduction of airborne virus in 30 minutes. 3,000 ft3 chamber. Compare this with bipolar ionization. Their tests were done in a chamber the size of a shoebox. Billions of dollars sold to schools in 2020-2022. What a waste!
Correct. The
#CorsiRosenthalBox
is open source. It is not a money-making venture. To keep the momentum going we have established the non-profit Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation. All money raised will go towards building CR boxes in schools. A donation from Amazon would be welcome.
@ImmunocompTimes
@JimRosenthal4
@amazon
Honestly, these guys deserve some sort of compensation for helping to solve a very big problem. However I think at this point, maybe they just want to help and more people building these to clean the air. But absolutely Amazon should compensate them. (affiliate links?)
I am receiving some of the same irrational, illogical and personal comments like those directed at
@kprather88
. I will not respond and will block immediately.
Yesterday I realized I made a mistake in my estimation of the airflow from a CR box with a Vornado fan. For me, the question is always - “What is the right thing to do?”
Admit the mistake and apologize.
@DavidElfstrom
You were right. I was wrong. I am sorry for my comments
It is time to step up and do everything we can to encourage vaccinations. Here is what we did. A new vaccination center opened near my factory. They had more vaccines than people. We offered our employees $50 and a day of PTO to be vaccinated. 58 out of 60 people accepted.
Are you working on developing a
#corsirosenthalbox
program for a school, university, church, etc.? Here is a step-by-step guide created by
@JehnML
of ASU. It focuses on univ. but the principles apply to all groups.
My plan was to make another
#corsirosenthalbox
. But when I went to Lowes they had these really interesting small fans. I really like Vornado fans. They are powerful and quiet. Here is a Vornado Mini
#corsirosenthalbox
. Low speed - 123 CADR and 42 decibels. Nice!
You might be wondering why I am hitting hard on precautions today. Yesterday, I visited with my favorite physician about Covid. Testing in our County - Tarrant - is 20% positive (bad is 5%). Lots more Covid on the way. Everything we do is essential in reducing spread.
Great explanation of how a
#corsirosenthalbox
with MERV 13 filters can outperform a HEPA air cleaner. The same holds true for air cleaning effectiveness of HVAC systems. It is not just single pass test efficiency - it is filter + Fit + Flow!
I am sorry that the CDC Director has Covid. It can happen to anyone - especially with fewer avoidance measures. Unfortunately, this occurred right after her announcement to ”wash your hands.” For many of us who have fought to recognize
#COVIDIsAirborne
this is hard to accept.
If someone you follow is gloating/celebrating/smirking/gleeful at the news CDC Director got covid, that should tell you everything you need to know about them and their character. (Professors doing this. Truly cannot believe it.)
Wow! You are incredible! This could be your best
#CorsiRosenthalBox
. Air cleaning for Thanksgiving dinner. My only problem is that my Grandchildren would be 100% focused on it. (They will never eat their vegetables.)
The No COVID Chandelier is HERE!
Just in time for Thanksgiving
18 fans, 990cfm raw, 2x 14x30
@3M
Filtretes. 46db. Cleans the aerosols straight from up the table, spreads clean air in 360 directions at all the guests.
#crbox
@yodelodwho
@robwiss
@Trematomus
@mrlighttouch
It is also why closing schools during the height of the pandemic was the right move. Many are criticizing this today, but are neglecting what would have happened if we had not done so.
One child goes to school and then Taekwondo while pre-symptomatic. Within 3 weeks 75 households become infected, resulting in 201 infections. It’s wild that the role of children in this pandemic was ever questioned.
We built 66 Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes for elementary schools in WS/FCS! Starting Monday, about 1500 kids and 66 teachers will be breathing cleaner indoor air. Thank you,
@CorsIAQ
and
@JimRosenthal4
Excellent story about how one Mom is making a difference in providing better indoor air quality for her children’s school. Thank you for sharing it and confirming - “We are not helpless!” Well done!
I'd been wanting to do this for ages but had to wait for a window of dry weather... Finally, at the end of the winter term, I stood outside my primary school at pick-up time.
I had two DIY air filters behind me, some information on a flyer and a determination to chat.
🧵
Duct tape, air filters & a box fan. This
#DIY
movement caught the eye of 3M scientists & after testing, the results are clear: the
#CorsiRosenthalBox
works! Thank you,
@JimRosenthal4
&
@CorsIAQ
for your relentless advocacy for clean indoor air.
And the
#1
reason why the Corsi/Rosenthal box air cleaner has "taken off" is the man who came up with the idea
@CorsIAQ
. He is a highly respected scientist, engineer, indoor air expert and team builder. His enthusiastic backing is the game changer. Thanks.
Very impressive results on removing airborne virus with
#corsirosenthalbox
es. Additional takeaways in this chart. CR Boxes A, B & C were built by EPA staff and run on high. "Owl Force One" was built by 5th graders and run on low. All work effectively!
@CorsIAQ
and
@JimRosenthal4
's brilliant invention crushes airborne virus within minutes and can be made by school children from simple, accessible materials for $60!
Improved indoor air quality. This is a human right with critical consequences.
More on the story of daughter coming back Covid + from a trip to Turks and Caicos. I was in bed by 10. They came in at 11. She was not feeling well. Tested positive twice. We are running all CR boxes on max. I left house without giving her a hug. Was that my last chance?
Thanks. I never intended to sell filters for CR boxes. After considerable "persuading" I added them as kits. The per filter price in a kit is less than the per filter case price. The intent is to encourage people to build CR boxes.
@KarenStrine3
@JimRosenthal4
I have no affiliation with Tex-Air or Jim (other than loving CR boxes), but his 2" filters are cheaper in price than 3M 1900s at Lowes
This is a great story of how an elementary school organized and built a
#corsirosenthalbox
for every classroom. Excellent learning experience for the students plus cleaner air for all. (Make sure to read the comments!)
The superb article on the Corsi-Rosenthal Box "movement" by
@dphannah
has been picked up by both "Fast Company" and the Smithsonian Magazine. Thank you for continuing to spread the word.
What? The WHO actually has a "course" in reducing PM2.5 in medical facilities and says that air cleaners are not recommended. Lots of good data showing otherwise. Unbelievable!
@BynumLady
@nb_covid_info
@WHO
Not a joke.
Look at this
#openWHO
course
Module 4
👉 Unit 4 air filters
👉 Unit 5 respirators
The
@WHO
is instructing HCWs to say that neither respirators nor air filters are needed or proven effective against air pollution.
This is probably the best video on the importance of cleaner, safer indoor air and how to achieve it. It is from 2022, but the message is timeless.
How To Improve Indoor Air Quality via
@YouTube
Good review of the Nukit Tempest by
@joeyfox85
here:
I plan on buying one when the new stock is available. For those who support
@NukitToBeSure
, I would suggest you do the same.
This is depressing. Schools are rejecting HEPA air cleaners and
#corsirosenthalbox
es. Yet they continue to purchase ineffective and unproven bipolar technology. It makes me mad and sad to see the money spent this way.
Beautiful backyard
#corsirosenthalbox
build. Yes, it is a good way to bond with fellow parents. Makes it even better when you know that your efforts will help to make the preschool safer for your children.
Helped to make 13
#corsirosenthalbox
for our preschool today - school starts on Monday! A really fun way to bond with other parents and keep kids safer in the ongoing pandemic and upcoming fire season. 14 years ago
@CorsIAQ
hired me to work as an undergrad assistant in his lab!
The use of these PC fans is an incredible innovation. I purchased a kit with 6 fans and two 16X25 Filtrete filters. It is quiet and very effective. It also does not take up very much floor space. Highly recommended.
As part of
@CleanAirKits
I'm proud to present the newest PC fan
#CorsiRosenthalBox
build, the Healthy Glow.
CADR: 356.9 ±3.50 cfm / 606.3 ±5.95 cmh 🙌🙌
Power: 17.7 W
Noise: 44.5 dBA
4 Lian Li ST120, 3 Arctic P12 + 16x25 Filtrete 1900 bring high CADR to a smaller form factor.
A tornado hit our Fort Worth office and factory last night. Two roofs in the parking lot. It rained 1.5 inches by morning. Lesson:
#corsirosenthalbox
does not work when wet.
Consumer Reports finds that even a single MERV 13 filter on a box fan will help with wildfire smoke. Next time - try a
#corsirosenthalbox
. It will work much better and compete favorably with your top choices.
There have been questions raised about the long-term efficiency of the MERV 13 electret filters used in
#CorsiRosenthalBox
es. We tested 5 CR boxes - ranging in age from new to 10 months. Results show - they keep working!
Wow! It just does not get any better than this. This is the result of a team effort from many people throughout the USA (and around the world).
@kprather88
and
@MarinaC_Dyb
have been leaders in making it happen. Thanks.
A Corsi/Rosenthal box with MERV 13 filters is compared to a HEPA air cleaner with 99.99% efficiency. The CR box has lower particle numbers at all size levels! It is Filter - Fit - Flow!
Thank you so much for all you have done to emphasize that
#COVIDisAirborne
. You and
@kprather88
were the catalysts who turned tide. We know what to do to eliminate COVID. High five back to you.
Anyway, we told you all this while it was happening. Thanks so much to colleagues who worked so hard to undermine messaging on covid elimination…give yourselves a high five
This is fantastic! A 12-step visual guide for building Corsi/Rosenthal boxes
#corsirosenthalbox
. Perfect Scout project - learning about indoor air, ventilation and filtration - plus creating something useful to help make people safer.
Many people have asked me: "Why do you do this?" Frankly, it because it makes me feel good. I helped in a time of need. In terms of our understanding of indoor air quality, we are light years ahead of where we were just 3 years ago. Our challenge is to keep it going.