Helium and MRI Rooms Around the World

Helium gas is something most people feel fairly familiar with. Children are enthralled with the magical beauty of a floating balloon, watching it reach toward the sky and hoping not to lose their grip on the string. Helium feels safe, and while people surround themselves with flying wonders filled with this lightweight gas, the real magic of helium is taking place in MRI rooms across the globe. With this magic, though, comes some danger.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields to surround the part of the body needing to be studied. The resulting images are important for diagnosis and further understanding of a problem, but it is equally important that the procedure be safe and controlled. In the process of using the MRI machine, the magnet becomes superheated, and this heat needs to be kept in check. Liquid helium, at a temperature of -450° F, surrounds the magnet and keeps it cool enough to remedy the danger of overheating, in turn posing its own risk.

A Helium leak would displace the oxygen in a room, suffocating anyone inside. Because it is colorless and odorless, an oxygen deficiency monitor is required for detection. A person closed inside the room would not notice the leak on their own, and it would be too late. In the event of a helium leak, an O2 monitor would sound at the first detection of oxygen displacement, warning anyone inside the room of the danger and allowing them to evacuate in plenty of time.

Since the 1980’s, the number of MRI machines in use has risen from 12 to over 25,000. This in turn makes MRI machines the #1 users of liquid helium in the world. The relationship between the hot magnets and the cold helium is what makes the work of this important machine possible. With the use of an oxygen deficiency monitor, doctors and patients at least have one less thing to worry about. They can focus on the physical ailment at hand, and feel safe in knowing that in the event of a helium leak, they will be warned well before the point of suffocation.

Oxygen Deficiency monitors are recommended in all MRI facilities, and are REQUIRED in all New York City MRI rooms. PureAire Monitoring System’s oxygen monitors are a trusted product amongst MRI designers and users, thanks to their 10 + year oxygen sensor. Unlike the competitors, PureAire’s sensors do not require maintenance or replacement parts and are not impacted by environmental drift. This means no false alarms or failures due to depleted sensors. Without having a yearly service call on the monitor, the cost is very efficient. This translates to prolonged safety without maintenance, and the safest and most reliable possible monitor for this application.

“Thanks again for your support. The oxygen monitors are in their respective locations and are functioning as designed. Nice unit! Everyone thinks they are a great product. The software menu is easy to use and could not be easier to operate.” - Dominion Nuclear

“The O2 monitors are working well and doing a great job! Alarm relays are configured with the exhaust fan and is triggered a couple of times a day if we have cryogenic bottles in the area. Excellent product, repeatable, and reliable as advertised.” - Gulfstream Aerospace
For more information, please visit our web site at: www.PureAireMonitoring.com, or www.MonitorOxygen.com.

If you have any questions, we’d love to speak with you. Call us at: 1-888-788-8050

About PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc.
PureAire is the industry leader in gas monitoring solutions enabling organizations to ensure safe work environments, minimize compliance risk, and reduce associated costs. Over 1,000 organizations across the globe use PureAire gas monitoring solutions. Beginning in 1996, PureAire’s growth has been a result of an unbeatable combination of innovation and experience in solving safety and environmental needs for customers, as well as a total commitment to supporting the customer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1) Air Products. (1997). MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET. http://avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/helium.pdf

PureAire Releases Universal Toxic Gas Monitor

PureAire Monitoring Systems manufactures and distributes toxic gas monitors for safety, and as of August 2013, releases new toxic gas monitor called the Universal Toxic Gas Monitor. Their monitors make sure areas where toxic gases exist the area remains at a safe and breathable level, some gasses included are chlorine, bromine, HCL, HF, ammonia, toxics, and hydrides. These gases, commonly known as toxic gases, can be hazardous or even deadly if used without the proper safety precautions. Typical areas where these gases are used include laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, cryopreservation facilities, semiconductors, and cold food storage. The addition this product line insures PureAire’s products are the premium choice for your safety. Since their beginnings in 1997, PureAire has sold many thousands of toxic gas monitors to customers including (Northwestern University, Exxon Mobil, and NASA) and laboratories (Intel, Los Alamos National Labs, USDA). A release of toxic gases in a confined space can cause irritation, permanent damage, and even hospitalization making it direly important that every space with human occupancy be monitored. Though these gases can be highly dangerous, their universal gas monitors allow groundbreaking research to be done with the ease of knowing any leak will be immediately detected. PureAire Monitoring Systems provide the #1 universal toxic gas monitor in the industry. With a renewable sensor lasting 7+ years, no competitor can offer the same longevity or reliability. The universal gas monitor has a built in audible alarm, 2 user-selectable relays for signals to external fans/horns/strobes, and a 4-20 mA signal. The introduction of the universal gas monitor provides a newer easier solution for the customer. Still used is the STX-PA Smart Gas Transmitter, though PureAire is predicting the universal gas monitor will take the STX-PA’s place. Manufactured in the USA, there is no question they are the unparalleled company to go to for your toxic gas monitor safety needs. The STX-PA has been sold since PureAire started in 1997 along with there 4-20mA version Aircheck Lite, also trying to be replaced by the universal toxic monitor. As with most technology, a newer updated version of a product is necessary. While the universal monitor has many of the same functions as the STX-PA this product offers more. Integrated is software enabling the customer to change the sensors by a simple plug and play. If the customer has testing which requires using HF for a few days but needs to switch to chlorine for another experiment, he/she can simply unplug the HF sensor and replace with chlorine in matter of seconds. The STX-PA would also have capabilities of switching sensors, though sending in the monitor PureAire had to take place in order to switch. In addition to many more features listed for the universal monitor, now there is a considerable louder 90 dB audible alarm. Lastly, pricing is much more competitive starting at $1,390 for a complete system compared to a starting price of $1,990. For more information on the PureAire Oxygen Monitoring System, contact PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc., 557 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; phone 888-788-8050 or 847-726-6000; fax 847-726-6051; or email info@pureaire.net. You may also visit the company’s website at www.Pureairemonitoring.com.

Liquid Nitrogen in Human Oocyte Cryopreservation

The word cryopreservation sounds like something from a science fiction movie. Maybe a man from the past was frozen in time, only to reawaken decades later, unharmed and unaware that he had been frozen at all. Though this scenario seems far-fetched, on a smaller scale, cryopreservation is a commonplace practice in the 21st century. While a grown man cannot be frozen and awoken, the building blocks of man are fair game. Human oocyte cryopreservation, or egg freezing, is a way to freeze and preserve a woman’s eggs. At a later time, these eggs can be thawed and fertilized and used to impregnate the woman. There are many reasons a woman may be a candidate for this procedure. Some of these reasons are age, early menopause, and pre chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may damage eggs left in the body. In any case, if a woman learns that she will be unable to produce healthy, viable eggs in her future, oocyte cryopreservation is a good option to ensure she has healthy eggs if she decides to try conceiving at a future time. Semen and embryos can also be treated and cryopreserved in a similar way. These specimens can remain frozen for a long period of time. Embryos can be stored for up to 16 years, and semen as long as 22 years. This allows someone who is going through an illness or separation from a spouse to wait until a more viable time for implantation for conception. Most people can easily understand the concept of freezing something to save for later, but the frozen eggs are not stored in your average icebox. Instead, liquid nitrogen freezes the eggs at −321 Fareignheight. This temperature is considered a deep freeze. With the addition of a cryoprotectant to deter ice crystals from forming, the specimens remain in the deep freeze until they are thawed for later use. Amazingly, over 500,000 live human births have been a result of such technologies. There are over 400 facilities nationwide that can provide the oocyte cryopreservation procedure to women in need. On the patients end, the facilities seem like ordinary doctors offices, but the real magic takes place behind closed doors. The scientists and lab technicians use liquid nitrogen to conduct the deep-freezing, which can be very toxic if not used correctly. They rely on oxygen deficiency monitors to detect any lower than average levels of oxygen in the vicinity, which may indicate a nitrogen leak. For the whole sequence to go off without a hitch, the scientists need to remain confident in their safety throughout the process. Pureaire Oxygen Monitoring Systems has created the perfect product to ensure such safety. Their O2 monitor is the best in the industry. The zirconium oxide sensor in the monitor lasts 10+ years with no maintenance or recalibration, making the product last longer than any other. This makes the monitor very cost effective, as it does not require additional purchases on a yearly basis. Also, the monitor’s ability to link to an alarm system, horn and strobe, and exhaust fan help warn people across a facility to evacuate an unsafe area. There is no question that today’s scientific technologies are impressive, yet ever evolving. As a company, Pureaire Oxygen Monitoring Systems vows to support these growing technologies by keeping researchers safe and giving them the confidence to do their job creating families of the future. For more information on the PureAire Oxygen Monitoring System, contact PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc., 557 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; phone 888-788-8050 or 847-726-6000; fax 847-726-6051; or email info@pureaire.net. You may also visit the company’s website at www.Pureairemonitoring.com.

PureAire Monitoring Systems Obtains UL/CUL Listings on All Oxygen Deficiency Monitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems manufactures and distributes oxygen monitors for safety, and as of July 2013, most monitors now include UL/CUL listings. Their monitors make sure oxygen remains at a safe and breathable level in areas that utilize gasses such as nitrogen, dry ice, helium, and argon. These gases, commonly known as cryogenic gases, can be hazardous or even deadly if used without the proper safety precautions. Typical areas where these gases are used include laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, cryopreservation facilities, and food processing and handling. The addition of a UL/CUL listing further insures PureAire’s products are the premium choice for your safety. On July 15, 2013, PureAire Monitoring Systems was officially issued UL/CUL listings for their line of oxygen monitors. The UL listings were specifically issued for these models: TX-1100-D, TX-1100-DR, TX-1100-DRA, TX-1100-SAM, TX-1100-DRAP and TX-1100-DKF25. The UL listing file is E363306 Measuring Equipment and is current for use in the US and Canada. This is exciting news for the company as they are now able to provide products with the assurance and recognition a UL/CUL rating guarantees. PureAire’s oxygen monitors were also tested to EN-61010-1-3-2013 Low Voltage, (LVD) for Ce. Since their beginnings in 1997, PureAire has sold many thousands of O2 monitors to customers including universities (Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia) and government agencies (NASA, Los Alamos National Labs, NIST). A release of cryogenic gases in a confined space can cause asphyxiation, making it direly important that every space with human occupancy be monitored. Though these gases can be highly dangerous, their oxygen monitors allow groundbreaking research to be done with the ease of knowing any leak will be immediately detected. PureAire Monitoring Systems provide the #1 O2 monitor in the industry. With a sensor lasting 10+ years, no competitor can offer the same longevity or reliability. Now that they have obtained UL/CUL listings, there is no question they are the unparalleled company to go to for your oxygen safety needs. For more information on the PureAire Oxygen Monitoring System, contact PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc., 557 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; phone 888-788-8050 or 847-726-6000; fax 847-726-6051; or email info@pureaire.net. You may also visit the company’s website at www.Pureairemonitoring.com.

PureAire Combines Oxygen and CO2 Sensors to provide a Dual Gas Monitor to the Marketplace

As a recognized leader in O2 safety monitoring, PureAire recently explored the need for an O2 monitor where carbon dioxide is used. There are four key cryogenic gases; nitrogen, helium, argon, and carbon dioxide (CO2), which can create an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) covering cryogenic gases cite that a cryogenic leak can create an unsafe environment by lowering the breathable oxygen levels. If an oxygen monitor is required for N2, He, and argon, then why not for CO2? Carbon dioxide is a cryogen that is often overlooked because it’s considered a harmless gas that provides the fizz in soda. The reality is that during a leak, it rapidly depletes the oxygen in the room. “In June 2011, a McDonald's restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, was evacuated because of a leaking CO2 cylinder in the basement. A pregnant employee reportedly collapsed while exiting the basement and two firefighters were injured during the incident”1. This is only one of many similar incidents of asphyxiation due to a CO2 release where people felt symptoms from lack of oxygen before the toxic effects occurred. With the current use of larger 100 + gallon liquid CO2 tanks, any leak can cause severe asphyxiation hazards. Although a CO2 monitor is recommended, we believe that an oxygen deficiency monitor should also be employed because the asphyxiation risk is due to the depletion of breathable oxygen. PureAire believes that an O2 deficiency sensor should be used where carbon dioxide is stored because, “asphyxiation is likely to occur before the effects of carbon dioxide overexposure.”2 As a result, PureAire is introducing a new Dual gas monitor for detecting Oxygen and Carbon dioxide. The unit’s digital display shows O2 in percent and CO2 in ppm. It has dedicated individual visual alarms and relays for each gas, a built-in audible horn, and gas selected analog 4-20mA output. It’s designed for early warning when either gas exceeds their safety limits. It can also be used to control carbon dioxide dispensing systems used in grow rooms by shutting off the flow of CO2 when levels get too high. The risks associated with carbon dioxide are; “It’s a colorless, odorless non-flammable gas with a vapor density 1.5 times that of room air. It is non-toxic, but by displacing oxygen in confined spaces, the gas can cause asphyxiation”3. Recently, new fire department laws are being discussed to provide proper safety regulations in environments where carbon dioxide is stored and used in establishments dispensing beverages and in indoor grow rooms. The Denver fire department recognized that carbon dioxide causes asphyxiation and is considering the use of an O2 monitor as well as in grow rooms where low concentrations of carbon dioxide are present. Additionally, with the increasing sales of kraft beers that require nitrogen dispensing, a CO2 monitor can never be used for protection because it will not detect oxygen deficiency in the event of a leak. PureAire’s new dual gas monitor can provide early warning alarms for a leak of CO2 and N2. Al Carrino, president of PureAire wanted to add one more line of defense for safety by detecting oxygen deficiency while also monitoring for CO2. With our new dual monitor we feel that we can now cover all the risks when using cryogenic gases. For more information please visit PureAire Monitoring Systems web sites; pureairemonitoring.com or monitoroxygen.com or call to speak with a representative at 888-788-8050. 1 March 2013. Fire Engineering. Carbon Dioxide: A Hidden Danger for Firefighters. Retrieved April 8, 2013, from http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2013/03/carbon-dioxide--a-hidden-danger-for-firefighters.html 2 BOC Gases, Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS: G-8 Revised: 6/7/96 3. July 2007. Praxair Material Safety Data Sheet. Retrieved March 2, 2013, from http://www.praxair.com/praxair.nsf/AllContent/D3CBF4EF4186073485256A860080D221/$File/p4574j.pdf

PureAire Oxygen (O2) Monitor Used in MRI Rooms Around The World

In the early 1980’s, there were 12 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines in use. Today, there are approximately 25,000 around the globe. One item in common is their use of Helium. Liquid Helium is most often associated with party balloons and funny voices, but 20% of the world supply of this super-cooled gas is used in MRI equipment. Liquid helium is extremely cold (-450° F), which is necessary to cool the magnets and get optimum performance from the $3M piece of equipment. One problem with using the gas is that it displaces oxygen, and without oxygen, people and animals suffocate. Look no further than the relatively recent death of a young party-goer who inhaled the gas to make her voice squeaky. Her oxygen levels dropped to a deadly rate. Helium is a nontoxic, odorless, colorless, nonflammable gas stored in cylinders at high pressure. It can cause rapid suffocation when concentrations are sufficient to reduce oxygen levels below 19.5%. It is lighter than air and may collect in high points or along ceilings. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) may be required by rescue workers.1 If a helium leak occurred in a MRI room, asphyxiation can occur, creating a dangerous environment for both facility workers and patients. For that reason, Oxygen Deficiency monitors are recommended in MRI facilities. PureAire Monitoring Systems Oxygen Monitors are becoming the newest safety product amongst MRI users, thanks to its 10 + year sensor. Unlike its competitors, PureAire’s sensors do not require maintenance or replacement parts and are not impacted by environmental drift. This means no false alarms or failures due to depleted sensors. Further, the “set it and forget it” nature of the solution translates to the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. The PureAire Oxygen Monitor has been used around the world for the last 14 years. The high reliability, low cost and PureAire’s commitment to customer satisfaction make it a customer favorite. “Thanks again for your support. The oxygen monitors are in their respective locations and are functioning as designed. Nice unit! Everyone thinks they are a great product. The software menu is easy to use and could not be easier to operate.” - Dominion Nuclear “The O2 monitors are working well and doing a great job! Alarm relays are configured with the exhaust fan and is triggered a couple of times a day if we have cryogenic bottles in the area. Excellent product, repeatable, and reliable as advertised.” - Gulfstream Aerospace For more information, please visit our web site at: www.PureAireMonitoring.com, or www.MonitorOxygen.com. If you have any questions, we’d love to speak with you. Call us at: 1-888-788-8050 About PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc. PureAire is the industry leader in gas monitoring solutions enabling organizations to ensure safe work environments, minimize compliance risk, and reduce associated costs. Over 1,000 organizations across the globe use PureAire gas monitoring solutions. Beginning in 1996, PureAire’s growth has been a result of an unbeatable combination of innovation and experience in solving safety and environmental needs for customers, as well as a total commitment to supporting the customer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1) Air Products. (1997). MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET. http://avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/helium.pdf

Hypoxico Selects PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitors…Again

Lake Zurich, IL and New York, NY, October 1, 2012 - Hypoxico (www.hypoxico.com), the world leader in altitude simulation, has once again selected PureAire Monitoring Systems’ (www.pureairemonitoring.com) Oxygen Deficiency Monitor to meet its customer’s needs for safety and accuracy. Since 2006 PureAire Monitoring Systems O2 Monitors have been used in Hypoxic High Altitude Training rooms. The use of high altitude training rooms continues to rise among athletes looking for a more effective workout. The philosophy behind this trend is to lower the breathable oxygen to emulate training at higher altitudes, making for a more strenuous workout. Some clients reported to use these altitude training systems include Prince Harry, Lance Armstrong, David Beckham, Cleveland Indians, Bear Grylls, and Michael Phelps. The training system may include high altitude “sleeping tents”. Many other athletes and organizations use altitude training as part of their exercise routine. PureAire’s Oxygen Deficiency monitor uses a zirconium oxide sensor. The end result is a monitor that does not require maintenance or calibration and is not subject to environmental “drift”. For these reasons, PureAire has been specified as the best fit for Hypoxico’s altitude solutions. The sensor life expectancy is 10+ years. In addition, the sensors provide complete linearity across the full scale of 0-25% giving an almost analyzer quality for the athletes. Gary Kotliar, President, Hypoxico, Inc. - “Prior to selecting PureAire, we were plagued with monitors that required regular calibration, replacement, and repair. We evaluated multiple solutions and chose PureAire as the only monitor that met our customer’s requirements for a no maintenance solution that delivered quality, accuracy, and low cost. PureAire’s commitment to customer service is icing on the cake.” Al Carrino, President, PureAire Monitoring Systems - “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Hypoxico. As the leader in altitude simulation, it is important they continue to deliver value to their customers in the form of an industry leading solution that includes a high quality monitoring system that is easy to own and offers the lowest total cost of ownership. We are excited to be part of this growing market.” About Hypoxico, Inc. Hypoxico is the leading provider of high altitude training solutions to both individuals and organizations around the globe. Hypoxico offers the highest quality products geared toward the three most effective methods of altitude training, • "Live High, Train Low" • Altitude Workouts • Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) The proven benefit of altitude training includes maximized speed and endurance, elevated strength and power, and enhanced energy levels and overall wellness. For more information, visit www.hypoxico.com About PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc. PureAire is the industry leader in gas monitoring solutions enabling organizations to ensure safe work environments, minimize compliance risk, and reduce associated costs. Over 1,000 organizations across the globe use PureAire gas monitoring solutions. Beginning in 1996, PureAire’s growth has been a result of an unbeatable combination of innovation and experience in solving safety and environmental needs for customers, as well as a total commitment to supporting the customer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.pureairemonitoring.com.