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In early America, people fought infectious diseases by circulating air in their homes and staying away from “bad air.” Bad air was foul-smelling and consisted of rotting trash, human waste and any other decaying organic matter. The idea that all disease originated from bad air was known as the miasma theory. 

Today, the misama theory has been refuted, and we understand that many diseases are caused by contagious bacteria and viruses that are transmitted through the air, contaminated surfaces and water. Installing air purifiers with HEPA filters, washing hands with soap, sneezing into a tissue or elbow and regularly cleaning surfaces all help reduce the risk of contracting an infectious disease. 

In the future, air purifiers might not just filter out fine particles and microorganisms, but actually create car-grade gasoline! By combining air, water and renewable electricity, a company called Aircela designed a machine that filters carbon dioxide from the air and turns it into fossil-free, carbon-neutral gasoline.

Relevant Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) include: BIO.4, ES.6 and ES.11. Health SOLs: K.1.g, 2.1.d, 2.2.d, 3.1.f, 4.1.f