A Breath of Fresh Air for China's Pandas

Chinese panda breeding program deploys indoor air filtration

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Jul 01, 2014, 10:17 ET

GOLDACH, Switzerland, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas has installed advanced IQAir HealthPro air filtration systems in its panda nurseries to protect the health and development of newborn panda babies. The installation of the air purifiers came just in time for the baby-panda birthing season which runs from June through September.

There are currently fewer than 2,000 giant pandas in existence worldwide. Their natural habitat is the mountains in China's Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

An IQAir HealthPro Plus advanced air filtration system (at left in photo, with red Swiss Cross label on system) helping to protect the health and development of newborn pandas. (PRNewsFoto/IQAir North America)

Pandas are especially susceptible to environmental challenges because of their low reproductive rates and the fact that bamboo is their sole source of nourishment. Air pollution expands the many challenges to successfully breed pandas.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas recently received a visit from U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. Building on its very successful preservation efforts in recent years, the Research Base now hopes to gradually increase the panda population at its facility in an effort to ensure the survival of the familiar and loved giant panda species. The breeding population at the Chengdu facility is currently 128 pandas.

Air filtration systems for the panda nurseries were donated by air purification specialist IQAir to help control airborne pollutants. The IQAir systems are also effective in controlling viruses and bacteria from the air that newborn pandas breathe in the nurseries.

The project marks IQAir's continued commitment to help make the benefits of clean air available to new and challenging applications. IQAir HealthPro air cleaners were used by the Los Angeles Zoo to improve and protect the health of Borneo orangutan "Minyak", and helped support breeding efforts of this endangered species.

"Pandas are loved all over the world," said Frank Hammes, president of The IQAir Group. "We are very honored to be able to make a contribution to this national and worldwide treasure. The giant panda is one of the world's rarest animals, and the birth of each panda is a precious miracle."

About The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding:
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was founded in 1987 to promote breeding and research for the endangered giant panda species on behalf of the Chengdu Zoo. The Base's geographic location and excellent technological and professional resources allow it to carry out ex-situ (off-site) conservation efforts and to improve the artificial reproduction procedures to increase the giant panda population.

About IQAir:
The IQAir Group, headquartered in Switzerland, is the leader in indoor air cleaning technology with more than 50 years of experience. IQAir develops, manufactures and installs innovative indoor air quality solutions for a wide range of applications, including homes, offices, schools, hospitals and other critical environments in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Media Contacts:

IQAir AG - Europe, Middle East Africa and Asia:
Saskia Riedel; Director Global Corporate Communications
Cell: +41 788912168
Tel.: +41 (0)71 / 844 7007
[email protected]

IQAir North America, Inc.:
Joe Rookard; Communications Specialist
Cell: 562-204-9379
Tel.: 562 903-7600 x1115
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140630/123371

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130604/LA25231LOGO-b

SOURCE IQAir North America