SECAUCUS, N.J. - Panasonic has announced the formation of the Panasonic Home and Environment Company, a newly independent group that focuses on "green technology" dedicated to helping improve the energy efficiency of homes and the health of homeowners in the United States. With the company's formation, Panasonic is also launching its Whisper series of ventilation fans and its flagship WhisperGreen fans that address the problem of "sick homes" and the need for whole-house ventilation.

According to Panasonic, airtight green buildings bring many benefits and also unintended consequences. Energy efficient, airtight homes lock in the bad air as well as the good. Synthetic building materials used in green building can release harmful chemicals into the air. Dust and mold and fumes from common household items like air fresheners and scented candles add to the problem. As homes have been built increasingly airtight during the past 15 years, indoor air quality has suffered. And this problem is not just relegated to new homes.

The remodeling industry is also creating airtight building environments in older homes with new windows, caulking, insulation techniques, and house wrap materials. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies show that levels of air pollution inside the home are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Panasonic said its Whisper fans are designed to be a simple and affordable solution for ensuring whole-house ventilation and are designed to run continuously and quietly.

To educate homeowners on indoor air quality issues as well as whole-house ventilation, Panasonic is launching a new Website: www.panasonic.com/ventfans.

"Panasonic Home and Environment Company is focused on improving people's lives through the use of sound environmental practices and preservation of the natural environment, as well as spearheading a revolution in healthy whole-house ventilation," said Dan Hogan, president, Panasonic Home and Environment Company. "We hope to raise awareness about the health benefits of whole-house ventilation and the performance benefits of the WhisperGreen. This new line is leading the way not only in creating healthy homes, it is also leading the way for a new range of Panasonic household products."

Publication date: 10/16/2006