EcoQuest International, the Greeneville-based manufacturer and marketer, this week announced it has formed a partnership with the American Lung Association.

At its national convention last week in Kansas City, which was attended by 2,500 distributors, EcoQuest launched "Gemini."

The company said Gemini is the first indoor-purification product to combine its trademarked, NASA-inspired ActivePure technology with a passive HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.

EcoQuest said in a press release, "So impressed was the American Lung Association, they have purchased a supply of the new Gemini purifiers from EcoQuest, and have requested that EcoQuest be a presenting sponsor at this year's ALA Healthy Air Walk in California.

"Healthy Air Walks are planned in communities across that state to raise funds for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease.

"Healthy air is a key issue in California, where they breathe some of the most polluted air in the nation. For people who already have trouble breathing, like those with lung diseases such as asthma or COPD, healthy air is even more critical."

EcoQuest President Mike Letts said, "We are excited to partner with the American Lung Association on this important cause."

Mike Jackson, EcoQuest's CEO and principal owner, added, "Our new Gemini uses multiple ozone-free strategies to make the air and surfaces healthier for families in California and around the globe."

"Working with the American Lung Association to raise awareness about the problem of poor air quality just makes sense. We appreciate the opportunity to get the word out on this fantastic, educational event."

According to Letts, the Gemini's HEPA+ filter, in combination with EcoQuest's ActivePure technology, makes this purification system unique.

"The Gemini uses active technology like an ozone-free ActivePure ultra-violet/photo oxidation system and pulse ionization, along with a passive HEPA carbon filtration system," said Letts.

A company press relesse said, "These technologies combined allow the system to cover 300 square feet for pollen and particulate reduction, and up to 1,500 square feet for ActivePure's germ-reducing effects on surfaces."

Letts added, "While the HEPA filter effectively removes dust and pollen from the air that passes through, the ActivePure moves out into the environment to reduce smoke and odors, and kill germs and mold on surfaces."

The Gemini, as well as many other EcoQuest products, is a certified space technology -- recognized by the NASA-affiliated Space Foundation for the technology's foundation in NASA research and development.

"The Gemini adds another product to our lineup of systems designed to improve indoor environments," Jackson said.

"We're glad we can partner with the American Lung Association to raise awareness about the crisis of poor air quality, and also offer help through our field of independent dealers who are sharing the Gemini with the world."

EcoQuest International employs more than 450 people at its headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Mt. Pleasant Industrial Park.

The company has tens of thousands of independent distributors throughout the United States and many other countries.