Attorney general sends cease and desist letter to church that hosted Trump for COVID-19 claims
Arizona Republic
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Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich sent a cease and desist letter to Glendale-based Clean Air EXP and Dream City Church for their claims suggesting an air purification system neutralizes COVID-19.
The Attorney General's Office alleges that Clean Air EXP continues to advertise that its air filtration products neutralize 99.9% of viruses that are "COVID-19 surrogates," according to a Friday morning press release.
Previous representations on the company's website suggested that its filtration systems would "neutralize 99.9% of 'coronavirus,' when in fact this was based on testing of coronavirus 229E, a virus which causes the common cold," the press release said.
The attorney general wrote that the statements imply the company's products can prevent COVID-19 transmission and infection, but that the office is "aware of no scientific research or public health authority certifying any kind of air treatment product as a means of preventing COVID-19 infections."
“Businesses cannot mislead consumers with their advertising, especially when it comes to health issues as serious as COVID-19,” Brnovich wrote. “We will not tolerate companies or individuals attempting to deceive or exploit the public during this public health crisis.”
A similar warning was sent to Dream City Church regarding the "public representations" it made about the air filtration system it had purchased from Clean Air EXP, particularly the claim that the system "kills 99% of COVID within 10 minutes."
The church also claimed "when you come into (the church's) auditorium, 99% of COVID is gone" and that "...when you come down here, you'll be safe and protected."
The claims were made in the days leading up to a rally at the church by President Donald Trump, which was attended largely by people not wearing masks despite city and county requirements to do so.
The press release said the church was placed "on notice" that misrepresentations and false promises related to the safety of its facilities may violate the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.
In a written statement sent Friday afternoon to The Arizona Republic, Clean Air EXP said it was "committed to developing and providing advanced air and surface purification systems for homes and businesses."
"No air purification system, including ours, can universally prevent coronavirus (including COVID-19) infections," the statement read.
It went on to say that the company updated its website on June 23 to "further emphasize the coronavirus surrogates" used in its testing and made its lab reports available.
"We encourage following hygiene guidelines in the manner ordered or suggested by government authorities," the company said.
Dream City Church did not immediately return The Republic's request for comment.
Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8529. Follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank
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