Air purifiers are an important element in improving
indoor air quality, along with source control and ventilation.
What is an Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a machine that is used to remove pollutants
from the air. They come in many sizes and shapes, using different technologies for hundreds
of different applications.
Why Do We Need Air Purifiers?
For the same reason we wouldn't drink a glass of water filled with dust mites, pet
dander, and chemicals from cleaners, hair spray, toner ink,
plastics and flame retardants.
Since the lung 'drinks' in air, it is the most common site of injury by airborne pollutants. However, the overall
health effects are broad, from short term minor irritations to neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
Studies have shown that the concentration of indoor air pollutants
is often at least 2 to 5 times higher than outside, and that people in industrialized
nations spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors.
The highest concern
about the health effects of indoor air pollution is in situations involving prolonged, continuing exposure to indoor pollutants—that
is, in the home, school, and workplace! The most vulnerable are young children, the elderly, individuals with allergies, asthma, MCS and other chronic health challenges.
A major contributing factor is that modern
construction techniques have created houses and other buildings
that are virtually airtight. Better sealed homes and offices reduce our heating and air conditioning bills, but they also
trap pollutants indoors! Another very important reason indoor air quality
is such a big concern is that many common, everyday products
release dangerous chemicals into our homes and workplaces. Recent scientific research has shown the
dangers of these chemicals. Now the major modern concern is how to reduce them.
Healthy people who want to protect their health.
And 'the canary community'—those of us who are most vulnerable to indoor air pollution—the very young, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health challenges such as allergies, asthma,
MCS, a lowered immune system, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Do Air Purifiers Really 'Work'?
Yes. The best ones really 'work'. Especially when they are used not
as a total solution, but as an important element in an overall 3-Step Clean Air Plan.
However, not all air purifiers are created equal! There
are some that look cute, are lightweight, inexpensive and
easy to maintain … and they do not clean the air!
The best indoor air purifiers safely and efficiently reduce irritating particles
and harmful odors, gases and chemicals from indoor air.
When used according to their design and purpose, they can
be quite effective.
Of all the home air purifiers on the market today, the safest and
most effective use medical-grade HEPA filtration to remove
particles including dust, pollens,
mold spores, bacteria and viruses; and deep bed, activated
granular carbon filtration to remove odors, gases and chemicals.
These high efficiency indoor air purifiers will trap a
broad range of indoor air pollutants—'from pollen to perfume'.
Please note:
Despite creative marketing to the contrary,
'Air fresheners' do NOT equal fresh air!
They are toxic masking agents, and not air cleaners!
Can you tell we are passionate about this?!
Please know that any chemicals added into the air to give a 'pleasant fragrance'
are potentially damaging to your lungs and general health.
Types of Airborne Pollutants
Indoor air pollutants
are generally broken down into two broad categories: chemicals (including odors and gases)
and airborne particles.
Some pollutants can fit into both categories. We call these 'hybrids'. Aerosols, biological contaminants
and combustion by-products involve both particle and chemical pollution. For example, mold
spores are particles and are best trapped by a true, medical-grade HEPA filter. The chemicals produced by the spores
are called mycotoxins; these are best filtered by activated granular
carbon. UV light is sometimes used to break down the DNA
of microbes (such as bacteria, viruses and mold) so they cannot replicate.
Air purifiers can generally be divided into two types:
mechanical and electronic. We have further
divided these types to give you an overview of six different
technologies for home air purification systems in the market
today, including a discussion of the safety and effectiveness
of each.
The best air purifier has five important factors working together:
- Safe technology
- Capacity to efficiently collect the relevant type and strength of pollutants
- Good air flow rate
- Inert construction materials
- Acceptable sound level
After you are certain the above criteria are met, consider the following:
- Cost—initial or capital cost, operating costs including
filter replacement, electrical consumption
- Installation requirements
- Ease of use
- Ease and frequency of maintenance
- Appearance
This includes following the manufacturer's directions carefully, positioning them appropriately,
using the correct fan setting, and keeping them well maintained.
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