Step 3. Filtrate
Filtering residual contaminants in the air with a high
efficiency indoor air purifier is the third step in improving the indoor air quality in your home and workplace.
This step helps to remove pollutants that come in from outside, such as
vehicle exhaust, wood smoke, industrial by-products, pollens—as well
as dealing with residual indoor pollutants emitted from everyday household
and personal products, building and renovation materials, and home furnishings.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate all indoor air pollutants (Step 1).
Even ventilation using natural or mechanical air exchange (Step 2) brings in new pollutants
and does not completely exhaust chemicals which are heavier than air. True medical-grade HEPA
filtration and lots of granular activated carbon in a high efficiency air purifier are needed
to remove many of the airborne chemicals,
particles and
'hybrids' you breathe in every day.
Not All Air Purifiers Are Created Equal
A good indoor air purifier is highly effective in trapping
a broad range of pollutants from pollen to perfume and mold to bacteria.
However, not all air purifiers are created equal. The market
is flooded with different brands, types and models of air
purifiers with widely varying technologies, features and
price points. There are some that look cute, are lightweight,
inexpensive and easy to maintain … and they do not clean the air!
Of all the home air purifiers on the market today, the safest and most effective air purifiers
use true, medical-grade HEPA
filtration for particles (pollen, pet dander, fine dust) and deep bed,
activated carbon
filtration for odors, gases and chemicals. HEPA and carbon together are necessary for
'hybrid' pollutants comprised of both particles and chemicals such as combustion
by-products (smoke, vehicle exhaust, gas appliances), biological contaminants
(dust mites, mold, bacteria) and aerosols.
The most important criteria for an air purifier are:
- Safe technology—combined true medical-grade HEPA and activated granular carbon filtration air purifiers
are safer and more effective in removing a broader range
of pollutants than electrostatic, ionic or ozone air cleaners
- Capacity to efficiently collect the relevant type
and strength of pollutants—true medical-grade
HEPA and deep bed activated granular carbon are best used
together for removing particles and airborne chemicals
- Good air flow rate—a minimum of 2 to 5
air exchanges should take place every hour in a room that
is being cleaned
- Inert construction materials—steel housing
with powder coated, baked on enamel paint will not off-gas like plastic
- Acceptable sound level – no more than 75
decibels on a high setting
Choosing an Air Purifier that's Best for You
It is important to evaluate your personal environment. What are the predominant
indoor air pollutants you are dealing with? Is your home new or older? Have you
recently renovated? Are you particularly sensitive to specific chemicals? Do you
find you get a headache after being around perfume or other scented products?
Our Air Purifiers Shopping Guide will help you to know
which one is best for you.
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