Do air purifiers really do anything? It's a question many people ask, and the answer is yes. Air purifiers can be effective at reducing particles in the air, and depending on the type of filter used, they can capture many allergens and other unwanted substances. HEPA filters are the most researched and can filter extremely small particles. Air purifiers are designed to remove contaminants from the air, including allergens, dust, spores, pollen and more.
Some purifiers also capture or reduce bacteria, viruses, and odors. If you answered yes to these points, an air purifier is a good option. Ionization air purification technology produces negative ions that charge particles in the air and bind to dust and allergens. When choosing an air purifier, check the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR), which describes how well the machine reduces tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. If the unit can successfully filter tobacco smoke, dust and pollen particles at a certain rate, the manufacturer will (normally) send the purifier for verification by AHAM. Numerous air purifiers with a washable pre-filter and a HEPA filter are an excellent solution for removing particles such as dust, pollen and pet dander.
Some versions are made with filters to trap particles as the air passes through them, while others can neutralize other particles in the air without filtering them first. A study found that portable HEPA-filtered air purifiers were effective in reducing secondhand smoke exposure among non-smokers. Unfortunately, air purifiers “won't work for people with dust mite allergies, since dust mites are particles too large to stay in the air” according to Dr. You may have air quality issues at home or you may be looking for an air purifier to help you with some health problems, such as asthma or allergies. Air purifiers with combined HEPA and carbon filters are one of the most popular air purification solutions available on the market right now. Another simple method to improve the air quality in your home? Keep the exhaust fan turned on in the kitchen or bathroom. Photocatalytic oxidation is another type of air purification technique that plays a role in reducing toxins in the air.
Another study among smoking households with nonsmoking pregnant people found that, while the hepa air purifier reduced particles in the air, it did not reduce nicotine in the air. If eliminating unpleasant odors is your primary concern for the air, make sure an air purifier uses enough carbon. Theoretically, HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of dust, bacteria, mold, pollen and other particles from the air, although in reality their effectiveness will depend on factors such as the age of the filter. Most UV-C air purifiers on the market today combine ultraviolet light sterilization technology with an air filter system such as HEPA.
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