Home air purifying devices are becoming more and more common, mostly due to concerns over worsening air quality. While many advertisements claim that air purifiers can help cleanse and sanitize indoor air, how reliable are they in reality? Read this article to find out.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers work by sanitizing the air that’s circulating indoors. This air may have pollutants, toxins, and allergens, which the air purifier traps or neutralizes. Certain air-purifying devices are designed with filters that can trap particles in the air, while others may neutralize the particles without filtering them first.
Are Air Purifiers Effective?
Yes, air purifiers are effective. However, they are unlikely to neutralize or remove all aggravating pollutants in the air. This is because many pollutants can remain on soft surfaces, like bedding, furniture, and carpeting, as well as on hard surfaces, like the walls.
An air purifier can help get rid of the following types of particles.
- Allergens: Allergens are those substances that cause a negative immune response in the form of asthma or allergies. Most people are sensitive to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet danger. An air purifier that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is helpful for trapping allergens.
- Mold: Like allergens, mold particles can become dangerous for people who suffer from respiratory conditions. Air purifiers can work to some degree to get rid of mold particles in the air. However, an air filter will do a better job. A dehumidifier can also provide some relief to those who are sensitive to mold.
- Smoke: Air purifiers that are equipped with filters can also remove smoke from the air, including tobacco smoke and smoke from wildfires. That said, air purifiers cannot get rid of the odor of smoke entirely, and it’s also possible for smoke stains to remain on ceilings and the walls despite their use.
- Indoor toxins: In addition to mold, smoke, and allergens, indoor air can also contain toxins from personal care products, cleaning solutions, etc. When these particles are inhaled, they harm the body. Air purifiers, fortunately, can help get rid of indoor toxins to some extent.
