Air Purifiers – What’s All the Fuss?

An air cleaner is something most people need and do not even know it. People are unaware that indoor air is six times more polluted than outdoor air. Asthmatics, people with allergies, children, adolescents and elderly are most affected by poor indoor air quality.

Purifiers remove most of the particles in the air that cause many health problems. To understand why you need an air purifier, it is necessary to be aware of what is in the air you breathe. There are several reasons air purifiers are beneficial in the house.

Most people buy air purifiers because they want a germ-free environment at home. An air purifier can clean the air of microbes, including bacteria, viruses and mold spores. Allergens are another reason you need an air purifier. People with allergies or asthma in particular want a dust free, pollen and dander-free environment at home.

Children are extremely sensitive to air pollution because children are exposed to hazardous airborne compounds from early childhood. They can cause serious illnesses such as asthma, various allergies, respiratory irritation and even lung cancer in the end.

Pets can even benefit from an air purifier. Pets also have allergies in addition to skin problems that can be aggravated by contaminants in the air.

An air purifier cleans the air of odors. The purifier leaves the air free of gas and chemical vapors. Domestic odors generally include cigarette smoke, odors from cooking, litter boxes, body sprays, nail care products, and chemical cleaners.

Closing all the windows and doors will not help to keep indoor air clean and fresh. Contaminants from outside are brought into the home by heating and cooling systems. With the high degree of insulation and "tightness" in today's homes, these pollutants are trapped inside. These toxins accumulate in the indoor environment, putting you and your family in danger. The only way to remove these contaminants is to buy a home air purifier.

Many trials were conducted to find out the effectiveness of air cleaners. Experiments have shown that the use of air purifiers definitely reduces certain health effects. These include minor effects, such as eye and lung irritation. In addition, air cleaning units reduce the risk of some serious diseases such as cancer and decreased lung function.

Even though you can’t remove all particles in the air, you can and should remember that an air cleaner can make your life at least a little better, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Choosing the Right One

Air Purifiers come in many different sizes and models. You should investigate the effectiveness of specific models. There are various factors that should be considered before a decision is made on choosing an air purifier. When considering purchasing an air purifier, consider:

* The amount of space that you need it for and get the right size.

* The cost of replacement filters if necessary.

* Consumer Reports on the effectiveness of different brands and models

* Your overall budget - buy the best you can afford.

* The home’s level of pollutants - homes of smokers are worse than non-smokers.

Most health organizations recommend people use air purification systems to improve indoor air quality. Preventing serious health problems from occurring may actually save you time and money by avoiding trips to the doctor.

Finally, it is your decision to use an air purifier. But anyone who wants to breathe clean, fresh air that is free of pollutants and allergens should buy an air purifier for the home.