Air Purifiers

What are air purifiers?

Air purifiers are devices used to clean indoor environment. They are supposed to remove unwanted contaminants like allergens (allergic substances) and second hand smoke. 

Types of allergens:

Air purifiers remove allergens like pet dander, house dust, mold spores and pollen.

Allergic reactions: The allergens in the indoor atmosphere cause reactions like sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and runny nose, itching in the eyes and skin. They can be a nuisance and using an air purifier decreases the need for sick leaves and antihistamine treatment.

How are air purifiers used?

Air purifiers are large appliances that can be installed at home. They come in different types that vary in energy consumption, noise level and the need for new parts. They should be installed in such orientations that allow then to control the ventilation of the house.

How do air purifiers work?

Many air purifiers utilize a combination of techniques to remove contaminants from the air, such as:

1. Mechanical filters: Like those made of paper, the air is forced through them and particles are removed.
   
2. Chemical adsorbents: Highly reactive chemical substances that attach any fumes or particles in the air.
   
3. Ionizers: Electrically charge the filtered air causing any material in the air to get separated.
   
4. U.V.
   treatment: Many air purifiers expose the air to ultraviolet radiation which neutralizes many harmful materials, especially biological contaminants.

What are the benefits of air purifiers?

1. Filtering allergens decreases the frequency of allergic attacks and decreases the need for treatment in allergy sufferers and asthmatic patients.
   
2. Removal of cigarette smoke decreases the dangers of second-hand smoking.
   
3. Neutralization of pathogens minimizes infections.

Precautions for using air purifiers: 

Some air purifiers produce excessive amounts of poisonous chemicals, like Ozone and Nitrous oxides, the manufacturer specifications should always be checked for such hazards.