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Best Air Purifiers to Combat Allergies and Asthma

5 Air Purifiers to Keep Allergy and Asthma at Bay

Life is hard when you have allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other respiratory health conditions. You feel restricted because you cannot enjoy the outdoors as much as you want. Even if you stay inside the house, indoor pollution can still trigger them and make you suffer for hours or more. This is because the level of pollution inside the building is 3-100 times higher than the outside.

Although your doctor’s prescriptions can help relieve allergy and asthma attacks, it’s always better to do all preventive measures to manage these conditions well. One effective way to keep them in control is to lessen, if not eliminate indoor air pollution by using an air purifier.

Air Purifier: Is It Effective?

When an air purifier manufacturer says: “Our product can eliminate 99% of airborne pollution”, should you believe it? Is it just a plain marketing hype, or there is a basis for that claim?

Firstly, the 99% effectivity rate may or may not be accurate. Remember that companies tested their products in a controlled environment. The setting there is not the same as the indoor spaces in your house. The pollution level is different from your home or in any other places. While it can trap 99% of airborne impurities during product testing, the result can differ when you use it.

Upon knowing this, your next question might be: is air purifier effective? 

The short answer is “yes.” If you’re new to air purifiers, you have to understand that these devices are more of electronic gadgets, and not medical apparatus. Hence, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and they occupy the same category as nutritional supplements. They can help make you live a healthier life but cannot treat any medical condition, including allergies and asthma.

The benefit of using an air purifier varies from one user to another. While most users experience positive results, some don’t feel any difference at all. However, this scenario does not mean that the device is not doing its job well.

In various studies, using an air purifier at home reduces the symptoms of the conditions above. It takes some time for you to see and feel the result. The manufacturers focus on what it does to the air, not the body. The device may be efficient in removing microscopic dust, pollen, mold spores, and other pollutants, but it doesn’t mean that it can make you feel better. Your body’s reaction to it depends on many factors that only your doctor has an explanation.

When you suffer from allergies or asthma, it’s always better to do everything connected to environmental allergy control. This includes closing windows and doors when the air quality outside is terrible, encasing your bedding, or using an air purifier to filter the air you breathe.

What to Look for In an Air Purifier?

Different air purifiers are designed to meet specific needs. Air purifiers intended for allergy relief typically use multiple filters (mostly HEPA filters) plus any one or two other methods mentioned in the next sections. On the other hand, brands intended to lessen asthma attacks’ triggers commonly have HEPA filters to remove allergen particles, plus odor and VOC removal technology.

The size of your house or the room where you will use the device directly impacts its performance. As a general rule, use an excellent purifier for a big space. Read the product description and the manual to determine what type of air purifier you need.

Also, consider the air purifier’s change per hour (ACH) rate. This standard refers to the number of times a cleaner can filter the air inside the room. The recommended ACH for allergy and asthmas sufferers is at least four times per hour. With this rate, it gives filters the chance to clean the air and trap microscopic particles thoroughly.

Meanwhile, also consider the device’s Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This rating tells you how much pollution can make the machine clean within a specific area. For instance, a CADR of 600 cfm will clean a room of 600 sq ft quicker than an air purifier with a CADR of only 400 cfm. You can purchase high CADR air purifiers with thousands of positive reviews on various online and physical stores.

Examine the device for its features. An air purifier with Energy Star – rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is cost-effective and good for the environment. Do you need a machine that you can program using an app? If yes, you have to pick a brand with intelligent technology to connect the device to Wi-Fi. This way, you can command the cleaner to perform a task remotely. You can also set a schedule to enable it to turn on and off all by itself.

Other helpful features to watch out for include: air quality indicators, caster wheels, fan speed, and how often the filters need to be changed.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

An air purifier works using the principle: suck in dirty air, trap the dust through its filtration system, and push clean air back into the room. This process surmises that a good air purifier must have excellent suction and filtration power. 

The fan pulls in the air towards the device. The air then passes through several filtration stages. As the air moves through the filter, microscopic particles are captured, and the clean air is being pushed back into the room. The most common filtration systems are the following:

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

HEPA filters can remove as much as 99% of 0.3-micrometre pollutants. They are commonly used in many advanced air purifiers in the market today. This filtration system is proven effective at removing larger particles. HEPA filters must be properly arranged inside the device to ensure that the cleaner only releases clean air back into the room.

Aside from being effective, the HEPA filter does not produce ozone or other harmful byproducts. However, remember to replace the filter as per the product manual. This is to ensure that the filter is working efficiently in the course of operation.

Note: Look for a brand with a True HEPA filter, not “HEPA-like” or “HEPA type”. The last two types don’t work the same as the True HEPA, no matter what the salesmen tell you.

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8 Reasons Why You Need an Air Purifier

air purifierBecause of the rampage of COVID-19 these past years, more people have been very concerned about the indoor air they breathe.

Air pollution is a huge issue around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Because indoor air is not circulated as much as outdoor air, many airborne contaminants linger inside for a long time. WHO also estimates that air pollution leads to the death of 3 million people every year, many of which are dying from indoor air pollution.

Since we spend around 70% of our time indoors, exposing ourselves to polluted air can cause serious health concerns sooner or later. Because of this, it’s important to keep air pollutants at bay. Clean air technology like an air purifier can make indoor air quality better, lessening airborne diseases’ triggers.

Note: An air purifier is not a substitute for medical consolation. It doesn’t completely cure illnesses but only helps relieve some symptoms. The positive effect can vary from one person to another, depending on many factors. If you’re suffering from any respiratory conditions, please visit your doctor.

Here are some reasons why you need an air purifier for your home:

  1. Relief from Asthma and Respiratory Ailments

Various studies reveal that 1 in every 12 people has asthma. Pollutants can cause inflammation and swelling of your lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. When your lungs are inflamed, your airways get swollen, narrow, and can even collapse. People with asthma can use inhalers to help fight these symptoms and start feeling better.

Asthma is not just hereditary; it can also be because of air pollutants. If you have pets, you’ve probably noticed that they shed fur almost all year. Even though it’s normal for these animals to do this, it creates a lot of unwanted hair and dander that can spread throughout your home. This can make allergies flare up, irritate your throat, and trigger asthma. If you add other kinds of pollutants, the possibility of catching asthma will be so high.

HEPA filters used in many air purifiers eliminate more than 90% of these pollutants. They’re built with a large surface area material to remove smaller particles. Some air purifiers have removable pre-filters for catching bigger particles, allowing the HEPA filters to capture tiny elements. This leads to lowering the likelihood of asthma-related breathing issues.

  1. Allergy Relief

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans and place sixth as the leading source of chronic diseases. Dander, dirt, and pollens are major allergy triggers, particularly for those with seasonal allergies.

air purifier

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove fine particulate as small as 0.3 microns from the air. This includes the majority of the particles that trigger allergic responses. According to Yoshi Medical Journal research, using a HEPA air purifier for six weeks lowered the number of allergy sufferers. This translates to greater overall health and savings from buying medicines.

  1. Removes Hazardous Chemicals 

Shutting the doors and windows does not prevent contaminants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide from entering the houses. These gases are typically present in high-traffic locations and may find their way into your home.

According to the National Library of Medicine study, exposure to harmful chemicals increases the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Many common household cleansers include harmful compounds like ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates. Inhaling these substances in tiny amounts may be harmless, but repeated exposure can cause major health problems such as tumors, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological abnormalities.

Air purifiers with activated carbon as filters can remove these harmful chemicals, lowering the risk of various health issues.

  1. Eliminates Bad Odor

Some compounds degrade at room temperature and emit an odor. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are typically found in many household items. VOC odors can produce nausea, shortness of breath, and even impair cognitive function.

air purifierAn air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA is good at catching gases and reducing indoor pollution and bad smell.

If your friends are coming over, you might want to neutralize smoke or the odor from the grill and smoke. Air purifiers absorb bad smells, leaving your space fresh and clean. (more…)

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Air Purifiers

Would you go the extra mile to improve your indoor air quality by using air purifiers?

The Covid-19 pandemic brought constant attention to the air quality inside our homes. And why not? Indoor air is said to be five times worse than outside, which explains why we must take extra steps to safeguard our health. Even though we are collectively beginning to view the pandemic in the rearview mirror, the need to protect our families from possible sicknesses is never ending.

That said, air purifiers have been marketed as a potential savior from these invisible threats. They are believed to improve the air quality at your home, removing all contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, foul odors, dust, mites, and pet hair. 

But before anointing air purifiers as saviors, it’s important to know the answer to these questions: How do air purifiers work? Are they really effective, or are they just a product of overblown marketing hype?

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers often include a filter (could be more than one) as well as a fan that draws in and circulates air. This procedure cleans the air, which may contain pollutants and an army of potential pathogens and allergens. They are the antithesis of essential oil diffusers and humidifiers, which introduce particles into the air. It should not be confused with air filters since air filters do not sanitize the air as air purifiers do.

With the basic parts mentioned above, air purifiers follow a straightforward order: a.) a fan that sucks in air; b.) the filters capture and neutralize pollutants and particles as air passes over them, and c.) lastly, the clean air is recirculated into the living space. This process is repeated numerous times each hour, improving indoor air quality.

Although they are excellent at filtering out most harmful particles, some are likely to linger on soft and hard surfaces such as furniture or walls. The specific airborne particles removed from the air are determined by the type of air purifier and filter utilized. Some of the most common filter types used in air purifiers are:

  • HEPA filters
  • Ultraviolet light filters
  • Electrostatic filters
  • Washable filters
  • Chemical Filters

Almost all air purifiers utilize HEPA filters for one apparent reason– it works! The most significant advantage of HEPA filters is their ability to effectively purify the air. These filters’ design makes them suitable for absorbing large and small contaminants. HEPA filters do not cost much and are fairly maintenance-free.

If your family has allergen problems, you may also want to consider an air purifier with electrostatic filters. These filters generate static electricity, which serves as a magnet for dust and other air pollutants. The attraction is powerful enough to restrict these particles from dispersing around your home, making them one of the finest choices for individuals looking for an allergen-fighting filter.

More often than not, air purifiers combine at least two filters for better results. For instance, some models have a team of HEPA filters, PCO (photocatalytic oxidation), and activated charcoal to eliminate pollutants and odor effectively. These air purifiers may cost more, but it checks all the necessary boxes regarding air sanitation.

Are Air Purifiers Effective?

The short answer is yes, but it’s not a miracle worker. Not every circulating air in the room gets close enough to the purifier to be cleaned and sanitized. They may successfully filter out most harmful particles, but some are likely to linger on soft and hard surfaces such as furniture or walls. Once these particles already rest on the surfaces, there’s nothing that air purifiers can do about it.

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Coway Airmega 400 Air Purifier: Is It Worth Your Money?

Coway Airmega 400 - Large Room Air Purifier - CowaymegaCoway is dedicated to achieving a healthier indoor air quality for everyone. The company manufactures products that are well-designed, intelligent, and efficient filters at reasonable prices. Coway has a meticulous quality standard. It has a dedicated customer care staff to assist users who are having problems with the product or the order.

Coway’s air purifiers match your demands, whether you need one for asthma, sinusitis, smoking, or foul odor. The Airmega 400 patented the Coway Max2 filter, a modern filter technology composed of Activated Carbon and True HEPA filters. This architecture provides an excellent indoor air solution to help users inhale healthier, cleaner air.

Coway Airmega 400: Specifications

Coway is known for producing some of the best air purifiers, water purifiers, and bidet toilet seats on the market. Many of its products earned several awards for design, creativity, and innovation. Conway has received several honors, including the prestigious CES Innovation Award.

Coway Airmega 400 Specifications

Room Coverage 2 air changes/hr.*  1,560 sq ft (145 sq m)

4 air changes/hr.** 780 sq ft (72 sq m)
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) 328 (Smoke), 328 (Dust), 400 (Pollen)
Filter Type Washable Pre-Filter + Max2 Filter Set

Max2 Filter
Filter Life Expectancy One Year
Smart Mode Auto Mode: Yes

Eco Mode: Yes

Sleep Mode: Automatic
Fan Speed Sleep, Low, Medium, High
Mobile App No
Timer Airmega Product (1, 4, 8 hours)
Scheduler No
Noise Level 22~52 dB(A)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 14.8 x 22.8 x 14.8 in.
Product Weight 24.7 lbs
Power Consumption 66 W

Note:

The room coverage is the size of the room where the air purifier can make two air changes per hour. “One air change per hour” shows how often the device can clean a spot in one hour, assuming the ceiling is eight feet high.

* Coway Airmega can clean the area once every 30 minutes.

** Coway Airmega can sanitize the room once every 15 minutes.

The product has a 30-day Money-back Guarantee.

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Which Type of Air Purifier is Proven Safe and Ozone-Free?

When it comes to the safety of your family, be sure that your choice of air purifier is ozone-free.

If you’re on the lookout for air purifiers, that’s a good idea to add another security blanket to your family’s health. But unfortunately, some types of air purifiers are a part of the problem instead of becoming the solution. Why? Because they generate ozone, a gas that could potentially cause adverse health effects and compromise the body’s immune system.

That is why there is currently an emphasis on choosing ozone-free air purifiers. You and your family can rest easy knowing that the air purifier you’re using is supposed to help, not worsen the situation. This article compares the three most common types of air purifiers and examines which one is truly ozone-free.

Are Ionizers Ozone-Free?

Also called air ionizers or ionic air purifiers, ionizers work by electrically charging air molecules to remove contaminants in the air. The electrically charged ions attract and bind to the air impurities and get stuck into a collection plate in the ionizer. While it is excellent in removing air contaminants, it does not particularly do well against odors. Ionizers are essentially maintenance-free, although the collection plate must be cleaned from time to time.

So, about the million-dollar question, do ionizers produce ozone? Yes, they do. Some ionizer units come with ozone generators, and their effects can be devastating. Some standalone ionizers also produce ozone as a by-product of the molecular action it generates. However, in the latter’s case, the estimated ozone produced is at 50 parts per billion (PBB), generally regarded as safe. Anything in the 200 PBB range is potentially unsafe.

Are UV-C Air Purifiers Ozone-Free?

UV-C air purifiers use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation or ultraviolet light to kill microbes in the air. It works by inactivating viruses, germs, and bacteria in the air. The UV lamps sanitize the air as the air passes through the purifier.

That sounds completely safe, right? Wrong. While UV-C light exposure is not a danger in itself, it has the capability to break down the oxygen particles in the air. When broken-down oxygen atoms bind in the air, they become ozone. (Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.)

The disadvantages don’t stop there. While UV-C air purifiers kill bacteria, mold, and viruses in the air, it requires long exposure and intense ultraviolet light to do so. That’s not what you really want in an indoor, home setting.

Are HEPA Filters Ozone-Free?

Yes, air purifiers that use HEPA filters as their primary system to clean air are virtually ozone-free. These filters are designed to trap 99.97% of air particles and anything no smaller than 0.3 microns in diameter. This makes HEPA filters particularly helpful against allergens that can irritate your lungs.

A HEPA filter’s kryptonite does not remove odors or gaseous pollutants such as VOCs in the air. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a thousand times smaller than what HEPA filters can capture. That is why many air purifiers combine the HEPA filter with activated carbon filters to get rid of VOCs. They act as a very potent 1-2 punch — HEPA filters trap dust particles while activated carbon filters take care of gaseous pollutants. And yes, in case you’re asking, carbon filters are also completely ozone-free.
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Portable Air Purifiers – Buying Guide

Is a Portable Air Purifier a Must-Have?

Portable air purifiers are becoming a must-have household device in the last year and a half, owing to that from pandemics to disasters. Microscopic particles, volatile organic compounds, and vaporous substances are all emitted by houses and buildings.

Plastics, furniture, paint, and flooring all release toxic vapors indoors. Another reason why it’s a must-have is that there is evidence that high portable air filters can substantially purify and clean the air that’s affected by Covid-contaminated particles.

Since your house serves as a workspace, a playroom, a relaxation studio, a dine-in restaurant, a local bar, a sanctuary, and a cinematic theater, it’s extremely crucial to ascertain that the air you breathe is pristine for the majority of each day.

The air circulating indoors can be five times more contaminated than the air outside due to the insufficiency of circulation in a room area.

Many contaminants in the air, if left unaddressed, can cause detrimental health implications, ranging from aggravating allergy and asthma sufferers to causing pulmonary ailments. So, indeed, a portable air purifier is a must-have.

Things To Look For In An Portable Air Purifier Before Purchasing

Air Filter Types

Filters are used in diverse ways by distinct variants of portable air purifiers. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, for instance, eradicate particles such as dust and allergens from the air. Carbon-based filtration, on the other hand, neutralizes smells but isn’t as effective at eradicating particulates.

The Level of Noise

This factor is very critical. Adding a portable air purifier to your dormitory or workplace will fix some issues, but it must not cause another. Whether you work or relax, your portable air purifier must enhance the purity of your air without causing a disturbance or annoyance.

Size

There are numerous portable air purifiers that are small enough to fit on a tabletop or that could be taken conveniently to your workplace or dormitory. The best-quality portable air purifiers don’t take up much space and are light enough to be transported from place to place. When deciding which portable air purifier to purchase, be certain to examine how many square feet your possible air purifier can manage.

Maintenance

Nonetheless, buying an air purifier isn’t a one-and-done transaction; you’ll have to change the filter occasionally to keep it emitting pleasant air quality.

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)

This tends to be associated with the concept of size. When deciding whether or not an air purifier is ideal for you, the clean air delivery rate (CADR) is a crucial factor to consider. This not only influences how many contaminants the air purifier can eradicate but also how many square feet it can cover. Along with the HEPA filter, they can filter out dirt particulates and allergens as well as much finer particles like cigarette fumes.

Additionally, it is pivotal to take into account the size of your room. A large air purifier can suffice for a single massive room or a compact apartment, but a much bigger residence or one with numerous floors may necessitate the purchase of multiple portable air purifiers.

Best-Rated Portable Air Purifiers Obtainable in the Marketplace

Pure Enrichment PureZone Portable Air Purifier

The compactness of this portable air purifier allows you to effortlessly take it on the go or store it on a tiny or confined desk without taking up too much room. But don’t be fooled by its compact appearance; it isn’t short on performance. This purifier promises to eradicate up to 99.7% of impurities, such as allergens, dander, and unpleasant smells, using a two-stage air detoxification procedure.
Moreover, its noiselessness allows the device to clean the air without garnering distraction whether you’re using it on public transportation, during a studying activity, or simply choose to see rather than hear your air purifier. Every 6 months, the filter system must be renewed. Don’t fret as it is quite affordable.
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What You Need To Know About CADR Air Purifying Rating

Understanding The Importance Of CADR Rating In Air Purifiers

The demand for air purifiers has been steadily increasing, which is not surprising because of the pandemic. The device can clean indoor air with ease, providing the entire family with a layer of protection from the virus. It sanitizes the air of toxins, allergens, and pollutants such as tobacco smoke and dust. Hence, it is a necessary device in households with people suffering from respiratory conditions.

However, you have a wide variety of air purifiers to choose from, making it tricky to buy the right one. Likewise, there are important air purifier ratings you need to familiarize yourself with. One of these is the Clean Air Delivery Rate or CADR rating, which is what we will take a closer look at.

How Does The CADR Rating Work?

Simply put, the CADR air purifier rating, developed by AHAM, reflects the efficacy of an air purifier. It is a representation of the amount of clean air that comes out of an air purifier when it’s on the highest fan speed.

The certified rating aims to provide consumers an actual standard of evaluating the effectiveness of these devices at eliminating particles of various sizes. CADR rating utilizes cubic feet per minute or CFM in measuring the volume of air. It measures small, medium, and large-sized particles, which are given with separate scores:

  • Smoke (0.09 to 1 micron)
  • Dust (0.5 to 1 micron)
  • Pollen (5 to 11 micron)

Moreover, the rating scale of CADR is influenced by two factors:

  • Filter efficiency
  • Airflow through the unit’s filters

This makes the CADR rating one of the most vital metrics you have to look at when shopping around for an air purifier. That’s because it provides you an inside of the speed and how efficient a unit is.

How CADR Ratings Are Calculated

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or AHAM conducts CADR tests. Air purifier companies give their units freely to the association for testing. AHAM applies the same test across all devices, making the CADR ratings consistent. Likewise, it offers a good measure of efficiency for air purifiers.

An air purifier is installed in a 1,008 cubic feet room to calculate CADR. Then, it is left to operate for about 25 minutes. Afterward, the levels of the free particles are measured and compared against their pre-test levels. Doing so allows for an unbiased measure of calculating how well a unit eliminates these different sizes of particles.

CADR To Room Size: What Is The Best CADR Rating?

The best CADR air purifier rating should meet at least two-thirds of the area of your room where you plan to place your unit. To get the room size, AHAM suggests taking the CADR rating of the air purifier you’re eyeing and multiplying it by 1.55.

For instance, if your living room measures 10 x 15 feet, then it has a 150 square feet area. Thus, the good CADR rating for it would be at least 100. Keep in mind that this is based on a room with a ceiling height of 8 feet.

Now, if you want to know the appropriate CADR and room size, simply divide the square footage of your room by 1.55. For example, dividing a room measuring 250 square feet by 1.55 will give you 151. So for a room this size, you need an air purifier with a 160 CADR rating or higher.

Moreover, AHAM advises applying the smoke CADR score when calculating a room’s square footage. The reason being it’s the smallest particle size measured. Hence, it’s the most challenging to obtain a high rate.

Particle Size Explained

As stated above, CADR is composed of three scores. In most cases, what you’ll see is the average rating of these in an air purifier. Dust, pollen, and smoke are a representation of airborne particles of these sizes.

For example, pollen CADR indicates large airborne particles that can be elements such as dust mites, pet hair, dander, and large mold spores. On the other hand, dust CADR is dust and pet dander that is finer in size.

Smoke CADR includes only particulate matter and does not include odor removal. Nevertheless, since it’s a reflection of the smallest particle an air purifier can get rid of, it’s the best value to apply for the removal of air pollution and smoke. Moreover, the AHAM does not have an air quality test for odor or gas removal. That’s why you won’t see any results for VOCs and other gases.

Advantages Of CADR To Consumers

  • It enables you to compare air purifiers objectively before making a final decision.
  • The measurements CADR provides are precise in terms of how good a device is at filtering out different particle sizes then overall capacity and airflow rate.
  • It’s an easy way to determine how well a device performs in comparison to others.
  • It shows the performance of the purifier when it comes to eliminating various common contaminants.

Does Every Air Purifier In The Market Have CADR?

While there are plenty of air purifiers that have a CADR rating, the entire rating process of AHAM is purely voluntary. That’s why some units out there haven’t been tested or carry a rating. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily make these air purifiers sub-par. Still, evaluating them can be a little challenging.
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Things You Should Know About an Ionizer Air Purifier

Ionizer Air Purifier – How it Works

Same as the typical air purifiers, the main goal of an ionizer air purifier is to keep the indoor air hygienic and healthy by eliminating dust and allergens. But not like other air purifying cleaners, ionizer air cleaners do not usually rely on a HEPA filter to ameliorate the air quality. How do they operate though? Well, various ionizers work in distinctive ways.

Some ionizer air purifiers work by electrically-charging air molecules with a negative charge. How does it clean the air? By doing that, air pollutants like cigarette fumes, which normally possess a positive electrical charge, will be attracted to the negative electrical charge that the ionizer has created.

Moreover, some of the ionizer air purifiers energize the allergens floating in the air so they’ll get close to most surfaces and then they’ll be knocked out of the indoor air.

Some ionizers generate bipolar ionization, where they release random particles that could be negatively and positively charged. How does this procedure work? Well, in lieu of attracting other air pollutants, these released particles will magnet each other and will gather all the other particles until it becomes heavy. Once the particles form into one weighty particle, they’ll just instantly fall off the air.

This kind of air purifier is proven to be effective when it comes to getting rid of bad odors as they are normally caused by huge air particles. The drawback, on the other hand, is that ionizer air cleaners are not that productive in terms of trapping and diminishing ultra-tiny particles. That’s why ionizers aren’t that helpful for people with breathing problems, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Few Things you need to Remember before obtaining an Ionizer Air Purifier

  • The usual ionizer air purifiers can only protect a very limited area coverage. It’s not that efficient when it comes to enhancing the air quality of a large room.
  • Typical ionizer air purifiers are not that advantageous in terms of fighting viruses except if you’re going to obtain one that’s accoutred with a high-end HEPA filter and UV light. So if your main purpose of acquiring an air purifier is to fight viruses and airborne diseases, do not buy one that has no filter.
  • In several cases, ionizers can release amounts of ozone. It could be hazardous as the ozone itself is a harmful substance. It is formed whenever an electrical discharge or spark divides oxygen-molecules into elemental-oxygen.
  • If you’re in search of an ionizing air purifier, make sure that it’s safe and tested. Ensure that it passed the environmental standards as bad-quality and unsafe ionizers can produce detrimental amounts of ozone.

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Buyer’s Guide: The 5 Best Air Purifiers For Pet Owners

How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Pet Owners

Owning a pet isn’t all fine and dandy. Ask any of the 85 million American households, and they’ll tell you upfront. Pets are breathing factories of dander and nasty odors, in addition to the endless hair and waste cleaning.

As a pet owner, you have likely come to terms with all the work involved, but when the health of family members comes into play, you have to re-evaluate the options altogether. For example, a kid in the household may have asthma or some form of allergy. Dander, the microscopic patches of skin discarded by our hairy companions, is the principal reason for pet-connected allergic reactions.

 

Understandably, kissing our pets goodbye is not an option and never will. The simple solution for that problem is air purifiers that aid in removing nasty particles in the air, including dander, that set off allergic reactions. How potent are air purifiers in stamping out dander and other allergy-inducing particulates? What are the best options available in the market?

Before answering those questions, let’s get up close and personal with allergic reactions.

How Allergies Develop

Allergic reactions happen when the immune system wrongly identifies a substance as harmful. These substances, or allergens, trigger the immune system to release chemicals that lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath.

Dander particles are tiny and often not seen by the naked eye, so they easily get trapped in the rugs, corners, and furniture, while staying airborne for extended periods. Pet hair does not often cause allergic reactions, but it gets entangled with dander particles or may be in contact with the pet’s bodily fluids.

Does an air purifier actually eradicate allergens in the air? Yes, but its effectiveness rests on the technology it implements. Let’s review some of the most common implementations:

Types of Filters Used by Air Purifiers

Carbon Air Filters. Carbon has long been utilized to dispose of certain types of gases in the air, and there is no question regarding its effectiveness. Nonetheless, it’s not the best option when it comes to airborne particles. Carbon air filters eliminate odors, but dealing with allergens in the air is not their cup of tea.

Ionizers. Ionizers sanitize the air by electronically charging its molecules. However, they do not actually eliminate dander and also emit ozone, which can be unsafe for people and pets alike. Truth be told, ionizers are not worth the money and the headache that comes along with it.

HEPA Filters. A HEPA filter catches the majority of airborne particles that are 0.3 micrometers in size. Anything smaller could get past without a problem. Nevertheless, HEPA filter technology has developed significantly in recent years and sometimes traps as small particles as 0.1 micrometers in size. Because of their efficiency and practicality, HEPA filters are treated as the yardstick of air filtration systems.

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Does An Air Purifier Emit Hazardous Ozone In Your Home?

How To Remove Dangerous Ozone From Your Home And Which Air Purifier Filters To Use.

Ozone is dangerous and can irritate your respiratory tract. It is usually the product of the emissions of outdoor pollution. Nevertheless, you can also find it indoors as there are items in your home that emit it, including some air purifiers either deliberately or as its by-product. 

 

There are units on the market promoted as an air purifier that emit massive amounts of ozone intentionally. When applied in water purification, ozone is effective. However, ozone in the air needs to reach high levels to get rid of air pollutants. According to health experts, it is crucial to control the conditions to make sure that people and even pets do not get exposed to ozone at high levels. . For this reason, it is not advisable to use ozone generators. Furthermore, they are inefficient at cleaning indoor air. 

 

Fortunately, you can rely on some air purifier technologies to help filter and even remove ozone in your home safely.

 

What Exactly Is Ozone?

 

The majority of oxygen in our atmosphere is comprised of two oxygen molecules. However, three oxygen atoms unite to form ozone, making it highly reactive in comparison to oxygen or O2. 

 

There is good and bad ozone. The layer of ozone in our atmosphere is the good kind. It ensures that the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun do not reach and damage the surface of the earth. On the other hand, ozone occurring at ground level and at high concentrations is hazardous to health, causing serious respiratory illnesses. 

Ozone can quickly mix in with other substances it encounters. This creates chemical reactions, which, in turn, form unique chemical compounds. Hence, even at moderate concentrations, it can easily damage latex and other organic substances. That’s why ozone can also weaken the mucus membranes in your lungs, nose, eyes, and mouth.

 

To create ozone out of oxygen, it will require a certain quantity of energy. One of the most common sources for this is electrical charges. That’s why it is typically connected with electricity, and you can detect its distinct smell right away. Another thing that creates ozone is lightning strikes, as well as small electrical charges, such as those produced by an ionizing air purifier. 

 

The ozone level in your home is usually lower when you compare it outdoors. Nonetheless, it is still harmful if you are exposed to it for longer periods. This is especially true if you or a family member is suffering from bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, or Asthma.

 

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