8 Reasons Why You Need an Air Purifier
Because 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
An 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.
- Quality Sleep
Allergens can also cause hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is characterized by a runny nose that might linger for several weeks. Common allergy symptoms include frequent sneezing, coughing, nose blockage, eye irritation, and a sore throat, which can interrupt your sleep
Inadequate sleep promotes daytime tiredness, which reduces productivity the following day. HEPA air purifier traps most allergens in your room, leaving you with fresher air. Without allergens, you will have a more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Air purifiers also mean cleaner bedding. Keeping dust away from your mattresses saves you time and the cost of detergents from frequent washing.
- Better Cognitive Function
Indoor air pollution has long been linked to decreased cognitive ability. Poor air quality can affect alertness and understanding, as well as production. The effect is amplified if you had a bad night’s sleep due to poor air quality.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives shows precisely how powerful clean air can be. Subjects who breathed cleaner air performed significantly better in several cognitive tasks, especially those that involved decision-making. Cleaner air can also help in stress management and promote mental health.
- Diabetes Prevention and Control
Over 420 million people have diabetes. From this number, 1.5 million die annually due to diabetes complications. Some may be surprised that air pollution could cause the disease’s development. A Danish study discovered a clear link between microscopic particles 2.5 microns or smaller and the risk of diabetes. Using a portable air purifier to filter particulates from your home or office will limit exposure and reduce your risk of acquiring the disease.
- Maintains Ideal Blood Pressure
Clean air benefits cardiovascular health in various ways, the most significant of which is maintaining ideal blood pressure. Using air purifiers can reduce exposure to tiny particles. Many studies confirm that clean air can lower blood pressure levels. Air pollution has also been linked to increased heart disease and stroke risk and can even elevate heart and breathing rates.
Air purifiers have become popular recently, but many people are unaware of their benefits. We hope this article has helped you learn why you need an air purifier. This information can help you decide better when choosing one for your home or office.