Clean fresh air is something that people all over the world strive for.
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
If you live in a busy city, then there are many different types of pollution that can affect your quality of living. Pollution comes in many forms, from physical pollution such as rubbish dumps to invisible forms such as noise pollution.
The pollution of the air that we breathe in is one that governments the world over are trying to tackle, but due to the sheer scale of the problem, and the fact that no concrete agreements can ever be signed and delivered, it’s a problem that we will certainly be facing in the years ahead.
Though improvements have been made over the past couple of decades, the polluting of our air still continues, and in some of the developing countries around the world, the problem has got worse.
Type of Air Pollutants
Even if you don’t live in the heart of a very busy area, air pollution can be found everywhere and comes in a variety of forms. Some of the most common air pollutants include micro quantities of artificial gas which are created from various chemical products that we use on a daily basis.
Other types include elements such as dust, ashes, pollen, microbes and viruses – all things that are literally invisible to the naked eye. Humidity is also an extremely common air pollutant when mixed with dry air, though it is harmless, apart from the uncomfortable feeling that is associated with it.
Keeping the air clean in your home
Your home is your sanctuary, and as such, you’ll want it to be the place where you feel safest and can unwind and relax. Clean air in your home is an important part of your way of life, and if you are someone who suffers from asthma or hay fever, then keeping the air clean and clear at home is vital. If you are looking to pick up a device, then do some searching online for details about the top air purifiers and see which ones you can find locally in your area or online.
Over the past few years, more and more people are investing in air purifiers, which are an excellent way to remove harmful pollutants from the air, keeping it clean and fresh. It is important to point out that the name air purifier is slightly misleading, as there is no device that can actually purify the air that we breathe, but simply treat it to remove pollutants so It’s essential to take an air purifier test first before you buy a new air purifier.
How do air purifiers work?
The way that air purifiers work is simply to remove various pollutants from the air through a series of filters in the devices. They actually do the complete opposite of humidifiers, which are actually adding particles to the air in your homes.
Different types of pollutants will need different levels of purification, and you’ll discover that there are a number of different air purifiers that you can use for different levels of performance. An air purifier will sanitize the particles in the air, whereas a filter will simply remove particles.
Benefits of an air purifier
The obvious benefit of an air purifier is the fact that it sanitizes and cleans the air in your home or place of work. If you are an asthma sufferer, or are taking medication for allergies, then the importance of having clean air to breath cannot be underestimated.
If you have pets at home, then in addition to the shedding of hairs that most cats and dogs will go through each year, you will often have to deal with unpleasant odors at times. An air purifier can help with both of these problems.
Our homes are not a bubble, and outdoor pollutants can easily find their way inside, even if you keep your doors and windows closed. Vehicular pollution is a huge problem for many people living in cities, and constant exposure to these dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can lead to a range of health issues in the future.
In addition to pollution from traffic, there are also lots of toxins that you may have at home, such as cleaning agents, that can pollute the atmosphere, such as chlorine and ammonia. Again, in small doses these are relatively harmless, but long term exposure can result in a range of health issues, including serious medical conditions such as neurological disorders or even cancer.
How effective are they?
They are effective doing what they were designed to do. You shouldn’t be under the impression that you can just pop to the store, pick up a random air purifier, switch it one at home and have pure clear air in your home a few hours later. It simply won’t do that.
But it will help remove pollutants and particles from the air, and if you use your air purifier along with another filter system, then together they can combat most of the particles in the air, creating a fresher, cleaner atmosphere in your home or office.
A good air purifier and filter system can help deal with common problems such as mold, smoke from fireplaces as well as smoke from tobacco. Allergens can also be dealt with to a certain degree, though for better results, it is highly suggested that you look to purchase a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is great for dealing with airborne allergens.
The performance and effectiveness of an air purifier will be determined by the size of purifier that you purchase, and also where in the house you place it.
If you have purchased a small basic air purifier, and have it placed in your large dining room, then it will not be too effective. Smaller devices are best suited for smaller rooms such as bedrooms, while for larger rooms, you might want to consider a portable purifier unit, which you can move around where and when needed.
Some final thoughts
Air purifiers are a very good investment for any household, but their effectiveness will of course depend on a range of factors. It is good practice to combine an air purifier with a filter, in particular a HEPA one, which together work effectively to clean the air that you breathe and remove any lingering pollutant or allergens.
The type you purchase is going to depend on the size of your home or the rooms you wish to use it in, so it’s a good idea to do a little research before making your purchase to make sure that you pick the best one for your living space.
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