Allergies are an interesting phenomenon in the body. Usually, allergies only occur when the immune system is protecting the body from foreign particles that can be a threat. However, allergies are never comfortable and, in some cases, can be very severe.
There are a lot of factors responsible for triggering allergy attacks. Animal dander, dust, and pollen are the most common allergens in the air. Because allergens are small particles, it is impossible to prevent them from being inhaled. That is why air purifiers for allergies are in-demand.
The Development of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers for allergies are already present for a long time. Air purifiers aim to cleanse the air in a building of microscopic allergens. These contraptions consist of a fan that circulates the air and filters that will trap small particles, making the air cleaner and free from allergens.
As of recent years, there are many types of air purifiers available in the market, but the science behind it exists as early as the Industrial Revolution. Back in the 1800s as countries began to industrialize, the air became toxic — this caused airborne diseases among the people.
By 1854, a man named John Stenhouse developed a mask for coal miners that contain charcoal-based filters — a design that is very much similar to air purifiers for allergies nowadays.
The 1960s created the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that can help trap minute particles such as aerosol and radioactive particles.
Are Air Purifiers Effective?
The easy answer to the above question would be yes to an extent. Filters trap particles for a definite amount of time, and will require changing every so often. Changing filters can be very taxing and requires meticulous maintenance. Luckily, there are air purifiers for allergies that contain reusable filters. These filters are proven to be effective in trapping larger particles like pollen and dust.
Some companies offer air purifiers that have an ultraviolet light filter that can eradicate impurities like mould. For some air purifiers, they contain ionizers that will aggressively attract particles. However, air purifiers that contain ionizers often use ozone, a particle that can trigger asthma attacks.
Things To Verify Before Purchasing An Air Purifier
It is important to know the qualities of an air purifier before purchasing it or else it may cause more harm than help. Consumers need to look at the clean-air delivery rate (CADR) rating in air purifiers for allergies. The CADR states all information regarding a purifier’s capability and speed in cleaning the air of smoke and dust. Usually, an air purifier is in passable condition if its CADR is at least 300.
Consumers should take into consideration the room size where the air purifier will be for more efficient usage. It is best to choose the proper size and model that fits best in the room.
Air purifiers for allergies should have the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) verification to be sure that the contraption is safe, efficient, and passed industry standards.
Lastly, consumers need to watch out for HEPA filters. Some brands in the market claim to have HEPA filters in their air purifiers but are cheap imitations. Make sure that the HEPA filters are legitimate and can remove at least 99.9% of particles.