Can An Air Purifier Cure Sneezing And Wheezing?

By Author: Paul Dunphy
Total Articles: 5
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It has become evident in the past decade or so that many people living in urban and even suburban areas are increasingly experiencing respiratory issues due to dirty air. With that increase it has become increasingly more popular to use some sort of air filtration to help breathe easier. In the marketplace today, there are two popular methods of filtration, HEPA and ionic.

HEPA filter technology is among the best technology available for air cleaners. It is a very effective system but the filters must be changed to remain effective. HEPA filters were originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission to protect the respiratory system from radioactive chemicals. Although costs can range up to a couple of thousand dollars, it is possible to purchase an air purifier for about $600 that will control and remove such VOCs as mineral spirits and petroleum-based solvents in areas up to 1,500 square feet. HEPA filters in your home furnace can effectively reduce irritants that may trigger asthma.

HEPA filters have a fine 0.3 micron mesh that can filter most pollutants and allergens in the air, but are not capable of filtering ...
... out smoke, fumes and odors. They are noisier but often more effective than other air purifiers. It is a very effective air purifying system but the filters must be changed to remain really effective.

Standard ionic air purifiers are limited to creating ions in only a single room as ions are physical particles which cannot pass through or go around walls. Negative ions also cannot be channeled through metal heating and cooling ductwork where they would be grounded. Standard air purifiers are designed to remove particles from the air such as dust, pollen and pet dander, while specialized filters can be highly effective in removing odors, gases, chemicals and smoke. In general, air cleaners clean the air in one of three ways: by collecting particles in filters (either mechanical or electronic), by creating an ionic (static) charge to attract particles onto a collection plate, or through some combination of these methods.

Effective portable air purifiers will eliminate at least 99% of airborne pollutants that pass through their filters, capturing particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Some air purifiers are even effective at fighting germs such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores and fungi. Effective air purifiers, like Honeywell air purifiers, eliminate at least 99% of airborne pollutants that pass through their filters, capturing common allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke. Effective and relatively inexpensive, HEPA filters were first developed to remove radioactive particles from the air in nuclear facilities. The government has established a HEPA definition: In order for a filter to be designated as HEPA, the manufacturer must demonstrate that it absorbs and removes at least 99.97% of 0.3 micrometer airborne particle pollutants.