With the number of pollutants present in the atmosphere, it becomes an uphill task to be able to breathe quality air. The sequential result is asthma, which has now become a common problem with multiple other respiratory problems. We may not have a choice when outdoors, but an air purifier can definitely solve this issue when indoors.
Clean and purified air is essential for maintaining overall good health. Breathing fresh, pure air is very pleasing and improves the atmosphere of your house or office. An air purifier is your answer to these impure air problems. It makes the air free of viruses and microorganisms by eradicating pollutants, allergens, and dust. It is immensely useful in removing allergy triggers like dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, and pollen.
The filters in the purifiers capture the pollutants, purify them, and re-emit fresh air, free of these pollutants. They remove or reduce the concentration of the allergens and are therefore very beneficial and useful for people suffering from allergies, MCS, and asthma.
With the varieties of these hi-tech appliances entering the market, it’s difficult to choose the best. Every individual is different and so are his needs. Some of the best variants have been listed below.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) Purifiers
HEPA air purifiers are some of the most efficient types. The filters used in it are made up of millions of small glass fibers from which the air has to pass. These fibers not only collect smaller particles but also larger particles from the air. They have an efficiency of removing about 99.97 % of the particles including viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.
HEPA filters were first developed by the Atomic Energy Commission during the Second World War, and are now mostly used in commercial clean rooms. HEPA air purifiers must be arranged in such a way that no air bypasses the filter. The only disadvantage being that it has to be changed periodically.
Electrostatic Purifiers
They are mainly manufactured for home users. The filters contain an electrostatic charge that attract even the smallest dust particles. Not only dust, they are also capable of removing animal dander, pollens, flooring adhesive fumes, mold spores and paint fumes from the air. The advantage is that you need not change the filter, but only clean it.
Ion Generator Purifiers
They act in the same way as electrostatic purifiers do. These have electrically charged surfaces that generate negatively charged ions. These generated ions are stuck to the particles present in the air, which in turn are attracted to the electrically charged surfaces.
One of its disadvantages being that it works only in localized areas.
Carbon Purifiers
It is chemically active, due to which the highly porous material present in the filters of carbon, reacts with smaller particles by absorbing them. Along with these particles, these purifiers also remove some odors from the air.
The disadvantage primarily being that they are not long-lasting. The filters have to be changed frequently and are incapable of removing larger particles.
Ozone Generator Purifiers
It works by producing a strong oxidant gas called ozone, which oxidizes all the chemicals coming in its way.
As these purifiers change the particles chemically, they are used in many commercial applications. Breathing ozone is not at all good for health and therefore caution must be taken while buying these air purifiers.