Poor indoor air quality represents one of the top 5 health risks to people in the United States according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Indoor air pollution contributes to both short and long-term health effects and may contribute to allergies and asthma symptoms. While source control and proper ventilation should serve as your primary defenses against poor air quality, some types of air purifiers may help remove excess particles and odors from the air.
Types
Air cleaning devices found in the home often rely on one of four major types of technology. Mechanical units, include those with HEPA and standard filters, draw air through some form of filter to remove particles and dust. Electrostatic units rely on either ion-exchange or ozone generation to attract pollutants in the air. UV-based air purifiers produce ultraviolet light to kill some forms of mold and bacteria. Gas-phase purifiers remove gases rather than particles by relying on a carbon filter to absorb the gas and keep it from reentering the air.
Uses
Manufacturers market these air purifiers to serve a number of functions in the home. Some claim that their products reduce allergies and asthma, while others claim to remove tobacco smoke and other odors from the air. Some design these units to remove pollen, mold, animal waste and dust mites, while others simply serve as general air cleaners.
Expert Insight
Despite manufacturer claims, not all air purifiers are capable of effectively improving the air quality in your home. According to the EPA, mechanical models with high-quality HEPA filters are most effective at removing large and small particles from the air. However, these units cannot remove, absorb or neutralize any gaseous products, including smoke.
While the EPA suggests that some electrostatic units operate effectively in the short-term, most get clogged and stop working over time. UV models kill some bacteria and mold, but many strains are resistant to UV rays. Some gas-phase models work, while low-quality units do not. Further testing is needed.
Considerations
Consumers can choose from portable or whole-house air purifiers. Portable units, which sit either on a table or on the floor, can be moved to different parts of the home. Whole-house models fit into the home's return air ducts and collect pollutants before they recirculate back through the ventilation system. According to the EPA, most portable air purifiers are relatively ineffective for collecting larger particles. Well-designed whole-house models are capable of collecting much larger pollutants, but they must be selected and installed with care.
Warnings
The California Environmental Protection Agency warns that some air cleaning devices actually make the air in your home worse, not better. Units that rely on ozone technology, including some ionizers, generate unsafe levels of ozone that may harm your health, Home ozone produces many of the same health effects as smog, including respiratory ailments and worsening of asthma symptoms.
