It is ironic that your home can be a source of air pollution and a health hazard. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks in the United States. Several sources can contribute to poor indoor air quality. One of the foremost among these pollutants is smoke.
Effects
The greatest concern regarding smoke in your home is its potential health effects. The National Cancer Institute estimates that smoking kills 438,000 Americans each year. The institute also identifies smoking as the leading cause of preventable deaths. Smoking can cause other health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. It can aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma. If you or someone in your household smokes, you may be prompted to investigate using an air purifier for your family's good health.
Filtration
According to the EPA, you will need to use a gas-phase air filter to remove gases and odors from your home. Gas-phase filters remove pollutants through absorption with a material such as activated carbon. While effective, these devices are typically specific to a certain pollutant. Tobacco smoke contains upwards of 4,000 chemicals, explains the National Cancer Institute. Of these chemicals, more than 50 are carcinogens.
Considerations
When considering an air purifier, you may first look into the expense of installing a system. You can use a portable device; however, it may not be as effective in larger areas. While your system may remove some gases, it won't remove the odor associated with tobacco smoke. It may not prevent the staining of furniture and walls.
Disadvantages
One of the disadvantages of using an air purifier for treating smoke is that the system requires frequent maintenance. In a home with a heavy smoker, the increased concentration and exposure time of air pollutants may shorten the life of the air purifier. The device will not remove all gases. Your purifier will not remove carbon monoxide, one of the chemicals released through smoking. MayoClinic.com advises that air filters, such as HEPA filters and electronic air cleaners, will not remove cigarette smoke.
Prevention/Solution
The best solution for a smoking issue in your home is to eliminate the source or ventilate your home rather than an air purifier. You or your household member can smoke outside instead of contaminating the indoor air. An open window will introduce fresh air into the home, removing the odor of tobacco smoke. The American Lung Association warns that secondhand smoke causes almost 50,000 deaths per year. To protect you and your family, a smoking ban in your home may be the wisest course of action.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
- National Cancer Institute: Quitting Smoking: Why To Quit and How To Get Help
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition): A Summary of Available Information
- MayoClinic: Will an Air Purifier Remove Cigarette Smoke?
- American Lung Association: Secondhand Smoke
