Concern about air quality in general in light of global pollution is rising. This has led to unease about air quality in the home and with it, interest in air purifiers. Air purifiers work through sucking air in, passing it through a filter inside, capturing pollutants like dust then pushing the clean air back out. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind if you are considering getting an air purifier.
Benefits of an air purifier
May help manage allergies
For people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, the purification process can help remove allergens and minimize physical reactions like sneezing. Polluted areas can also increase the cases of sore throat and nose blockages. Pollutants can cause blockage, irritation, inflammation and exacerbate respiratory problems.
May improve skin
Sensitive skin often reacts to particles in the air. Removing particles in the air keeps your skin nice and clean.
Helps eliminate unpleasant odours
Bad smells can be caused by pollutants. Air purifiers by cleaning the air are capable of eliminating bad odours. This makes them a favourite for people who smoke indoors.
May boost mood
Studies have linked air pollution to depression. Cleaner air for using air purifiers may boost your mood in much the same way walking in the countryside does.
Disadvantages of an air purifier
Air purifiers are expensive to purchase and maintain
Most air purifiers are not just expensive the first time you purchase them but also require parts replaced annually which makes them equally expensive to maintain. Another cost is energy consumption which can run high.
Ozone emissions and reactant UV rays are a by-product
The emission of ozone as a by-product of the component’s running can be harmful to the body. Not all air purifiers generate ions and ozone so it’s important to look at the specifications. Some of them use UV rays as a filtering method. These UV rays can react with the particles in the air releasing even worse gas into the atmosphere.
Hard to know if they’re working
It’s also difficult to know if it’s working unless you have demonstrable allergies and notice that when you run the device, your symptoms decrease. Most people breathe this contaminated/unpurified air without any incident which is why breathing purified air is a little like taking a multivitamin, there’s no way to know if it is working.
Bacteria and mould formation
Bacteria and mould can form on the filters if they are not well cleaned and maintained.
They can be noisy
When running air purifiers can be noisy which is a major put off for some.
Other ways to improve air quality
- Use allergy-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses.
- Wash your bedding weekly in hot water.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom.
- Avoid smoking in the home.
- Avoid standing water and damp areas in your home.
- Regularly clean your home.
Check out:
Health – asthma: causes, symptoms, and management
