DANGERS OF AIR PURIFIERS THAT EMIT OZONE:

Getting a Portable Air Ionizer - By: Shaun McPherson

Air ionizer is something that you and I know about, but you may not have heard about a portable air ionizer. Portable air ionizers are for people who cares himself enough in protecting themselves from various pollutants and allergens. They are not that expensive, but they can help clean the air that is immediately around you.

It will create a sort of shield around you that will serve to protect you from bad air. You see, trillions of ions are created from the device where it will get rid of all the pollutants and allergens, giving you only the clean air. Being a portable device, you literally wear them if needed and you will not look strange even if you carry them. Now, there are 3 groups of people who may want a portable air ionizer.

Having clean air while you are driving

Taxi drivers and truck drivers often face the problem of dirty air, getting one portable ionizer may be a good idea for them. The fumes that you breathe in can be causing possible harm to you so you may want to consider using one of these for this cause.

Working in polluted area

A portable air ionizer comes in handy if you are one who works in a polluted area. Perhaps your working place does not allow you to use them often, get a sling-on air ionizer so that you can be more hands-free.

People suffering from asthma or allergies

If you suffer from asthma or allergies then you will definitely want to invest in a portable air ionizer. Having an ionizer will help you breath in much easier without having the increased danger in the air you breath in. You will be able to wear this portable air ionizer around your neck most of the time.

With the above 3 reasons, a portable air ionizer do not require that much energy in order to use them, and they are not by any means dangerous or unsafe for those who decide to use them. Do try a portable air ionizer if you are one who is serious about breathing in clean air.

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Living Air Purifier – Do They Really Work? - By: Allison Mac

Living air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes; from larger units to tiny plug ins that can be used in a vehicle. It is becoming common knowledge that our indoor air is extremely polluted, in fact much more so than our outdoor air. An air purifier can help to improve the quality of the air in our homes, vehicles, boats, RV’s, etc.

The larger units can cover up to 3000 square feet which is a pretty big area. They are touted as being extremely quiet while they are operating and they have adjustable fans and purification levels.

How do living air purifiers work?

The air flows through self-charging layers of electrostatic fabric which increases the overall internal charge. Pollutants in the air are attracted to the charged fiber like a magnet and are trapped in the core layer.

Living air purifiers are said to

• Kill mold, mildew, fungi, viruses and bacteria
• Eliminate odors, smoke, and chemical gases
• Helps to rid the home of dust, pollen, animal dander, and other pollutants

If you suffer from any type of allergies or respiratory problems, an air purifier can be of great benefit.

Though the living air purifier sounds like a great machine and I believe it does have many benefits, it should be known that there is mixed reviews on the companies that sell them. Though they are sold online they have also been sold through a multi level marketing company. That in itself is not a problem, but with a little research one will find a long list of negative reviews for living air purifiers and the companies that have sold them.

My advice would be to do your homework. Shop and compare air purifiers online. There are many brands and though it may be possible to find mixed reviews on any one of them, there are some that are rated better than the rest.
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Top 10 Air Purifiers – The Best of the Best - By: Allison Mac

How do you know which air purifier is right for you? With a little research and comparison shopping it shouldn’t be hard to find out. There are many different models to choose from so I have compiled here a list of the top 10 air purifiers on the market right now.

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Each of these are good machines, some have better reviews than others. The most important thing to consider before you choose which one is right for you is to know exactly what you want it to do. For example is it mostly to get rid of allergens? Do you have a problem with mold or smelly odors? How large or small of a unit are you hoping for? Are there any smokers in your home? What is your price range?

Knowing the answers to these questions will greatly simplify your search as not all air purifiers are made alike.

Here is a list of standard features to comparison shop for when exploring the top 10 air purifiers listed above:

• Price of air purifier – Prices will differ dramatically and the most expensive will not necessarily be the most effective
• Noise level – Read customer reviews as a noisy air purifier will drive you nuts. All of the above mentioned are pretty quiet.
• Annual Cost – Consider how much your energy bill will cost as well as how often the filters need to be replaced.
• Effectiveness – Does the air purifier do what it claims it’ll do? Again unbiased customer reviews are the best place to look for answers to this.
• Ease of use – Nobody wants a big complicated machine. It should be very simple to use.
• Warrantee – There are excellent warrantee’s available so make sure you get one.
• Style/Size – This will be a permanent addition to your home. Make sure you can handle the style and size of the air purifier.

The amount of indoor air pollutants is staggering as compared to the outdoor air. An air purifier has become not only important but a necessity. One of these top 10 air purifiers will surely fit your needs and create a much healthier environment for easy and safe breathing.
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Best Ionic Air Purifier – Know What You’re Looking Fo - By: Allison Mac

Ionic air purifiers are not rated as high as the HEPA filter air purifiers, however they are still very effective and there are some great ionic models on the market.

What are Ionic Air Purifiers?

Basically ionic air purifiers ionize the air which cause particles that are floating through the air to gain either a positive or negative charge.

1. The ionic air purifier has collection plates that have an opposite charge from the particles in the air so the particles are drawn to the collection plates almost like a magnet.
2. Particles can be attracted to other particles that have an opposite charge. They will stick together and fall out of the air.

There are many advantages of an Ionic Air Purifier:

• Can remove extremely fine particles even several feet away from the machine
• Very cost effective
• They can be very portable and be plugged into a wall (therefore you can take it with you anywhere)
• The small ones can be used in your vehicle
• There are absolutely no filters to replace as there is no cloth filter
• Easy to clean stainless steel plates
• They are known for being extremely silent, much more so than the HEPA machines

There are also a few disadvantages of an Ionic Air Purifier:

• They do not kill germs, but will simply remove them from the indoor air
• They work on a much smaller square footage – up to 500 square feet
• They are not effective on odors

The best ionic air purifiers on the market right now are:

• Ionic Pro air purifiers
• Ionic Pro Turbo air purifier – 3x more effective

There are many different types of air purifiers on the market. Ionic air purifiers are known to be silent. However do the research, shop and compare and make sure you are finding the right one for your needs.

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Compact Air Purifier – How Convenient Is It? - By: Allison Mac

Compact air purifiers are becoming a big trend. It has been proven that our indoor air quality is up to five times worse than our outdoor air. I don’t know about you but I found this fairly shocking. I knew that indoor air could be full of pollutants but I really thought that with all of the vehicle and factory pollution that the outdoors could be much worse. With a little research I learned otherwise. A compact air purifier that can be used in a vehicle and taken anywhere is an excellent accessory to have. Your lungs will thank you and you will find yourself to be a much healthier person.

What are the options for compact air purifiers?

Usually compact air purifiers are smaller and are used in a smaller space/room. Typically it is an air purifier that can easily be carried from room to room or traveled with to a hotel or used on a boat. Many air purifier companies offer a smaller model that is great for these things. Also on the market now are air purifiers that can be used in the vehicle as well.

Here is a list of the top 10 air purifiers on the market right now. They are in no particular order:

• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze GP
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Friedrich C-90A
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Other great ones to look for are the Alen air purifier and the IQ Air. Each of the companies listed will offer a compact air purifier. Some larger than others, so it is important to research to find the one that will suit your needs.

Things to watch for when searching for the right compact air purifier:

• Price – this can vary by hundreds of dollars
• Effectiveness
• Noise level
• Ease of use
• Filter replacement costs
• Warrantee
• Style/Size

There are lots of compact air purifiers and doing a little comparison shopping will help to find the right one for you. Soon enough they will be a permanent staple in everyone’s home.

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Review Room Air Purifiers – Which One’s Are the Best? - By: Allison Mac

It has become extremely well known that the quality of our indoor air is very poor. With dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, mildew, and other toxic substances consistently floating around, breathing becomes stressful and harmful. Breathing of course is not an option, however breathing clean air is. So the question is how do you know which room air purifier is the right one for you. They vary in shape and size and the one you choose will depend on your needs.

The best thing to do is to research online and read the reviews. Here is a list of the top 10 room air purifiers on the market right now that you may want to look into.

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

There are certain features and benefits to watch for when reviewing room air purifiers:

• Price of air purifier – Prices will differ dramatically and the most expensive will not necessarily be the most effective.
• Noise level – Read customer reviews as a noisy air purifier will drive you nuts. All of the above mentioned are fairly quiet.
• Annual Cost – Consider how much your energy bill will cost as well as how often the filters need to be replaced.
• Effectiveness – Does the air purifier do what it claims it’ll do? Again unbiased customer reviews are the best place to look for answers to this.
• Style/Size – This will be a permanent addition to your home. Make sure you can handle the style and size of the air purifier.
• Ease of use – Look for simplicity when operating or cleaning.
• Warrantee – Most reputable room air purifiers will come with a warrantee… some better than others.

Customer reviews of these 10 room air purifiers have put them at the top of the list. Their ratings are high and each one is worth looking into. Finding the right room air purifier for your needs will create a much healthier environment while indoors.

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Home Air Purifiers – Which Are the Best? - By: Allison Mac

Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency has named indoor air pollution as one of the top threats for Americans? They have claimed that the air indoors has potentially up to one hundred percent higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air. That is scary! Most of us are aware on a daily basis of the toxins and pollutants in our outdoor air. However we have neglected to do anything about the pollutants in the air in our homes. It is important that we address this issue and clean up our indoor air. There are many home air purifiers that can make a significant difference for our health.

Home air purifiers will help to rid your indoor air of dust mites, mold, mildew, pollen, animal dander, bacteria and viruses. They can also help rid the air of smelly odors.

Some of the more popular home air purifiers are (in no particular order):

• Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 – good for small apartment or large living room area
• IQ Air Health Pro - Perfect for allergy sufferers who don't need relief from odor or gas control
• Blueair 601
• Oreck Super Air 8
• Hunter Quietflo 30400
• Hunter HEPAtech 30375
• Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Quadra
• Bionaire BAP 1300 Quietech HEPA
• Honeywell HEPA 50250
• Biozone

Things to look for when shopping online and comparing home air purifiers are:

• Price
• Effectiveness
• Noise level
• Annual cost – filter replacement costs and energy bills
• Ease of use
• Warrantee
• Size/Style

By using a home air purifier we are creating a safe home environment for ourselves and our families. Home air purifiers can also be used at a work place and some smaller portable air purifiers can be used in a vehicle or even in a hotel room so that you can stay protected and breathe cleaner air all the time. They are excellent for anyone suffering from allergies, asthma or any type of respiratory problem. There is a large variety of air purifiers on the market and they can vary dramatically by price. The best thing is to do your homework and know what you’re looking for. Then shop and compare until you find the one that will suit your needs.

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Government Air Purifiers – Which Do They Recommend? - By: Allison Mac

Air purifiers are a necessary addition to our homes these days. According to the EPA, the air inside our homes may be five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Much of our time is spent inside our homes so it would be nice to be breathing clean, healthy air free of dust, mold, mildew and other toxic pollutants.

The U.S. Government has certain recommendations when it comes to air purifiers:

• U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends air purifier with both HEPA Filter and UV Light. The CDC also recommends UV lights in homeless shelters to prevent the spread of disease, particularly TB (tuberculosis).

• Dept. of Homeland Security recommends HEPA air filters, along with a pre-filter to preserve the life of the HEPA filter. HEPA air filters were originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission during the Second World War. They were designed to remove radio active dust from their plants.

• The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found negative ions (ionizers) to be highly effective against dust and bacteria in recent studies.

• U.S. Department of Energy found that photocatalytic oxidation air purification destroyed VOC chemicals at a significant rate, even at high air flow rates.

Indoor air pollutants can be extremely harmful and may be an aggravating factor in allergies, illnesses, headaches, fatigue, restless sleep, etc. Knowing this, most of the U.S. Government facilities are required to have air filters. It only makes since to have them in our homes as well and possibly even in our vehicles. The US Government is big on HEPA air filters and they have been proven to be highly effective.

By shopping online we can compare the features and benefits of different air purifiers. It would be smart to keep in mind the government recommendations when comparing machines. Also watch for price, effectiveness, noise level, annual cost (filter replacement costs and energy bills), ease of use, warranty as well as size.

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Dangers of Air Purifiers - By: J Alan Rodgers

Two very common dangers of air purifiers could expose your family to unnecessary harm. What are they? How can you avoid them?

Air purifier dealers promise you great benefits. Yet not all deliver and some do more harm than good.

Consumer Reports Magazine once termed the air purifier market a "regulatory black hole" because there is no significant government oversight of these products. This puts the burden of avoiding fraud and deception squarely on your shoulders.

Fortunately, avoiding the dangers of air purifiers that deceptively represent themselves as healthful is not difficult. There are only two basic things you need to know. Does it emit ozone or ions?

Dangers of Air Purifiers That Emit Ozone

"These [ozone air purifier] machines are insidious," states Barbara Riordan, chairperson of the California Air Resources Board (ARB). "Marketed as a strong defense against indoor air pollution, they emit ozone, the same chemical that the ARB and the US EPA have been trying to eliminate from our air for decades. More chilling is that some people susceptible to the ill effects of ozone will eagerly bring these Trojan horses home."

Marketers of ozone generators are fond of referring to ozone as "activated oxygen", "energized oxygen" or "super oxygenated". This is intended to dupe you into believing that ozone is healthful. There is no science behind these claims. It is fraud, pure and simple.

Ozone possesses a sweet, after-the-rainstorm smell that deceives people into thinking it is improving their air. Ozone generator marketers exploit this sweet odor mercilessly in their "fresh, clean, natural" pitches.

The reality is ozone irritates, inflames and damages lung and respiratory tissue. It increases sensitivity to allergens and other irritants. Ozone causes symptoms like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It is especially harmful to asthmatics and persons with pre-existing respiratory problems, as well as the elderly and children. Ozone has been implicated in permanent lung damage, contributing to the onset of asthma and even premature death.

Ozone production is one of the greatest dangers of air purifiers. You should never purchase any device whose sole function is to produce it regardless of any claims of health benefits. You should also be seriously concerned with ionic air cleaners that produce smaller quantities of ozone as a byproduct of normal operation.

Dangers of Air Purifiers That Emit Ions

Another type of so called "air purifier" is the negative ion generator. Air ionizers may be included as an add-on to filter based air cleaners. Often marketed as air cleaners you may also see them promoted as mood enhancers, since presumably negative ions contribute to a peaceful frame of mind. Again, there is no sound science behind these claims, only wishful thinking at best and outright fraud at worst.

But my main concern is their danger when used as air purifiers.

The logic behind these devices is that ions will attach themselves to airborne particles. These in turn are attracted to one another, cling together, become too heavy to remain suspended and fall out of the air.

In some measure this does occur. Unfortunately this also results in something affectionately (or perhaps not) known as "black wall effect". You see, these statically charged particles tend to stick to surfaces near the air ionizer causing them to become heavily soiled.

The danger of air purifiers like this is that your lungs present a surface for these particles to adhere to. Statically charged lung penetrating particles may well be more inclined to stick around inside you rather than being exhaled. So your lungs become the filter for these air cleaners. This danger has not been studied well enough to establish the degree of risk you may face. After all, who is going to volunteer to let their lungs become a dumping ground for air pollution? But the EPA has considered the risk to be serious enough to warn consumers who may be considering ionizer type air cleaners.

Air purifiers can be a good investment in your long term health and can give you relief from allergies. I hope this information about potential dangers of air purifiers helps you make a better choice for your family.

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Using an Air Ionizer - By: Ernesto Gaglione

The air we breathe is filled with millions of particles, molecules, ions, and even living organisms. But because of the carelessness of humans, the air is now also getting filled with toxins and particles that make healthy breathing much harder. Products are now being developed to bring it back to its former state. One example of this is an air ionizer.

Air ionizers are fast becoming a trend in the field of health care and environmental awareness. These air ionizers are thought to be a solution to the increasing problem of air pollution. In fact, because of this discovery, many companies are constantly trying to improve air purification techniques and develop the best air ionizer on the market. One such ionizer is the Himalayan salt crystal lamp.

A Himalayan salt crystal lamp naturally possesses the functions of an air ionizer. How does this air ionizer work? A Himalayan salt crystal lamp, in the presence of heat, produces negatively charged ions. It stems from the dissociation between sodium and chloride, the two main ingredients of salt. Sodium ions are positively charged and chloride ions are negatively charged ions. When they get released into the air, they react with ions of different charges. Since dust particles and pollutants are considered to be positively charged ions, the negatively charged ions released by the Himalayan Salt Crystal lamp combine with the positively charged ions of dust and pollutants to form a neutral substance. This neutral substance often weighs more than it should so it sinks to the floor and loses its ability to circulate in the air, thereby clearing the air of unwanted particles.

Air ionizers work to clean the air and eradicate those substances that are not healthy to the body. Since the body needs air constantly, the air should also be cleaned constantly and freed of pollutants. Because of this, air ionizers have been made to constantly produce ions, negatively charged ones, to counteract and neutralize the positively charged ions, or pollutants, in the air. These positively charged ions are usually composed of smoke, odor, mold spores, pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, dust, and animal dander. Air ionizers have also been seen to treat several symptoms of asthma, hay fever, depression, fatigue, and other disorders that appear during the allergy season. Using an air ionizer gives the air a chance to renew itself through ionization and also through increasing the humidity to cleanse it further. And a good example of an air ionizer is the Himalayan salt crystal lamp which not only ionizes the air but provides an attractive soft glow of light as well.

People are already becoming aware of the benefits that they can attain from an air ionizer like the Himalayan salt crystal lamp. They are already concerned in preventing other complications that may occur from having a highly polluted environment. By using an air ionizer, they are taking a step towards improving the environment and keeping people fit and healthy. These Himalayan salt lamps come highly recommended.

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Indoor air quality: How important is it? - By: Kunbi Balogun

Some of the major allergens are actually not encountered outdoors, but indoors! Indoor air can include airborne allergens and triggers such as pollen, house dust mite droppings, dust, animal dander, moulds, tobacco smoke, and strong odours.

Since we spend up to 90% of our time indoors than outdoors, the risk of exposure to these allergens is greater. Furthermore, individuals who are most likely to be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are more often than not the most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. These include children, the elderly, and those who are chronically ill, particularly those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease. As such the quality of indoor air is of great importance. Air purification is one of the main strategies for maintaining clean indoor air, and for the reduction and prevention of allergy symptoms, asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Air purifiers come in various shapes, sizes, prices, and features, with a wide variety of technology, which helps to purify or sterilize indoor air by eliminating different types of airborne pollutants, chemicals, odours or allergens. For those who suffer from allergies such as rhinitis, dust mite allergy, pet allergy, hay fever and multiple chemical sensitivity, it is crucial to inhale purified air. The majority of air purifiers have been proven to filter out 99.7% of all particles from indoor air. Chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and dust can be absorbed by an air purifier filter. High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA filters) often used in air purifiers are very efficient in filtering out most allergens that can be related to allergic and asthma attacks from within indoor air. They can remove 99.7% of all particles that are 0.03 microns & larger. With the use of an air purifier, allergens or airborne pollutants are removed from indoor air so they are unable to continue circulating through the air.

Why are air purifiers good for you?
1. Air purifiers will greatly improve the quality of the air in you home.
2. Dangerous pollen and other allergens will be removed.
3. Unpleasant odours will be eliminated.
4. Pet and human hair will be removed.
5. Symptoms of allergies and respiratory diseases will be reduced.
6. Cigarette smoke will be filtered particularly if an air purifier specifically designed to deal with particles and gaseous pollutants of tobacco smoke is used.


Recommended products

What air purifier?
Seeing that there’s a wide variety of air purifiers to choose from, we have done the hard work for you by selecting the best air purifiers to suit your need. Click on the link that best suits your needs.

Dust Mite Allergy
Asthma
Hay Fever
Clean Air in Style


Start shopping from our range of dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

References
1. Albertini R, et al. Air purification and indoor biologic pollutants. Allergy 2000; 55: 780-782.

Visit our Learning Centre for more on Asthma, Dust mite Allergy and Hay Fever.

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

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Ultraviolet (UV) Light Air Purifiers: A Sick Building's Natural Cure - By: Mary Coyle

Sick building syndrome -- an occurrence in which people in a building suffer from acute symptoms related to time spent in that building. This problem, also known as SBS, is named as the cause of the ailments when no identifiable illness can be diagnosed as their source. While many have never heard of the term sick building syndrome, it is a real concern -- one that affects up to sixty-four million people in America every year.

According to the United Nations World Health Organization, as many as thirty percent of office buildings around the world are afflicted with sick building syndrome. Sufferers may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, decreased concentration, and/or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Usually, these symptoms disappear not long after afflicted occupants leave the building -- another sign that SBS is the source of the problem.

A number of factors can lead to sick building syndrome. These factors could include chemical contaminants from inside the building itself, chemical pollutants from outdoor sources, and biological toxins, such as mold, bacteria, or viruses. All of the contributors to SBS are an even greater threat when poor ventilation is an issue, especially during colder months when buildings are shut tight against outside air or in buildings which rely heavily on air conditioning rather than natural ventilation.

When sick building syndrome is suspected, a building investigation is usually conducted to determine what sources are causing or contributing to the SBS. During this type of investigation, information is collected regarding the building's occupants, suspected sources of pollution, and the building's HVAC (heating, venting, and air conditioning) system. After studying this information, hypotheses can be formed as to what is polluting the air and solutions can be put into action.

Ultimately, the goal is to rid the building of all contaminants, thus creating much cleaner air for breathing. Often, the best way to do this is through air purification along with increasing the building's ventilation and removing the actual pollutant sources when possible. By utilizing all of these methods, sick building syndrome can be eliminated, allowing relief from symptoms and improved health for suffering occupants.

For air purification, the United States Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends using an air purification system that employs ultraviolet light along with the technology of a HEPA filter. In fact, all government buildings rely on UV disinfection to control and eliminate dangerous micro-organisms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further suggests an air purifier which generates negative ions to assist in eliminating bacteria and dust.

Ultraviolet light has been known for over fifty years to be an effective natural sterilizer of air pollution, and the UV disinfection of an ultraviolet air purification system works in the same way to destroy hazardous micro-organisms such as molds and viruses. As dangerous microbes pass by the lamp of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutated, leaving them unable to reproduce and rendering them harmless. Air emitted from the ultraviolet air purification system is clean and thus, safe for breathing.

The HEPA filter of a UV air purifier aids in the process of air purification by actually removing particulates from the air, including volatile organic compounds such as those emitted by carpets, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents, upholstery, and copy machines. Although these common furnishings seem harmless, the VOC's they emit are known to cause both acute and chronic health problems. A HEPA filter, as utilized by an ultraviolet air purification system, will capture 99.97% of these particulates as small as three-tenths of a micron in size.

In combination with a HEPA filter and ultraviolet light, negative ions provide additional protection against fine particles such as bacteria and dust. The negative ions which are released by a UV air purifier attract the positively charged particulates, virtually pulling them from the air and causing them to fall to surfaces where they can be vacuumed or dusted, rather than inhaled. An ultraviolet air purification system which incorporates the benefits of UV disinfection, a HEPA filter, and negative ions offers excellent protection.

While a UV air purifier is important to eliminating SBS, it is essential to remember the significance of proper ventilation along with the removal of pollutant sources whenever possible. For example, HVAC systems should be cleaned regularly, and areas where chemicals are unmistakable, such as copy rooms, should be sufficiently vented to the outdoors. By incorporating UV disinfection with adequate ventilation and a clean environment, sick building syndrome will be eradicated and afflicted occupants will experience immediate relief.

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UV Air Clarifiers Minimize Affects of Asthma by Removing Harmful Particulates - By: Mary Coyle

UV air clarifiers minimize affects of asthma by removing harmful particulates that cause lung irritation.

Asthma is a common respiratory illness and can be difficult to diagnose, particularly during childhood because children often have difficulty expressing the symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors also have the difficulty trying to determine if the child who is having trouble breathing has asthma, a virus, an upper-respiratory infection or allergies. However, the results of asthma reach far beyond the individual suffering from the disease. Parents often miss work when a child is suffering an attack, doctors and hospital bills pour in, and children are unable to take part in some or all physical activities and school attendance often suffers.

By understanding the complications of asthma as well as the various symptoms that can be associated with this chronic inflammatory disease, it makes sense that accurately diagnosing it is difficult. Asthma affects the airways making them sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation. As the airways react to sensitive particles found in the air, they constrict making it difficult to breathe because less air is flowing to the individual’s lung tissue. As a result, the asthma sufferer experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.

Testing for asthma does not involve highly technical equipment or techniques; rather the most common testing instrument is a spirometer which measures airway efficiency-the volume and rate of air inspired and expired by the lungs. Because airway efficiency can vary dramatically from person to person and be dependent upon a number of factors including maintaining a healthy body weight and other illnesses that affect lung function including pneumonia, infectious or allergic disorders, OPD (obstructive pulmonary disease), and even sleeping disorders, doctors place a high degree of importance on obtaining a thorough family history and questions related to symptoms and exposure to allergens.

Currently an expert panel is re-writing the federal guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma that will be introduced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Although the new guidelines, set to be introduced by early summer, will aid in the diagnosis, with nearly 20 million Americans, including 9 million children being affected by this chronic respiratory disease, it is imperative to find a way to manage and even prevent the onset of asthma-particularly in children as it makes it increasingly difficult to be involved in sports and attend school on a regular basis for those with severe symptoms.

Since exercise, viral infections, pet hair, pollen, and other allergens are often what triggers asthma attacks, finding a way to minimize these, can dramatically improve the health and well-being of children and adults alike. Because most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, where the air is often more polluted than that of a large city, purifying the air indoors with an ultraviolet (UV) light clarifier is often an extremely beneficial way of preventing asthma and a variety of other illnesses.

Ultraviolet air purification systems get to the root of the issue by eliminating the pollutants, allergens, and illnesses that all of us face on a daily basis. However, for those that suffer from asthma, eliminating these particulates has a dramatic impact on their health and well-being; for many, this can mean the difference between an asthma attack and being able to function with minimal or no symptoms.

UV sterilizers produce dramatic results and have a high success rate because as the high-energy UV-C ultraviolet light rays from the purifying probes of the ultraviolet lamp shine on the cold air side of the air conditioning evaporator coil, the mold, algae, slime, and gel that normally form around the air conditioning unit in our homes is eliminated. The typical build-up that is formed acts as a breeding ground for bacteria which is then blown into the room where the harmful particulates can be inhaled, resulting in sinus infections, sickness, and allergies. All of the allergens and illnesses take a toll on our bodies, and result in increased sensitivity to contracting other illnesses since our immune system becomes compromised as it tries to fight off the germs and bacteria that surround us on a daily basis as we sleep and spend time doing other activities indoors. These same bacteria, allergens, and asthma increase the chances of someone with asthma suffering an attack or developing another lung or respiratory infection that can make breathing difficult. Since the use of ultraviolet light cleans the bacteria away from the air conditioning unit, the cost of cooling your home is also minimized as the unit is able to work more effectively and efficiently.

Unfortunately, the cost of asthma reaches beyond discomfort and associated medical related costs. The National Center for Health Statistics conducted the National Health Interview Survey and reported that between 1980 and 1996 the number of asthma associated work and school absence days increased by more than 50%--from 6.2 million to 14 million days missed due to asthma. This results in parents missing days at work, diminishing their work efficiency, and as a result, their income potential.

Because asthma is often triggered things that cause the lungs to become sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation, ultraviolet air purification systems work more efficiently than trying to manage the asthma attack after it has begun. The ultraviolet germicidal light and UV-C light fight germs, bacteria, viruses, mildew, and mold spores such as stachybotrys and black mold, as well as a variety of other pollutants, as the particles circulate through the UV disinfection system and past the UV lamps. Since the UV air purifier is able to remove the harmful particulates that cause a variety of health related issues, you and your family can rest assured that you have minimized your risk of becoming affected by issues that can trigger illnesses, allergies, and even asthma.

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UV Air Purifiers: Providing Relief to Allergy and Asthma Sufferers from Effects of Global Warming - By: Mary Coyle

Global warming has been an increasingly discussed topic. Although this is a controversial issue as it relates to the extent to which global warming has really increased, one thing is for sure-the occurrence of allergies and asthma has increased making it more difficult for sufferers to cope.

According to Reuters Health, the effect of global warming has had a significant impact on asthma sufferers because the seasons have lengthened and plant life growth and weeds are scattering vast amounts of pollen and other related allergens. In addition, trees that do not typically flower annually, such as beech, are growing better and may begin to grow in climates further north where they are not typically present; thus, increasing the number of people suffering from its affects.

As the climate changes, more pollen and smog-induced asthma is likely to surface. Dr. Paul Beggs, an environmental health scientist from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, indicates that allergy-triggering pollen such as ragweed and birch trees are linked to increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Because asthma is often triggered by allergens, this also increases the prevalence and severity of symptoms that asthma sufferers face.

Paul Epstein, Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School backs up this theory as he has concluded that the incidence of asthma in the United States has increased nearly four times since 1980. Due to the extended warmer seasons which produce increasing amounts of pollen and other allergen triggers, we must find a way to help combat and minimize the symptoms that may people are suffering with on a daily basis. Although decreasing greenhouse gases is possible if we minimize the burning of fossil fuel, some people don’t want to, or feel they are unable to purchase a ’green’ vehicle, use energy efficient appliances, drive less, recycle, etc. These changes would dramatically minimize global warming and provide ease to allergy and asthma sufferers.

Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on people making these changes-ultraviolet germicidal light provides a solution. Because the average person spends over ninety percent of his or her time indoors, UV disinfection is extremely effective in minimizing allergic and asthmatic symptoms.

Many people feel that since they spend a great deal of time indoors that they are not subject to allergies. However, the small gaps that most of us have near windows or doors allow allergens to penetrate into our homes making us susceptible to a variety of particles that can trigger allergies or asthma. UV air purifiers utilize ultraviolet light to kill such allergen triggers as mold, fungi, mildew, dust mites, pet dander, and smoke. As these airborne microorganisms (which are often unseen) pass by the ultraviolet light of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutilated, causing them to be inactive and unable to trigger allergic symptoms.

Additionally, AHPCO Cell technology which is found in some UV air cleaners is far superior to the older stand alone UV lamps and catalytic oxidation methods which use only one catalyst. AHPCO Cell technology is the latest advanced oxidation technology that consists of a proprietary, high-intensity broad spectrum UV lamp in a hydrated catalytic cell. Low-level ozone is produced in the cell, the majority of which is converted into airborne hydro peroxides (H2O2), hydroxyl ions (OH-), super oxide ions (O2-) and ozonide ions (O3-) via the quad-metallic catalyst. The technological combination found in some UV air purifiers has been proven to emit cleansing ions that treat indoor air and eliminate harmful indoor air particulates.

Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don’t utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate allergen sufferers and the lungs of individuals afflicted with asthma.

With so many benefits, UV disinfection is one of the most beneficial things a person with allergies or asthma can do to improve his or her well-being. UV air purifiers are a cost-effective means of taking away the discomfort that comes along with breathing in allergens and minimizing the effects of asthma. And being unsurpassed in its natural ability to destroy airborne microorganisms, ultraviolet germicidal light can allow you and your family the relief and comfort of breathing easily in your own home.

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Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Sterilizers: Preventing and Minimizing the Affects of Asthma - By: Mary Coyle

Recent scientific studies are showing a strong link between being overweight or obese and the increased risk of developing asthma. Although people originally believed that asthma led to obesity because the individual was unable to participate in strenuous physical activity, studies are now indicating that obesity actually triggers asthma.

Although the reason is not yet known, some speculate that people with excess weight have compressed airways which make them more reactive to cold and other asthma triggers. Others believe that is too simplistic of a theory and are looking into a possible genetic link between asthma and obesity.

To fully understand who may be at increased risk for developing asthma, we must understand how the scientific study results were measured. Those that are considered ’normal weight’ have a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25. On the other hand, those that are overweight and obese have a BMI of 25-29.0 and above 30, respectively.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways making them sensitive to allergies or other things found in the air that causes irritation. As the airways react to sensitive particles found in the air, they constrict making it difficult to breathe because less air is flowing to the individual’s lung tissue. As a result, the asthma sufferer experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.

It is estimated that approximately 7% of the U.S. population suffer from asthma, but with obesity rates at 65%, the incidence of asthma is also expected to rise dramatically. Additional studies have proven that obese and overweight people are 50% more likely to get asthma than those of normal weight.

Whatever the link may be between obesity and asthma, it is imperative to find a way to control the asthma so that people affected can live active lives with few and infrequent symptoms. Thankfully, there is hope from a source that many may not have even considered - UV (ultraviolet) light disinfection.

Ultraviolet lamps and light bulbs provide the protection from harmful particulates that we all face on a daily basis by destroying VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). Unlike other methods that some people rely on such as vacuums and air purification methods that don’t utilize the power of ultraviolet light or negative ions, the results are limited. However, with UV clarifiers, the indoor air is cleaned, purified, and freshened as the UV sterilizer employs UV light to cleanse the air of harmful particulates that further irritate the lungs of overweight and obese individuals suffering with asthma.

However, a UV clarifier is not only helpful for people suffering from asthma or those that are overweight or obese and want to prevent their chances of getting asthma. UV purifiers eliminate a wide variety of other air pollutants including airborne viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. As a result, those who utilize the technology found in UV air purifiers can experience a quality of life that may not otherwise be possible.

Many people fail to recognize how many pollutants surround them on a daily basis. While most understand the affects that outdoor pollutants such as city smog, vehicle exhaust fumes, and factory waste have on their health and breathing, yet they often underestimate the toxins that are found inside the homes and buildings we work in on a daily basis. Since most Americans spend 90% or more of their time indoors, gaining control of the indoor air quality will play a significant part in our health and livelihood.

Ultraviolet light has been a trusted source for over fifty years as scientists are continuing to understand that ultraviolet air purification systems are able to provide the same benefits as the UV rays found in sunlight at successfully removing impurities from the air.

A select few air probe sanitizers contain a UV germicidal bulb which produces purifying hydroxyls, negative ions, and ultraviolet light to clean indoor air of pollutants. The UV light unit is installed in a building’s HVAC (Heating, Venting, and Air Conditioning) system, needing only minimal care and producing tremendous results. Every HVAC system has the ability to utilize a UV clarifier, and after only twenty-four hours of use, air is cleaned so that one can actually feel the difference of the UV disinfection.

These quick results can be attributed to the fact that the air in a building circulates through an HVAC system from 250 to 400 times per day. As air passes by the UV germicidal bulb of the air probe sanitizer, pollutants are destroyed. Ultraviolet light mutilates the DNA of micro-organisms, causing them to be incapable of reproduction and thus harmless to humans. UV disinfection is the only way to rid indoor air of such tiny micro-organisms as they are too small to be trapped by a filter.

As a result of using an ultraviolet air purification system, your indoor air quality can be improved significantly resulting in cleaner air that is easier to breathe; thus, eliminating health related concerns due to harmful indoor pollutants and allergens.

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5 Easy Steps In Choosing The Perfect Air Purifier - By: Lela Iskandar

Thousands of people bought the wrong air purifiers every year and suffered the consequences. They end up losing a lot of money and instead of enjoying cleaner air and better health, a lot of these innocent buyers complained of breathing difficulties, headache and respiratory complication.

With this 5 easy steps, you will take charge of the buying decision. If you love your family, treasured your hard earned money and want to buy the right air purifier for your home, this guide is for you.

These 5 easy steps is guaranteed to help you find an effective, safe and economical air purifiers for your home.

1) Buy HEPA, Forget Others
The first rule of buying an air purifier is to buy one with HEPA filters in it. Originally used by the military for the Manhattan (nuclear) Project, air purifiers that use this kind of filter has the ability to permanently trap 99.97% small, hazardous particles as small as 0.3 micron in size.

Forget other type of air purifiers (electronic, electrostatic, ozonisers etc.) because they are not as effective as one with the HEPA filters. Most of these machines do not remove particles. Instead they make the particles temporarily stick to nearby surfaces. That also means dusty table, decor, wall and cloth.

Apart from that, most machines these type will emit the hazardous ozone as a by product of their so-called "cleaning" process. That’s why some people complain of musty smell or experience sudden headache when their purifier is turned on. Little that they know the fact that long term exposure to ozone will lead to respiratory and lung problems.

So, remember this crucial step. Buy Hepa, forget others.

2) Bigger is Better
When we talk about bigger, we are not talking about the machine’s size. Instead we mean the area covered by it. Every air purifiers have a maximum effective area that it could cover. Beyond that, it will not be able to do much with the air.

So make sure the air purifier you’re buying covers the area where you intend to put it in. For example, if your room is 300 square feet, you need an air purifier with an effective area bigger than 300 square feet, minimum.

That way the machine works more effectively and the air in the room is changed faster. The ideal practise is to have one air purifier in each room. However, if you can’t afford that, get one that is on castors or is light enough to be lifted so that it can be moved round. Just make sure the area it covers is bigger than the biggest room in your home.

Remember, the bigger the better.

3) Think Long Term
Many people tend to just look at the amount of money they have to part with when paying for goods and never look beyond that.

When it comes to air purifier, such attitude could mean losing in the long term. If you skip the expensive air purifier and bought the cute, tiny one because "there’s no budget for it", make sure you’ve calculated the long term replacement filter costs.

Unlike most machines, air purifiers need frequent parts replacement. Thus, check how many filters are there in the machine, how long they lasts and then how much each replacement filter costs. Some air purifiers are expensive up front but have filters that lasts far longer than the cheaper models.

We suggest that you add up the replacement filter expenses for 5 years with the air purifier cost. That way, you can gauge whether that "cheap" air purifier is really cheaper compared to the "expensive" ones.

4) Check Your Needs
The fourth step is a simple one but is new to many people. Most air purifiers, like we all know is used to trap super tiny particles like animal dander, pollen and dust. Well, that are the basic things that an air purifier is supposed to do.

However, some companies have designed special air purifiers that have additional smoke filter ability, ultraviolet light to kill bacteria or special filters to trap harmful gases. For example, if you live with someone who seems to have "uninterrupted supply" of cigarettes, you may want to opt for an air purifier with superior smoke control.

If you have multiple chemical sensitivities, there are also air purifiers that are build without glue, coating and filter materials that could cause you allergies.

In short, no one is created equal. The best air purifier for your grandma may not be suitable for you. Just check your needs and ask for special air purifiers like those mentioned.

5) Look at the Features
The last thing we want you to note before buying an air purifier is the features that come with it. We suggest that you select one that has a filter replacement indicator. Such feature will help you make fast replacement when it’s needed and prolonging the life of your machine.

Apart from that, if the machine can automatically adjust it’s fan speed according to how bad the air in your room, it’s a plus. That way you can switch it on and forget about the machine (until it’s time to change the filters).

Lastly, if you’re buying it at a store, turn the air purifier to it’s maximum and listen to it’s humming sound. Ask yourself if you could stand that sound by your bed all night. In short, choose and listen carefully.

I really hope those 5 steps can help some of you in choosing the perfect air purifier. I can write in technical jargons and go deep into specific details. However, that would only confuse at least half my reader.

Just remember the five steps. Buy HEPA only, check the effective area covered by the machines and think long term. After you have done those three things you must also decide if there’s a specific needs that you need to address. If there’s none, look at the air purifiers’ features.

That way you’ll be an intelligent and informed buyer. And enjoy better health due to cleaner air in your home.

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Will Home Air Purifier Clean The Air? - By: Ivar Rudi

Pollution is one of the inevitable and harmful elements that are our environment possess. We have been striving hard to combat outdoor air pollution; but much to your surprise, experts claim that indoor pollution is two to five times as much as outdoor air pollution. An indoor pollution may be ten times more toxic than the outdoor air pollution as we spend around 90% of our time indoors.

Our indoor environment contains many hazardous contaminants like dint and dust mints, pet hair, mold mild dew, household odors, common household and industrial cleaning agents, pollen and other allergies. These elements keep on floating in the air and become the main cause of a person getting affected by a number of allergies. The prominent thing in this concern is to eliminate these contaminants and make the air inside pollution free.

Many types of air purifying products in the market today facilitate this. One can easily retain the air quality of home and other indoor spaces with the help of air cleaning products. With so many choices available in the market, you may face some turmoil while electing any one of them. The only way to get out of this bedlam is to try one of them and especially one, which comes with a free trial period for assessment. This would make you save your money on useless products and choose the best possible cleaning product with much investment on your part.

There are many other factors, which one needs to consider before opting for a particular air-cleaning product. The important one is to understand the type of pollutant you want to flight away. Size of the room where you want an anti-pollutant to act also plays a significant role in opting for an air-cleaning product. You may be required to brook a stipulated range of sound while using an air purifier. Try to consider the level of noise you are willing to live with and also the cost of maintenance. Once you buy an air purifier, you have to maintain it well and pay for it as well. The market is flooded with many air purifiers and different manufacturers producing them. The wisest thing would be to do a bit of research about the product and its manufacturer to believe the authenticity of the product.

If you are buying in- store, prepare questions and make an appointment with the salesperson so that you can be completely informed about product features. This would keep you and your money safe, as any one would not easily dupe you easily. The above-mentioned fact would also help you buy the best facility out of your hard earned money. Another way to buy air purifiers is applying for them online. There are many sites, which offer these pollutions fighters at reasonable rates and customer satisfaction guarantee. But remember to keep in mind certain factors before choosing a product online. Try to read reviews of each product before you buy. Many online stores such as Amazon.com provide this review service. Honey well, GE, whirlpool, alpine, living air and Bionaire are considered to be some of the better manufacturers of air purifiers. Study the product features and specifications by visiting manufacturers website before making the final choice.

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What Does An Air Purifier Do? - By: Gray Rollins


If you’ve been blowing your nose until you resemble Rudolph and your head feels like it is about to explode from your sinus headache, you may be suffering from allergies to the pollutants in your home. Someone has probably mentioned that an air purifier will help you feel better. However, what does an air purifier do?

One of the most important functions of an air purifier is its ability to remove pollutants such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander from the air. Another reason people use these machines is to remove odors. There are several types of air purifiers and each works a bit differently. These filters in these purifiers include: the ionizer, the HEPA filter, the combination ionizer/HEPA filter, the activated carbon filter, and the antibacterial filter.

The ionizer is one of the most popular air purifiers. Unlike other purifiers, the ionizer does not actually remove pollutants from the house. Instead, this machine makes the pollutants so heavy that they fall from the air and drop to the floor. If you have allergies, you will need to use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to clean the floors before the room is truly allergen free.

If you don’t want to pull out your vacuum, you may be thinking that you should simply use a HEPA filter instead of an ionizer. HEPA filters suck dirty air in, run it through the filter, where most pollutants are trapped, and then blow the clean air back into the room. However, a HEPA filter can’t clean the smallest particles from the air and isn’t great at removing odors from the room. To get your air really clean, you would need a HEPA filter combined with an ionizer or with an activated carbon filter.

The activated carbon filter used to be extremely popular. This filter is great at getting smells out of the air. However, it doesn’t do as good a job when it is trying to remove pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. Now, this filter is usually used along with a HEPA filter instead of being used by itself.

Finally, for people concerned with bacteria or germs, an antibacterial filter is an important air purifier. These filters are especially popular in situations such as a home daycare, where people are being exposed to many germs. However, while these filters are very effective at removing germs, they are rarely used on their own. They work best when they are combined with a HEPA filter.

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Tips When Buying An Air Purifier - By: Gray Rollins


With the rise in allergy sufferers, it is no wonder that air purifiers are growing in popularity. However, there are so many models available. How do you make sure that you are buying the right air purifier for your home? These air purifier buying tips should help you successfully choose the right model for you.

One of the most important things you should do when you are buying an air purifier is to figure out the square footage of the room or rooms where you will be using it. Don’t take a wild guess. This is really an important measurement. A purifier that is designed for a smaller room won’t adequately clean a room that is too big for it. To figure out the square footage of a room, measure the length of one side of the room and the width of another side. Multiply the two numbers together. This is the square footage. Once you know this number, you can look at the purifier’s information to be sure it is supposed to clean a room that is at least as big as your room, if not larger.

Next, check to see whether the air purifier you are considering is designed to clean the pollutants that are in your home. Not all purifiers clean tobacco, pollen, dust, or pet dander. If your home has all of these pollutants, you will need to look for an air ionizer or a combination HEPA filter/air ionizer in your purifier.

Another important consideration for most people shopping for an air purifier is the loudness of different models. Usually, ionizer models are much quieter than HEPA filter models.

However, ionizers must be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner to be effective, since they do not actually remove dust and other pollutants from the room. Ionizers simply make all of the pollutants so heavy that they fall from the air and drop to the ground.

Before you make a final decision, you should also consider the life of the filter in the air purifier. Replacement filters can be quite expensive. Ionizers do not need any filters, but they do need to be cleaned quite often.

Finally, you should take a look at how often air is circulated through the air purifier and back into the room. The best purifiers circulate the room’s air at least 5 times an hour. To find out how many times the model you are considering circulates air, look for the ACH rating, which stands for air changes per hour.

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