Air purifiers can cut down on irritants in the air
It is quite possible invisible irritants inside the home may be causing any number of health problems. Most of us can only relate air pollution with overcrowded highways and factories with smoke pluming from tall towers. But the air you breathe inside your home may be much dirtier than the air found in the so-called great outdoors. According to the EPA, indoor air may be up to five times dirtier than the "fresh" air found outside. Any number of miniscule things may be found in the air of a typical home from dust to cigarette smoke. These irritants can contribute to certain health problems such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, asthma and even stroke and heart disease. An air purifier in the home can help alleviate some of these irritants. .
Air pollutants found in the home
In addition to cigarette smoke and house dust, there are many other irritants to be found in the home and it may seem like an impossible endeavor to remove them all but it can be done. Pet dander, dust mites, pest excrement, such as from cockroaches, all contributes to air pollution in the home. Mold in the bathroom and basement and nitrogen dioxide from gas stoves can also cause air problems. These irritants may cause itchy eyes, throat and nose. They may also be responsible for headaches, dizziness and fatigue. An air purifier is one strategy for getting rid of these toxants while aiding the entire family to be healthier and feel better.
Strategies for getting rid of air pollutants in the home
Smoke - Simply ask people to smoke outside. They are used to it and don‘t mind. Also, use an air purifier for the home.
Roach residue - Call the exterminator.
Dust and dander - Keep pets out of the bedroom and off of the bed. Vacuum and dust once or twice weekly. Use antiallergenic carpet cleaners since they also kill dust mites. Use hypoallergenic pillows and a mattress made with natural fabrics and synthetic fillers. Zip both up in hypoallergenic covers to discourage pests from turning your bedroom into dust mite city. . Also, wash the mattress pads, sheets and comforters weekly in very hot water.
Nitrogen dioxide - To cut down on the irritants that wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and gas appliances emit, crack a window or run the kitchen exhaust fan. Consider using only electric in your home.
Mold and Fungi - Keep mold at bay by washing bathroom surfaces and shower curtains weekly with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Spread shower curtain out to dry and put towels in the washer immediately.
Dangerous levels of pollutants can build up if the house is poorly ventilated. Try cracking a window in the morning or evening and using a well maintained air conditioner. Don’t forget to change the filters on the heating system regularly.
What size of air purifier is best?
You will place the air purifier in the room that you spend the most time in which is usually the bedroom where you sleep. After you measure the room, check the clean air delivery rate seal on the back of the box. This will define the number of cubic feet of air pulled through the device per minute.
HEPA filters as air purifiers
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters pull air through a thick fabric and traps unwanted particles. As air purifiers, HEPA filters are 99.97 % effective according to the EPA. Whole house HEPA filters are available but the EPA recommends using a stand alone unit. They are certainly less expensive and believed to not be any better than the stand alone units. In addition, you can also purchase a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner.
What type of air purifier should you buy?
There are quite a few types of air purifiers on the market to select from and it can be quite confusing. It good to compare the different types of air purifiers after determining your objective and budget.
Electronic air cleaners - The American Lung Association recommends the models that electronically charge particles in the air and draw them to a metal plate or filter within the unit. Choose full-size whole-room air filters. Tabletop models will not have enough power.
Hybrid filters - A combination of the HEPA and electronic air purifier.
Gas phase filters - They remove gases, vapors, and odors from the air but not particle pollutants such as dust. These are often found in certain workplace settings where chemicals are found.
Ozone generator - Their use is greatly discouraged by the EPA and the American Lung Association; ozone is a known lung irritant that can cause permanent damage.
Plants - The EPA doesn't recommend houseplants as air purifiers. Wet soil can pollute the air by adding mold to the atmosphere,
Air sprays - There's no evidence that air purifying sprays do anything to reduce common pollutants. They may cause more irritation to your respiratory system. This includes candles, sprays and potpourri for sensitive individuals.
Whether an air purifier is being considered for the sick room or as a holistic preventative approach toward good health, almost all physicians agree that air purifiers do improve the quality of air within the home. The American Heart Association offers a free guide for freshening the air you breathe in your home that may also be helpful.
