Indoor Air Quality…What About Air Purifiers?
We’ve talked extensively about keeping our indoor air clean. Controlling sources of pollution, keeping our homes and buildings well-ventilated etc. have been covered again and again. And, of course, maintaining our HVAC systems well and changing the filters as needed. All of these are excellent and very helpful. What we haven’t covered much are air purification units or systems.
Well, that changes now. So, are they necessary? Do they actually help? Who do they actually help? Is there one type that is better than another? All of these are excellent questions and and definitely things to be considered before jumping into a purchase.
Let’s tackle “are they necessary?” first. In a word, no, not absolutely necessary. The EPA suggests tackling indoor air quality in three strategies. Two we have already mention, controlling sources of pollution, and good ventilation. The third is where we find air purification – cleaning indoor air. In and of itself ,not necessary. In cooperation with the other two strategies, helpful.
As to whether they actually help and who they actually help, here is my take. I’ve read countless testimonials from folks who actually feel like they really do help. I’m sure there are countless from folks who say they don’t. For the most part the folks they help are people with major problems with asthma, allergies and other lung related issues. There are even some cases I’ve read where allergists have “prescribed” them for their patients. This point, I suppose, is rather subjective. Here is one quote from nytimes.com that supports their effectiveness “Ultimately, long term, you are making the air cleaner,” Ms. Wright said. “Therefore, you are breathing cleaner air.” Another quote speaks to allergist recommendations, “For this reason, many allergists recommend air purifiers to their patients. Dr. Daryl R. Altman, an allergist at the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Queens, said purifiers are part of a multi-front war against allergens like dust and pollen.
Now, we move on to what types are more effective than others. It is widely stated that the purifiers that run an actual motorized fan are more effective. And, of course it is definitely believed that those that utilize HEPA filters are the most effective. HEPA has been the industry standard for filtration for quite a while now. Here is a quote from wise geek.org that speaks to this, “Air purifiers containing motorized fans do offer some advantages over passive models. More air can be treated if it is drawn into the unit mechanically. Air purifiers can also keep the air circulating, which keeps dust andallergens from landing on other surfaces. If a person required more purified air due to a health condition, air purifiers with special HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) filters could work well in conjunction with other air filtration systems.”
Essentially, they can help. However, they work most effectively in conjunction with the other front end strategies. There are many different brands and types of purifiers. Do your research!
If Mr. B’s can answer any questions or help with your air purification needs, please call or visit our site. We want to help you improve your indoor breathing atmosphere.