Health Benefits of Air Purifiers

Swati Chadha Article published May 05, 2018 Article updated Jun 23, 2023

Breathe easier today!! Air, one of the basic necessities for human survival, has suffered adversely due to increased industrialization and air pollution. The dip in air quality has given rise to numerous health problems, especially respiratory issues, and chronic allergies.

We all know, clean and the oxygen-rich air is essential for our overall well-being. It boosts our energy levels, improves blood circulation and strengthens the immune system. Inhaling clean air aids in brain alertness and better functioning of the body organs (especially lungs).

The indoor air quality is worse than the outdoor air quality. Outdoors, undoubtedly the air quality suffers, especially on high ozone days in hot weather conditions in urban areas afflicted with heavy traffic conditions. However, natural processes, such as moving air, greenery, UV rays, thunderstorms, etc. keep a check on the air quality.

Indoors, especially in well-insulated homes, with no or poor air circulation/ventilation, the air is ridden with contaminants, allergens, and air-borne pathogens. These include mold, bacteria, fungi, dust, pollen, pet dander, cosmetic, plastic, etc. People working in salons are constantly exposed to carcinogens such as acetone. Likewise, construction workers are exposed to the highly harmful asbestos particles. Those working in healthcare settings and patients are at risk of contracting air-borne diseases. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air is one of the top five (5) public health threats to Americans. This can be alarming as most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors and 56 percent of their time at home.

Effective measures can be adopted to reduce the toxicity of the air we breathe in. Air purifying products can be put to use. These are appliances which help in eliminating air pollutants thereby improving the air quality. They can be used in both commercial and residential set-ups.

Following are the health benefits of using an appropriate and effective air purifier -

1. Controls Unpleasant Indoor Odors and Regulates Room Temperature

Cigarette smoke, lingering cooking smell, pet odor, kitchen garbage odor, etc., are eliminated by using an air purifier. They act as a room freshener. If the user need is purely odor control and room freshening, the Honeywell QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier is the best bet. It pairs a highly efficient fan with the refreshing scent of Febreze. So, while it cools down the room, it generates a pleasant aroma as well. Its scent control dial customizes the level of Febreze to be discharged into the air. It is small-sized, compact and portable and thus ideal for use on desktops and tables.

Honeywell QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier with Permanent Filter

2. Filters Mold Spores Out of the Air

Mold is a health hazard and aggravates respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and hay fever. It is a threat to those with compromised immune systems and serious respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, etc. Installing an air purifier will filter the mold spores out of the air, thus, ruling out serious health problems.
The Airfree P1000 Filterless Air Purifier is ideal for mold-contaminated areas and for people suffering from respiratory allergies. Its patented Thermodynamic TSS technology destroys air-borne pathogens, pollens, pet dander and tobacco. It employs the same technique as boiling water and thus uses heat to kill allergens and pathogens. It is filterless and thus does not make any noise and is cost-effective.

3. Curtails Asthma and Other Allergen-Based Triggers

Allergens such as pollen, dry skin cells, passive cigarette smoke, asbestos particles, radon gas, fumes, and other pollutants are curbed by the air purifier, thus keeping a check on respiratory issues.
The Waterwise Airwise Purifier is a perfect solution to allergies related to sinus and respiratory problems. It uses photocatalysis to oxidize pollen, odors, mildew, mold, and toxic gases. It also settles large dust particles and destroys microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. It surpasses the mechanical filtration methods such as HEPA, ozone, electrostatic, UV light and ionizers. It has no filters, fan or grid to clean or replace.

4. Checks on Chemical Sensitivities

If you are extremely sensitive to chemicals, you may need an air purifier for multiple chemical sensitivities. These models contain higher odor and chemical filtration and are manufactured with a material that will not off-gas chemicals into the air. The Vive Air Purifier effectively removes airborne particles such as allergens, dander, and dust as well as odors for fresher, cleaner indoor air. The certified HEPA filter includes a pre-filter for larger particles and an activated carbon layer for eliminating odors. Moreover, it is suitable for rooms up to 172 square feet, the air purifier is great for living and family rooms, home offices, and more.

5. Ozone isn't a Byproduct

Ozone is a lung irritant that causes coughing, wheezing, sneezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, irritated throat, sinuses and can worsen respiratory allergies. A HEPA filter air purifier does not produce ozone as a byproduct. It also removes allergens and other pollutants from the air.

AIRFREE IRIS 3000 Filterless Air Purifier

6. Cost-Effective

The users can also use the filterless air purifier. They are also called ionizers or ozone generators. They rule out the hassle of replacing expensive filters and are thus cost-effective. The Airfree Iris 3000 Filterless Air Purifier is a natural solution to respiratory allergies. Microbiological contamination is reduced without using chemicals or filters. Its environment-friendly technology is highly effective against allergens and pathogens. It is small and portable and is best suited for a room-sized 650 sq.ft.

When choosing an air purifier, the primary consideration has to be the need for the indoor air quality. After choosing the type of air purifier, you can even look for additional features. These could be castor wheels, handles for easy mobility, digital control, remote control, multiple fan speed, filter change indicators, air quality sensors, nightlight function, brightness settings, etc.

Besides utilizing the air purifying products, certain other measures can also help maintain the indoor air quality. For instance, avoid smoking indoors, no use of air fresheners, vacuum clean the house to eliminate dust, bacteria, and other allergens, and maintain clean bedding.

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Swati Chadha

Swati Chadha has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2017. A stay-at-home mom of two wonderful children, her professional experience has been in the social development sector with a focus on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. She considers ...