Introduction
People affected by asthma and other respiratory problems are easily triggered by dust particles. This condition can be overcome by air purifiers. Air purifiers are machines that work with the help of electricity. They are also known as air filters as they remove dust or particles or dirt. It is available in a compact size and can be moved anywhere inside the house. It can also be attached to the central air conditioning system.
What Are the Types of Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers are mainly classified into five types. They are as follows;
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High-Efficiency Particulate Air Purifiers (HEPA) - It is the most widely used filter compared to other filters. It can remove even tiny airborne dust particles. It consists of a fan and pleated fibers. The mechanical ventilation is delivered by the fan. The pleated fibers are present in the form of foam or fiber. The air passes through the pleated fibers. These fibers filter the unwanted dust particles and transmit pure air.
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Activated Carbon - This type of air purifier uses activated carbon to filter the impurities. This filter can remove large particles but fails to remove minute dust particles. Some manufacturers incorporate activated carbon into the high-efficiency particulate air purifier (HEPA) for effective filtering. It also removes bad odors and pollutants from the air.
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Ionizers - The particles in the air have a neutral charge. The air purifiers present in the form of ionizers ionizes the neutral charge into negatively charged particles. Ionizers have specially charged plates in which the negatively charged dust particles get stuck. So that only pure air is delivered. These plates should be removed and cleaned once in a while.
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Electrostatic Air Purifiers - It is similar to the ionizers, but this air purifier uses ozone instead of ions. The ozone converts the charge of dust particles into negative. Then these particles get stuck to the internal surface and filter the air. The main disadvantage of the electrostatic air purifier is the use of ozone because it can potentially damage the lining of the lungs and makes the condition more serious, especially in the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
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Air Purifiers With Ultraviolet Light - The main reason for lung disease is a bacterial or viral infection. The air purifiers with ultraviolet light can eliminate these microorganisms. But these air purifiers must be active for several hours for effective filtering.
What Are the Uses of Air Purifiers?
The uses of air purifiers include;
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Improves Lung Function - Cytokines are the proteins responsible for inflammatory reactions in the lungs. This interferes with the lung's function. Air purifiers can filter these proteins.
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Cardiac Function - Constant breathing of impurities can accumulate in the blood vessels of the heart and increase blood pressure. It can eventually lead to stroke. But air purifiers can be used to eliminate cardiac disease.
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Improve Breathing - It reduces the irritation of the mucosal lining present in the lungs and air passages or bronchial tubes. So the individual can breathe clean air. It is also useful to maintain a healthy heart.
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Blood Flow - Irritants cause inflammation in the blood vessels like the pulmonary artery. It can damage the blood vessels and obstructs blood flow. So air purifiers can be used to overcome such conditions.
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Asthma - The triggering agents responsible for asthmatic attacks can be reduced with the help of air purifiers. It also reduces nasal congestion.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder - The pollutants present in the indoor air cause coughing and results in breathing problems. Air purifiers cannot cure chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) completely. However, the mild symptoms can be recovered.
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Autoimmune Disorder - The infectious particles can easily enter the lungs of the patient with an autoimmune disorder. Because they have a weak immune system, this can be prevented with the help of an air purifier.
What Are the Instructions to Follow While Using an Air Purifier?
Follow the instructions given below;
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In the high-efficiency particulate air purifier or HEPA, select the one which has minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV). The number ranges from 1 to 16 according to the effectiveness of the air purification system. So the highest number has a better function.
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Some air purifiers are use and throw types. So the individual has to replace the air purifier once every six months or a year. Few air purifiers are washable types. So it has to be frequently checked for impurities and should be washed.
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The dust particles from the air vent should be removed with the help of a soft brush. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer surface. The grill in the front should be removed and washed with soap water. Dry it before fixing it back.
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The air purifiers can be used during the day as well as at night. Avoid noisy air purifiers, as it disturbs sleep at night. So take a trial before buying an air purifier.
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The individual should place the air purifier in the room where he spends most of the time. The portable type can be shifted to the bedroom during sleep.
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If the air purifier is installed in the furnace, the air quality can be improved.
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Do not smoke inside the room with an air purifier.
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Use the exhaust fans while cooking and bathing. It can reduce mold or pollutants.
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The individual allergic to pollen must close the window and try to stay indoors with air purifiers, especially during the season in which there is an increased pollen count.
Conclusion
The individual should choose the air purifier depending on their requirements. Particles less than ten micrometers can easily enter the lungs through the bloodstream. High-efficiency particulate air purifiers (HEPA) can filter even particles less than one micrometer. Hence they are costlier than the other filters. The disposable type of air purifier consumes more money due to frequent replacement. Washable types are cost-effective and can be cleaned easily. High efficiency and carbon filters cannot be washed. But these types of filters must be used in cities with poor air quality to improve life expectancy. It is useful for both children and adults.
