How Air Purifiers Can Be Harmful
While air purifiers are advertised to improve air quality, they can actually make respiratory conditions worse. In addition to removing bad bacteria, air purifiers also produce ozone gas, a powerful oxidizing agent that irritates the lungs. The EPA has classified ozone as a Group A carcinogen. People with asthma and other respiratory ailments should avoid air purifiers.
Home Air purifier with HEPA Filter
While the present study only involved a small number of healthy adults, it is important to note that the participants’ exposure to indoor air pollutants is increasing in the course of normal day-to-day activities. This is why the researchers conducted a crossover intervention study, which involved a group of healthy adults who used air purifiers and a control group that did not. They measured the concentration of PM and O3 in the two groups and assessed their pulmonary function.
Some air purifier models are more efficient than others, but their effectiveness is not always as high as advertised. This could be due to the air flow rate, the conditions in the room, and other factors. The filters may not remove bacteria and allergens that have accumulated in the air, unless they are combined with effective vacuums and disinfectant cleaners. However, air purifiers are still not an alternative to a proper vacuum and disinfectant cleaning.
How Air Purifiers Can Be Harmful and Acgravate Health Conditions
Activated carbon filters in air purifiers trap gaseous pollutants and larger particles in the air. These filters also serve as pre-filters. Some models have germ-killing features. These germs are attracted to these particles and are harmful to your health. These devices should only be used in homes with healthy people, and should not be used in places where children may live.
Another type of air purifier uses ionization devices. They use negative ions to neutralize pollutants. The EPA recommends that consumers buy air purifiers with high CADR, a measure of how much air a machine can filter. However, ionization devices also produce ozone gas, which is a lung irritant and can aggravate health conditions. In addition, some ionization devices produce harmful chemical byproducts.
There are a number of fake air purifiers on the market. Some of these devices produce harmful levels of ozone. This is especially dangerous for people with allergies and other respiratory issues. Many manufacturers do not warn consumers about the harmful effects of ozone inhalation. Despite the fact that ozone can make respiratory conditions worse, some of these products are still sold in the market.
The most common types of particulate matter include fine particles and gaseous pollutants. These particles can penetrate deep into the air and even the bloodstream. Numerous studies have linked increased concentrations of fine particles to a variety of health effects, including pulmonary dysfunction and asthma exacerbations. While air purifiers are a great way to reduce these particles, some studies have found that they may worsen these conditions.