Can air purifiers cause breathing problems?
With deteriorating indoor air quality in urban areas, indoor air purification has become a necessity. With these existing problems air purifiers have gained a lot of popularity.
Air purifiers are devices that trap air borne particles, dust, pollen, volatile organic compounds; including paint, pesticides, household cleaning products etc. These pollutants are known to cause certain respiratory diseases and other health problems.
Indoor air purifiers are highlighted as a major solution to the problems related to poor indoor air quality. It is true but only to some extent.
In this article we will discuss some negative impacts of air purifiers on our health, we will tell you which type of air purifier is safe for you, and also we will recommend some air purifiers which are completely safe to use. So read the full article to know.
How can air purifiers cause breathing problems?
Some air purifiers like ionic air purifiers generate a toxic gas called Ozone. The ionic air purifiers work on a principle that the metal electrodes charge the airborne particles and attract them electrostatically. This process is known as corona discharge and results in the emission of ozone as a byproduct.
Inhalation of this toxic gas can result in increased risk of respiratory infections. In Fact Ionic air purifiers can even make conditions like asthma worse.
What are the negative impacts of using an ionic air purifier?
The ionic air purifiers do not remove the airborne particles from the ambient air. Rather these particles just stick onto nearby surfaces and even our windpipe, alveoli and air sacs of lungs. This aggravation of pollutants can cause certain heart, lung and other respiratory conditions.
These Ionic air purifiers also produce toxic ozone gas that can aggravate in the indoor air upto critical levels. This can cause certain health impacts like:
- can irritate the lungs
- trigger asthma attacks
- damage your olfactory bulb
- Can cause throat irritation
- Coughing
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
Which air purifiers are safe to use?
Air purifiers such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are a solution to this problem. HEPA filters are efficient at removing 99.97% particles, ranging between 0.3-0.1 microns without generating harmful ozone.
Working of HEPA air purifier
HEPA air purifiers work on a principle that the contaminated air is drawn into a unit, where it traps the particles inside. The clean, fresh air is then being emitted into the room.
This process works continuously in a cyclic manner to produce fresh air.
And due to this reason, these air purifiers are considered as one of the best filters for people having respiratory issues like asthma.
Which are the best HEPA air purifiers for your home?
Below are some of the best HEPA air purifiers for your home:
| Air purifiers | Why i recommend it |
| RENPHO Air Purifier for Large Room, H13 True HEPA Filter, Auto Mode with AQ Light, Air Purifier for Home Bedroom, Eliminates Mold, Pollen, Dust, Odor, 26dB Quiet Air Filter, Ozone Free Black | Renpho air purifiers are 100% ozone and anion free and do not use UV-C light for disinfection. These are high efficiency air purifiers ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basement, dorms, offices, and classrooms etc.The HEPA filters cleans an area of about 1,440 sq ft in one hour, 720 sq ft in 30 minutes, Comes with Medical grade H13 True HEPA filter & Advanced 4-stage filtration system.Filter efficiency is 99.97% for particles as small as 0.3 microns.Works wonders against odor, dust, pet dander, smoke.asthmatic, pet allergic, dust mites allergic, coughing, sinusitis, sneezing, chronic allergens, and seasonal allergies.Quiet operation of sound levels as low as 26dB during sleep mode. Even all the display lights will be turned off in sleep mode.Comes with a child lock feature for pets and kids. Cost efficient; filter needs replacement only after 6 months. |
| InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier – 4-in-1 H13 True HEPA, Ionizer, Carbon + UV Light – Air Purifier for Allergies & Pets, Viruses, Bacteria, Home, Large Rooms, Dust, Mold, Allergens, Odor Elimination | Invisiclean air purifier filters certain airborne contaminants like; allergens, dust mites, pollen, pet dander microorganisms etc.Filters an area of upto 1,276 sq ft. Ideal for bedroom, kitchen, basement, or living room.Saves energy and consumes low EMF radiation Consumes up to 82% less electricity compared to other air purifiers. It is equipped with replaceable H13 99.98% true HEPA filter and activated carbon pre filter and optional UV light filter which is efficient against harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.Operates at low sound levels. |
| LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Ozone Free, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White | You can access this device from anywhere, fan speeds can be operated through your smartphone. Better purification with its 360 degree design. Suitable for large rooms. It has an ultra fine nylon pre filter and activated carbon filter. Highly efficient against 99.7% contaminants for particles as small as 0.3 microns such as; dust pollen, pet hair, mold, odor etc. Ideal for home, bedroom, kitchen, basement etc.Does not make much noiseVoice control feature |
| Instant Air Purifier, Helps remove 99.9% of viruses (COVID-19), bacteria, allergens, smoke; advanced 3-in-1 HEPA-13 filtration with plasma ion technology, Small Room (AP100), Charcoal | Instant air purifiers are proven to kill 99.9% of covid-19 virus, bacteria, mold, and other harmful viruses. With its Advanced 3-in-1filtration; HEPA-13, Activated Carbon, Antimicrobial coating and plasma ion technology it removes 99.97% of pollutants like tobacco smoke, pet dander, certain odors and other impurities. Its advanced sensors offer a 24×7 air quality monitoring with auto fan speed adjust feature.It filters the air in an area of 126 sq ft 5x per hour.Ideal for bedroom, office, kitchen, basement, or living room.With its whisper quiet night mode it offers lower noise for a sound sleep.The filters last upto 8 month, after that it needs to be replaced. |
| Brondell Air Purifier O2+ Revive Air Purification System with Humidifier | Allergy Relief and Odor Eliminator | for Dust, Mold, Smoke, Off-Gassing, and Pets | Dual Intake | Dual True HEPA Filters | Evaporative Humidification | PR50-B Black | Brondell air purifiers with humidifiers add moisture to the filtered air, keep stuffy nose, sinus, congestion, allergies, asthma symptoms at bay and relieves dry skin.Maintains an optimum level of humidity and does not over saturate the surrounding area.The dual suction system allows a rapid airflowThe true HEPA filters have the removal efficiency of 99.97% for allergens larger than 0.3 microns. The better airflow is created with its dual intake system ideal for a 627sqft room. The granulated carbon filters are efficient at removing odors, harmful gases, VOCs, formaldehyde etc. Hence, protects your house from sick building syndrome and other respiratory issues.Provides an even humidity with its evaporative humidification method, which uses small water particles that can travel through the air easily. Evaporative Humidification is self-regulating, as the room’s atmosphere determines how much water evaporates from the humidifier into the air. |
| Miko Air Purifier For Home HEPA Filter Air Cleaner For Pets, Allergies, Smoke Odor Eliminator In Large Room, Bedroom, H13 HEPA Air Filter Removes 99.97% Smoke, Pollen, Dust Cleaner With Sleep Mode | Miko air purifier comes with several interesting features like multiple fan speeds, built-in timer, maximum surface area for air flow, all around suction, replacement filter indicator and essential oil port. The filter is made of H13 medical grade filter, a preliminary filter, and anti-bacterial filter for super clean filtration and performance.Large filtration components that offers all rounded purificationMiko air purifiers are effective against allergies, dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, viruses, germs, fungi, mold etc. The Oscillating Intake process removes all particles in a tornado motion and helps maximize efficiency.Comes with an airtight insulation. Erosion protectant ensures safety and durability. |
| Afloia 2 in 1 HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier, 3 Stage H13 Filters for Home Allergies Pets Hair Smoker Odors, Evaporative Humidifier, Auto Shut Off, Quiet Air Cleaner with Night light, MIRO PRO | The humidifier is fixed on the air purifier and is detachable. However the removal of the humidifier does not affect the efficiency of purification.The humidifier could not be used independently.This air purifier consists of three filters; pre filter, activated carbon filter, and HEPA filter. The filter has larger expansions as compared to other filters. Filters air 5 times up to an area of 219sq ft.The rapid filtration technology filters the room in less than 24 minutes.The evaporative humidifier converts invisible water droplets into nanoparticles to moisten the air and the humid air is free from any impurities. This air purifier is effective against cough, allergies, dry skin, wrinkles, insomnia, and nosebleeds. Operates on lower sound levels to get you a peaceful night’s sleep. |
| Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Humidifying Function (254 sq. ft.), KC-850U , White | Sharp’s exclusive patented Plasma cluster ion technology is effective against microscopic airborne pollutants that traditional filters cannot trap, by producing positive and negative ions from water vapor in the air. The device is effective in reducing certain viruses including MS2 (Viral Stimulant); certain bacteria including E-Coli,epidermidis, Staphylococcus, and Serratia marcescens; certain common fungus and molds including Penicillium and Aspergillus Niger; and odors. The filters are washable and can be used multiple times. Its activated carbon filters are effective against odors. The true HEPA filters efficiently remove 99. 97% of particles up to the particle size of 0.3 microns and larger.Auto mode is also available, which automatically regulates the fan speed depending upon the amount of impurities in the air. The air purifier is also equipped with sensors to detect impurities for efficient air purification. The HEPA filters are durable and need to be replaced every 2-5 years and offer a lower operating cost. Easy to useOffers quiet operation with sound levels as low as 26dB for a sound sleep. |
| HATHASPACE Air Purifier for Home Large Room with True HEPA Air Filter for Allergies, Pets, Asthma, Smoke, Quiet Smart Air Cleaner, Removes 99.9% of Dust, Mold, Pet Dander, Odors, Pollen – HSP002 – 1500 Sq. Ft. Coverage – H13 Medical Grade | Particle efficiency of about 99.97% for particle size 0.3-0.1 micron.Effective against pollen, dust, VOCs, tobacco smoke, odors, pet hair, etc.Medical grade filterGood for extra large rooms.Ideal for home, bedroom, office, kitchen, basement, or living room.Auto mode available for fan speed adjustment5 years warranty |
| Air Purifier, Zigma AI Air Purifier for Large Room up to 1580 ft2, Available for California, True HEPA 5-in-1 Smart WIFI Air Purifiers w/Voice Control for Dust, Pollen, Smoke, Air Cleaner Aerio-300 | Zigma air purifier offers the removal efficiency of 99.97% for particles like; allergens, dust, pollen, odor, smoke, pet dander Cleans an area of about 1580 sq ft in one hour.Operates at sound levels less than 25 dB to ensure quiet operationCompatible with voice Control via Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Comes with child locks feature for families that have children and pets. |
Other FAQs about Air Purifiers and Filters that you may be interested in.
Best air purifier for mold in basement
Beurer 2-in 1 Air Purifier and Humidifier lr330
Best air purifiers for mold Consumer Reports
Conclusion
In this article we discussed some negative impacts of air purifiers on our health. We told you which type of air purifier is safe for you, and also recommended some air purifiers which are completely safe to use.
References