Air Particles

July 27, 2009

Review Of Best Air Purifiers

Picking the best air purifier is a very difficult decision since the need of each allergy or asthma situation has different needs. Adding to this tough task is different allergens and different types of home pollutions are removed in different ways. Below are some comparisons of some of the more popular type of air purifiers.

Air Purifiers with HEPA (High Energy Particle Arresting) filters were originally developed for the atomic energy commission and are used in commercial clean rooms to remove particles of dust and other airborne pollution. This is a paper or polymer sheet with very tiny holes that allow airflow to pass though the material but not very much else. The holes are so small you need a lot of surface area for a reasonable amount of airflow to pass though the material. It is because of this that the medium is always folded in an accordion or zigzag fashion to get a lot of surface area in a small area. There is also a mixed version of the technology that one manufacturer uses where the holes in the HEPA filter are slightly larger to promote more airflow but the air is charged with electrostatic wands. Which then attracts any of the smaller particles that get thru the holes. HEPA Filters work well in the home for trapping particulates. The disadvantage is that the filters must be changed regularly (every 6-months to 5-years depending on the manufacturer). Before purchasing you would also want to review how much air by-passes the filter, fan noise, how long the filter is good for and finally price of both original unit and replacement filters. The review of any HEPA unit depends on the efficiency (how much air by-passes the filter), fan noise, filter life and price.

UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light in the right intensity destroys the DNA of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The disadvantage of a UV air purifier is that removes very few gas pollutants and no air particles. It would be necessary then to purchase a UV air purifier along with another type or one that combines with another filter system.

Ion Generator Air Purifiers are small air purifier devices that put out a stream of negatively charged Ions. These ions charge particulate pollution and when the particle bumps up against something it sticks due to the electronic charge. These devices are used on US submarines and in the poultry industry to keep the feather dust down.
These air purifiers do what they say but there are some very distinct disadvantages. Particulates end up on your walls so your walls turn black near the device. Secondly, since they typically do not have a fan they only work in a localized area. They also do nothing for gas pollution and some may put off some dangerous Ozone.

You can see just with the 3 examples above there are differences in air purifiers. Research and comparison shopping is necessary to find the right purifier for your specific case. Do not allow promotional hype to sway your judgment, picking the wrong air purifier is as bad as not having one at all.

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July 25, 2009

Air Purifiers: Help or Hazard?

Are air purifiers a help or a hazard in our homes?

Recent studies found out that indoor air is more polluted to outdoor air. Because of this, a lot of household uses air purifiers to help maintain the cleanliness of the air they breathe.
Although air purifiers don’t absorb gases like cigarette odors, this device will remove contaminants and minute airborne particles that of soot, pollens, dust and smoke. Air purifiers uses different styles of air purification, but all promises the same thing: a cleaner air quality. One kind uses filter traps wherein air particles are broken down by size exclusion. Ionizer purifiers use charged electrical surfaces (usually needles) and produces electrically charged ions that attract airborne particles. Another one, called Activated Carbon, generates a process of changing contaminants from their gaseous phase to the solid phase, thus making it hard to remove particles of larger sizes. Ozone generators produce ozone that oxidizes harmful chemicals around. The latest in air purifying technology is the Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) that uses a short-wave ultraviolet light (UVC) that is able to completely oxidize and degrade organic contaminants and kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

Ever since the product came out of the market, it has received a lot of positive reviews mainly because of its health benefits. Air purifiers are commonly marketed for giving relief for asthmatics. It targets asthma triggering irritant substances like dust and pollen by reducing the airborne contaminants present in the air. The product is also helpful for allergy sufferers like those with skin allergies (airborne) and allergic rhinitis. Allergens, the primary cause of allergies, like dust, are filtered to ensure the quality of air breathed.
If the house is allergen free, there is a big chance of reducing the irritation and effect of respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners play a role in helping to control or reduce the amount of allergens, indoor or outdoor. Second hand smoke, the smoke exhaled by the smoker and inhaled by the people around, is one of the most common factors of a polluted indoor air. By using air filter, smoke is removed from the air using the techniques of HEPA filter.
On the other hand, reports have surfaced about the supposed disadvantages of using air filters. Complaints like headaches, nose bleeding, coughing, pain chests, eye irritation and breathing difficulty are reported, among with its questioned effectiveness in removing particles. The iconic air purifiers, for instance, produces ozone, a major component of smog, which is an allergen. People with asthma, and even healthy people, may develop respiratory diseases according to one study.
It should be remembered that the any respiratory illnesses should not only be relied upon air purification systems, sue to the fact that these products are merely helping devices for prevention. Medical advices should still be asked especially on serious cases. There should be preventive measures to be done like trying to smoke inside the house, groom pets’ furs and getting rid of possible allergen carrying stuff like dust books. Consumers should make sure in finding the right, appropriate and legal products to ensure a healthier and better living.

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July 11, 2009

Air Purifiers Come in Some of These Forms and Designs

Air purifiers are the instruments that remove the impurities from air. These are beneficial for the people suffering from any allergies or asthma. The functioning of the air purifiers vary as per the machines settings or manufacturing. Various processes are used to get the best performance from the air purifiers. These different techniques can remove the air impurities, thus, making our surroundings clean and pure.

The filtering function of the purifier catches the impurities in the air. The trapped air is then filtered and the pure particles are released afterwards. Some purifiers can be less effective for the use in the larger areas depending on the technology used in its building, thus such purifiers can be useful for smaller areas or any specific space for more effective cleaning and purifying of the air.

The charged electrical plates or the surfaces produce ions that are electrically charged. These ions catch the impurities in the air that attach themselves to the air particles thus releasing pure air. An air purifier can make an effective contribution in eliminating the indoor impurities that may bring along many air borne diseases. Eliminating the pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, dust mite allergens and poisonous fumes from the house hold material can not only affect the people who are allergic or asthma suffers but also the other people who are not allergic to all these things. Thus installing an air purifier in every house is a vital part for all health conscious people. Especially people like children, elder people, pregnant women and babies who are dependent on good quality of air should take the benefits of the modern technology based air purifiers.

These air purifiers or air disinfectants are quite machine as they are not operated by fans. However, some air purifiers are operated by fans to give higher results of purification, thus making your space very noisy. Air purifiers consume very little energy, which is lower than the energy consumed by a fifty-watt light bulb. Air purifiers cause no side effects, as the process is very natural. They do not emit any harmful chemicals or poisonous particles when in working process. Moreover, they do not affect the humidity and the temperature levels of the room.

These air purifiers come in metallic or ceramic designs and do not require much of the space for installation. You can fit them even in small spaces like bedrooms, kitchens etc.

These machines are low maintenance machines and do not require any special cleaning techniques. You can just clean them by wiping the dust over it during your daily cleaning routine. These air purifiers work on the principle of using heat to kill the viruses; pet dander mold spores etc and they are absolutely safe for regular use.

A special series of air purifiers is available in the market for the people who are more allergic prone and for the people suffering from breathing problems. These purifiers are widely used by in hospitals and the nursing homes.

Best HEPA Air Purifiers

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Air Purifiers for Years. For More Information on Air purifiers, Visit His Site at AIR PURIFIERSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Air purifiers At My Blog here
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Why Healthpro Air Purifiers are Rated as the Best Air Purifiers

According to the surveys, the HealthPro air purifiers are rated as the most effective air purifiers and they come in the best-suited range of air purifiers that can be used by people suffering from high allergic and breathing problems.

The entire range HealthPro brand is widely used by the hospitals, health centers, nursing homes and also for domestic purposes. All the purifiers are based on the HyperHEPA technology and can powerfully clean an area of about 1,000 square feet. Some purifiers come with 3 to 5 years warranty, money back guarantee and some additional features like filter change alert to indicate the usage of the filters. However, it is recommended that these filters be changed, depending on the brand, after a certain period of time to get the optimal effect of the purifier.

Various brands, in sleek and elegant designs of air purifiers are available in the market to give best and pure quality air to the valued customers. HEPA [High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor] technology is used in the manufacturing of air purifiers. These filters can effectively make the air pure by 99.97% and can capture the air particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. These filters are effective in eradicating the impurities like pet dander, dust particles, viruses, mold etc. from the air. The captured air passes through the filter that traps any toxic particles from the air thus, releasing fresh and safe air for breathing.

Nearly all the latest air purifiers use this technology to give maximum results and good tension free life to the people suffering from breathing disorders like asthma or lung problems. Usage of these purifiers is specially recommended for pregnant women. Babies as well as the elderly folk prime need for a pure and fresh air so that they can lead a healthy life. These filters work as cleansers to make the air pure by removing all the harmful particles and making it safe to breath. Added features of some of these air purifiers are smoke detector, remote control operated, digital display etc.

The purification quality and the range vary depending on the number of filters and the brand of the purifiers. Standard air purifiers can clean one room at a time and not the entire house or office, as it cannot capture the air for filtration through the wall. Therefore, for best results of purification of air it is recommended to one purifier in separate room and to it is also necessary to use the best and genuine brands of air purifiers to get the optimum results and good value for your money. A market survey is necessary to get to know the real and the genuine products in the market.

These air purifiers do not disturb the normal room temperature or do not disturb the humidity levels in the atmosphere. These purifiers do create any chemical reactions in the air and do not produce any toxic/ poisonous particles in the surrounding. Choosing the best brand according to your needs and budget will definitely prove safe and pure for your family’s good health.

Greenvillecofamily.com is your source for the best and most updated information on the Best Air Purifiers. Check out our top recommended Air Purifiers.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Air Purifiers for Years. For More Information on best air purifiers, Visit His Site at BEST AIR PURIFIERSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On best air purifiers At My Blog here
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July 7, 2009

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Although they may seem like a new innovation, air purifiers have been around for more than 200 years. Beginning as protective masks for fireman, air purifiers have now evolved the ability to protect you and your family from airborne pollutants.
As allergies and asthma now affect more than 50 million Americans, the concern for safe indoor air quality has rapidly increased. Now more than ever, Americans are looking for ways to improve their indoor air quality. Air purifiers lead the pack in advancements for cleaner air.
Allergens like smoke, mold spores, pollen, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, and other pollutants damage your lungs and immune system. Unfortunately, most of these irritants cannot be seen by the naked eye. Air purifiers filter allergens and pollutants seen or unseen by the human eye. To remove these objects, air purifiers typically use filters, electrical attraction, or ozone.
Air filters utilize fine sieves that filter particles from circulating air. As air flows into the air purifier, the finer the sieve used, the smaller the particles it traps. The accepted benchmark for air filters has been set by the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which are guaranteed to trap 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. Microns are the standard unit used for measuring air particles. Each micron is equivalent to 1/25,400 of an inch. The naked eye cannot see anything this small, so pollutants like bacteria and viruses escape detection. Room air conditioner filters only capture particles 10 microns or larger. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, smoke, chemicals, asbestos, pollen, and pet dander.
The more times the air passes through the HEPA filter, the cleaner the air becomes. The room capacity of a HEPA air purifier will determine whether the air cleaner can handle your air purifying needs. Top-of-the-line brands like Austin Air purifiers will provide approximately 15 air exchanges per hour in an average room and contain an average of 15 lbs of activated carbon/zeolite blends, which adsorb chemicals and odors.
In addition to the HEPA filter, brands like AllerAir and IQAir offer an optional medical grade ultra-violet (UV) light system, used to quickly kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi upon entry into the air purifier. UV light also protects the HEPA filter from biological and viral contamination.
Electrical attraction is another technology utilized by air purifiers to trap particles. Three types of air cleaners work using electrical attraction: electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electret filters, and negative ion generators.
Electrostatic precipitating cleaners, or electronic air purifiers, draw particles in by fan and charge them with a series of high-voltage wires. Several plates (precipitating cells) carry the opposite electrical charge and attract the contaminants as they pass by the plates. Electronic air purifiers are perfect for individuals who don’t want to worry about the costly replacements of HEPA filters. Friedrich electrostatic air purifiers remove approximately 95% of all airborne particles and carry low energy costs for you.
Electret filters in air purifiers use synthetic fibers that create static charges to attract particles. Electret filters are offered in a variety of types including plain, pleated, disposable or reusable. Depending on the type of filter you need, will determine how often the filter requires replacement.
Some brands like Blueair combine the HEPA technology with their own electrostatic media filter technology, which charges the incoming particles instead of the filter. By marrying the two unique purification systems together, Blueair created a more effective air cleaner.
Negative ion generators or ionic air purifiers use tiny, charged wires or needles to create gas molecules with negative charges or ions that adhere to the airborne particles and collect in the filter. However, many ions end up back in the air, sticking to furnishings and other surfaces that may be stained by them.
Ionic air purifiers only remove certain types of particles and aren’t always effective against gases, chemicals, or odors. Some ionic air purifiers have been shown to re-circulate the same dirty particles that they draw in, making them much less effective than traditional air purifiers using HEPA filtration.
Instead of using filters to trap particles, ozone generators use high voltage electrical currents to convert oxygen to ozone, which acts as a powerful oxidant and breaks down molecules and microorganisms in the air. Several tests have proved that ozone generators are not very effective at removing indoor allergens.
Ozone, in fact, can be hazardous to your health, and both ozone generators and ionic air cleaners emit ozone. In nature, lightning creates ozone when it cuts through oxygen molecules in the air. In the atmosphere, ozone helps protect us from harmful UV rays; however, on the ground level, ozone is a powerful lung irritant. When created artificially, ozone can actually aggravate allergies and asthma, damaging the lining of nasal passages and lungs, causing coughing, throat irritation, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association advise against using ozone generators.
Asbestos and radon are growing problems in homes today. Heating devices produce carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases, and chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia are increasing in the home environment. Since most Americans stay indoors an average of 90% of the time, providing fresher and cleaner air has never been more important.
Finding an environment-friendly solution has become much easier. Learn about air purification today. The right air purifier will provide asthma and allergy sufferers with air free of airborne pollutants and establish healthy indoor air quality for you and your family.

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