Air Purifiers: Alternative Protector

Tip! UV air purifiers use certain types of ultra violet light to neutralize and destroy microorganisms that live in our environment, such as bacteria and viruses, which can potentially be very harmful, particularly to young children or older people, or family members who have already been compromised by another illness. UV air purifiers are also effective in dealing with mold, and the tiny toxins that mold spores release.

Germs are microscopic particles that are not visible to the naked eye. Once this enters the person's system, it spreads to other parts of the body which could cause colds, fevers and in worse cases death.

Environmental research has shown that the air inside the home is dirtier than the one outside. This has also raised the concern of scientists and politicians in the event of another potential pandemic such as SARS or severe acute respiratory syndrome which killed many and hospitalized hundreds less than 10 years ago.

Given the potential risk, the best thing that a person can do to protect oneself and those that live at home is getting an air purifier. There are 2 types of air purifiers available in the market. The first is the HEPA filter. The other is the air ionizer.

HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air is a filter that uses a fan to draw air inside. The filter then re-circulates the air back into the room. This system is used in commercial planes given the limited oxygen in mid-air.

This works well against animal dander, pollen, mold spores and dust. It also removes smoke and harmful kinds of bacteria up to .3 microns in size. Even if this device has been recommended by several departments, it is not able to kill all particles.

Air ionizers on the other hand release negative ions into the air. This alters the polarity of particles in the air that magnetically attached to one another. When this happens, it forms into clumps and fall harmlessly on the ground.

Air ionizers are able to kill particles that HEPA filters can't. The important thing for this to happen is being able to the right filter to secure the entire area. The downside of this device is that it cannot remove harmful chemicals or odors in the air.

There are several factors that a person needs to be put into consideration before choosing an air purifier. The first is the size of the machine. If the house is big, then a machine that can filter the entire house is needed to get the job done. This can be mounted in the wall or on the ceiling if there isn't enough space in the home.

The second is the noise level. Some air purifiers produce a lot of noise. If the person wants to get one at the same time maintaining the peace at home, then buying a noise free machine will do just fine.

Third is the air recirculation rate. Air purifiers can change the room in the room more than 3 times in an hour. The person can check this on the rating that is posted on the machine.

Fourth, the type of filter used for the air purifier. Filters come in many forms. Some can be cleaned by hand, washed or vacuumed and replaced after a number of years.

Lastly, the price of these machines. There is no price for the safety of those living at home but the person can only get what is within the budget since the price range of these machines are $200 to $2400.

Many people say that home is one's castle. By getting the right air purifier suitable for the home, one can be sure of killing all the germs inside the room making everyone breathe cleaner and safer.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides air purifier resources on http://www.aboutairpurifier.info.