I read a post on a blog recently where the poster was wondering whether or not air purifiers were necessary. Most felt it they weren’t, and I am here to present the full range of considerations about having an air purifier.
Air purifiers are a form of risk reduction. Using them decreases the likelihood of suffering from one of the increasingly common lung disorders out there. With asthma as widespread as it is, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder – basically emphysema and bronchitis) rising, it is imperative to protect the health we have today, instead of trying to fix it once it goes. Breathing clean air is a big part of that.
As an example, I cleaned my purifier yesterday. A large part of the dust on the pre-filter was this stuff that resembled chalk dust. That was human skin – the #1 component of dust. It’s also the #1 food source for dust mites, which in turn are the #1 source of respiratory irritants. In other words, the filter was taking away the food that feeds the things that irritate my lungs the most. Less food means fewer mites, which means less irritation.
And if you’re wondering if you can notice a difference, ask any severe asthma sufferers how they felt after buying a top shelf air purifier.  They’ll tell you how wonderful it was to finally breathe clean air.
Another perception out there is that all air purifiers are equal – and if you want to save a bunch of money just get an ionic one on the furnace.
Things have changed. Ionic purifiers are now banned in most places as they produce ozone – a powerful cleaning agent no doubt, but it is also stable. That means it can hang around long enough for you to breathe it in, and it instantly degrades any tissue it comes into contact with. Meaning it’ll break your lungs down if you have enough of it in your air. And that is why they have been banned.
Anyway, it all comes down to keeping yourself in top shape. If you take vitamins, wear your seatbelt, and work out you most likely care about keeping your health. Why not also take care of your lungs?
I will definitely get air purifiers.
Great article. Thanks for sharing it.