If you have asthma you know that even to breathe is an amazing feat. People take breathing for granted. But if they have asthma, they know how amazing it feels to feel fresh air going deep into their lung.
For most sufferers, daily outdoor activities are a serious no, no. Staying indoor is the best protection from smoke, dust, pollen and other harmful floating particles.
But there's a slight problem with that idea. You see, the air in your home could be worse than outdoor. Well, I didn't say that. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the one making that claim.
That is why many sufferers are now turning to modern technologies to help save their lives. One such technology is called air purifier.
If you're thinking of shopping for one, let's see 4 basic types of air purifier you could find on the shelves of your neighborhood supermarket today.
1. Electrostatic Air Cleaners
Well, at least that's what the makers would call it - air cleaners. If you open one of these machines, you will see a long wire or plates in it. Here's how it works. When air runs through the wire or plate, dirty air gets charged. The charged dust will then cling to the wall or washable filter in the machine.
In theory it's sufficient. But in reality, it only gets rid less than 50% of what's on air. Secondly, that sort of operation could create a type of gas called ozone. While it is good up in the air, you certainly do not want it in your bedroom because it is highly toxic.
2. Ozonizer
They are usually much cheaper and smaller than most hospital-grade air purifiers. Some could be as big as your toaster. The pamphlet attached to the machine and the late night infomercials by sexy sales lady will tell you that ozone kills bacteria, viruses and other harmful particles unseen to your eyes. But it omits one important fact. It could also kill you.
The government via its Environmental Protection Agency has been fighting to take off such machines off the shelves for years. You can go to the site and see for yourself what the agency has to say about these kinds of machines. In short they don't clean the air, they only emit ozone.
3. HEPA Air Cleaner
You might have heard of HEPA air cleaner if you have done some research on air purifier yourself. You see, HEPA is a weird name the US Army give to a special filter they designed and used during the Manhattan Nuclear Project. And like many other industrial products, the military release the technology to the public for wider use.
If you want to get an air purifier, this is the type of air purifier you want to buy. HEPA is highly efficient at trapping unseen particles (imagine it filtering the tip of your hair divided into a hundred parts). It doesn't give out harmful gases, could last a few years and has been proved to work.
Such air purifiers have also been used during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, post 9-11 attacks in New York and have also been recognized by the American Lung Associations and The Red Cross. It's that good.
4. HEPA + other technologies
Some newer companies have also use the combination of HEPA filters and electrostatic to try make more efficient and cheaper machines.
Some companies have succeeded but others bite the dust. Because they use electrostatic or ozonizer, you should be wary about ozone coming out of these machines. To be safe, ask if you could turn off the electrostatic or ionizer function. If not, skip such machine and stick with HEPA machines. It is that simple.
So there you are. Those are the 4 types of air purifiers that you could find in the market today. Buying an air purifier is not an easy task. Even buying a HEPA air purifier is not easy - there are thousands of models to choose form. That is why it is also wise to read reviews before buying.
But after reading this article at least you are better in form than 80% of buyers out there. Knowledge is power. Applied knowledge is a sign of wisdom. Good luck!
For most sufferers, daily outdoor activities are a serious no, no. Staying indoor is the best protection from smoke, dust, pollen and other harmful floating particles.
But there's a slight problem with that idea. You see, the air in your home could be worse than outdoor. Well, I didn't say that. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the one making that claim.
That is why many sufferers are now turning to modern technologies to help save their lives. One such technology is called air purifier.
If you're thinking of shopping for one, let's see 4 basic types of air purifier you could find on the shelves of your neighborhood supermarket today.
1. Electrostatic Air Cleaners
Well, at least that's what the makers would call it - air cleaners. If you open one of these machines, you will see a long wire or plates in it. Here's how it works. When air runs through the wire or plate, dirty air gets charged. The charged dust will then cling to the wall or washable filter in the machine.
In theory it's sufficient. But in reality, it only gets rid less than 50% of what's on air. Secondly, that sort of operation could create a type of gas called ozone. While it is good up in the air, you certainly do not want it in your bedroom because it is highly toxic.
2. Ozonizer
They are usually much cheaper and smaller than most hospital-grade air purifiers. Some could be as big as your toaster. The pamphlet attached to the machine and the late night infomercials by sexy sales lady will tell you that ozone kills bacteria, viruses and other harmful particles unseen to your eyes. But it omits one important fact. It could also kill you.
The government via its Environmental Protection Agency has been fighting to take off such machines off the shelves for years. You can go to the site and see for yourself what the agency has to say about these kinds of machines. In short they don't clean the air, they only emit ozone.
3. HEPA Air Cleaner
You might have heard of HEPA air cleaner if you have done some research on air purifier yourself. You see, HEPA is a weird name the US Army give to a special filter they designed and used during the Manhattan Nuclear Project. And like many other industrial products, the military release the technology to the public for wider use.
If you want to get an air purifier, this is the type of air purifier you want to buy. HEPA is highly efficient at trapping unseen particles (imagine it filtering the tip of your hair divided into a hundred parts). It doesn't give out harmful gases, could last a few years and has been proved to work.
Such air purifiers have also been used during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, post 9-11 attacks in New York and have also been recognized by the American Lung Associations and The Red Cross. It's that good.
4. HEPA + other technologies
Some newer companies have also use the combination of HEPA filters and electrostatic to try make more efficient and cheaper machines.
Some companies have succeeded but others bite the dust. Because they use electrostatic or ozonizer, you should be wary about ozone coming out of these machines. To be safe, ask if you could turn off the electrostatic or ionizer function. If not, skip such machine and stick with HEPA machines. It is that simple.
So there you are. Those are the 4 types of air purifiers that you could find in the market today. Buying an air purifier is not an easy task. Even buying a HEPA air purifier is not easy - there are thousands of models to choose form. That is why it is also wise to read reviews before buying.
But after reading this article at least you are better in form than 80% of buyers out there. Knowledge is power. Applied knowledge is a sign of wisdom. Good luck!
Hi,
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