Are you suffering from allergies or respiratory issues? And are you considering investing in an air purifier?
Before you buy, you might wonder if air purifiers can make you sick.
It’s a valid concern, as some air purifiers can produce harmful byproducts such as ozone.
This can worsen respiratory problems.
Yet, when used the right way, air purifiers can improve your general well-being.
It does this by reducing your exposure to contaminants in the air.
So, can air purifiers make you sick? There’s no straightforward answer to this question.
It depends on the air purifier you choose and how you use it.
So…
Keep reading to uncover more about the potential risks and benefits of using an air purifier.
This blog post will examine the potential risks and benefits of using an air purifier…To help you make an informed decision.
What Are Air Purifiers?
If you’re struggling with allergies or asthma, air purifiers can help.
These devices filter the air in your home. Removing contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Air purifiers come in many types, including HEPA, activated carbon, and UV-C.
HEPA filters are the most common type. They capture particles up to 0.3 microns, including mold spores and pet dander.
In contrast…
Activated carbon filters remove odors and chemicals. Also, UV-C purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
When purchasing an air purifier, consider the size of your space and the filter type.
Ensure the purifier is powerful enough to handle the square footage of your space.
Check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) to ensure it can filter the air fast enough.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers purify the air in your home to remove harmful particles.
They use a fan to drive in air and pass it across a filter or many filters to capture pollutants.
After that, the filtered air is then released into the room.
There’re different types of filters that air purifiers use.
HEPA filters are the most common and can trap particles up to 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and pet dander.
In contrast, Activated carbon filters can remove odors and chemicals from the air.
Air purifiers can also use UV-C light to kill bacteria and viruses.
Some models have ionizers that release negatively-charged ions to attract and trap pollutants.
But ionizers can also produce ozone, which can be harmful in high concentrations.
Before choosing an air purifier, consider the room size you want to clean and the type of filter you need.
Also, you should look for an air purifier with a high CADR (clean air delivery rate) rating.
This is to ensure it can clean the air in your space.
Can Using an Air Purifier Make You Sick?
If you plan to buy an air purifier, you may wonder if it can get you sick.
While air purifiers are generally safe, there’re possible health risks.
So, can air purifiers make you sick? The answer is short but tricky; it hinges on the type of air purifier you use and how you use it.
If you choose an air purifier that doesn’t produce ozone and use it correctly…
It can enhance your air quality indoors. And ease your breathing issues.
But, if you use a unit that emits ozone or misuses it, it can be harmful to your health.
Another concern is that air purifiers can create an environment that’s too dry.
This can lead to respiratory challenges such as dry throat and nosebleeds.
This can be particularly problematic in winter when the air is drier.
Factors that Affect Health
The type of air purifier you decide to buy and how you maintain it can affect your health.
Hence, you must look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Change the filter at the right time to ensure it gives an excellent result.
Consider the room size where you’ll be using the air purifier.
An air purifier that’s too small won’t be effective, and one that’s too large can come with too much ownership cost.
Also, consider that air purifiers work best with other healthy habits.
This includes opening windows for ventilation and keeping your home clean.
How to Choose a Safe Air Purifier
Look for air purifiers that use HEPA filters. These filters trap particles like pollen, dust, and pet dander.
- Avoid air purifiers that produce ozone or use UV-C light.
- Check the CADR rating, which measures the air purifier’s effectiveness at removing pollutants.
- Consider the air purifier size and the room it’ll use it in.
How to Use Air Purifiers Safely
Proper Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to ensure your air purifier operates at its best.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and replacing filters.
A dirty filter can reduce the purifier’s effectiveness. And even release trapped contaminants back into the air.
Check your air purifier’s filter indicator light often. It helps to know when it’s time for a replacement.
In addition…
Some purifiers have re-useable washable filters. At the same time, others may need a periodical replacement.
Placement of the Air Purifier
Place the machine in the room where you spend the most time. Keep it away from walls and furniture to allow for proper airflow.
Don’t place it in a corner or behind objects that could block the air intake or output.
Ensure the purifier is on a stable surface and not in a location where it could be knocked over.
Keep it away from children and pets.
Use the Air Purifier Properly
Turn on the air purifier when you’re in the room, and turn it off once you’re about to leave.
Ensure you keep doors and windows closed while the purifier runs. To prevent outside air from entering the room.
Opening windows and doors is also necessary to let fresh air in.
Remember that air purifiers aren’t a guarantee against illness. But they can help reduce airborne contaminants.
What are the Side Effects of the Air Purifier?
You may experience discomfort from air purifiers. If you have a chronic respiratory problem,
The adverse effects can depend on the type of purifier you have.
Air purification systems that produce ozone can cause dizziness and respiratory problems.
Especially when inhaled in large quantities.
Some purifiers that emit ozone gas can also cause headaches, pain, and coughing.
By pulling airborne allergens toward the filter, some air purifiers can worsen asthma and allergies.
Creating a concentrated area around the filter.
This can cause local irritation and worsen your asthma or allergies.
Possible Side Effects
Some air purifiers can produce harmful chemicals that trigger coughing or asthma attacks.
- Ionizers and ozone generators can release ozone, which can cause respiratory irritation.
- UV-C light air purifiers can produce ozone and other toxic byproducts.
But…
Choosing and maintaining a filter-based air purifier can help relieve respiratory symptoms.
Please see your doctor if you notice any reaction to your air purifier.
This is quite important if you suffer from a chronic respiratory problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air purifiers can provide a range of benefits. This includes cleaner air and relief from respiratory issues.
An air purifier is a helpful tool for relieving respiratory symptoms. Still, it’s crucial to choose a safe and effective model.
Avoid air purifiers that produce harmful byproducts. And choose a filter-based model with a high CADR rating.
So…
Please choose the right air purifier and use it to avoid potential risks.
Following the tips and guidelines discussed in this post can help you make an easy and better choice…
The right choice about whether an air purifier is right for you.
Remember, the goal is to improve your health, not compromise it. So make the best choice and breathe easy!