What Is the Big Deal on Room Air Purifiers?

Toxic Particles

• The air inside a room may be filled with toxic particles that emanate from a number of sources. Pesticides, central heating systems and household chemicals used for everyday cleaning all contribute to air pollution inside. Some people are more sensitive than others to these pollutants, especially the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, allergies or lung disease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if increasing ventilation and removing the sources of pollutants do not prove to be sufficient, then a sensitive individual may benefit from an air purifier in his room.

Effectiveness

• According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, while some air purifiers may help improve the quality of indoor air, they vary greatly in their effectiveness in removing pollutants, and all are limited in some way. Remember that most of the commonly available air purifiers can only remove particles, and are unable to remove the gases in smoke. There is no air purifier that has the ability to eliminate all pollutants from the air.

Dangers

• Air purifiers that release ozone should not be used in the home as they can be detrimental to health. The ozone can irritate the lungs and may even lead to episodes of asthma in sensitive individuals.