Negative Effects on the Environment by an Air Purifier

Energy Consumption and Climate Change

• One of the biggest impacts of operating an air purifier are, of course, the effects of climate change. Anything that consumes electricity is likely to create a carbon emissions impact--especially as some 44.9 percent of electricity in the United States comes from the burning of coal. This has numerous other indirect environmental impacts: the destruction of habitats and ecosystems through mountaintop removal, the dangers to water and air resources from toxic ash pollution. Relatively speaking, an air purifier uses a small amount of electricity, but it's important to consider possible alternatives to try to conserve electricity. The increased energy demand of an air purifier could be offset by turning down the thermostat or forgoing the use of other electric appliances. Also, some air purifiers are designed to be more energy-efficient than others.

Ozone

• Many ionic air purifiers work through the production of ozone to oxidize and remove allergens from the air. Ozone producing air purifiers can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate allergies. While the "ozone layer" high in the Earth's atmosphere protects us from UV rays, sub-stratospheric ozone is a greenhouse gas, and therefore contributes to climate change. Increasing concentrations of ozone can directly affect human health. While the long-term effects of ozone exposure (both acute and chronic) are not well understood, exposure can cause mild respiratory reactions, including cough, airway inflammation, and shortness of breath. As a result, the EPA and Consumer Reports have both recommended against the use of ozone-producing air purifiers in some applications.

Materials and Assembly

• One of the largest sources of negative effects by air purifiers on the environment have little to do with the daily operation of an air purifier; they involve the resources and energy used to build and transport an air purifier to your home. Everything has a life-cycle environmental cost, and it's important to be aware of when making purchasing decisions. Many use plastic that is difficult to sustainably recycle. Some use relatively rare materials in photocatalytic oxidizers and electrostatic metal plating. While there have been few "life-cycle assessments" of air purifiers, future studies might provide a better picture of the inherent natural resource costs of home appliances like air purifiers.

UV Radiation

• Many air purifiers use ultra-violet (UV) radiation to inactivate or kill airborne bacteria. While highly effective at removing bacteria from the air, UV radiation can be very harmful to human health and other biological life if not properly shielded. Most air purifiers are designed to reduce the exposure of UV radiation to the environment. It is important not to tamper with UV air purifiers in order to prevent exposure and make sure that the shielding remains in tact. UV radiation can also be responsible for the production of ozone, which can have lasting environmental and human health impacts.

Nitric Acid and Nitric Oxides

• Some air purifiers (especially those which generate ozone) can convert nitrogen oxides occurring in the environment into nitric acid or nitric oxides, both of which can be harmful to human health. Nitrogen oxides are often to blame for smog and tropospheric ozone, and can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It's best to stay away from air purifiers that use the "corona discharge" method of air purification, as it is particularly prone to the creation of nitric acid. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive chemical created as a by-product of corona discharge air purification, and can lend both to negative health impacts and increased maintenance requirements for the air purifier. Negative health effects of exposure to nitric acid, especially in large concentrations, include corrosion of eye, skin and mucosal membranes as well as respiratory irritation.