The good thing is that most air purifiers do purify the environment. The bad news is most people derive minimal benefit from their use. Using home air cleaners as part of a multi-pronged attack against allergens or even pollution seems to be the best route to get, but the effectiveness of air purifiers alone is known as by consumer advocates to be negligible. Thinking about the average price of high-end air purifiers offered through specialized outlets such as Sharper Image or Brookstone, some other less-expensive air treatments should most likely be considered very first.
Air purifiers work in many ways, but quite commonly the refinement mechanism is an electrostatic charge on metal plates. The whole unit is placed in a inconspicuous location and air flow naturally circulates through it. As the air passes on the charged plates, any dust or spores or some other floating debris should be captured by the electrostatic cost, much like salt crystals being attracted to the statically-charged comb. The air coming out of passive home air cleaners should be much cleaner than the air starting the unit.
The problem with unaggressive electrostatic air purifiers is that many common allergens usually do not float in the air because they are overweight. These allergens and germs remain on the floor or other surfaces and rarely if ever reach the actual electrostatic plates of air purifiers. Air purifiers also get allergens and harmful germs out of the air, however cause them to fall onto carpets, furniture as well as clothing. The plates themselves must be removed periodically with regard to cleaning, which could expose the user to more things that trigger allergies and bacteria.
Air purifiers containing motorized followers do offer some advantages over passive models. More air flow can be treated if it is drawn into the device mechanically. Air purifiers can also keep the air distributing, which keeps dust and allergens from landing on some other surfaces. If a person required more purified air as a result of health condition, air purifiers with special DUST (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) filters could work well along with other air filtration systems.
One of the main problems associated with air purifiers may be the production of a heavy oxygen gas referred to as ozone. Ozone in the atmosphere serves as the protective layer against harmful solar radiation, but focused ozone in a confined space can cause numerous serious health problems. Many air purifiers utilizing electrically-charged plates do generate ozone as part of their procedure. The health benefits of purified air might not be enough to overcome the potentially harmful associated with ozone-producing air purifiers. Consumers should look for DUST filtration, low ozone production and some form of air flow when shopping for air purifiers. The unaggressive electrostatic air purifiers may offer some a sense of peace, but very little actual health advantage.