Why You Need An Air Purifier At Home
Often the air in our homes is full of pollutants that can be bad for our health. Pet dander, allergens, environmental toxins and dust can invade your home undetected. No matter how clean your home, it may still have invisible volatile organic compounds, VOCs floating around. You need to find one of the best rated air purifiers possible to improve your home’s air quality.
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome it is important to reduce anything that increases your toxic load. Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome have multiple chemical sensitivities. Air and water pollution are two ways of exposing yourself to toxic chemicals. A home air purifier is a good solution to keep the air clean and healthy to avoid breathing in pollutants.
It is equally important that you choose a good quality air purifier.
Some carpet types, whether new or old, emit VOCs. That beautiful new sofa can release gases from the foam. And consider the chemicals used to clean your home as they can have harmful effects. Wood burning fires release dust and carbons into your home and can aggravate existing health conditions.
We spend more time indoors than ever before, but indoor air contamination is on the rise. No matter how hard you try to remove air pollutants, without an air purifier you will never know how clean the air is in your home.
How Air Purifiers Work
The design of an air purifier is for it to function to improve air quality in your home. There are so many on the market, the question is – what type is the best for your home? But, first, let’s take a look at how they work.
An air purifier works by removing airborne pollutants from the air you breathe. Not all air purifiers are equal so you need to do your own research to find the one that works best for your situation. Most air purifiers work in one of the following two ways:
Ionic Generators
An air purifier with an ionic generator emits negatively charged ions into the air. This makes any airborne particles so heavy they fall to the floor and then you vacuum them up.
It removes allergens and bacterial particles as small as .01 microns. Some of these air purifiers have an electrostatic plate that collects these particles but may not be 100 percent effective.
You will need to clean this plate regularly for maximum results. The negative side of ionic air purifiers is they can increase symptoms in people with asthma.
HEPA Filters
Air purifiers with a replaceable HEPA filter sucks pollutants from the air. It then traps them so they cannot return into the environment.
This filter can trap 99 percent of particles as small as .02 microns. They work best for removing dust, pet dander, mold spores and pollen. But they do not remove bacteria without help. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter are good for homes where someone has allergies or asthma.
Keep in mind when buying an air purifier, a cheap product is not going to do a good job. You need to make sure you buy one of the best rated air purifiers you can find.
Air Purifier Benefits
Most of us are unaware of the problems our homes can cause our health. There are so many toxins and pollutants constantly emitting into the air. We take for granted our homes are a safe place and work hard to keep them fresh and clean.
It is those sneaky particles that we do not even realize exist in the furniture, paint and cleaning products that can cause so much trouble.
Health is the most important thing we have and the quality of the air we breathe is important part to our long-term health. But, those airborne particles are a real problem as it is not known what long-term effects they can have on your health.
Only now we are learning how toxic the chemicals used to produce so many things in the home are and how they can harm us. Of the 84,000 chemicals used commercially on the market, only 1 percent have studies showing their long-term effects on people and safety.
And we come into contact with many of these every day. It is shocking to think we do not know how they will affect our health.
So, it is up to us to take control of our health. Air purifiers can clean the air we breathe in our homes. They can help people with respiratory problems, sensitivities to mold, allergies, auto immune disease, chemical sensitivities and much more.
Remove Mold Spores
A good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove mold spores from the air. These tiny spores multiply and are invisible to the naked eye. Mold loves to grow in dark, damp conditions and can cause all types of illnesses.
Mold can cause allergies, headaches, dizziness, tiredness and even more serious illness. The HEPA filter traps airborne mold spores and, if it has a carbon filtration system, can also remove the smell.
Destroying Bacteria And Germs
Our homes have a lot of bacteria lurking on every surface. These transfer to us when we touch these surfaces and fail to wash our hands afterwards.
Germs from people with the flu live in the air as people cough and sneeze, and these transfer to anyone in the area. Bacteria and germs can cause serious illnesses to anyone in your home. Using an air purifier can remove these from the air and reduce the risk of anyone becoming sick.
But, not all air purifiers will remove these from your home. The best type of air purifier has six stages of filtration to remove many toxins from your home. The filtration can include the following steps.
You Need A Purifier That Has SIX Stages Of Air Filtration That Include:
- A HEPA Filter – with anti-bacterial coating prevents bacteria and mold growing.
- Germicidal UV Lamp – A germicidal UV lamp destroys viruses, germs, bacteria and fungi.
- Activated Carbon Filter – An activated carbon filter removes the odors from gases, cigarette smoke and chemicals.
- Ionizer – An ionizer sends out negative ions to remove bacteria and harmful particles from the air.
- Programmable Sanitizer – A programmable sanitizer works to neutralize strong odors. Made from activated charcoal. You can turn it off when not needed.
- Anti-bacterial Pre-filter – An anti-bacterial pre-filter is easy to clean. It removes larger particles such as hair and pet dander from the air.
Remove The Toxins From Cigarette Smoke
It is a well-known fact that cigarette smoke is toxic, whether you smoke or inhale second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke contains
4000 chemicals and 11 carcinogens.
These toxins stick to every surface of your home and makes it smell bad. And, they are difficult to remove when cleaning your home. It can cause cancer in non-smokers, and is harmful to those with asthma and allergies.
Invest in a good quality air purifier that has an activated carbon filter to rid your home of the nasty toxins cigarette smoke leaves in its wake.
Eliminate Pet Dander
When you have pets living in your home, you will have pet dander and hair everywhere. Pet dander is the tiny particles your pets shed from their hair, skin and feathers that you cannot see.
A good air purifier will remove this and pet hair from the air in your home. The secondary benefit it will also protect the pets you love from indoor pollution. They are more susceptible as they live closer to the floor where the toxins, chemical residues and dust land.
Downside Of A New Home
Moving into a brand-new home no one else has lived in is exciting. But, there are downsides you may have never considered and that is the level of pollutants in the air.
When your home is brand new there can be high levels of formaldehyde emitting from almost every corner.
From the paint, and glues used in construction. Also, from timber products such as laminate floors. Particleboard in cabinets and furniture can emit formaldehyde.
Exposure to low-levels of formaldehyde can irritate your throat, eyes, nose and affect your breathing. High levels can cause serious illness. Anyone who is sensitive can get sick. Buy a good quality air purifier to help remove these toxins from the air in your new home.
Plants Can Purify The Air In Your Home
While having an air purifier is a good idea, filling your home with plants helps purify the air. It is well-known plants naturally purify the air surrounding them.
NASA did a study into the best plants to purify the air in their space stations. They found the following plants were good for removing trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene and xylene from the atmosphere. These chemicals can cause irritated eyes and headaches, and other symptoms.
Plants make a beautiful addition to any room in your house. Use them in the bedroom to purify the air as you sleep.
Weeping Figs
Weeping figs love the light and do not like movement. Find it a permanent place in a bright, sunny spot indoors so you do not need to move it to catch the light.
These are good plants for removing xylene, formaldehyde and toluene from the air.
Keep in mind, weeping figs are toxic to dogs and cats, so make sure they are out of their reach.
Xylene And Toluene
Xylene and toluene are chemicals used in paints, tobacco smoke, rubber, leather products, car exhaust fumes and printed matter.
Formaldehyde
Paper and waxed bags, insulation, synthetic fabrics and plywood paneling all release formaldehyde into the air.
Boston Ferns
Boston ferns prefer filtered light, humid conditions and soil that is moist. It is the perfect plant for the bathroom.
Ferns can be difficult to look after, but the Boston fern is the easiest of them all to care for.
They are effective for cleaning the air of formaldehyde and xylene.
Devil’s Ivy
While Devil’s ivy fights nasty chemicals like benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and formaldehyde, it is toxic to your pets.
Make sure you keep it in a part of your home where they cannot reach it.
Trichloroethylene
Paints and paint remover, lacquers, printer inks and adhesives all contain trichloroethylene they release into the air.
Benzene
Benzene is a common chemical found in dyes, pesticides, drugs, plastics, detergents, plastics, cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust fumes and lubricants.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is a perennial herb. It is easy to look after and thrives in many different conditions, even the cold.
It is a very easy plant to grow and the small mini plants it grows at the end of its fronds can be cut off and planted to start a whole new plant.
This plant reduces the xylene and formaldehyde in the air.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is hardy, surviving even in harsh conditions with little light and water.
It is versatile and filters out benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
Beware as it can be toxic to pets.
Bamboo Palms
Bamboo palms are a perfect houseplant and thrive in the parts of your home with low light.
They love having their soil remain moist but make sure the soil drains well as they do not like sitting in excess water.
This plant is very decorative and can grow very tall, even in a container indoors.
They remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
Snake Plants
Snake plants are commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue. They are super easy to look after and filter formaldehyde from the air.
This plant is almost indestructible and lives for many years.
They also absorb that nasty chemical carbon monoxide and release clean oxygen into your home.
Flamingo Lilies
Flamingo lilies are a tropical plant with stunningly beautiful flowers. They thrive in a shady, warm position in your home and love a daily misting when in flower.
These beautiful plants remove ammonia, xylene, toluene and formaldehyde from the air in your home.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a toxin found in fertilizer, window cleaners, floor wax and smelling salts.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants. They are hardy and need little light to thrive, and watering only once a week unless it is hot.
They are toxic your pets so be careful where you place your peace lily.
Peace lilies remove acetone found in paint and nail polish from the air.
Pineapple Plants
Pineapple plants are a magical plant that produces more oxygen than most others. NASA research found it not only improves air quality but helps to prevent snoring.
This is an ideal plant for the bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
Putting It All Together
One of the best things you can do for you and your family’s health, is to invest in one of the best rated air purifiers on the market. Investigate air purifiers that provide 6 stage filtration for the best performance.
Try adding some plants to your home from the list here to ensure the air you breathe is as pure as it can be.
Please feel free to leave a comment below.
So Glad I found your website. My son has chronic fatigue, and I do agree it’s got to do with the toxic load that his body has to withstand. Environmental causes are one. Gut health is another issue for him. He has been battling eczema for years now.
I love your ideas of using plants to get rid of toxic chemicals in the air. Devil’s ivy looks like something that does great work and at Low maintenance. I’m not one with green fingers. So I need some hardy plants.
Thanks for the great info here. Will be browsing around your other posts as well.
Hi Joo thanks for leaving a comment and that you found this post helpful. Sorry to hear about your son having chronic fatigue syndrome. Hopefully you can find some useful information on the site for him.
Hi Ann,
Great read, I haven’t thought about air purifiers for my home, I don’t suffer from asthma or allergies, but ! I do have pets! Your article has made me very aware now of what is circulating in the air around me.
Plants in the home were so popular so long ago as part of the decor of your home, but as well as being decorative, I was not aware of the benefits of having them.
A friend gave me a lovely white jug, in which she had potted , mother in laws tongue and some succulents, she told me to place it at my front door and bury a gold coin in it and my house will attract wealth!
Have you heard of that? Well I’m still waiting, but now I think I shall bring it inside and gain some air purifiering benefits.
A different kind of wealth!
Thank you
Michele
Hi Michelle thanks for your comment. I lived in China for a while and took quite an interest in Feng Shui but haven’t heard of your jug with a plant and a coin to attract wealth. Anyway perhaps as you say you’ll get more benefit from bringing your plant into your room. As you say…. a different kind of wealth. Great way of looking at it!
Thank you for this wonderful article dear.Air purifiers are very important in our homes to removes toxic germs from the air we breath.I didn’t know that some plants can be alternative of air purifiers. using plants to get rid of toxic chemicals in the air is the best choice to do.
As all plants don’t play the same role in purifying air,we have to be careful while choosing them .
I like this article.
Hi Julienne thanks for commenting, so glad you liked the article.
Hello Ann. I had a good time reading through these best rated air purifiers for home use. You’ve said it all. Air purifiers helps purify the air and make it safe and healthy for us. Thanks for the criteria and features to look for the tips to get a good air purifiers.
I like the plant idea. I see these beautiful flowers in a home are not just for beautifying sake.
So magical!! Pineapple plant prevents snoring?? Does it mean if I use it in my room I won’t snore?
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Barry, you could certainly try it! Let me know how it goes.
Hi Ann. It is true that air pollution nowadays is increased to much. Every night or during the fay people have more sneezes than before. Usually people never minded on how this happen, by taking for grant that are allergic and let the things as they are. Your idea of Air Purifier is very appreciable and helpful. Personally I recommend it. Best regards
Hi Leo, glad you found my article useful, thanks for leaving a comment.
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