Air purifiers employ a variety of technologies to reduce indoor pollution. Certain models work better than others. And some can even be bad for your health.
Models that have mechanical filters:
This is the type that CR is testing.
Pleated filters are air purifiers that use fans to move air through fine fibers. This traps particles. Filters that have very fine meshes are HEPA filters that are have been certified to capture 99.97 percent of particles of the specified size. HEPA filters are able to remove larger particles too such as dust, pollen and mold spores, while they're suspended in the air.
Rather than catch particles like mechanical filters, sorbent filters employ activated carbon which can be used to capture certain odor-causing molecules out of the air. Although they can be utilized to combat some gases, they're not efficient against formaldehyde or ammonia. Many air purifiers have an activated carbon filter and pleated carbon filters to remove particles. Activated carbon gets saturated faster than pleated filters however, and needs replacement more frequently , every three months as opposed to every six or 12 months for pleated filters. Make sure to budget for replacements according to your needs: Activated carbon filters cost as much as $50 per. You can get more information about Blast Auxiliary Air Cleaner honest review by visiting our website.
Modular models that incorporate activated carbon filters
Instead of trapping particles as mechanical filters, the sorbent one uses activated carbon to capture certain odor-causing compounds out of the air. While they are able to fight certain gases, they aren't effective against formaldehyde and ammonia. Because activated carbon filters don't combat particles, many air purifiers will have both an activated carbon filter as well as pleated filters to catch particles. Activated carbon is more saturated than pleated filters though, and requires replacement more frequently every three months, compared to every six or 12 months for pleated filters. It is recommended to budget for replacements: Activated carbon filters could cost up to $50 each.
Ozone generators
These machines create ozone, which is an molecule that reacts with various pollutants to alter their chemical makeup. These machines can cause hazardous indoor air quality. CR doesn't recommend them. Ozone generator manufacturers often claim that the devices emit safe levels of ozone, however, in the past our tests showed that, even with low settings, certain Ozone generators rapidly exceeded the Food and Drug Administration's maximum of 0.05 parts per million for medical devices. The EPA examined studies that demonstrated low levels of ozone, which is the primary ingredient in smog, don't effectively eliminate indoor pollutants. The research also suggests that ozone can be connected to a decline in lung function, as well as an increase in risk of irritation to the throat as well as chest pain, coughing, and lung tissue inflammation. Ozone exposure could also aggravate asthma, emphysema, and asthma and bronchitis.
Electronic air purifiers
Electrostatic precipitators and ionizers charge particles in the air such that they stick to plates on the machine or nearby surfaces with a magnetic-like attraction. CR doesn't typically test electronic air purifiers or suggest them, because they can generate Ozone.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)
Manufacturers claim that their purifiers are able to kill viruses, bacteria and fungal spores by using UV lamps. Certain mold and bacteria can withstand UV radiation. To work it, the UV light must be powerful enough and the light exposure should last long enough for a period of time that is longer than the few seconds typical of most UVGI air purifiers in order to be effective. CR doesn't test UVGI technology, though certain mechanical air purifiers that are tested for the purpose.
Photocatalytic Oxidation
PCO uses ultraviolet radiation and an a photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide, in order to produce hydroxyl radicals that convert gaseous pollutants. The pollutant that is oxidized it can produce harmful byproducts like formaldehyde and ozone as well as carbon monoxide. CR is not yet able to test PCO technology. There have been a handful of tests conducted to determine the efficacy of PCO air purifiers, but one laboratory study carried out by researchers from Syracuse University in New York reported that the devices did not effectively remove any of the VOCs that are typically present in indoor air.
A different version of PCO that is known as PECO emerged more recently from the manufacturer. The purifier for air was not able to perform when it came to smoke, pollen and dust removal.
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