| As the name indicates, air purifiers are | | | | room. However, this technology does little in |
| intended to keep the air we breathe as free | | | | the way of removing tiny particles such as |
| as possible from allergens, dust and other | | | | dust and microbes. Mechanical filtering uses |
| air-borne pollutants. There are many | | | | a screen to clear the air of pollens; |
| different types of air purifiers, some being | | | | however, it does not work on clearing away |
| more advanced than others. There is also a | | | | unpleasant odors. |
| distinction between office and home air | | | | |
| purifiers. | | | | There are many different types of air |
| | | | purifiers which use one or the other or even |
| Air purifiers therefore serve two main | | | | a combination of the technologies mentioned |
| purposes, which though seemingly similar, are | | | | above. The most popular types of air |
| not. One is to keep the air clean from germs | | | | purifiers are ozone air purifiers, HEPA |
| and microbes and the other is to rid the air | | | | Filters, Ionic air Purifiers and Ultraviolet |
| of allergy-causing agents such as pollens. | | | | Light air Purifiers. |
| | | | |
| It is important to know that no air purifier | | | | HEPA filters generally remove over 99 percent |
| can do everything; some are better suited for | | | | of the particles floating around in the air. |
| some functions than others. There are three | | | | The main disadvantage of HEPA filters is its |
| basic technologies employed by air purifiers: | | | | inability to remove odor from the air. Ozone |
| electrostatic / electronic, adsorption and | | | | and carbon air purifiers are great for |
| mechanical filtering. | | | | removing odor from the air. One of the most |
| | | | effective air purifiers in clearing the air |
| Electrostatic technology uses the principle | | | | of microbes is the Ultraviolet light |
| of positive and negative attraction. As such | | | | purifier. |
| electrostatic air purifiers use charged | | | | |
| plates, which attract the pollutants in the | | | | The type of air purifier you purchase depends |
| air. | | | | on the purpose for which you want it. If you |
| | | | need it to both clean the air and eliminate |
| Adsorption is the process by which some odors | | | | mold spores and other pollutants you may need |
| such as cigarette smoke are removed from a | | | | to purchase two purifiers. |