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Air purifier products grew in supply and demand as an indirect effect of the global pandemic.
Today’s article explores the reality of air purifiers as an effective deterrent to viruses and other contaminants in the air we all breathe.
Also Read: Healthy Home Guide.
Airborne Diseases Attack: Purified air to repel the scare
According to research, correctly wearing a mask and constantly adopting excellent social distance can prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) via droplet transmission.
However, the concerns about airborne disease pushed individuals to utilise air purifiers. So, how do different kinds of air purifiers work? Do they work against COVID-19? Should you purchase one?
Many brands now make many types. It is an excellent start to learn what are these. Some products are made with less effectiveness to be used in particular areas. Not all would give the promise of shooing the COVID away.
What are the types of air purifiers?
Most air cleaners are classified as either filters or sanitisers. However, some manufacturers blend both kinds in the same device, like the 14x14x1 air filter.
Filters enhance indoor air quality by physically eliminating small particles of matter such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. These are all-natural occurrences that trigger people’s allergies. As a result, HEPA filters are currently the most popular form of household filter.
HEPA filters and UV light air purifiers: How do they work?
HEPA or “high-efficiency particulate arresting” sucks out the harmful air particles. A HEPA filter’s fibres are designed to catch particles as fine as 01 microns in diameter – a mere fraction of a human hair strand.
UV light technologies, on the other hand, have no effect. Instead, they are intended to eliminate viruses, bacteria, or mould spores floating around by exposing them to UV radiation.
Ionisers, what about them?
Ionisers charge air particles, causing them to gravitate toward something with an opposite electrical charge. These objects might be collection plates within the devices or other surfaces across the space (walls, carpets, curtains, ceilings, etc.). However, once they find anything that attracts them, the particles prefer to stick about; this is somewhat similar to static electricity.
Ozone makers: How do they work?
Ozone generators modify the conventional oxygen molecule to include three atoms rather than two. The three-atom molecule is called ozone, not oxygen, and it interacts with its surroundings differently from the typical air we breathe.
Is it safe to use all of these devices?
No. Air purifiers with HEPA filters, UV light, or ionisers are acceptable. However, even in healthy people, breathing ozone can induce coughing, throat discomfort, shortness of breath, and other problems. Ozone can also cause lung damage, so local meteorological officials issue ozone warnings from time to time.
People with asthma or other respiratory disorders can be sensitive to air quality, so they should minimise their exposure to ozone by remaining indoors on certain days or avoiding strenuous activity outside.
Do any of these air purifiers effective against COVID?
Because the coronavirus is near the lower end of the HEPA filter’s detection range, it may not be completely effective on a single pass. However, if a HEPA system is used over time, it may remove a significant number of viruses, 99.94 to 99.97 per cent.
In addition, continuous exposure to UV radiation in an air purifying system can render certain viruses, including COVID-19.
Last reminders
Air purifiers can give an extra layer of protection, but their efficiency is limited compared to other techniques like wearing masks, social distance, and sanitising surfaces. They will be far more critical in keeping you secure than anything else we’ve discussed.
