I have found some really interesting information about air purifiers. I’ll break it up into 3 posts because it is important but a little overwhelming all at once. The main topics: WHY people need home air purifiers, WHAT to look for in an air purifier, and WHICH air purifiers to buy.

1. WHY People Need Home Air Purifiers

You may have seen the commercials for some lawyers that begins, “If you are a loved one suffer from COPD, call us…” The commercial isn’t simply using scare tactics to generate business, it is pointing out a very serious problem affecting a lot of people in this country. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. and it is sometimes caused or exacerbated by indoor air pollution.

Other health conditions like asthma, headaches, fatigue and chronic sinusitis are other common problems caused or worsened by indoor air pollution. The very structures of U.S. homes often contains toxins like formaldehyde–found in everything from plywood to carpet glue–and asbestos, both of which are linked to severe respiratory problems and even cancer.

A list of other things you might be breathing in:

• Biological pollutants - viruses, bacteria, animal dander, dust mites, toxic mold, pollen, mildew.
• Chemical Products - cleaning supplies, paint and even printers can emit VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Radon - Gases that not good for living things in the home.

Air purifiers remove toxic airborne particles and improve overall air quality. My next post will discusses the different kinds of air purifiers and what to look for in an air purifier.