| An activated carbon filter is the most basic air | | | | on the market that combine these technologies. |
| cleaning device available, it's simply a filter filled | | | | One good way to increase the effectiveness of |
| with a lot of pores in a complex pattern. These | | | | this filter is to combine it with a HEPA air filter. A |
| pores absorb pollutants including smoke, chemical | | | | HEPA air filter is designed to remove dust and |
| fumes, smog, automobile exhaust and many | | | | other allergy causing particles from the air. |
| odors. | | | | Using a carbon filter with an ionizer is also a really |
| These filters are usually attached to a system | | | | good idea. An ionizer can remove many |
| that circulates air throughout the home using a | | | | dangerous chemicals from the air and get rid of |
| fan. The filters catch the pollutions and remove | | | | many odors. |
| them from the air. This is one of the oldest and | | | | To eliminate the threat of germs activated |
| simplest air filtration technologies in existence. | | | | carbon filters should be combined with a germicidal |
| Similar filters were used in gas masks used to | | | | UV lamp. Such a lamp uses ultraviolet (UV) |
| protect soldiers from chemical weapons during | | | | radiation to kill germs, viruses, bacteria, fungus, |
| World War I. | | | | mold and other disease causing organisms. |
| One big advantage to carbon filters is that they | | | | Many companies manufacture air purifiers that |
| don't release pollutants back into the air. | | | | combine these effective technologies. These |
| Unfortunately this means that these filters need | | | | devices are available as stand alone units that can |
| to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis to | | | | clean up the air in a single room or whole house |
| keep them effective. | | | | systems that can clear the air throughout the |
| There are some serious limitations to activated | | | | home. |
| carbon technology. They don't remove dust and | | | | These filters can also be added to existing force |
| other allergy causing particles from the air. They | | | | air heating and air conditioning systems to clean |
| don't kill germs and other disease causing | | | | up the air in a home. Or at least reduce the |
| organisms. They can only remove pollution from | | | | danger posed by chemical fumes. |
| the air when the air is circulated by a fan or | | | | Chemical fumes such as paint fumes and carbon |
| blower. | | | | monoxide can aggravate allergies and asthma |
| The best way to use an activated carbon air filter | | | | sometimes make people without those conditions |
| to clean the atmosphere in your home is to | | | | sick. Such fumes can also kill or seriously injure |
| combine it with other effective air cleaning | | | | people if they are present in really large amounts. |
| technologies. There are many excellent systems | | | | |