| 1> | | | | purifier with Granulated Carbon instead of Carbon |
| DID YOU KNOW? The air in your home could be | | | | Pads because it has more surface area and |
| up to 100 times dirtier than the air outside | | | | therefore will last longer. |
| — with millions of particles, pollutants, | | | | Carbon filters do not remove airborne allergens or |
| allergens, gases and bacteria in the air. Air purifiers | | | | micro-organisms for this you should use an |
| can help clean this air to ensure you are breathing | | | | Ultra-Violet (UV) Light Filter. |
| in healthy, uncontaminated air. | | | | - UV Filters |
| Just because you can’t see anything | | | | UV Filters are proven effective to sterilize germs, |
| doesn’t mean it is not there. | | | | bacteria, fungi, mildew, mold and other micro |
| Many people spend a significant amount of time in | | | | —organisms. It is important the |
| their home so it is important to minimize the | | | | micro-organisms are exposed to the right amount |
| health risks from indoor air pollutants. These | | | | of light for a specified period of time to be |
| pollutants can be a direct cause of asthma, | | | | effective. For this reason there is some debate |
| headaches, congestion, allergic reactions, low | | | | on the effectiveness of UV Filters. UV filters can |
| energy, nausea, dizziness and irritation of eyes, | | | | be successful when combined with HEPA filters |
| nose and throat. Unfortunately pollution in | | | | because the HEPA filters are used to capture the |
| today’s world is everywhere. The good | | | | air long enough to be sterilized by the UV light |
| news is there are things you can do to improve | | | | from the UV filter. |
| the quality of air in your home and air purifiers are | | | | - Ionic Filters |
| more available and affordable than ever before. | | | | Air purifiers using Ionic Filters purify the air by |
| STOP! Before you buy an air purifier, it is | | | | sending out ions into the air which have an |
| important to understand different types of | | | | opposing charge to the particles. These particles |
| filtration systems that are available. This way you | | | | such as dust, smoke and pollen, stick to the ions |
| will ensure you are getting an air purifier that | | | | and simply drop out of the air. They are cleaned |
| addresses your specific concerns. There are a | | | | up when you vacuum, mop and dust. If you buy |
| variety of techniques used in indoor air purifiers: | | | | an ionizer without a fan, ensure it is placed in an |
| - HEPA Filters | | | | area that has good air flow. Also, some ionic air |
| HEPA Filters stand for High Efficiency Particulate | | | | purifiers produce ozone as a byproduct. Ozone |
| Air Filter. These are the most popular filters used | | | | can be bad for your health in large amounts so to |
| in air purifiers designed to eliminate dust, dust | | | | be safe ensure the unit emits less than 50 parts |
| mites, animal dander, skin flakes, pollen and | | | | per billion. |
| smoke.. In order for HEPA filters to get certified | | | | - Electrostatic Filters |
| they must pass rigorous testing which confirms | | | | Electrostatic Air Purifiers are a variation on the |
| the HEPA filter is able to filter our 99.97% of | | | | ionic air purifiers. Electrostatic purifiers pull air |
| pollutants in the air that are 0.3 micrometers in | | | | through a carbon or HEPA pre-filter which catches |
| size. | | | | larger particles like pet hair and dust. The smaller |
| BEWARE! Air purifiers with filters that claim to be | | | | particles then pass through an electrical field |
| HEPA type or HEPA like filters may | | | | where they stick to ions which have an opposing |
| not meet those standards. | | | | charge and are collected on magnetic plates inside |
| Many air purifiers use HEPA filters because they | | | | the filter. Electrostatic filters are effective in |
| are extremely effective and can trap more | | | | cleaning viruses, gases, allergens and bacteria |
| pollutants than other filters. HEPA filters tend to | | | | from your home. They tend to get dirty quickly |
| be expensive which is why many companies use | | | | so it is important to clean the filter and plates |
| a pre-filter which is less expensive and helps | | | | regularly to maintain its effectiveness. |
| preserve the life of the HEPA filter. Most | | | | These are five of the most popular and effective |
| pre-filters will remove particles 5-10 microns and | | | | filters on the market. It is important to do your |
| larger, such as pet hair and large dust particles. In | | | | homework and understand which air purifier and |
| fact, some pre-filters are proven to remove 90% | | | | filter is best for you! Check online — the |
| of all particles in the air! | | | | internet is a wealth of information and you can |
| HEPA filters will not remove gases or odors and | | | | find many great air purifiers and filter providers. |
| for this reason air purifiers often use HEPA filters | | | | You spend a lot of time in your home so |
| in conjunction with carbon filters. | | | | it’s important to ensure you are breathing |
| - Carbon Filters | | | | the cleanest, healthiest air you can!DISCLAIMER: |
| Carbon filters are the most effective odor | | | | The information in this article is intended for |
| remover used in air purifiers. In addition to odors, | | | | educational purposes only. The author of this |
| carbon filters also have the ability to remove | | | | article is not a medically trained physician; |
| chlorine and pesticides. Activated carbon is | | | | therefore, any theories or suggestions put |
| recognized by the Environmental Protection | | | | forward are intended to supplement and not |
| Agency (EPA) to remove many chemicals, some | | | | replace the advice of medically or legally trained |
| potentially lethal, from the air. | | | | professionals. All matters concerning your health |
| When considering a carbon filter, understand how | | | | require medical supervision. Please ensure that you |
| much activated carbon is in the filter. The more | | | | consult your doctor prior to adopting any |
| activated carbon a filter has, typically the longer it | | | | suggestions put forward by e-Smart Living, as |
| will last. Activated carbon absorbs to its surface | | | | well as about any condition that may require |
| so when there is no longer any surface left | | | | medical diagnosis or medical attention. |
| — it needs to be replaced. Ideally get an air | | | | |