Do Plug in Air Purifiers Work? What The Experts Have to Say
Do Plug-in Air Purifiers Actually Work?
Yes, they do, according to Emily Jones, a researcher in the Healthy Buildings program at Harvard University. Despite its compact size and affordability, plug in air purifiers can filter the air in a room. A must-have in every home, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.
However, it’s crucial to comprehend how a plug in air purifier work, its drawbacks, and whether they’re necessary based on your circumstances. If you reside in proximity to a highway, industrial zone, or region prone to wildfires, it might be wise to invest in a full-fledged HEPA air purifier to effectively address the situation.
A 2017 study found that daily activities contribute to major sources of PM2.5 indoor pollutants like secondhand smoke from cigarettes, fumes from cleaning products, and emissions from burning candles or incense, frying food, and smoking marijuana. Additionally, biological contaminants like bacteria, molds, mildew, pollen, viruses, animal dander, house dust mites, and cockroaches can all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Chronic exposure will lead to health issues ranging from immediate irritation to long-term diseases like respiratory and heart problems or cancer.
Plug-in Air Purifiers and Covid-19
Little do people know that plug in air purifiers can be a valuable tool in reducing the spread of the Covid-19 viruses. HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, including the droplets of saliva that the airborne virus can travel in.
If you have a family member with Covid-19, running a plug-in air purifier in the isolation room can help contain and protect other household members from the viruses. Plug in air purifiers can also be useful to keep the air clean when guests or repairers come into your home.
However, it’s important to remember that air purifiers shouldn’t be your only means of protection against Covid-19. Continue practicing other safety measures like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.
Do I Need an Air Purifier?
With indoor air quality up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor, most people would need an air purifier in their homes. An air purifier can be beneficial for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions e.g. asthma or hyperallergic, children, the elderly, or pregnant women. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if purchasing a plug-in air purifier is right for your home and health.
If you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home with a pluggable air cleaner, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First off, avoid any air purifiers that emit ozone byproducts, namely the notorious Ozonator/ ozone generators. These devices can be harmful to your health, so steer clear of them. Second, choose an air purifier with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) appropriate for the room size that needs cleaning. Lastly, accept the limitations. While plug in air cleaners can remove airborne particles and odors, they won’t fix a mold problem caused by humidity.
But don’t worry; there are plenty of other steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. For example, if you live near a highway, keep your windows closed during high-traffic periods. Avoid actions that lead to poor indoor air quality, like smoking, burning candles or incense, using air fresheners, and cooking without a hood/ exhaust fan.
In Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. With a few simple steps and a little know-how, plug in air purifiers can improve the air quality in your home and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Stay safe out there!
