Perhaps you’ve got one too many allergies, or maybe you’ve heard it can help to protect you against Covid-19. The idea of an air purifier sounds pretty enticing—it’s billed as an easy way to improve air quality and reduce everyday allergens within the home, amongst other benefits. But despite claims made by manufacturers, does it really deliver in terms of effectiveness? Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know.
#1 Does an air purifier help to get rid of allergens?
If you’re someone who’s constantly dealing with year-round allergies, getting an air purifier can make a huge difference in keeping your symptoms under control. A high–quality air purifier effectively cleans the air by filtering out common allergens such as dust, smoke, pollen and dander. This means it can be helpful for those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions such as asthma, especially if you stay indoors for prolonged periods of time. However, it’s worth noting that air purifiers aren’t a magical, cure-all solution. While it doesn’t necessarily fix your allergy issues, it can certainly help to keep those pesky sniffles at bay and make your home less of an allergy breeding ground.
#2 Can an air purifier filter out pollutants completely?
Most air purifiers on the market are designed to combat indoor air pollution by reducing the number of airborne contaminants within a space; however, they cannot remove all particles completely. We’re talking about the really tiny, microscopic culprits like soot and smog, which are typically less than 2.5 microns in diameter. Your best bet is to choose an air purifier equipped with a true HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is adequate enough to trap up to 99% of ultra-fine particles that are as small as 0.3 microns.
That said, not all HEPA filters live up to the marketing hype. Despite its track record, it’s important to check on certifications to ensure the effectiveness of HEPA filters. Claims made by manufacturers should always be backed up by prior testing performed by an independent third-party laboratory. For instance, all BioCair products have passed necessary safety tests under reputable labs like TUV SUD and SGS International to ensure efficacy.
#3 How safe is an air purifier?
In general, there aren’t any safety concerns when it comes to using air purifiers. However, it’s important to make sure that it does not produce dangerous levels of ozone, which can be harmful to one’s health when inhaled. Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms, and is known as a lung irritant that can cause symptoms such as chest pain, coughing and shortness of breath.
Such ozone-generating air purifiers will usually have it stated on the description, so be sure to check the product specifications and look out for any warning labels before buying it. As a rule of thumb, always choose products that are tested and proven to be safe for consumer use, and avoid any technologies that may be harmful to one’s health. To give you a greater peace of mind, BioCair alcohol-free disinfectant products are tested and proven to be non-toxic and safe for everyday use, even around children. Free of harmful chemicals, it’s safe to be inhaled and does not cause any irritation to eyes or skin.
#4 Does an air purifier protect against germs, bacteria and viruses?
Air purifiers work to reduce airborne particles, but not necessarily germs. The air you breathe can still contain high levels of microscopic bacteria that can easily pass through most filters in an air purifier. Any pathogens that settle onto nearby surfaces such as furniture or flooring would also not be captured by the air purifier. In order to effectively remove all traces of bacteria and viruses, you need to make use of high-performing disinfectant solutions such as BioCair.
If you’re concerned about germs in the household, it’s best to conduct air disinfection to maintain a healthier, germ-free environment. BioCair’s range of air disinfection machines are effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses, fungus and spores from the air. It utilises a dry-mist formula that not only targets airborne pathogens, but also effectively kills off any lingering surface germs in just 60 seconds. Just like an air purifier, the air disinfection machines should be placed in areas of the home where you and your family spend the most time, such as the playrooms and common areas. It’s also ideal to rid the bedroom air of germs before going to sleep.
For best results, you can choose to use the air disinfection machine and an air purifier consecutively to ensure that your air is completely clean.
#5 Can an air purifier prevent the spread of Covid-19?
It has been widely discussed that air purifiers are capable of combating the spread of Covid-19, but there’s little scientific evidence to assess the actual efficacy of preventing the virus despite popular marketing claims. Until more conclusive findings are released, we recommend sticking to CDC’s guidelines to reduce transmission risk and avoid further exposure.
As a preventive measure, consumers can also consider using BioCair’s air disinfection machines to reduce the threat of infectious diseases. Through rigorous testing, BioCair Singapore is tested and proven to be effective against Covid-19 and other highly resistant viruses. With a 99.999% efficacy rate, it can be used to disinfect homes thoroughly without the use of any toxic chemicals.
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So, do you really need an air purifier? The most important part is to identify your primary need – whether it’s to reduce particles or to eliminate bacteria. Doing so will help you to select a product that will best fit your unique requirements, providing you with cleaner and safer air.
