With Pakistan ranking as the fourth most polluted country globally, the demand for air purifiers is skyrocketing. The alarming rise in air pollution, particularly in cities like Lahore and Peshawar, has prompted a surge in public awareness.
All 238 million residents live in areas exceeding the recommended air quality standards, posing severe health risks. In this blog, graana.com will explore the impact of deteriorating air quality in Pakistan and delve into the uses and prices of air purifiers, essential tools in combating this growing environmental crisis.
An air purifier is a device that removes contaminants from the air in a room to improve indoor air quality. These devices are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics, and at reducing or eliminating secondhand tobacco smoke.
Air purifiers work by drawing in air from the room, passing it through a filter, and then releasing clean air back into the room. The type of filter used in an air purifier will determine what type of contaminants it is able to remove.
Air purifiers can help eliminate up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including mould spores, dust, pollen, and pet dander. These pollutants can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. There are many different techniques and devices used in general to reduce air pollution such as the use of pollution absorbing bricks. However, using air purifiers for your house is much simpler and easier.
Following are some benefits of using air purifiers for your home:
Overall, air purifiers can offer a number of health benefits for people of all ages. If you are concerned about the quality of your indoor air, talk to your doctor about whether an air purifier is right for you.
When choosing an air purifier, there are a few factors to consider, including:
There are many different types of air purifiers available for home use, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the most common types:
They use a high efficiency particulate air filter to remove particles from the air. HEPA filters are capable of removing up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger, including dust, pollen, mould spores, and pet dander.
These types of purifiers use activated carbon to absorb gases and chemicals from the air. Activated carbon is a porous material with a large surface area that can trap molecules of gases and chemicals. Activated carbon purifiers are effective at removing odours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants.
These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill germs and bacteria. UV light can damage the DNA of germs and bacteria, preventing them from reproducing. Moreover, UV purifiers are effective at reducing the levels of germs and bacteria in the air, but they do not remove particles or gases.
They use ions to charge particles in the air. The charged particles are then attracted to oppositely charged surfaces, such as walls and furniture. Ionic purifiers are effective at removing particles from the air, but they may not be effective at removing gases.
They produce ozone, which is a reactive gas that can kill germs and bacteria. Ozone generators are effective at removing germs and bacteria from the air, but they can also produce harmful byproducts that can irritate the lungs. However, one thing that users need to keep in mind is to not use Ozone generators in occupied spaces.
Moreover, the best type of air purifier for your home will depend on your individual needs and budget. In case you are concerned about allergies or asthma, a HEPA purifier is a good choice. Also, if you are concerned about odours or chemicals in your home, an activated carbon purifier is a good choice.
Here is a table summarising the pros and cons of each type of air purifier.
Type of air purifier | Pros | Cons |
HEPA | Removes up to 99.97% of particles | Can be expensive |
Activated carbon | Removes odours, VOCs, and other pollutants | Does not remove particles |
UV | Kills germs and bacteria | Does not remove particles or gases |
Ionic | Removes particles | May not be effective at removing gases |
Ozone generator | Kills germs and bacteria | Can produce harmful byproducts |
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about air purifiers:
A device called an air purifier helps improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles. Additionally, it can help reduce odors and potentially harmful gases.
Air purifiers use various technologies such as HEPA filtration, UVC light, ionisation, and activated carbon to capture or neutralise particles and pollutants in the air, providing cleaner and healthier indoor air.
Air purifiers can effectively remove common indoor pollutants, including dust, pollen, pet allergens, mould spores, bacteria, viruses, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Yes, air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can help reduce allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Also, it provides relief for individuals with allergies.
Certain air purifiers, incorporating HEPA filters and UVC light technology, have demonstrated the ability to reduce the concentration of airborne viruses, including COVID-19. It’s essential to choose a model with proven effectiveness.
The noise level of air purifiers varies among models. Check the product specifications for noise levels before purchasing.
Filter replacement frequency depends on the type of filter and usage. Generally, HEPA filters may need replacement every 6 to 12 months, while activated carbon filters might need replacement every 3 to 6 months. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Yes, air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective in capturing and neutralising odours from cooking, pets, and other sources, providing a fresher indoor environment.
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters and technologies like UVC light can capture and neutralise mould spores, helping to reduce mould related issues in indoor spaces.
Consider factors such as room size, the type of pollutants you want to address, noise level, and the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) when choosing an air purifier. Reviewing customer reviews and product specifications can also be helpful in making an informed decision.
Remember to check the specific details and recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your air purifier for accurate and model specific information.
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