Air Purification 101
The most common methods of air purification are filtration, ionization and ozone generation. Most of today’s air purifiers use filters that clean the air by sucking it through one or more removable cartridges that trap and remove contaminants before releasing higher-quality air back into the home. Let’s have a look at the three most common types of air filters on the market
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, capture the air’s particulates larger than 0.3 microns in size. Anything smaller is re-released into the air. While HEPA filters have successfully reduced particle pollution in the home, they are typically unable to reduce unwanted gaseous elements.
Ionization or Corona Discharge, which creates and disperses negatively charged particles called ions into the air, are supposed to attract and contain unwanted pollutants, but years of independent research has failed to substantiate any measurable reduction in airborne particles.
Ozone Generation is the third method typically used by today’s air purifiers. They release ozone (O3) into the air to eliminate odor pollutants and organic matter. However, it has also come under fire from consumer groups and even the EPA, arguing that adding ozone to the home’s air is not only ineffective in eliminating contaminants but actually introduces more harmful contaminants into the air. “Relatively low amounts [of ozone] can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation,” warns the EPA. “Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.”
