Can an Air Purifier Help with Asthma?
Dust, pet dander, smoke, mold, pollen from outside are some common environmental asthma triggers inside your house. An air purifier can eliminate all of these from your house. It works by taking in air and trapping these small particles. Then, it releases the clean air. However, studies have shown mixed or inconclusive results as to whether or not air purifiers help reduce asthma symptoms.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), air purifiers could be less effective than regular air filters. This is because they don’t trap particles as well as air filters. Other researchers have a different opinion. For instance, a 2018 study stated that air purifiers are effective in reducing asthma symptoms, especially for children. According to a 2016 study, air purifiers could be better at getting rid of some particular allergens, like smoke, but less effective at reducing other allergens, like animal dander.
On the Whole, how Well an Air Purifier Will Help with Asthma Symptoms Depends on The:
– Airflow rate of the purifier
– Filter design
– Size of the allergen particles
– Location of the purifier in your home
How to Choose the Right Filter
Only air purifiers that remove tiny particles will help asthma symptoms. Ideally, it should meet the HEPA requirements. This means it will filter very small particles. Some types of air purifiers have two filters: one for gasses and one for particles. These filters work together and will help you get the cleanest air. You should also ensure that your purifier is the correct size for the room where you want to use the purifier. You may need a couple of air purifiers if you want to purify a large space or more than one room.
Some air purifiers release a type of gas called ozone. Be sure to avoid these types of products. The ozone can cause irritation in your lungs and make your asthma worse. Also, this kind of purifier only sanitizes the air. It doesn’t remove particles from it.Be aware that although air purifiers can reduce mold particles and odors, they can’t resolve a mold problem. If you have mold in your home, take steps to clean it directly. You may have to call someone else to do this so that it doesn’t lead to an asthma attack.
