The question of whether air filters can really reduce dust is one that has been asked for many years. The answer is a resounding yes, as most air purifiers on the market are designed to capture large dust particles in their filters. This mechanical filtration process helps to remove contaminants, allergens, and other toxins from the air. However, the effectiveness of an air purifier in removing dust will depend on the specific characteristics of the device.
Those with asthma and other respiratory issues should look for ASL and AAFA certified air purifiers for the best results. Many companies promise to eradicate up to 99.9995% of dust and viruses, while others claim to permanently cure dust allergies. The science behind air purifiers is more complex than it may seem. While they are effective at reducing the total amount of dust in our homes, they don't remove all particles, nor do they remove particles embedded in walls, floors, and furniture. Dr.
Alana Biggers, an adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago, explains that air purifiers work as a fan with a built-in HEPA filter to ensure that the air we breathe is as clean as possible. The frequency of cleaning or replacing the filter will depend on the type of air purifier and how often it is used. This mesh filter usually covers the outer vent of the air purifier, making it easy to see if it is clogged. John warns that an air purifier will not remove dust from surfaces, as it only helps with dust that circulates in the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that air purifiers are virtually powerless to reduce levels of indoor air pollution, including dust, without other methods such as adequate ventilation and stopping contaminants at their source. When an appliance works, it attracts dust, and not everything is trapped in the air purifier filter. Eliminating sources of indoor air pollution along with operating an air purifier can improve air quality.
A HEPA filter is a corrugated mechanized air filter that can trap particles of many different sizes. According to the EPA, devices with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) can remove 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns. The filter then traps dust and other particles suspended in the air before returning clean air to the room. While air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are effective at filtering dust from your home, other measures still need to be taken to combat dust. People should look for an appliance with a simple one-button control that allows them to adjust the fan speed according to air quality. In conclusion, while air purifiers are effective at removing most harmful particles from a room, they don't remove all particles or all embedded particles from walls, floors and furniture.
It is important to take other measures such as adequate ventilation and stopping contaminants at their source in order to reduce levels of indoor air pollution.
