Ionic Air Purifier for Asthma

Best Ionic Air Purifier for Asthma and Allergy

How do Ionic Air Purifiers Work?

If you were asked to explain the difference between an air cleaner and an air purifier, would you be able to. Do not worry if you cannot answer, as you are probably the same as the majority of folks who do not understand the difference between the two. Briefly, an air cleaner will filter harmful particles from the air while an air purifier kills bacteria, mold and viruses. Although ionic air purifiers are called “purifiers,” they are not strictly purifying the air as they unable to kill organisms. Instead, air ionizers are an air cleaner.

What do Ionic Air Purifiers Do

Ionic air purifiers, also called air ionizers, are built around a negative ion generator. This generator continually sends out a stream of negative ions, which are atoms or molecules that have lost an electron.

These negative ions are attracted to the positive airborne dust and allergen particles in the air. As a result, the negative ions join with the positive ions, which cause the particles in the ionic air to become heavy. Eventually, they fall to the floor because of their own weight, which in turn removes all sorts of particles from the air.

Ionic air purifiers or ionizers are popular because, in most folk’s eyes, the science behind them makes sense plus the fact that they are quiet and use little energy. Additionally, it is usually unnecessary to change the air filters of ionizers, unlike many other types of air purifiers.

As explained above, ionic air purifiers cause particles to fall to the floor. However, they can also end up falling to other areas of the room as well. As the majority of surfaces in a room are positively charged, the particles falling from the ionic air are attracted to those surfaces as well. Because of this, you will find that the area around the ionic air purifier tends to get dark and dirty.

Although the ionizer removes harmful dust and allergen particles from the air, it is quite easy for them to be returned. This is because the particles end up on the floor and other surfaces but any activity within the room can quite easily stir them back up which results in the harmful particles being put back into the air. Some ionizers however, have special electrostatic precipitators, which trap particles onto charged metal plates. To remain effective, these plates need to be cleaned on a regular basis

Ionic Air Purifiers Consumer Reports

In May of 2005, Consumer Reports published the results of a study about ionic air purifiers. According to their research, ionizers failed to clean the air. It was also found that an ionic air purifier could add harmful levels of toxic ozone to the air, which has been proven to damage the lungs and the respiratory tract.

If you want to keep you air healthy, an ionizer is probably not the best answer. Using the old adage of prevention is better than cure; your goal should not be to clean the air after it becomes unhealthy but rather take steps to keep the air healthy in the first place. Although maybe not practical, one way to do this is to get rid of carpets and rugs, which collect and hold harmful pollutants.

If you are a smoker, only smoke outside, also refrain from burning candles, and incense indoors. To improve air circulation, look into installing outdoor venting fans in your kitchen and bathroom. Also, keep your windows open as much as possible. These natural air purifier techniques will work far better than any of the  ionic air purifiers on the market ever will.

What is the Best Air Purifier for Asthma

You leave the hospital loaded with information about the differences in air purifiers. There are HEPA, Ultraviolet and ionic air purifiers but you need to do some thorough research to find out the differences before you start to shop.

After spending time trawling the Internet, you have armed yourself with information on dust mites and mold, which are the two leading triggers of asthma. You have compared air purifiers that can handle both of these allergens and now you need to find models to fit your budget. However, what price can you put on the quality of life for your treasured baby daughter – she is priceless.

Ionic Air Purifier for Asthma

Out of all of the different types, the Ionic air purifier is probably the most well known of them all. It works by negatively charging dust, dirt, mold and other allergens and instead of floating in the air they drop to the ground. The air purifier will remove most of the debris with your vacuum cleaner and a duster getting the rest.

With some routine housework and a couple of Ionic air purifier models, you have a reasonable solution. Is this the best air purifier for asthma or is there something better?

HEPA Air Purifier for Asthma and Allergies

HEPA air purifiers remove contaminants from the air using a filter. These filters can capture 98% of the dust and mites that can trigger an asthma attack, but the HEPA air purifier is not so good when it comes to mold. Consequently, the HEPA is crossed off your list.

Ultraviolet Air Purifiers

In this type of air purifier, light energy is used to kill mold spores, dust mites and other allergens and what is more, hospitals use ultraviolet air purifier systems to keep germs down to a minimum.

The fact that ultraviolet air purifiers are the system used in most hospitals seems to make them an obvious choice. Next problem is to find a UV air purifier for asthma to suit your needs and hopefully meet your budget.

The majority of ultraviolet air purifiers seem to be very expensive so you again decide to take a closer look at the ionic air purifier for asthma control. You do some pricing, and feel it is a good choice. However, you want to consult your doctor before going any further – a smart move on your part!