Who Needs Air Purifiers and Why You Should Care Too

Indoor air has been quite a buzzword in the last few years, but not many people know why they should get it in the first place.

Air filters and air purifiers have taken the market by storm in the past couple of years. The different brands, types, and premises of each device can be confusing. It seems impossible to choose one over the other. It only raises the question: is the hype justified, or is it yet another passing trend? And if it isn’t, what are the things you should look for when choosing an air quality control unit for your indoor space?

There’s an excellent reason why indoor air quality has become a prominent subject in the global conversation. COVID-19 or not, the truth is, we’re all a part of the indoor generation. If you’ve managed to miss this term until today, here is a hardcore fact: we spend 90% of our time indoors in some kind of way. Whether at home, at work, at school, grocery shopping, or at the gym, we spend significantly more time inside than outside.

Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outside air. Because we’ve been warned of the air quality outside for so long, this fact is no less than concerning. 

In the last two years, while working from home, have you noticed or experienced the following symptoms: headaches, inability to concentrate, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or even nausea? Take note - these are just some of the minor effects that indoor air pollution can cause.

Long story short: if you’re reading this now, you need some help with your indoor air quality!

New air filtration and purification companies are springing up like mushrooms after a rain, and established ones want to have their footprint in the field too. All of them, without exception, of all price ranges, promise to clean the air at your home or workplace. But can they all truly deliver?

Cheap air filters and purifiers mainly operate by generating ozone. Ozone is a known pollutant that can cause some severe health issues: coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and even irreversible damage to the lungs. So, in fact, not only do you bring in a device that doesn’t work properly, but on top of that, it pollutes your environment and even puts you at greater risk.

A good indoor air quality system takes care of multiple airborne particles that are bad for your health: dust, smoke, pollen and allergens, VOCs, foul odors, as well as different viruses, bacteria, and other harmful gases. Breathing clean air has been proven to increase motivation, productivity, and overall happiness levels.

A good rule of thumb would be to look for clinical and institutional proof. Look for every product’s certifications, logos, standards, and approvals. In other words, take time to do some research, investigate, compare, and question the information you find.

Sure, social proof is important. But when it comes to your health, you want to know that professionals in health-related sectors recommend the product first. Multiple successful clinical trials and public support from acclaimed medical institutions are a good indication of the credibility and effectiveness of such devices.

Third, you’re entitled to full transparency. Good indoor air quality systems should clean the air, and monitor it and show you relevant data and suggestions in real-time. This way, you can be sure that your investment is a successful one.

Now the ball is in your court, and it’s up to you to make an informed decision. Your indoor air quality is no longer a given, but something you can (and should) be aware of and in charge of. There are plenty of products available today to help you breathe more freely and improve your health.