Air purification
AIR PURIFIER
Air purifiers remove pollution such as fine particles, pollen, dust, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Some purifiers can effectively combat viruses such as COVID-19.
To choose the right air purifier, you first need to determine the surface area of the room to be purified and consider several factors. Curtains or carpets, for example, will retain dust and fine particles more easily than a parquet floor. The presence of pets can also increase indoor air pollution due to their hair.
Finally, it's important to consider the geographical location of your home. A house near a road with heavy traffic is likely to be more polluted than one in the heart of a forest.
There Are Several Technologies for Purifying Indoor Air:
Particle Filtration:
The air is absorbed by the unit via its filters, then released back into the ambient air, free of pollutants. Filters can also be combined with activated charcoal to reduce VOCs and odors. This filtration technology is recommended by the French National Food Safety Agency (Anses).
Negative Ionization:
This process consists of diffusing health-friendly negative ions into the ambient air. Thanks to an electrostatic phenomenon, the negative ions attach themselves to positively charged airborne pollutants. Once weighed down, the fine particles fall naturally to the ground.
UV Lamp or Photo-Catalytic Filter:
This technology is based on the degradation of pollutants by the action of light rays on the surface of a titanium dioxide plate (catalyst). The DNA of the pollutants is thus altered. This type of process has not been validated by Anses, as the fragmented DNA of the pollutants is released into the ambient air.
At Air and Me, you'll find a wide range of air purifiers with HEPA particle filtration technology. Some of our devices also feature negative ionization. As devices with UV lamps are expensive and do not meet the criteria defined by Anses, they are not sold by the brand.
For more information on air purifiers, check out our guide on choosing an air purifier: Choosing an air purifier.
Professional Purifier
The use of an air purifier in a professional context differs from its use in a domestic setting. Several criteria need to be taken into account, such as the nature of the surfaces to be treated. Purifying a beauty salon requires more filtration than an open-plan office. In addition to the technical and aesthetic aspects of the appliance, the purifier's many functions must also be considered. A low-noise or programmable device will enable you to work in a more favorable environment.
Medical Purifier
Some air purifiers are medical-grade and have a higher filtration capacity than those intended for domestic use. In the medical sector, as in public areas, wall-mounting makes cleaning and disinfecting floors easier. It also reduces the risk of theft.
Discover Our Best-Priced Air Purifiers
What Is an Air Purifier For?
Using an air purifier can offer many benefits, especially in environments where air quality is compromised. Here are a few reasons why it's beneficial to use one:
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1. Pollutant Removal:
Air purifiers are designed to capture and eliminate various pollutants present in indoor air, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and fine particles (PM2.5). This is particularly useful for people with allergies or asthma. -
2. Odor Reduction:
Purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can absorb unpleasant odors caused by cooking, pets, tobacco smoke, or other sources, improving the overall smell of your living space. -
3. Reduction of Airborne Particles:
Some air purifiers can capture bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, reducing the risk of airborne diseases. -
4. Improved Quality of Life:
By purifying the air, these devices can reduce eye, nose, and throat irritation and help prevent headaches and fatigue caused by poor indoor air quality. -
5. Respiratory Comfort:
For people with chronic respiratory conditions, like chronic bronchitis or COPD, an air purifier can provide relief by reducing the concentration of irritating particles in the air. -
6. Neutralization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Some purifiers can also reduce VOC levels, toxic gases emitted by chemicals in paints, cleaners, and other household products.
In summary, an air purifier not only improves indoor air quality but also contributes to the health and well-being of occupants by reducing pollutant concentrations and creating a healthier indoor environment.
Here’s an overview of the main technologies used to purify indoor air, with their advantages and disadvantages:
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filtration
1. Advantages:
- 1. High Efficiency: HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria.
- 2. Durability: HEPA filters have a long lifespan when properly maintained.
2. Disadvantages:
- 1. Noise: Purifiers using HEPA filters can be noisy due to the powerful fans required to push air through the filter.
- 2. No Gas Removal: They do not capture gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Activated Carbon Filtration
1. Advantages:
- 1. Absorption of Odors and Gases: Activated carbon filters are effective at absorbing odors, fumes, and certain VOCs, improving air quality in polluted environments.
2. Disadvantages:
- 1. Limited Capacity: Once saturated, the filter loses its effectiveness and needs to be replaced.
- 2. No Particle Capture: It doesn’t capture solid particles like HEPA filters.
Ionization Purification
1. Advantages:
- 1. Capture of Ultra-Fine Particles: Ionizers release negative ions that bind to airborne particles, making them too heavy to remain airborne and causing them to fall to the ground.
- 2. No Filter: No filters to replace, which can reduce maintenance costs.
2. Disadvantages:
- 1. Ozone Production: Some models can produce ozone, a respiratory irritant that can worsen health problems. All purifiers sold on our site are ozone-free. We only use ionizers with brushes.
- 2. Variable Effectiveness: The particles fall to the ground but are not removed from the indoor environment.
UV-C (Ultra-Violet C) Purification
1. Advantages:
- 1. Disinfection: UV-C lamps kill bacteria, viruses, and mold by destroying their DNA, which can be particularly useful in healthcare settings.
2. Disadvantages:
- 1. ADEME Warning on This Technology: It's unclear what is released into the air once the DNA is broken down.
- 2. No Particle Capture: They do not capture airborne particles, limiting their overall effectiveness.
- 3. Prolonged Exposure Needed: For it to be effective, air must be exposed to UV-C rays for a certain amount of time.
Best air purifier for asthma:
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are particularly recommended for asthmatic individuals for several reasons:
1. Filtration Efficiency: HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger, including common allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. These particles are often asthma triggers, and their removal helps reduce attacks and symptoms.
2. Allergen Reduction: For asthmatics, who are often sensitive to allergens, HEPA filters’ ability to trap microscopic particles can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory irritations.
3. Prevention of Respiratory Infections: HEPA filters can also trap certain bacteria and viruses suspended in the air, reducing the risk of respiratory infections that can worsen asthma.
4. Improvement of Quality of Life: By purifying the air, HEPA air purifiers create a healthier and more breathable environment for asthmatics, helping better control the condition and reduce dependency on medication. In summary, air purifiers with HEPA filters are recommended for asthmatics because they effectively filter fine particles and allergens that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, contributing to better disease control.
Benefits of using air purifiers at the office, especially in meeting rooms
Using air purifiers at the office, especially in meeting rooms, presents several important advantages for employee health and well-being. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Improvement of air quality:
Air purifiers remove fine particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor air. In offices, where windows are often closed and air is recycled through ventilation systems, this helps maintain a healthier atmosphere.
2. Reduction of respiratory illnesses:
By removing pathogens and allergens, air purifiers can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, or allergies. This is particularly important in shared spaces such as meeting rooms, where many people gather and exchange air.
3. Increased productivity:
A study conducted by Harvard University showed that indoor air quality can significantly impact cognitive performance. Offices with well-ventilated air and low levels of indoor pollution showed improved strategic decision-making and employee productivity.
4. Reduction of absenteeism:
Healthier work environments can lead to a reduction in absenteeism. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States demonstrated that improving indoor air quality can reduce sick days, enhance employee well-being, and even improve overall job satisfaction.
5. Improvement of overall well-being:
By creating a clean and healthy work environment, companies can improve employee morale, which can have a positive effect on general well-being and talent retention.
Studies and research supporting the use of air purifiers in offices
• Harvard study:
This study, led by Harvard University, examined the effect of indoor air quality on workers' cognitive performance. Results showed that individuals working in environments with better air quality scored higher on cognitive function tests, underscoring the importance of maintaining clean air in workspaces.
• EPA and indoor air quality:
The EPA has published several studies showing that improving indoor air quality can reduce symptoms associated with allergies and asthma, lower the risk of respiratory diseases, and improve employee satisfaction. Better indoor air quality is also associated with a reduction in absenteeism.
• Study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health:
Another study found that air purification in office environments reduced asthma and allergy symptoms among employees, leading to better overall health and increased productivity.
In conclusion, using air purifiers in offices, particularly in meeting rooms, is beneficial not only for employee health but also for their productivity and overall job satisfaction. Maintaining clean air can thus be a worthwhile investment for companies looking to optimize their working conditions.