Air Purifiers for Allergies

Allergies are caused not only by the food you eat but also by environment pollutants that trigger an allergic reaction.  Of these pollutants, airborne allergens are the biggest culprits.  Air purifiers for allergies provide relief, but you have to realize that each category of allergens respond to the air purification technologies differently. 

When choosing an air purifier to relieve your allergies, you must identify what types of airborne allergens are present in your indoor air so that you will know the best way to reduce or eliminate them.

Airborne Allergens

Sufferers may be allergic to any of the following air pollutants: dust, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen.  Because they have different characteristic, each allergen requires different air purification technologies for their removal.

Air Purifiers for Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergy is seasonal (think hay fever), but this is no consolation for sufferers.  These tiny particles are released from trees, grasses and weeds during the flowering season.  Trillions of these airborne allergens are released into the air and can bring misery to sensitive individuals.

Pollen particles are relatively large, measuring 5 microns and above.  They are easily removed by most air purifiers, including less expensive models.  An air cleaner with an electrostatic precipitator, like the Friedrich C90b, is effective for removing pollen from indoor air.  HEPA air purifiers such as Honeywell and Whirlpool are also effective.  An air purifier with automatic particle sensors can respond quickly to the presence of pollen.

Air Cleaners for Pet Allergies

Many households in the U.S. have pets such as dogs, cats, birds and hamsters.  Dander, fur, hair and feathers from pets can trigger allergies.  Pet allergens are smaller than pollen or mold spores and are more difficult to remove effectively.  A HEPA purifier such as the Surround Air Intelli-Pro or a HEPA equivalent air cleaner like BlueAir can help reduce pet allergies.

Air Purifiers for Dust and Dust Mites

House dust is actually a mixture of different materials, some of which are allergenic or toxic.  Dust can include tiny particles from furniture, clothing, plastic, dust mites, and dust mite waste products.  Air cleaners can easily remove house dust from indoor air.

Mold and Mold Spores

Molds grow where there is plenty of moisture and the best way to combat molds and eliminate their musty odor is to remove water sources where they can grow, including leaky plumbing, wet wood, ceiling tiles, carpeting, wallpaper, etc.

UV light can destroy mold but its application can be problematic since the light must illuminate the mold for several minutes.  Ionizers are not very effective on molds either.  An ozone-making purifier destroys molds but high levels of ozone are unsafe especially for people who have ailments.

For mold problems the best remedy is source removal and the use of dehumidifiers.  When the moisture is controlled HEPA air cleaners can be used to purify airborne mold.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Prolonged exposure to odors and VOC can lead to allergic sensitivity.  VOCs can be removed with activated carbon filtration.  If you have allergies to VOC, look for an air purifier with real VOC carbon, not the lightweight polyester carbon filters that are ineffective in removing this type of air pollutant.  IQAir has excellent air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters.