Treat the problem - not the symptoms
Using an air purifier around your home can dramatically reduce your allergy symptoms. I always look forward to fall but it's a mixed blessing because like many Americans who suffer from allergies I don't look forward to the sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Most people take all types of drugs and search for other remedies trying to deal with the season that it hits them with a vengeance every year. If you had allergies last year, there's a pretty good chance you will this year as well. You really need to try and fix the problem - pollutants - not the symptom - sneezing and wheezing.
HEPA - your best choice
If you know specifically what pollutant you are reacting to - ragweed for example- it' s easier to fix the problem But even if you don't, you just know that you have a difficult time breathing during certain parts of the year, use of an air cleaner can help. Most allergy doctors recommend HEPA allergy air purifiers.
How to choose an air cleaner
If you are like me and just dread certain times of the year because of all the air pollutants flying around you may be considering buying an air filter system for your home or office, or even for your car. The good news is that there are devices on the market that will remove most of the particles in the air and considerably reduce your aggravation. Unfortunately, they don't make one yet, or at least I haven't been able to find it, that will completely eliminate all the pollutants.
You will have several options when you begin to look from portable air cleaners and you can expect to spend between $100-$300 and more for portable units. All air units unit are rated by their ability to remove contaminants from the air - it's usually measured by what is called clean air delivery rate, or CADR. The higher the CADR rating a unit has the more efficient the unit will be at removing pollutants. You will usually find a separate rating for individual types of pollutants such as dust or pollen. The manufacture will normally provide information that will help you to determine the size of the unit you need based on the size of the room that trying to treat, so make sure you buy a unit that is large enough for the job.
If you want to get the most bang for your buck then remember to keep these tips in mind.
Portable Units - Things to look for:
Size and weight: Portable filters are available that weight as little as three pounds, and can be carried in a suitcase for an overnight trip.
Effectiveness: How effective is the unit in cleaning the air. You can find units that advertise removing from 90 to 99.9 percent of all micro organisms and pollutants.
Types of pollutants removed: Some technologies are more effective in removing specific pollutants- make sure you know which type of pollutant you are going after. What are you concerned with - is it smoke, micro organisms, or even bacteria and mold spores?
How quiet is it - some units make no noise at all, others with large fans can be pretty noisy.
Maintenance required - some units require that you change filters frequently to keep the unit at maximum operating efficiency
Air cleaners to avoid
Ozone generators - Air purifiers are designed to produce ozone have been advised against by the EPA and the American Lung Association. People with respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema should absolutely avoid using these devises. It is also strongly recommend that these units not be used if there are elderly people or children in the home. Not only do these units fail to provide any type of health benefit they don't do an effective job of removing odors or pollutants. Ozone can react with the organic material that makes up your body and cause potentially harmful consequences. Small amounts can cause shortness of breath and chest pain as well as may result in worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma. Bottom line - best to avoid.
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