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The following extract is from a series of home articles and tips on HEPA air purifiers …

Indoor air pollution is a problem that is a much more widespread health issue than most people are aware of and it should not be taken casually, since most people end up spending ninety per cent of their time inside. In order to gain in energy efficiency, homes are tightly sealed against the natural elements, but this traps contaminants and toxins in the air. The best way to eliminate those pollutants is with air purifiers.

The greatest impact that indoor air pollution has on health can be seen in the increased number of incidences of asthma and allergies sufferers. Interestingly, this marked increase in respiratory problems is seen in developed countries around the globe. In addition to allergens being trapped in homes by better seals on windows and doors, it is also believed that the chemicals used in our homes for every day cleaning and maintenance are also to blame. These chemicals collect over time, eventually reaching toxic levels when the air in a home is stagnant and not cleaned.

Both home and office environments are ripe for developing considerable air quality problems, and for the same reasons. High quality air purifiers can be used in both homes and offices to reduce the level of particulate contamination in the air, significantly improving air quality. Polluted air that is taken in regularly can cause many respiratory problems, including asthma and has recently been linked to the rising incidence of lung cancer.

Another area where home air cleaners should always be used, are in hair and nail salons. Nail salon technicians and cosmetologists are at elevated risks for breathing problems and lung disease because they are constantly exposed to higher than normal levels of potent chemicals, such as formaldehyde. This fact alone makes them 1.8 times more likely to end up with lung cancer because of this exposure. Proper air purification in the workplace can help to reduce that risk.

Air purifiers are able to remove allergens and contaminants from the air. They significantly reduce the major contaminants found in home environments, such as dust, pollen, mold spores, dust mite feces and pet dander, just to name a few. They can also be useful in eliminating smoke particles from the air as well. When the level of such pollutants is reduced, so is the risk of triggering allergies, developing asthma or getting cancer.

A side benefit of regular use of air purifiers in the home is that they can also help to reduce the amount of dusting and vacuuming, since the particles are removed by the air purifier rather than settling on furniture and the floor.

There is a wide variety of home air purification units available on the market. Prices range from under $100 for a very basic unit that can effectively clean the air in a small room, to elaborate whole home air purification systems that can cost several thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the house and the level of purification desired.

Most air purifiers are very energy efficient, making them affordable to run on a continuous basis. When shopping for an air purification system, be sure to consider not only the price of the unit and the electrical usage in comparing costs, but also check the cost of the air purification system filters and the recommended frequency of replacement.

For more articles on indoor air pollution, go here: Electronic Air Purifiers

Tags: home improvement, electrical, diy, plumbing, remodeling

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