It doesn't matter where you are, as long as you are not in one of those hi-tech labs or anything, you will be encountered with polluted air. These days air purifiers are being sold with the promise of cleansing this air. But before you invest on an air purifier it helps if you understand what are the sources of pollution and how air is actually polluted.



A) Pollution due to Particulates: Generally not visible to the naked eye particulates would be made up of dust, dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander, skin flakes, pollen, smoke particles and allergens.

Generally a purifier with HEPA filters and the ionizers together are good enough to deal with the particulates.

B) Pollution caused by Odor: The source of odor can be wide ranging. It can be coming from food, pets, our own bodies, cigarettes, clothing, etc. Although odors are not necessarily dangerous, but they can leave you with an unpleasant feeling which you wouldn't want.

The purifiers which have active carbon filters in them are the best to deal with the problem of odor.

C) Pollution caused by Microbials: Microbials would include bacteria, fungi, mildew, mold spores and viruses. Normal filters wouldn't be able to deal with them as some of them can be as small as .001 microns. Compared to that HEPA filters can be effective for anything above the size of 0.3 microns. Microbials have their homes in warm, damp places like under the carpet, in the walls and in the heating and and air conditioning ducts of our homes.

The best way to deal with microbials is to have those devices that can produce oxidation. They help in killing these microbials.

D) Pollution caused by Chemical Fumes and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): The source of this pollution are chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. The fumes of these are constantly being released by our carpets, upholstery, furniture, draperies, household cleaning products, etc. Other sources would include cigarette smoke, construction materials, etc. Many of them have been identified as carcinogens.

The best available solution today in the market are those devices that produce oxidation. This is a serious kind of air pollution and must be dealt adequately.

Now that you are acquainted with all the major types of air pollution you are in a better state to deal with them. Knowledge brings power, and now you have the power to choose rightly, to choose the exact air purifier you will need.