Talking about air quality in metropolitan cities, some common topics that come into the picture are pm2.5 particles, pm 10 particles, smoke, smog, greenhouse gases, viruses, and bacteria. While we are out of the house, we are prone to their harmful effects. But while we are in the house, we can surely take some measures to improve the indoor air quality making it better for living. Pure and clean air keeps the body healthy, refreshes the mood, and makes your space welcoming.
What are air purifiers?
Air purifiers or air cleaner is a device that purifies by removing contaminant particles and allergens from the air. Some of them release ionized gases that purify the air. While others use air filters that only clean the air it sucks. These techniques are called: active and passive air purification, respectively. The only difference is that one purifies the air while the other cleans air inside the room. Both have different strengths and if used together can give better results.
What air purifiers do?
An air purifier removes dust, pollens, and Mold spores, that can act as allergens triggering allergies in sensitive people. Also, bacteria, viruses, and VOC (volatile organic compounds) that pose health risks are eliminated by these purifiers. Air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can capture almost every size of the particle. It is one of the most significant components of air purifiers to look for while buying one.
Houseplants vs. purifiers?
Air purifying work was earlier done by maintaining various plants indoors so that the space was kept fresh & decorated. But with the advent of technology, we see, now air pollution does not only consists of smoke. Air today is polluted with particles like pm 2.5, pm 10, viruses, etc. Such air condition needs the latest technology for their elimination. An effective solution for this problem is an air purifier. An air purifier specially deals with removing these minute particles and allergens from the air. Something that plants can’t do.
Purifiers come with the benefit of giving you clean and fresh air in less time, which houseplants won’t give instantly. Modern purifiers occupy less space and are available in eye-catching designs, adding to your style quotient. The main work air purifiers do of removing allergens is something that houseplants take a backseat.
HEPA filter:
Air purifiers with good quality HEPA(high-efficiency particulate air) filters are effective in removing or reducing second-hand smoke particles. They catch particles of almost every size and are capable of eliminating them from air you breathe. These are beneficial to allergy or asthmatic patients as they eliminate allergy-causing pathogens from the air you breathe. This is one of the aspects that houseplants lack.
But purifiers also come with multiple concerns related to hazardous gases released, noise level, filter replacement frequency, and electricity consumption. When we consider the performance of purifiers, they need regular maintenance to work properly. There are certain air purifiers that emit ozone. Its excess amount in the air affects the lungs, causes chest pain, and worsens respiratory disease. So, while they provide us with fresh and pure air, their prolonged use may be fatal.
Here is when houseplants save the day, as they have zero health hazards and don’t release harmful gases. In the short or long run, they serve the best and decorate the space beautifully. You only need to water them and ensure they are protected from fungus and kept fresh.
Final words
We can say that air purifiers are best when need is to create a clean space instantly. But their health effects, in the long run, must not be sidelined. Air purifiers can be accompanied by houseplants to ensure a safe indoor space. Both of them have their importance. They’ll surely work best together giving you fresh and clean air, supplementing each other’s performance.