subject: Ionic Air Purifiers - A Good Investment? [print this page] Ionic air purifiers are devices that electrically charge air particles. The air molecules become negatively charged. They are then attracted to any surface with a positive charge. Most purifiers have a positively charged surface inside them to attract the negative ions. This is a desirable feature because, otherwise, the negative air particles will adhere to other surfaces in the home - walls, furniture, windows and TV screens. Most air purifiers work silently, unless there is a built-in fan that helps suck in the negative air particles. These devices generally don't have moving parts, motors or filters to change.
With so many pollutants in our homes, consumers are attracted to the idea of cleaning the air that surrounds them and their families. We spend millions of dollars on air filters for our homes each year. There is dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke and other irritants. Some people need to rid the air of these because they are allergens and others simply want to breathe cleaner air. Bronchitis, asthma and hay fever are prevalent today. Ionic air purifiers can provide relief from respiratory ailments. These air purifiers are easily found on the internet, in drugstores, department stores, discount stores, and some specialty shops. They range from basic, and moderately priced, to models with added features that can be somewhat expensive.
The only downside may be that these air purifiers can release small quantities of ozone, which is a potential pollutant itself. But, unless you are using several of the units at once, there is probably very little risk. There are some professional allergists and immunologists that criticize the devices, claiming they really are not effective enough at cleaning the air. The only way to tell may be to use one and see for yourself if it relieves the symptoms you suffer due to irritants in the air in your home environment.
If you are considering the purchase of this type of air purifier, do some research. Read all you can on the internet or at a library. Talk to friends, family, co-workers and associates who are using them. See what experts say on both sides of the argument for and against the devices. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget. Make sure it has all the features you deem important for your use. Once you have made your choice and have installed your machine in your home, you can breathe deeply and enjoy the clean air.
