Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers – Disadvantages & Precautions

There’s no doubt that air purifiers are some of the most hyped machines since the Covid-19 outbreak. Despite not having much relation to the virus, it had gained quite the popularity during the pandemic.

This is all because of its unique function and ability to protect you from germs and bacteria that you’re always surrounded by without even being aware of it.

Even though they do have a lot of benefits, unfortunately, they come with some disadvantages as well. It’s important that what you’re actually purchasing, doesn’t harm you intensely.

This is why we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the negative side effects of air purifiers in your room. Some might come as a surprise to you but are essential to have within your knowledge about air purifiers. This way you’ll know what you’re signing up for.

Negative Side Effects of Air purifiers

Ozone emission: Ozone Generators Negative Side Effects

Some air purifiers out there that are ozone generators, electrostatic precipitators, and ionizers while working, emit ozone gas into the environment. This gas basically has three oxygen atoms in one molecule.

It is a transparent, toxic gas that can be quite harmful to your health. It is present in the upper part of the atmosphere and is also there in man-made smog. There are some air purifiers that deliberately release ozone into the air In order to kill germs and bacteria along with viruses in the air.

These kinds of descriptions are already present in the specifications of the air purifier. Therefore it’s important to note that an air purifier can do all of this and more.

However, there are also air purifiers that release ozone gas as a byproduct of their functioning and performance. These are usually electrostatic precipitators and ionizers.

They work by electrically charging the particles in the air to easily remove them from it. While doing this, they release some ozone which can directly get into your lungs.

After a lot of research, it is understood that ozone gas can cause serious damage to your lungs and airways, worsening the state of your lungs.

Breathing in such a gas can be extremely harmful to your health as it would slowly damage them. People with respiratory or breathing issues would experience these symptoms more intensely as compared to those who don’t have any health issues.

Performance with filters:

Air purifiers can underperform and not give all of the purifying effects that manufacturers claim, in addition to potentially degrading the quality of the air in your house.

There are various sorts of contaminants that can affect air quality, according to AllergyEscape.com, but most air purifiers are only efficient against a few of them. Purifiers that use activated carbon air filters, for example, can remove odors, chemicals, and gases (including smoke), but not germs or allergies.

HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filtration purifiers, on the other hand, can capture allergens but not odours, chemicals, or gases, including smoke.

HEPA Filters Negative Side Effects:

In the world of air purifiers, the term “high-efficiency particulate air” (HEPA) is well-known. HEPA filters performed admirably at first. Then a slew of purifiers with comparable designs and technologies appeared. Only a few of them work properly.

HEPA filters catch germs, viruses, and other particulates larger than 0.3 microns in the air. They are invisible to the human eye. When it works, this feature is quite beneficial.

The bad news is that the HEPA filter is no longer as effective as it once was. True HEPA Filters are a type of filter. Only True HEPA filters, according to a ratio, can effectively catch such particle materials. True HEPA filters might be good but they don’t get destroyed as easily.

It takes them a long time to get decomposed which means they are harming the environment in the process. They also have to be maintained properly.

The particles captured in the chamber don’t pass through, you have to clean the filter after a certain time or the particles will join the air again.

Are Carbon Air Filters Safe?

This filter is actually rather efficient. However, this filter is ineffective when used alone in a purifier. When activated carbon and HEPA filters collaborate with each other, you get a product that is worth purchasing.

To achieve better results, you should always clean your filters. Make sure your filter is washable before you begin cleaning. Carefully read the User Manual. If necessary, contact customer service.

Cover your nose and mouth when cleaning your activated carbon, and use a mask if possible. The explanation is that inhaling activated carbon is extremely dangerous.

The filter is made up of microscopic holes composed of activated carbon that traps the odor. To be safe, take the appropriate precautions to avoid inhaling the carbon when cleaning.

Ionizer bad for asthma:

Many asthma sufferers have turned to ozone air cleaners as a way to ward off their symptoms, but there are some potential dangers associated with these devices.

Specifically, breathing ozone can lead to irritation in the lungs and throat, as well as damage to sensitive tissues in these areas.

Additionally, ozone is known for breaking down into other harmful compounds that can be especially damaging to the eyes and respiratory system.

As such, those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should be cautious when using ozone air purifiers, or they may decide to opt for ionizer air purifiers instead.

Although ionizers do not produce ozone directly, certain models may promote its production through the use of photocatalytic oxidation; therefore it is important to select a quality product from a reputable manufacturer and follow all safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.

By doing so, asthma sufferers can minimize their risks and enjoy the benefits of cleaner indoor air without compromising their health.

Noisy:

The majority of air purifiers are filtering appliances that work in the same way as a fan, sucking in bad air and exhausting clean air.

They also come with several speed settings, exactly like a fan, so you can adjust the fan’s speed. Many of the larger Hepa air purifiers tout “white noise” as one of their features.

Worsening allergies:

You might not have given too much thought to it but air purifiers have the tendency to make your allergies much worse. They do this by triggering the airborne particles of allergens so they can be pulled and sucked right into the air purifier.

The area around the filter becomes so concentrated that you would immediately start having allergic reactions in seconds. The local area would have too many allergens around it to be pulled right into the air purifier.

Can air purifiers make you cough?

Air purifiers are often touted as a great way to clean the air in your home and reduce the spread of allergens like mold, dust, and pet dander.

However, while they may make the air seem cleaner and healthier, air purifiers can actually be bad for you. This is because many types of air purifiers, such as ionizers and ozone generators, produce harmful chemicals that can trigger coughing or even asthma attacks.

Additionally, these particles can lodge themselves deep into the lungs, where they can be difficult to remove. So if you’re thinking about buying an air purifier, it’s important to do your research and find one that doesn’t rely on potentially dangerous chemicals to get the job done.

Ultimately, the best way to keep your home healthy is to focus on prevention by keeping everything clean and regularly aired out. That way you won’t need an air purifier in the first place!

Conclusion:

Air purifiers are designed to improve the quality of the air we breathe as well as our health. However, some of them are more harmful than beneficial. Always try to learn all of the functions of a purifier before purchasing it.

It’s up to you to take control of your health. People will even try to profit from you by selling you poison. As a result, make sure you get a reliable and well-researched product.

We hope that now that you’ve read the entire text, you’re aware of the detrimental impacts of air purifiers. Stay with us and we’ll help you distinguish between the good and the bad. We wish you health and happiness.