Do you ever feel like you have to fight allergens in your home all the time? Whether it’s pet dander, pollen, or dust mites, these annoying particles can mess up your respiratory system and overall health.
But what if we told you there is a way to get rid of these allergens from the air inside your home? Enter activated carbon, which is a very effective way to fight allergens.
In this article, I’ll talk about what activated carbon is good for and how it can make a big difference in your home’s air quality.
So, if you have an air purifier or are thinking about getting one, keep reading to find out more about this technology that is changing the game.
Understanding Allergens and Air Purifiers
Understanding Allergens and Their Effects on the Body
Allergens are things that can make some people have allergic reactions.
When an allergic person comes in contact with an allergen, their immune system may overreact by making antibodies that “attack” the allergen.
This can cause mild to severe symptoms like wheezing, itching, a runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, and even anaphylaxis, which can kill you.
Allergies start in the immune system and can be caused by allergens that are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.
Types of Allergens
Allergens come in many different forms, such as airborne particles, food, medicines, and skin contact.
Common airborne allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust, and fungal spores.
Foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are often allergens.
Some of the most common contact allergens are natural rubber latex and bites and stings from insects.
Symptoms of Allergies
The airways, sinuses, nasal passages, skin, and digestive system can all be affected by allergy symptoms.
People who have allergies are also more likely to have asthma, which is a reaction of the immune system that affects the airways and makes it hard to breathe.
Pollen and other allergens have been linked to asthma attacks and more people going to the hospital with respiratory illnesses.
When allergies aren’t treated well, they can also cause chronic inflammation that affects the whole body.
Allergic rhinitis, also called “hay fever,” is a common allergic reaction that happens when allergens like pollen get into the body and the immune system mistakes them for a threat.
This can make you sneeze, have a runny nose, and feel stuffy.
It’s also possible to get allergic conjunctivitis, which is swelling of the lining of the eye caused by allergens like pollen.
Pollen and other allergens may affect people with lung diseases like asthma more than other people.
Treatment for Allergies
The severity of allergies varies from person to person, and some people can get anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency that could kill them.
Even though most allergies can’t be cured, treatments like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, asthma medicines, and immunotherapy can help relieve allergy symptoms.
It’s important to figure out what allergen is causing the reaction and do what you can to stay away from it.
Allergen immunotherapy, which is also known as allergy shots, can help make allergic reactions less severe over time in some cases.
Allergens can cause mild to severe symptoms that can affect different parts of the body.
It’s important to figure out what allergen is causing the reaction and do what you can to stay away from it.
There are ways to treat allergy symptoms, but if they are very bad, you may need to go to the hospital right away.
By learning about allergens and how they affect the body, people can take steps to deal with their allergies and make their lives better.
Activated Charcoal: A Powerful Tool in Air Purification
Activated charcoal is a highly effective substance in air purification.
It is a form of carbon that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms.
These pores trap and absorb harmful chemicals, gases, and odors from the air, making it an excellent tool for removing allergens.
Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction in some people.
They can be found in the air we breathe, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
Activated charcoal can help remove these allergens from the air, providing relief for those who suffer from allergies.
Air purifiers that use activated charcoal filters are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in removing allergens and other harmful substances from the air.
They are a great investment for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
For more information:
Activated Charcoal: Air Purifier Benefits & FAQs
Sources of Allergens and Air Purifiers
Pollen
Pollen is the most common cause of hay fever, which is also called seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Pollen grains are like tiny “seeds” that are spread by plants that bloom, trees, grass, and weeds.
The type and amount of pollen in the air depend on the time of year and where you live.
Pollen from trees like oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, walnut, catalpa, olive, and pecan can cause allergic reactions.
Animal Dander
Animal allergens are also a common source of allergens that get into the air.
Most people with animal allergies have at least one pet.
About 62% of US households have pets, and more than 161 million of these pets are cats and dogs.
Animal dander is often what causes allergies.
Dust Mites
Fungal spores, insect allergens, and allergens from house dust mites are also common sources of allergens in the air.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that like to live in places that are humid, like furniture, carpets, and beds.
When these particles are stirred up in the air, they can make your eyes red, itchy, and watery, your nose itchy and runny, your nose stuffy, and make you sneeze.
Avoiding Allergens
It is best to close the windows at night and use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the air, to avoid allergens in the air.
Pollen is most likely to be around between 5 and 10 a.m., so limiting time spent outside between those hours can also help reduce exposure to allergens.
If you have an allergy to dust mites, you should dust, vacuum, and wash your bed sheets often.
Pet dander and dust mites may be easier to get rid of if you clean regularly, especially in the bedroom.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air,” and a HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke by forcing air through a fine mesh.
Animal dander, which is a common allergen, can be caught by HEPA filters because it is bigger than 0.3 microns.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that HEPA filters can theoretically get rid of up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, and any other airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns.
Air Purifiers
Pollutants can be caught by HEPA filters in air purifiers, which may help people with allergies feel better.
Studies have shown that air filtration can cut down on these allergens in the air, which may help people with allergies.
Experts say that for a single room, you should use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and check that the filter has a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that matches the size of the room.
Most of the time, HEPA filters are used in vacuum cleaners and air cleaners that stand on their own.
It’s important to remember that air filtration is just one of many things that may help kids and adults with asthma and allergies.
A 2018 study, on the other hand, found that using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom helped people with allergic rhinitis by lowering the amount of particles in the air.
So, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help cut down on allergens in the air and give people with allergies some relief.
HEPA Filters and Air Purifiers
HEPA Filters: An Overview
HEPA filters are a type of air filter that can get rid of at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles bigger than 0.3 microns.
High-efficiency particulate air filter is what “HEPA” stands for.
Either plastic (PP+PET) or fiberglass is used to make HEPA filters.
They are made of a mat of randomly arranged fibers that can catch things like pollen, viruses, bacteria, mold, and PM2.5.
How HEPA Filters Work
HEPA filters work in three ways: by diffusion, by catching particles, and by squeezing them together.
When gas molecules smaller than 0.1 microns bump into each other, they slow down and take longer to pass through the filter.
This is called diffusion.
Interception happens when airborne particles stick to a fiber.
Impact is when bigger air particles get stuck right in the fibers.
Benefits of HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are much better for your health than regular filters because they can stop mold spores, bacteria, and even some viruses.
They help clean the air and make it better by getting rid of allergens and microbes.
Most air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and HVAC systems have HEPA filters.
To make sure the filter works well, it’s important to follow the maintenance and replacement instructions from the manufacturer.
Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters
People with breathing problems, allergies, or asthma can get a lot of help from air purifiers with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.
HEPA filters can get rid of 99.97% of pollutants in the air that are smaller than 0.3 microns.
This includes fine particles, pollen, pet dander, and dust.
Air purifiers can help clean the air you breathe and lessen the bad effects of pollution by filtering out these tiny particles.
HEPA filters can also help people with allergies control the things in their environment that make them sick.
This makes the air less full of allergens.
Relief for Asthma Symptoms
Air purifiers with HEPA filters may help relieve asthma symptoms by controlling the air quality in your home and limiting your exposure to airborne contaminants like smoke, pollen, and dust that can cause asthma attacks.
People with asthma have better lung health when they use HEPA air filters.
Improving Lung and Heart Health
By reducing the amount of fine particles in the air, air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help improve the health of your lungs and heart.
Droplets that carry the coronavirus can be caught by HEPA filters, but you also need an air purifier that consistently pulls in enough air to reduce virus particles by a lot.
Additional Filtration Technologies
It’s important to remember that HEPA filters work better when paired with other filtration technologies, especially when it comes to removing small particles like allergen fragments and chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
When buying an air purifier, it’s best to look for one with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and to keep the filters in good shape to get the most out of it.
Maintenance and Effectiveness of Air Purifiers
HEPA Filter Lifespan
The life of a HEPA filter in an air purifier depends on how often it is used, the quality of the air inside, and the outside environment.
Most manufacturers say that you should change the HEPA filter every six months, but this may not be the best advice.
Some HEPA filters can last up to five years, while others may need to be changed every one to three months.
To know when to replace a HEPA filter, you should check the air quality in the room every so often.
If a filter isn’t working as well, it can cut down on airflow and cause your power bills to go up.
Some air purifiers have an air monitor that can help figure out when the filter needs to be changed.
Other Types of Filters
Other types of filters in an air purifier also have different amounts of time they last.
Carbon filters usually need to be replaced every three to six months, while pre-filters need to be cleaned every 30 days and replaced when they are worn out.
Permanent filters need to be cleaned every three months and replaced when they are broken.
Effectiveness of HEPA Filters
Most of the airborne particles that can cause allergies and asthma can be taken out of the air by HEPA filters.
But they can’t get rid of all of the allergens in the air.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can get rid of up to 99.97% of allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
HEPA filters are made of many layers of nets or mesh, which are usually made of glass fibers or synthetic materials that are woven together.
They can get rid of airborne allergens from pets and other things that cause reactions.
Factors Affecting Air Purifier Effectiveness
How well an air purifier with a HEPA filter works depends on how big the room is, how many allergens are in it, and what kind of filtration system is used.
A machine that cleans the air for people with allergies only works when allergens are in the air.
When allergens land on the ground, an air purifier can’t get rid of them.
Combining Air Purifiers with Regular Cleaning
It’s important to remember that the airborne particles aren’t the only ones in your home.
There are a lot more allergens on carpets, furniture, and bedding than there are in the air.
Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter and cleaning regularly can help cut down on allergens in the air and on surfaces, which can help allergy sufferers feel better.
Additional Features of Air Purifiers
Reducing Allergens with Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can be helpful when it comes to getting rid of allergens inside.
But not every air purifier works the same way.
Here are some things to look for in an air purifier that gets rid of allergens:
HEPA Filters
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is the first thing to look for.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association both recommend HEPA filters because they can get rid of at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers or bigger.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) also recommends air purifiers with certified filters that remove almost 98% of allergen air particles and are safe for people with asthma and allergies.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Rating
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating is another thing to think about.
It shows how well an air purifier can get rid of pollutants in your home or health needs.
But the EPA warns that most air purifiers don’t have high enough CADR ratings for a typical room size to get rid of large pollutants like dust mites and cockroach allergens.
Additional Features
Some air purifiers have extra features that can be helpful, like lights that turn on when the filter needs to be changed, the ability to turn off the display and the lights, and timers that you can set.
Some air purifiers also have “eco” modes that turn the devices off and put them in standby mode when their sensors no longer find pollutants in the air.
Limitations of Air Purifiers
It’s important to remember that air purifiers can help cut down on indoor pollution and allergens, but they can’t get rid of all of them.
The best way to get rid of allergy symptoms is to get rid of as many environmental triggers as you can.
Maintaining Your Air Purifier
Using a HEPA filter to maintain your air purifier is a must if you want it to work well.
Here are some ways to keep your air purifier in good shape:
- Regular Filter Changes: Thin fibers make up the HEPA filters, and they can become clogged over time. Therefore, it is crucial to change the air filters at the appropriate intervals.
- Cleaning Pre-Filters: Many air purifiers have pre-filters in addition to regular HEPA and carbon filters, which are designed to catch bigger particles like dust, grime, and pet hair before they enter the main filter. Since most pre-filters are washable, you can remove these and clean them regularly to ensure that the HEPA filter has a longer lifespan.
- Cleaning the Air Purifier: Unplug the air purifier before cleaning it. Most air purifiers come with two different filters: a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. Each manufacturer’s recommendations will vary in terms of cleaning the filters. Some manufacturers suggest replacing the HEPA filter regularly, while others suggest cleaning the pre-filter every few weeks. Make sure to check the owner’s manual to see if you can clean your HEPA filter adequately. Some of these filters can’t be cleaned and are designed to be thrown away and replaced.
By using these tips, you can make sure that your air purifier works well and keeps removing allergens and other pollutants from the air in your home.
Conclusion
In the end, allergens are a problem that affects a lot of people all over the world.
Activated carbon air purifiers are one of the best ways to get rid of allergens, but there are other ways as well.
These devices clean the air in your home by catching allergens and other harmful particles in their filters.
If you own an air purifier, it’s important to remember that regular maintenance is the key to making sure it keeps working well.
This means that the filters should be changed often and the device should be kept clean.
If you are thinking about buying an air purifier, you should do your research and choose a device that fits your needs.
Think about things like how big your home is, what kinds of allergens you have, and how much money you have.
Activated carbon air purifiers can make a big difference in the quality of the air in your home, and they can help people with allergies and other breathing problems feel better.
So why not buy one today so you can relax tomorrow?
Links and references
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) technical summary on residential air cleaners.
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) position document on filtration and air cleaning.
- Study published in ScienceDirect.
My article on the topic:
