It’s a known fact that pollution damages human health. One of the most common pollution types in the air; hence, people utilize air purifiers in their homes and workplaces. However, your air cleaning device must have a good reading as proof that it’s functional.
The best reading for an air purifier depends on the size of your room. Generally, a room’s Clean Air Delivery rate should be two-thirds of that space. Aside from this, it should remove particulate matter of 2.5 microns and below.
Are you still unclear about how this works? Keep reading. Here, you shall learn all about air purifier readings, PM 2.5 and how it affects the purifying process.
What Is PM 2.5?
You might have come across the “PM 25” in health-related write-ups. If you haven’t, then I’m about to give a detailed explanation of what this term means.
PM stands for particulate matter, telling you how large or small a particle is. The EPA and numerous health organizations classify particulate matter according to its size because particles of varying sizes have different health effects. For example, PM 10 particles (smaller than 10 microns in diameter) can irritate the nose and eyes.
However, fewer particles penetrate deeply into the lungs, so they don’t cause the same health problems as smaller micron particles. Despite this, they do increase respiratory disease rates.
From earlier examples, you can tell that PM 2.5 refers to a type of particulate pollutant that’s 2.5 microns in size or smaller. These particles are hazardous to human health because they circumvent the body’s defenses.
The hair on the nose, mucus, and other defences work to trap these smaller particles before they penetrate deeper into your body. Despite this, some might escape their trap and enter into the lungs. From there, these pollutants make their way to the alveoli, where they can enter the bloodstream.
PM 2.5 particles are complicated because they are made of different chemicals and particles. Unlike dust, they can be in solid form and sometimes liquid. These particulates also consist of aerosols which could occur naturally or from man-made products.
Natural aerosols include sea salt, volcanic ash, and dust. Artificial aerosols include smoke from burning items, emissions from automobiles, and coal combustion.
What Type of PM Pollutants Are in the Air?
PM 2.5 pollutants can originate from different sources, making them complex. However, there are primary sources that generate these particles naturally. These sources include power plants and wildfires.
PM 2.5 particles have proven to have adverse effects on people. Some of the negative effects are increased chances of respiratory diseases and worsening of previous symptoms.
Another case where this substance has proven to be deadly is the increase of heart problems. In worse cases, this can lead to heart attacks and sudden death of the individual.
People who suffer more from the effect of these particles are those with an existing cardiovascular or lung infection. The elderly and infants are also prone to developing long-term effects once exposed to these particles.
One of the reasons these substances are very harmful is their interaction with the body. Instead of adhering to the nose filter, it passes through easily due to its nature. Once it’s past that barrier, it gets to the far end of the respiratory system and accumulates through diffusion.
As it gathers, it begins to damage several parts of the body when there’s an air exchange in the lungs. The worst part is that you can’t get these substances out of your body easily. As a result, the best option is to avoid them altogether.
While there are fine particles that are harmful to health, some are also safe. For example, air with PM 2.5 levels of 12 μg/m3 and below are relatively healthy and poses little or no risk to humans.
On the other hand, if the levels rise above 35 μg/m3, the air is unhealthy. As such, it’ll be problematic for people with respiratory illnesses. Extended exposure to higher levels of these particles also causes serious health issues leading to premature death.
Categories of PM 2.5
A pollutant’s ug/m3 count is used to classify air quality into distinct categories. PM 2.5 and PM 10 each have their own “breakpoints” based on ug/m3, and each signifies the level of danger it poses to people.
PM 2.5 has the following categories:
355.4 ug/m3 (toxic): Several areas seldom experience air pollution as bad as this. Nonetheless, it can occur in the immediate aftermath of a wildfire or the wake of a severe pollution event.
Everyone, especially the elderly, children, or people with a heart or lung problem, should take precautions in this case. If you’re prone to illness, you should see a doctor. Your specialist will tell you if leaving the area for a while would be best.
250.4 ug/m3 (extremely toxic): This reading means you should avoid all outside activities. At this point, there’s a high possibility of suffering from adverse health effects.
55.4 ug/m3 (dangerous for selected few): People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions such as asthma or emphysema should restrict their time outside during this period. If you don’t suffer any of these, you’re free to move out as much as you want.
35.4 ug/m3 (fair reading): Despite this, those with specific respiratory symptoms should be careful outdoors.
12 ug/m3 (good): This means that the air is safe for anybody regardless of their health status.
Does an Air Purifier Remove PM 2.5 Particles from the Air?
If a device uses a HEPA filter, it can remove substances as tiny as 0.3 microns. This is a far smaller figure compared to 2.5 microns. So, if you’re wondering if these devices can remove these harmful particles from the air, the answer is yes.
However, as much as these filters are functional, not all products tagged “HEPA” actually use HEPA filters. Some of these products might only use this as a strategy to get you to buy them, but they don’t function well.
Getting a true HEPA filter might be a little tricky, but it’s available in the market. You only have to purchase your device from a trusted vendor. Aside from this, you must get a brand with good reviews and certification that they’re the real deal.
Aside from HEPA filters, you can opt for air purifying devices that use activated carbon. Devices with this filter type are also good at eliminating PM 2.5 particles that could be harmful to you. To get the best of these devices, get one that utilizes both HEPA and activated carbon.
While the filters are essential devices to look out for, you should also consider the CADR rating. Note the higher the rating, the more efficient the device. Thus, don’t settle for anything with a rate lower than 100.
Since you know what to look out for, here are some air cleaners that’ll help you battle harmful PM 2.5:
BlueAir Purifier
BlueAir is a market pioneer in the field of air purifiers. As a Swedish company, they place a premium on product specifications and design and sustainability.
This device has one of the most extensive coverage and is suitable for large rooms. It also has an unmatched CADR of 594 m3/h, which is very high for a purifying device.
It emits no ozone, making it ideal for people who have asthma. Additionally, it’s energy-efficient, made entirely of recyclable materials, and contains no chemical additives.
Sharp Plasmacluster
While several air purifiers are ideal for mothers, pregnant women, and children, this device takes the lead. Let’s start with the three filters: prefilter, HEPA, and activated carbon filter. These three removes particles, including foul odor, from the room, and it does this noiselessly.
However, its design doesn’t stop here as it also has a unique mosquito catcher. This section is a trap and powerful suction beside the UV lamp. The lamp attracts the mosquitos, and the suction pulls it into a glue sheet, trapping the insect.
Philip Aersense
Philip Aersense is one of the most cost-effective options for an air purifier. Despite this, it still competes with its expensive counterparts when it comes to function. The air purifier is not only safe for people but also for pets.
Aside from its filters, it has an allergen and virus mode that kills very tiny particles. It also has a good CADR rating.
Are Ionizers Suitable for PM 2.5 Particles?
Air ionizers function like standard air purifiers. You can trust these devices to remove dangerous particles that could harm you. Unfortunately, most of them leave behind a byproduct – ozone.
Ozone is dangerous – this is one fact that has been established. So you can’t be trying to fight hazardous substances only to release a more harmful one. Despite this, a few products don’t emit this gas. So unless you find one like this, don’t opt for ionizers.
Secondary sources result from the combination of different substances. For instance, car exhaust can react chemically with water in air and sunlight to form PM 2.5.
Thus, these particles occur at different times depending on the weather and human activity. Though these particles usually occur outdoor, they can also happen indoors. Some sources of these elements include wood, coal, and fumes from stoves and candles.
Why Is PM 2.5 dangerous for health?
PM 2.5 particles have proven to have adverse effects on people. Some of the negative effects are increased chances of respiratory diseases and worsening of previous symptoms.
Another case where this substance has proven to be deadly is the increase of heart problems. In worse cases, this can lead to heart attacks and sudden death of the individual.
People who suffer more from the effect of these particles are those with an existing cardiovascular or lung infection. The elderly and infants are also prone to developing long-term effects once exposed to these particles.
One of the reasons these substances are very harmful is their interaction with the body. Instead of adhering to the nose filter, it passes through easily due to its nature. Once it’s past that barrier, it gets to the far end of the respiratory system and accumulates through diffusion.
As it gathers, it begins to damage several parts of the body when there’s an air exchange in the lungs. The worst part is that you can’t get these substances out of your body easily. As a result, the best option is to avoid them altogether.
How to Avoid Dangerous Particles Indoor
The best strategy to decrease your exposure to PM 2.5 if the air outside is polluted is to stay inside. Keep the windows, and doors shut regularly, and turn on the air conditioning to keep things cool.
However, preventing outdoor sources of PM 2.5 from entering the air isn’t enough. You also have to protect yourself indoors.
The first step is to turn your fan to its lowest to prevent the spread of allergens and other irritants. Next, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce the dust it raises while functioning. Also, avoid using candles or wood fires inside, and make sure the oven has enough ventilation when you’re cooking.
One of the best options for removing particle contaminants from the air in your house is an air purifier. HEPA filters remove particles of 0.3 microns 99.97% whenever in use.
You can also use a Molekule PECO-Filter. This removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the principal PM 2.5 sources. The filter destroys these particles through a catalytic reaction at the molecular level, resulting in harmless water vapor and carbon dioxide.
It’s crucial to know what PM 2.5 is, where it originates from, and how to deal with it. As potentially dangerous air pollutants, they can cause several health problems. Hence, good knowledge of this can help you in avoiding these contaminants.