Fresh, clean air is one of the basic necessities for a healthy living. The air around us is full of impurities such as vehicle fumes, pollen, molds, poisonous gases and microorganisms among other particles and odors.

Frequent and prolonged intake of such impure air can cause several problems such as allergies and breathing disorders. People with a weak immune system may also suffer from various illnesses after inhaling impure air.

Air purifiers help remove some or all of these impurities from the air. There are various types of air purifiers available in the market today, ranging in size, quality and price.

The most basic air purifiers employ the use of cloth type filter to separate out the dust particles. HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting filters are the finest filters and can trap 99% of the particles that are 0.3 micros or larger in size. This device usually comes with a replaceable filter. Although a HEPA purifier can trap most suspended particles, it is ineffective against chemical fumes, odors and gases.

Ozone air purifiers release ozone (O3) into the air. This reactive oxidant is effective against chemical fumes, odors and bacteria but cannot eliminate particles and other allergens. However, excess ozone can result in the formation of new pollutants and hence these purifiers must be used cautiously.

Carbon air purifiers use activated carbon as an air filter. The carbon bonds with the particles and odors when the air passes through the filter. This air purifier can catch smaller dust particles as compared to a HEPA filter.

Ionic air purifiers negatively charge air particles, which attract the positively charged pollutants. When these combine, they become too heavy to remain suspended in the air and settle down as dust. Some of these purifiers also contain a filter system to remove the dust.

Other variants of air purifiers include electrostatic filters, ultraviolet light air purifiers and the most effective hydroxyl radical air purifiers. Some purifiers combine two or more technologies to make the purification process most effective. Although these products are expensive, their efficiency is worth the cost.