Air Purification
If you are living or working in an environment that has severe indoor pollution, there are three methods at your disposal to combat the pollution: source control, ventilation, and air purification. When you use source control, the goal is to minimize or discontinue the use of any products that cause indoor pollution. This method also involves minimizing contaminants by controlling humidity and moisture and using general good housekeeping tactics.
The second approach, outdoor air ventilation, is also effective. To increase your ventilation, you can install an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants. You can also install mechanical ventilation units, or simply open windows when using products or materials that cause pollution.
Air Purification: Technology at Work
The third approach, airborne contaminant purification, is best used to supplement source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic airborne particle cleaners, and ionizers are often used to remove airborne particles. Gas absorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate. It's best to use these three proven methods of controlling indoor airborne pollution.
The American Lung Association recommends that proven source control strategies be employed as a primary means of reducing exposure to pollutants. However, studies do show that certain airborne contaminant cleaners are effective in removing certain indoor airborne pollutants. Thus, as an adjunct to effective source control and adequate ventilation, highly efficient airborne contaminant cleaners can be useful in further reducing levels of certain indoor airborne pollutants. Air purification is best handled with a combination of the three methods discussed above.
