Our House

Air Purifiers Remove Allergens

- Filter bedroom air to remove allergen -

Summary: Air-borne dust mite allergen may be a significant cause of allergic reaction. HEPA filtration can remove most of this material on a room by room basis.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Why HEPA filter air purifiers work

People with moderate to severe allergy to house dust mite allergen should consider adding a portable indoor air purifier to their bedrooms in additon to our other suggestions. The most effective air purifiers use special HEPA filters that remove even the smallest air-borne particles, including particles of dust mite allergen, pollen and pet dander. This may significantly reduce the air-borne allergen pool.

Different types of filters remove different types of air contaminants. Adsorption filters such as activated charcoal remove gaseous pollutants from the air but do not trap particulates like pollen and dust mite allergen. To remove particulate allergens you'll need a unit that uses HEPA filters. HEPA filters typically remove greater than 99% of even sub-micron-sized particulates. Units with HEPA filtration usually also have a pre-filter to remove larger particulates in order to extend the life of the relatively expensive HEPA filter. Some units have both HEPA and adsorption types of filtration.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can be very effective on a room-by-room basis. Be sure to size the air purifier correctly. The better units will effectively scrub the air in a large room (500-1000 square feet). Also, be sure to select a purifier that has active air movement - a fan system that pulls air from the room and forces it through a pre-filter and a HEPA filter.

Air purifiers are one item where you'll probably get what you pay for. Inexpensive units suffer from three main faults. They tend to be noisy, have small, easily clogged filters and lack sufficient air flow.

When budgeting for air purifiers remember that they require a fair amount of regular maintenance. Pre-filters and filters need to be replaced at stated intervals or will stop working properly.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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