6 True & False Air Purification Myths

If you’re thinking about purchasing a purifier to improve your indoor air, you've probably come across a lot of myths about air purifiers. This can make it hard to know whether an air purifier is right for you.

In this post, we’re going to bust those air purifier and air pollution myths so you can make up your own mind about improving the indoor air that you breathe. We’ll take a look at issues such as whether air purifiers really work, whether they give off radiation, do they dry out the air, and more. This article will help you understand air pollution and purifier myths and help you make the first step towards a cleaner and safer environment in your home.

1. Do Air Purifiers Dry The Air?

Myth. This is one of the most common myths about air purifiers. Air purifiers simply do not have the machinery to remove moisture from the environment. They are designed to remove pollutants from the air. They do not work as dehumidifiers, which draw in moist air, remove the moisture by a process of cooling and condensation, and then blow out dry air.

Air purifiers will clean the air around you by filtering out contaminants without altering the moisture level, creating a fresh and comfortable environment for you and your family.

2. Do Air Purifiers Lower Humidity?

Myth. Air purifiers are not designed to lower the humidity of the environment they are used in. While they can effectively draw out contaminants from the air, they cannot alter humidity levels. Specialized equipment such as dehumidifiers or air conditioners will do the job of removing moisture by condensing it and then blowing out dry air. 

An air purifier in your home will not make the air dry, lower humidity, or raise humidity. A quality air purifier, like any Oransi model, is designed solely to clean your air by removing pollutants — making your environment fresh and healthy. 

3. Do Air Purifiers Really Work?

True! Air purifiers really do work, and here’s why.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an ultra-efficient air purifier will trap airborne particles — including bacteria, viruses, dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander. This even includes PM2.5 pollution — the tiny pollutants you can’t see with the human eye.

By drawing in air from the environment, the high efficiency air filter in the purifier allows air to pass through but stops and filters out the larger particles from your air.

As long as you have the right filters and sufficient airflow for the size of your room, your air purifier will clean the air around you — making for a healthier environment.

4. Do Air Purifiers Get Rid Of Dust?

True! A safe air purifier that uses only a high efficiency air filter and strong motor can help get rid of dust in your home.

In fact, air purifiers are perfectly designed to clear the air in your home of minute, solid particles like dust. Drawn in with the air, dust particles are trapped in the filter — leaving the air you breathe fresh and your surfaces cleaner.

While it’s not possible to remove every speck of dust with an air purifier, because dust needs to be airborne for the process to work, a decent air purifier will work hard to significantly reduce the amount of dust in your environment. The result? You’ll notice cleaner surfaces and fresher, cleaner air.

5. Do Air Purifiers Give Off Radiation?

True, but it’s important to understand that the amount of radiation given off by air purifiers that use HEPA filter media and carbon activated filters is perfectly safe. All electrical devices give off electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation — the electrostatic and magnetic fields generated by the movement of electrical current in an appliance.

Your usual household appliances such as microwave ovens, cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and televisions give off EMF radiation. But the levels they give off are not enough to harm you.

With air purifiers, the level of radiation depends on how they work. Air purifiers that use ionizing technology or that generate ozone will give off higher levels of radiation. Ionic air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators rely on an electrical charge to remove pollutants. They also emit ozone and higher radiation levels, so they are not the first choice for home use.

But when you choose a safe air purifier that doesn't use ionizers or produce ozone, you can be assured that the EMF radiation output is within normal household levels. They use filters to trap particles, not electrical charge, and pose no risk to human health. 

All Oransi air purifiers use only filters and strong motors for purification, so you have peace of mind knowing that they will only enhance, not harm, your health. 

5. Do Washable Air Purifiers Work?

True, but washable filters are not technically high efficiency air filter. They are not designed to capture the smaller particles (like viruses and bacteria) that a high efficiency air filter made from HEPA filter media can. If you're wanting clean air, it doesn't make sense to sacrifice performance in this area. Also, they're even less effective after each wash. 

Oransi recommends purchasing a new filter each time your device indicates you need to replace the filter. But, there are ways to clean your filter that could prolong the time between replacements like vacuuming or wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Quality and performance is guaranteed when you purchase a new replacement filter, but cleaning your filter on a regular basis can help you get the best filter life and value.

6. Do Air Purifiers Get Rid Of VOCs?

True! The right type of air purifier can rid your home of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

The Environmental Protection Agency explains that VOCs are gas compounds emitted from human-manufactured chemicals that can be harmful to our health. They are present in many household products, including paints, permanent markers, varnishes, and detergents. In other words, they are all around us.

What’s also interesting to know is that levels of VOCs are higher inside the home than outside. So an efficient air purifier is essential to trap these VOCs and ensure that they don’t affect your and your family’s health like causing headaches, fatigue, and rashes.

Find The Right Air Purifier For You

Take care when selecting your air purifier if your aim is to trap VOCs. Choose a purifier with an activated carbon filter, which will absorb airborne pollutants like VOCs and stop them from going anywhere. 

Browse our range of the best air purifiers online and enjoy free shipping across the U.S. today.