Asthma is a disease that consists of two main components. These components are constriction and inflammation, both of which occur in the lung passageways. Constriction is when the airways narrow because muscles tighten around them and inflammation is when the airways get irritated and start to swell. When both of these actions occur together, they cause the symptoms of asthma such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the lungs. A person experiencing an asthmatic attack has difficulty catching his or her breath and is usually coughing or wheezing in order to try to breathe.

Asthmatic attacks can occur at any time. Some can be severe and some can simply seem like a shortness of breath. Due to this characteristic of the disease, some people are still unaware that they have asthma and need to treat it. If asthma goes untreated, a person may experience a decrease in lung function. The disease makes a person's lungs work harder and without help or treatment from an outside source, a person suffering from asthma will have weaker lungs. Air Purifiers can help.

There are many contaminants in the air that can be asthma triggers. Some of the contaminants include pet dander, allergens, pollen, dust or chemicals. When these substances are breathed in, asthmatics are sometimes affected and can experience difficulty breathing. An asthmatic affected by seasonal allergies may also find that response to the allergies can lead to an asthmatic attack. The toxins found in indoor air can easily be filtered out of the air indoors with an air purifier.

There are simple things that can be done to prevent asthmatic attacks such as keeping pets outside, not smoking tobacco products in the home or dusting all furniture as much as possible. However, air purifiers are proven to be the most effective way to keep indoor air clean and safe. Most air purifiers are proven to remove 99.7% of all particles found in indoor air. Chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and dust can be absorbed into the filter of an air purifier. With these contaminants no longer present in the air, the probability of an asthma attack is very low for the sufferer.

The High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, or HEPA filters, that are used in air purifiers are effective in absorbing most toxins in indoor air that can be related to asthma attacks. They are able to remove 99.7% of all particles that are 0.03 microns and larger. These particles can include pollen and dust particles, which are the main cause of asthma attacks among sufferers. If indoor air pollutants are not removed from the air, they can circulate an indoor room with no escape. The pollutants are then breathed in and can cause a severe or minor asthmatic attack. With an air purifier, these particles and pollutants are absorbed and cannot be circulated throughout the air.

What is a 'HEPA' filter?

A 'HEPA' filter is a kind of mechanical filter that means it's a " high-efficiency particulate air" filter. HEPA was invented during World War II to prevent the escape of radioactive particles from laboratories. To qualify as a true HEPA filter, it must be able to capture at least 99.97% percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter, or larger, that enter it.

In a 1990 review of indoor air pollutants, published by The American Thoracic Society, it was stated that air purifiers containing the HEPA filter are able to remove a significant amount of particles from indoor air, making the air cleaner and safer to breathe. Asthmatics who use an air purifier in their home are less likely to have an asthma attack since the pollutants that trigger the attacks are no longer present in the indoor air they are breathing.

There is no known cure for asthma and people diagnosed with the disease will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. However, with the help of air purifiers, people are finding their asthma attacks are becoming a scarce occurrence instead of a daily struggle. By eliminating particles in the air that trigger attacks, air purifiers are helping people with asthma to cope with their daily lives. Asthma may be an uncomfortable disease but people are finding relief in the use of air purifiers.

Ozone generators [not recommended - these types of "filters" are not reliable since their ozone levels usually exceed acceptable levels]. Although ozone technically clears the air of some particles, most groups do not recommend these. (Note: these are not ion-type filters; see "Electronic Filters" above.) These devices all exceed the acceptable level for ozone.

If you have concerns about any air filter you own or are planning to buy, remember to talk to your doctor first, to find out if air filtration - and what type - is best for you.

About the Author

Dan Farrell is the owner of Air Purifier and Air Filter Tips where you can get additional information on air purifiers and air filters.

Knowing the quantity of irritants that are in the air right now, people who suffer with allergies as well as other breathing disorders are encouraged to find effective ways in which to clean the air they breathe within both their home and office. Only a few years ago, all this meant was making sure that your house be dusted often, and that pets are bathed and brushed outside, and as often as possible.

Today there is a lot more at stake when we reflect on the variety of harmful contaminants that are within our environment as a direct result of pollution. Bigger challenges of course then require improved tools to provide a solution. Enter air purifiers.

Cleaning the air in your home or office can be accomplished in a number of ways. A basic air cleaner machine is designed in order to minimize the build-up of dust within your rooms, and offering you the benefits of cleaner air, with a reduction of need to perform those common household chores, like tedious dusting of the home. These are electric machines and utilize an advanced filtering system that is created to draw in, clean, and then to re-circulate the cleansed air.

Air purifiers are somewhat more complex, because they are specifically designed to clear pollutants, such as pollen and other airborne irritants, as well as take the dust out of the air at the same time.

These air purifiers come in many sizes, including a practical portable version. In this variety, the air from the room is taken to the bottom of the cleaner, and then it is pushed upward through an aluminum mesh filter. This filter is where the pollutants are sealed in before the air is then moved on to the next stage of the process.

A two-stage electronic cleaning cell is the next place for the airflow to stop, and this cell ionizes all the small dust particles which are invisible to the naked eye, then takes them out of the air. From this cell, the air is moved to an activated charcoal type filter that deodorizes all odors which may still be remaining in the air, before the air is then put back out into the room.

An electronic air purifier needs to be placed within an area that will see the highest amount of foot traffic, though you can put it in any of your other rooms as well.

As economical as it is useful, air purifiers do not require any special electric wiring of the home, and use roughly the same amount of electricity at a light bulb.

Understanding the amount of harmful irritants which are present in the air we breathe today, it is not at all a surprise that more people in the world are suffering with breathing troubles and allergies than ever before. Air purifiers are not the end solution, but they sure are a good start. 

About the Author:

For more info on the health benefits of an air purifier visit Air Purifiers.

W hen was the last time you thought about the air you breathe? If you?re not an allergy sufferer, it might only be when something irritating makes you sneeze, or when you accidentally end up behind an oil-burning lunker on the highway. But, while the quality of outdoor air may seem beyond your control, the quality of indoor air is not.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.4 million people per year actually die from air pollution related causes. Yet, indoor pollution is frequently not considered ? even though we relax, sleep, and rejuvenate in the air trapped within our own homes. Indoor pollution? ? yes! From volatile organic compounds found in many modern building and furnishing materials, to insulation, air fresheners, pesticides, pet dander, and mold-and-mildew, most homes are home to more unfriendlies than meet the eye?.

It has long been known that pollution may most strongly affect the elderly, asthma and lung patients, and those with heart conditions. What about the rest of us? Exposure to air pollution is known to result in biochemical changes that can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, even for the healthiest of individuals ? though some people seem almost ?immune?; that is, until they are not! And, what about the silent effects?

We do have a choice in the matter; we can choose where to live, and how to live. We choose also how our lifestyle impacts the shared environment and ecosystem ? the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the earth in whose care we are able to exist. Each choice defines us and our world, and what will be inherited by future generations.

Indoor air pollution can be managed by keeping volatile and smelly chemicals, paints, and cleaners out of the house; and by choosing healthy alternatives. And the next time you purchase a piece of furniture or have construction in your house, consider using the most healthy products available. And, if there has ever been a water leak of any kind in your house, it might be necessary to remove all wetted materials in order to prevent the eventual infestation of mold and mildew.

If this doesn?t sound practical to you, it means that you?re compromising ? and perhaps for a good reason. But, it is also true that outdoor air will enter even the most sanitary house, and dust and moisture will collect within and have their effects. Indeed, the very act of living and having a life constantly brings both little and big challenges to each of us; ones that become part of our world.

Air Purifiers are another way to help manage indoor pollution. A good air filtration system can clean your indoor air enough to significantly aid your body?s ability to relax and rejuvenate; and some are also capable of killing mold and mildew. While we used to wait until our health demanded attention through painful symptoms, nowadays it seems that we have to be pro-active in order to maintain our health and happiness.

About the Author:

Chris is marketing director for Ultimate Sleep who specializes in 100% natural latex and other comfort products to help customers find relief from fatigue, back and joint pain, and sleep disorders.

Air filter purifiers are necessary and important to remove contaminants from breathing airs. A number of pollutants in air cause the respiratory and allergic diseases to us and pollutant free air is thus reduces the symptoms of these diseases.

Air filter purifiers are thus essential devices required for various environments where the air pollutants are generally in the higher range. These devices are therefore used in our building ventilations and in various other systems where the combustion of fuels or oxidation of other products produces pollutants.

These air filter purifiers removes solid particulates such as dust, mold and bacteria from the air. There are various types of air filter purifiers available in the market. Depending on the use and application, the proper air filter is used. A number of conventional air filters are made up off paper, foam or cotton. These filter papers are generally capable to filter the dust particulates and bacteria.

Paper filters are suitable choices for many air filter purifier applications. These are the best choices for automobile engines due to their advantages over many other air filter purifiers. These air filter purifiers are efficient and easy to replace and one more advantage of these paper air filter purifiers is that these are cost effectives. These paper filters have excellent dust removing capabilities. Due to their cheap cost, these filter papers can easily be replaced when these are clogged with dust particles. The only disadvantage of these paper filter purifier is that these becomes clogged more often in dusty environment and thereafter restrict air circulation. Once these paper filters are replaced with the new one, the filters start working smoothly.

The other common type of air filter purifiers is made up of foam. These are the most common air filter purifiers available for automobiles in after sales market. Foam has excellent capability not only to trap dust particles but it also removes bacteria. Some of the lawnmowers still prefer it for their air filter system. A well specified thickness depending on the type of application and oil-wet condition is best suitable for minimum airflow restriction and therefore it is widely preferred in certain applications. Such high dust conditions include the motor sports conditions including off highways.

Cotton air filters are rarely used as the automobile filter for after sales market. These filters have excellent capability to retain dust, however the life of these filters is very less and therefore now have a little use in old vehicles only.

Air filter purifiers are therefore essentially required for various applications and automobile is one of such applications. Dust removal is the major job expected from the automobile air filters, however the filters should also remove the bacteria the other common impurity in the air. Although, there are a number of air filter purifiers available for the number of applications, automobile air filter purifiers are generally made up off paper and foam.

What do you think, do air purifiers remove cooking odors? And what about cigar, cigarette and pet fumes?

These are good questions, but there's no simple answer. Eliminating unpleasant odors from your home or work space depends upon the type of machine, how powerful it is and even where you place it.

So, when asked, "Do air purifiers remove cooking odors?" I have to respond that an air purifier in the upstairs bedroom, no matter what kind or how effective, will do little to remove the smell of fish frying on your stove in the downstairs kitchen.

Basically, there are about a half a dozen different types of air purifiers and they come in various sizes and shapes.

The two main types of air filtration systems are mechanical purifiers such as high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and electrostatic filtration systems like an ionic purifier.

They each have their own advantages and disadvantages and some are more effective than others at removing odors.

Activated carbon filters and ozone generators are the most effective systems available for removing cooking odors. However, neither is particularly effective at reducing airborne allergens.

Activated carbon is simply charcoal that's been treated with oxygen.

The process opens up million of small pores between the carbon atoms, greatly increasing the surface area of the filter pad. The filter then works like a sponge, soaking up harmful gases and odors.

A charcoal filter does need to be changed on a regular basis, but, for the most part, they're not particularly expensive.

Many activated carbon filters are combined with HEPA technology, which is 99.9% effective at eliminating airborne allergens down to 0.3 microns in size. Three tenths of a micron is pretty small, since there are over 600 microns in the period at the end of this sentence.

Ozone air purifiers are also effective at eliminating odors, but not very good at removing allergens.

However, ozone generators are very controversial.

Many experts believe ozone generators are harmful to human health. The State of California, for example, issued a warning that "People should avoid using indoor air cleaning devices that produce ozone."

Why? Ozone is the primary chemical found in smog and long term exposure to it can cause eye, throat and nose irritation, as well as permanent lung damage.

Most ozone generator marketers say there's no need to worry, because you don't have to run the device all day and can put it on a low setting. But that still doesn't eliminate the problem.

It's like someone telling you, even though cigarette smoke is bad for your health, if you only smoke a few a day, you'll be all right.

So, back to the original question, "Do air purifiers remove cooking odors?" When you take everything into consideration, a HEPA system combined with an activated charcoal filter is your best bet.

With this type of system, you can effectively remove offensive cooking, tobacco and pet odors, plus reduce airborne allergens.

And you can do it all without any risk to your health ? only benefits.