If you live in a major metropolitan area or you reside in an apartment that sits above a unit in which a smoker shacks up, then you probably could use an air purifier in order to breathe easier.
Air purifiers or HEPA (short for High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters help remove nasty air particles that float around and could potentially cause great bodily harm. Interestingly, the HEPA filter was created following the atomic bomb as a way to filter out harmful radioactive particles. These days people purchase HEPA filtered air purifies to remove air pollutants from a home. Dust mites, second hand smoke, smog, vog and car exhaust can create health concerns, and can be deadly for those who suffer from compromised respiratory systems.
HEPA filters feature a very tight fiber weave, usually made out of glass. The weave of the glass fibers is so compact that a HEPA filter is able to trap particles not visible by the naked eye. The filters are also pleated to allow for more efficient collection of airborne particulates. What’s more, HEPA filters last a long time. Depending on the air quality in your living space, a HEPA filter can last for up to 10 months without having to be changed.
When shopping for a HEPA filter, look for the CADR ratings. If the number is below 100 don’t buy it. Rather, you want a filter with a rating of 350 or higher.
When I lived in downtown Honolulu I had to invest in an air filter for my one-bedroom apartment. Whereas the view from my living room was spectacular, the bedroom fronted a major highway and the exhaust and soot that came from the vehicles made breathing difficult in the room. I purchased a GE HEPA filter which was designed to trap and filter out dozen of impurities, from dust mites and pollen to mold and mildew. Basically, the bad air enters the filtration system and the particulates are trapped in the filter. Clean air is then circulated back into your room. My particular filter came with a color-coded chart that notified me when the filter needs to be changed.