Are Air Purifiers with UV Light Worth It? - A Comprehensive Guide

Don't buy an air purifier with UV light or any air purifier that uses UV light as a key part of its purification mechanism. Learn more about the alternatives and decide which one is best for your home and family.

Are Air Purifiers with UV Light Worth It? - A Comprehensive Guide

Don't be fooled by the promise of air purifiers with UV light - they can be dangerous and ineffective. But what are the alternatives? At US Air Purifiers, you'll find a wide range of high-quality air purifiers that will meet your needs safely and reliably. In this article, we'll compare two quality options: air purifiers and UV lights, and help you decide which one is best for your home and family. Patricia Fabian, associate professor of environmental health at the Boston University School of Public Health, says that while UV air purifiers are promising, the reality is that they're unlikely to be as effective as other methods.

While UV air purifiers usually work silently and can be effective in eliminating bacteria from the air if a person uses them with HEPA filters, these devices can emit ozone. There is not enough evidence to investigate whether UV and HEPA air purifiers can protect against respiratory diseases. Ironically, a poorly designed air purifier with a UV bulb could cause more pollution in the air, rather than decrease it. This is because, although UVC light has the potential to kill bacteria and viruses, in a typical portable air purifier that can be purchased at a store, the air is unlikely to be exposed to UVC light long enough to cause an impact. If you don't have the right air quality products, indoor air is likely to be two to five times less healthy than outdoor air. Jones points out that not only are UV air purifiers unlikely to be effective, but they could also be dangerous.

However, knowing the air flow of each purifier, we estimate that the air passes through the purifiers in about 0.35 seconds. Air purifiers are used to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, tobacco smoke, and pollen from the air. For most customers, buying a UV air purifier is probably an exaggeration, although it won't hurt them if they don't mind the additional expense involved. So are UV light-based air purifiers worth it? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for an effective way to improve your indoor air quality without spending too much money or taking too much risk, then non-UV based air purifiers may be your best bet.

Bryan Berschauer
Bryan Berschauer

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