Millions of people use air purifiers to minimize the contaminants and pollutants that affect the purity of air in their homes or work environment. Studies show that the public spend about 90% of their time indoors. With the growing concerns about clean air and lessening the effect of pollutants that can cause health problems, air purifiers have become a sound and very important investment one can make.
While it is important to know the advantages of using air purifiers at home or in the office, it is crucial that the air purifier you choose passes the stringent quality control measures and standards set by different agencies and organizations, that are committed and dedicated in ensuring that air purifiers manufactured will be beneficial to the public. The manufacturers of air purifiers must follow the international standards in the entire manufacturing process to be able to produce air purifiers that are guaranteed to be safe and are of high quality.
Air Purifiers have various new functions and technologies that are offered to consumers worldwide. A few of these air purifiers include:
- HEPA Air Purifiers - are used in the reduction of allergens and dust particles.
- Activated Carbon Air Purifiers - are used in the reduction of chemicals and odors.
- Electrostatic Air Purifiers - are used to filter general dust and common allergens
- Ionic/Ion Air Purifiers - temporarily removes contaminants and pollutants
- Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers - are effective in killing viruses and bacteria.
- Incineration Air Purifiers - are used to burn and destroy contaminants, bacteria and viruses.
Some of the international standards that manufacturers must meet when producing air purifier, and the inspection/tests that are performed on these items, are highlighted below:
ASTM-F50
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The ASTM-F50 Standard Practices for Continuous Sizing and Counting of Airborne Particles in Dust Controlled Areas and Clean Rooms Using Instruments Capable of Detecting Single Sub-micrometer and Larger Particles
ASTM F2608 - 07
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The ASTM F2608 - 07 Standard Test Method for Determining the Change in Room Air Particulate Counts as a Result of the Vacuum Cleaning Process.
CEPA AB 2276
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The CEPA Air Resource Board AB 2276 Air Cleaner Standards limits the ozone emitted from indoor air cleaning devices in order to protect consumer health. All air cleaning devices sold in California must meet the regulation requirements.
UL Standard 867 Ozone Test
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The UL Standard 867 Ozone Test Method conducts air purifier inspection tests and determines if the product meets the ozone emission concentration standard, requirements for certification, labeling and record keeping for indoor air purifiers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)ensures that consumer products such as air purifiers are safe and are not hazardous to the public.
OEHHA
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The OEHHA assesses and checks the health effects of the chemicals commonly found in indoor air and provides assistance to the Air Resources Board and other agencies involved in air pollution control. OEHHA has an extensive list of reference exposure levels which serves as a guideline on the effects of various substance and its effects on the environment and consumers.
