Those of us which provide air purifier products for residential use, are often asked why an air purifier is needed, particularly if health problems potentially arising from indoor air have not surfaced. ?Do I really need one of those air purifier things?? is a question we often hear.

It is difficult for a lay person to judge the cleanliness of indoor air. If you wipe off your kitchen counter, you could, using a simple microscope, still see the bacteria and microscopic residue left behind. That method doesn't quite work with air. The truth regarding the pollution in indoor air is most easily discovered when a person with a quality air purifier changes the filter for the first time. Seeing a HEPA filter loaded with dust, dirt, and other unmentionables which were formally floating around in your living room, is quite an eye-opener. Seeing an air purifier filter full of nicotine and smoking by-products should make one a non-smoker, as they are particularly nasty!

For the person considering an air purifier for the first time, there is an abundance of data available. Of course, in these days of instant and contrived experts it can be difficult to know which studies are sales-oriented, and which are the result of research, objectively and scientifically obtained. Even within agencies of the U.S. government, one can find great discrepancies in the figure which describes how much dirtier indoor air is from outdoor air. It can range from ten to 500 times! The entire concept is flawed in that it would depend upon which American city one was located in. It is easy to understand that a person in New York City might need an air purifier more than one living on top of a mountain in Colorado, from the perspective of simply whether or not the indoor air was dirty. Allergies caused by nature are, of course, another issue.

The use of common sense is a more likely gauge of whether or not indoor air is dirty or toxic, and if so, whether or not an air purifier is needed for optimal health. In an area where there is a high concentration of traffic, there will obviously be more VOC's in the air. Homes or apartment buildings in the high traffic area will be affected, because none are absolutely airtight. Air purifier products that can actually remove VOC's will be helpful in making a home's indoor air healthier. Homes located near manufacturing facilities or industry will likely have dirtier indoor air. A beach home with open windows is least likely to require an air purifier. Rocket science is not required.

The presence of persons suffering from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivity in the home is another branch of the air purifier discussion. Specific air purifier products can be useful in removing airborne toxins that irritate these people. The user will know the air purifier is helpful because he or she will feel better and be able to breathe more easily. For the person simply wondering whether or not they need an air purifier appliance to make their home a little healthier for themselves and their children, common sense observation of their locale, the age of the home, the heating and cooling system, and other factors will reveal whether or not an air purifier will be helpful. Changing the filter will most likely convince them.