Air purifiers have become increasingly popular in recent years--especially among those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems for whom air purifiers might offer some long-term relief. Often, the effect of air purifiers is relatively nitrogen purifier. This comes with an important caveat: all new products demand resources and create an impact on the environment. The best way to limit this negative effect on the environment is to do without when possible. Obviously, this won't always be possible.
One of the biggest impacts of operating an air purifier are, of course, the effects of climate change. Anything that consumes electricity is likely to create a carbon emissions impact--especially as some 44.9 percent of electricity in the United States comes from the burning of coal. This has numerous other indirect environmental impacts: the destruction of habitats and ecosystems through mountaintop removal, the dangers to water and air resources from toxic ash pollution. Relatively speaking, an air purifier uses a small amount of electricity, but it's important to consider possible alternatives to try to conserve electricity. The increased energy demand of an air purifier could be offset nitrogen purifier by turning down the thermostat or forgoing the use of other electric appliances. Also, some air purifiers are designed to be more energy-efficient than others.
Many ionic air purifiers work through the production of ozone to oxidize and remove allergens from the air. Ozone producing air purifiers can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate allergies. While the "ozone layer" high in the Earth's atmosphere protects us from UV rays, sub-stratospheric ozone is a greenhouse gas, and therefore contributes to nitrogen purifier climate change. Increasing concentrations of ozone can directly affect human health. While the long-term effects of ozone exposure (both acute and chronic) are not well understood, exposure can cause mild respiratory reactions, including cough, airway inflammation, and shortness of breath. As a result, the EPA and Consumer Reports have both recommended against the use of ozone-producing air purifiers in some applications.
