The Real Reason You Need To Start Using An Air Purifier

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), pollution causes approximately seven million deaths every year. According to Dr. Mary Prunicki, director of air pollution and health research at the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University (via Elemental), air pollution and air quality is also linked to mental health. And more commonly, "airborne particulates can [even] trigger allergies or act as irritants," said Dr. James Sublett, clinical professor of pediatric allergy and immunology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (via Elemental).

Given the air quality's influence on many different aspects of our health, it only makes sense that you may be curious about air purifiers. While you can't avoid outdoor pollution, air purifiers claim to clean the air you can control — the air inside your home. But do we even really all need an air purifier or are they just a gimmick?

According to Elemental, there is little research available on whether or not purifiers improve air quality or not. However, as Dr. Prunicki revealed, "We know without a doubt that indoor air filtration will help asthmatics with their symptoms, so they work." Dr. James Sublett adds that when it comes to airborne allergies, "air cleaners can be effective at filtering these out." In other words, they work to some degree and are definitely worth trying out to ensure you are breathing in the freshest air possible.

If you are considering investing in an air purifier, Good Housekeeping suggests opting for one with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is generally referred to as the best option given its ability to trap particles of all different sizes. They also suggest keeping an eye out for devices that have been given a CADR (clean-air delivery rate) rating above 300 to ensure you are getting the most efficient offering currently in market.