Air purifiers serve as our shield from many harmful airborne contaminants that may pose health risks. There are different processes with varying degrees of effectiveness since each process or technique can remove specific contaminants in the air.  These processes or techniques include Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation, HEPA Filters, Photocatalytic Oxidation, Titanium Dioxide, Ozone generators, Ionizers and activated carbon. These processes when combined together are especially effective. Here, we can take a closer look at a specific process called “activated carbon. “

The carbon air purifier is a technology that treats carbon atoms with oxygen which creates millions of tiny pores between each carbon atom. Adsorption is a process where chemicals are drawn to activated carbon and then bond to it. The millions of pores of activated carbon then provide a massive surface area to trap harmful chemicals in the air. Activated carbon can be thought of like a sponge, the bigger the filter, the more chemicals it can adsorb. Because of this adsorption property, so far, this carbon filters are considered the best filtration system available in the market. It can work well under extreme and varying temperatures. Carbon filters cost approximately $500.00 to $900.00 in the market depending on the model, additional features, and the manufacturer.

Consumers are often concerned with health risks. Is the carbon air purifier safe? There is no reason to worry. In fact, its filters remove many VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), Alcohols, Ketones, Halogens, Esters, Ethers, common human and animal odors and other chemicals in the air.  However, these filters are not widely used in households because they do not capture allergens, dust and other micro organisms, so they are not effective for those who suffer allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Medical practitioners, on the other hand, use this technology for some human applications such as using activated carbon in colon cleansing and to counter ingested toxins because of its adsorbent property. It is also known for adsorbing water impurities.

Purifiers impregnated with activated carbon are recommended for any establishment, but of course remember that not all contaminants are covered by carbon filters, so it is best to combine processes altogether for guaranteed results. Furthermore, activated carbon is safe and used by in industry and medicine regularly.