In recent years a majority of people have adapted to the trend of using air purifiers in their homes. While this may seem like a fairly new invention, the truth is that air purifiers have been around for more than 200 years. While the concept is not a new one, their purpose in today’s society has morphed from their first usage 
as protective masks for firemen to filter the air they were breathing during fires. This breakthrough in air ventilation allowed firemen to protect their lungs while on the job. Today, while similar devices are still utilized for this purpose, air purifiers are more commonly known for filtering air pollution out of home and office environments. These pollutants come from a variety of sources, a smoky stove, pet hair and dander and dust are some of the most common.
Although many people use air purifiers for better air quality, not many people know how this purification actually works. While there are many models of air purifiers, there are actually only three basic types: filters, ionizing purifiers and ozone generators. Although the goal of each air purifier is ultimately the same, the method that each uses to accomplish this varies.
The Basic Filter System
The basic filter system is one that works in conjunction with the heating and cooling system found in your home. The filter is made of various fibrous materials like foam, fiberglass, cotton and synthetic fibers. The fibers are woven into a very tight net. The goal of the net is to trap the larger pollutant particles so that they do not pass through the system’s air ducts into the atmosphere. These types of filters generally fit into a separate housing for the heating and cooling system.
The Ionizing Purifier
Another type of purifier is the ionizing purifier. The ionizing purifier works on a magnet principle due to the two metal plates; one positive and one negative. The two plates create a small, yet powerful, electrical field that converts the usually neutral charge of the air particles to either negative or positive which then causes them to be attracted to either of the plates. This traps the particles and the ones that do escape the plates are then attracted to each other and become too heavy to remain airborne. Once these particles become too heavy, they simply fall to the ground and can be removed with the rest of the dust and debris.
The Ozone Generator
The last type of purifier is the Ozone generator. The ozone generator works somewhat in the same way that the ionic purifier works, although the concept is different. With the ozone generator the oxygen particles found in the air are converted into ozone and released back into the air. The theory is that by releasing ozone into the air it disinfects and deodorizes that air, rather than trying to trap the pollutant particles.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how each works, you can make an informed decision about what type of purifier is right for you and your family. With something as vital as air, you want to be sure to be breathing the freshest and least polluted type possible for optimum health.
Heather Murphy is a contributing writer for AirPurifierGuide.org, a site offering Honeywell air purifiers and many other eco-friendly, high quality air purification systems for home or office environments.