If you own an air purifier, there is a huge chance that it came with a carbon air filter. Just like HEPA air filters, carbon filters remove gases and impurities from the air. Most people prefer activated carbon filters since they are made from activated charcoal, which is a natural material.
Activated charcoal makes these filters effective at combating volatile organic compounds that common household products release in the air.
Some of the impurities that these filters fight include paint fumes, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, cleaners, and disinfectants. So, are carbon air filters safe to use around kids and pets?
Carbon air filters are safe to use at home or commercial places. Activated carbon has been in use for a long time for water purification and now air purification.
Nowadays, after scientific research that proves them safe for use, many carbon filter air purifiers utilize this technology to get rid of particulates and contaminants. The filters can purify the air of toxins and neutralize unpleasant smells too.
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Why use carbon air filters?
If you are still in a dilemma, here are the reasons why it is safe to use at home:
1. It is non-toxic
The activated carbon in a bamboo charcoal air purifier is non-toxic. That is because activated carbon alone is not classified as a hazardous material. It can only become hazardous because of the chemicals it absorbs from the air.
2. It is chemical-free
The carbon filter in an activated carbon air purifier is produced from carbonaceous source materials and not chemicals. The materials may include wood, bamboo, coal, coconut husk, and coir.
Although some manufacturers use chemical activation processes to produce the carbon, the process occurs in an inert atmosphere. That explains why activated carbon is inert.
3. It is fragrance-free
Manufacturers do not use fragrances when producing activated carbon filters. Instead, their composition allows the materials to eliminate fragrances from the airstream.
Carbon air filters vs. regular filters
Consumers get confused about whether they should buy carbon air filters or regular filters. But do these two have any difference? Ideally, both filters help to provide clean indoor air.
The regular air filters work by separating harmful particles from the air. That means they can extract things like fungus, pollen, dust, dirt, soot, and bacteria.
The difference between carbon air filters and regular filters is that carbon air filters add an extra layer of protection in addition to air purification. Filters with activated charcoal can react with harmful volcanic organic compounds, including odorous gases and ozone.
They will then neutralize the VOCs before you can breathe them. Whereas regular filters hold onto foreign matter entering the airstream, the activated carbon air filters bond at a molecular level to vapors, odors, and other gases to keep them from getting into air ducts.
Ionizing filter vs. activated carbon
The ionizing filter works by using electrically charged ions to bond together with the impurities that float in ambient air. Activated carbon filters trap smoke and gaseous elements from the air. As a result, they prevent VOCs and foul odors from spreading in the air.
In conclusion
So, are carbon air filters safe? Carbon air filters are safe because they are inert, non-toxic, and do not have any fragrances. They are common in air purifiers to help in combating volatile organic compounds produced from household products like air fresheners, disinfectants, and cleaners.