Some air cleaners emit low-level ozone. Is ozone harmful to pet birds? Is a HEPA filter better, or no air filter at all? What's the best for my birds? Let's clear the air about room air cleaners! Air filters remove pollen, dust, pet dander, dead skin cells and other particulate matter from the atmosphere inside your home. Bacteria and viruses travel around by hitching rides on dust particles, and these dust particles can be removed from the air when trapped in high-efficiency filters. Air purifiers actually kill bacteria and viruses. People are often confused when trying to choose an appropriate air filter or purifier. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, ionizers, ozonators and ultra-violet purification systems are available. It helps to understand what the different systems are and how they work in order to choose the product that best suits your needs. Manufacturers of these products have extensive technical literature available upon request. Following are some explanations of various filter/purification components:

Electrostatic: A charged surface that attracts and collects airborne particles. Filter: A standard filter pad traps particles, including many allergens and some gases from the air but cannot actually destroy microorganisms unless equipped with germicidal accessories. Standard filters and pre-filters must be washed or replaced according to manufacturer's directions.power zone air purifier Ions, Ionizer, Ionization: An ion is an electrically charged particle. home mold air purifierIonizers neutralize the air by emitting a flow of negative ions that cling to positively charged particles. sound design air purifierThis increases the weight of the particles and causes them to cling to surfaces rather than remaining airborne. There is some controversy about the use of ionizers around pet birds.

Consult your avian veterinarian prior to use. Ozone, Ozonator: Ozone is a form of activated oxygen with an extra, third molecule, which attaches itself to airborne pollutants. It oxidizes and destroys bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses and mildew, leaving pure oxygen in their place. Low levels of ozone (the FDA's safety limit is 50 parts per billion) can purify water and air. According to Consumer Reports (10/92), when room air passes through a high-voltage plate in an ozonator, some oxygen molecules are ionized. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has set a limit of 50 parts per billion for ozone from electronic air cleaners. Some ozonators are actually marketed as ionizers, and an overwhelming amount of ozone can be harmful to a bird. There is some controversy about the use of ozonators around pet birds. HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems were originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission to remove radioactive particles from the air. HEPA filters are used in spacecraft, industry, hospitals and homes.

Depending on maintenance, proper use and the efficiency of a particular unit, HEPA filters are capable of removing close to 99.9994% of particles down to .3 microns in size (about 1/25,000 of an inch!) from the indoor atmosphere. Ultra-Violet Light: Reduces transmission of disease by killing bacteria passing through the appliance. Both purifiers and filters are somewhat effective in reducing odors and removing smoke from the air, but you must never rely on an air filter or purifier to remove airborne toxins or germs from the atmosphere before they affect your bird. Some air filters combine two or more of the features described above. If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory condition, consult your physician before purchasing any air-cleaning device. Keep the air fresh and reduce pollution in your home with simple, every day routines. Curtail the use of aerosols, powders and chemicals indoors. Use high-efficiency allergen filter bags for your vacuum cleaner. Purchase high-efficiency air conditioner and furnace filters.

Install a range hood that vents to outdoors instead of blowing fumes back into the room. Fresh air is the best purifier of all. Open the windows for at least a short time each day. During warm weather, install a window fan blowing out. You'll be amazed at the dust and dander it carries out of your home.Birds make for beloved companions, known for their keen intelligence and charming personalities. While many species of birds commonly kept as pets can live for an extremely long time their health can be delicate, particularly when it comes to their respiratory systems. In the wild, birds are used to fresh air and open skies, and so it is little wonder that their lungs can become compromised when exposed to high concentrations of pollutants. It is an unfortunate fact that the air in our homes is on average much more polluted than outdoor air. By bringing a bird inside our homes we expose them to higher levels of particle and airborne chemical pollution, and unchecked this can make birds very ill.

Common household products such as cleaning supplies and aerosol can damage their lungs, and more dangerous pollutants such as Aspergillus mold, cigarette smoke, and formaldehyde can be deadly. Many bird owners know that to keep their birds healthy at home they need to manage their indoor air quality. Some common steps to keeping indoor air clean and safe for birds are to limit the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, to use paints and glues with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and to avoid using non-stick Teflon coating to cook. While this can be very helpful in cleaning up the air at home, many bird owners want to go a step further and actively filter out pollutants from the air. Air Purifiers and Your Bird’s Health Luckily, air purifiers are not only safe to use around birds they can even help to keep your bird healthy and breathing better. The most effective filtration will remove both particle pollutants such as mold as well as chemical contaminants. This is accomplished by using an air purifier that contains both a true HEPA filter as well as a charcoal based activated carbon filter.

A true HEPA filter will remove the particle pollutants from the air, including dust, mold, pollen, and even some of the particles from smoke or fuel emissions. A charcoal based activated carbon filter will then go to work absorbing harmful chemicals from the air, including from cleaning supplies, off-gassing plastics, and other volatile organic compounds. Rabbit Air purifiers like the BioGS and MinusA2 utilize both true HEPA filters and charcoal based activated carbon filters to effectively and efficiently clean the air you and your bird breathe. Using an air purifier reduces indoor air pollution and makes the air safer for your birds to breathe. To further protect your birds’ delicate lungs, make sure to stay away from high ozone emitting air purifiers. It is best to use an air purifier that has ozone free settings, or ozone levels that are well below the maximum for human safety. Air Purifiers and Your Health and Safety In addition to providing cleaner air for your birds, adding an air purifier to your aviary can also help protect you and your family from the dander and debris that birds can produce.

Some species of birds produce a fine keratin powder that helps to keep their feathers healthy and waterproof, but unfortunately for bird lovers this powder can quickly become overwhelming in a home. Even low powder producing birds can cause a significant decrease in home air quality, as dander, feathers, and other cage debris can float through the air and eventually settle on surfaces. When this powder and dander is inhaled, it can trigger allergic symptoms or even asthma attacks. Rarely, a more serious condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or Bird Breeder’s Lung, can be caused by exposure to particles of bird debris and droppings. Using an air purifier with a true HEPA filter can significantly reduce the bird debris from the air, making your bird room a more pleasant place to spend quality time with your feathered friend, and helping to reduce symptoms in those with allergies. An Air Purifier for your Baby's NurseryAn Air Purifier for the Nail SalonAre Air Purifiers Safe for Babies?