23 used & new fromFor many people, the first time they encounter activated carbon is during the process of selecting home air purifiers. Although most of our customers begin their search because of allergies or asthma, many soon learn how odors and chemicals can contribute to respiratory problems. To that end, many quality room air purifier systems offer a comprehensive solution to these issues. History and Use in Purification Processes As many as 2000 years ago, human beings used activated carbon to remove impurities from water. Even then, its exceptional absorption qualities were known. However, it was not until the early 1900s that activated carbon was produced in powder form that could be sold commercially. At that time, it was used to purify water and to remove the color from sugar. As World War I progressed, it was discovered that activated carbon could be used in gas masks to protect soldiers, in addition to cleaning wartime water and in the manufacturing of air purifiers.

It was during this period that granular activated carbon was developed.the best air purifier for basement Why Is It Called "Activated?"air purifiers smokers room You may find yourself asking why activated carbon is called "activated" and whether there is non-activated carbon, as well. mitsubishi air conditioner air purifierThe heat used in the process of changing carbon to an "activated" state drives out impurities; there are places for your air impurities to reside when it is used in an air purifier. After activated carbon has been used, it can actually be reactivated by heating it again. However, the reactivation process is impractical and dangerous. Non-activated carbon is soot or charcoal. Activated carbon is described in a variety of ways, but generally the range includes amorphous carbon-based materials that exhibit a high degree of porosity and an extended surface area.

This simply means that it has excellent absorbent characteristics that make it very useful for a wide variety of filtration processes, including air and water. How Is Activated Carbon Used in Home Air Purifiers? In room air purifiers, the activated carbon is often combined with other minerals, like zeolite. Zeolite can absorb ions and molecules and thus act as a filter for odor control, toxin removal, and as a chemical sieve. In some air purifiers, the carbon may be impregnated with potassium iodide or blended with active alumina to increase absorption qualities. These home air purifiers are particularly helpful to people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), because they absorb formaldehyde, a compound found in carpet, wood paneling, and furniture upholstery. Perfumes and chemicals in household cleaning items are also removed, making the environment much more breathable for all, especially asthma sufferers, babies, children, and the elderly. The Carbon in Room Air Purifiers

The type and amount of activated carbon and how it is used in home air purifiers depends on the brand and model. Here are the highlights: Austin Air Healthmate Plus Air Purifier The Austin Air Healthmate Plus air purifier contains 18 pounds of granular activated carbon impregnated with a blend of zeolite and potassium, making it effective at removing formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Summary – Home Air Purifiers VOCs (volatile organic compounds), smog, ozone, fumes from cooking, pet dander, and tobacco can cause irritation for allergenics and asthmatics. Particulates, such as pollens or pet dander, are the main irritants for many households. For those who need a comprehensive air purifier solution, higher caliber room air purifiers that offer outstanding particle, odor, and chemical removal are ideal. 3 days to save on inspiring gift experiences.There are thousands of artificial gases, fumes, toxins, and pollutants brought into every home every day.

These particles may come from plastic products, new carpeting, construction, smoke, pollution from outdoors, or dander and odors from pets. Many individuals, including small children and those with health risks, are more sensitive to these types of pollutants. Even for healthy adults, unwanted gases and fumes in the air can cause health problems including asthma and allergies. Charcoal air purifiers, better known as activated carbon filters, use charcoal to absorb particles, gases, and odors from the air and trap them in a filter. The cost, style, and functionality of each filter are different depending on the amount of charcoal used, which most often determines effectiveness. This small unit is perfect for bedrooms and nurseries so both babies and adults can enjoy clean air while they sleep. The Honeywell 50100 is a less expensive air purifier unit that delivers clean air for small to medium rooms up to 11 by 14 feet. The 360-degree design accomplishes more in less time, and Honeywell replacement filters are relatively inexpensive compared to other models.

Owners of this unit may notice significant noise produced by the purifier, but for most, the white noise is actually conducive to bedroom rest. For those with allergies, asthma, or just a newborn needing for a healthy start, this purifier is a great addition to any bedroom. For large spaces, the Honeywell 50250 is a reliable option that removes up to 99 percent of particles, pollutants, and allergens in the air, most of which are invisible to the human eye. This air filter uses three filter settings to circulate the air in a room up to five times per hour. Designed for rooms up to 350 square feet, this filter captures particles as small as .3 microns, which is one-third the size of a smoke particle, and less than one-tenth the size of pet dander. This essentially eliminates all microscopic allergens with a 360-degree air intake and discharge and a true HEPA filter. For convenience, owners may clean the filter with a household vacuum cleaner, which extends the life of a single filter for up to five years.

This handy desktop model is perfect for buyers looking to freshen up their office, bedroom, or den. The Holmes HAP uses baking soda in the filter to help reduce and eliminate odors while removing up to 99 percent of airborne particles. The manufacturer recommends this filter for rooms up to 109 square feet. This product from Holmes removes particles as small as two microns, which includes pet dander and household dust, but it does not remove as much as more expensive Honeywell options do. This design is small and versatile to fit vertically or horizontally in any space. When parents start looking for the best product to purify the air in a nursery or child's bedroom, the Holmes HA223-UC Odor Grabber Plus is a great choice. This freestanding air purifier is a refresher and filter in one. The size of the unit makes it easy to place in any room without taking up much space. At just 9 inches tall, it can easily sit on a bookshelf, desktop, or in an unobtrusive corner. With a built-in ionizer, the unit clears out particles in the air that can accumulate during colder months when windows stay shut.

Rabbit Air carries several models of air purifies, all of which have received high reviews, but the BioGS 421A is one of the more affordable options for home use. The popular electronics company Mitsubishi designs Rabbit products, which gives them a reputation for reliability and quality. The BioGS is perfect for rooms up to 600 square feet. However, for allergy sufferers, usage in a smaller room ensures complete filtration of the air several times per hour. This filter comes with all the bells and whistles to ensure clean air, including three separate filters and four stages of filtration to trap particles, gases, germs, and viruses consistently throughout the room. How to Buy To find an air purifier on eBay, start with the search bar on any page and enter a few keywords describing the type, model, or brand of air purifier you are looking for. Narrow the product results using the filters provided to find models based on location, budget, or condition. When selecting a purifier, choose one based on the square footage you need to filter, and the filtration strength desired.