Though dust is most noticeable where it settles and collects, the average house has about 3 million dust particles suspended in every cubic foot of air.

For allergy sufferers, asthmatics, people with bronchial problems and those who are hyper-sensitive to airborne particulates, this can be a real problem. Air cleaners and filters are designed to remove dust from the air.

The wrong machine could actually harm your lungs and were found to emit dangerous levels of the gas--which is great for the upper atmosphere, but on the ground causes shortness of breath and can aggravate asthma.

And ionic air purifiers, which emit only tiny amounts of ozone, can also make the air worse when used along with lemon-scented household cleaning products that contain limonene.

Buy a true HEPA model. Only this kind of filter (as opposed to HEPA-type) has been shown to remove 99% of airborne particles without producing harmful by-products.

This may improve breathing for anyone with asthma or allergies to dust, mold, or pets.

Return to Tips >>