Radon can be a serious danger to you and your family. When shopping for the most effective air purifier, you may be wondering if air purifiers will take out radon and if they work to eliminate radon from the home. Moreover, can air purifiers remove carbon monoxide, which is another volatile organic compound we cannot see, smell, or taste.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Radon is a dangerous radioactive gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer deaths throughout the country.
- Some air purifiers are actually quite effective at capturing and reducing the amount of radon in the air.
- If radon is a top concern for you, choose an air purifier that has been equipped with an activated carbon filter.
What is Radon?
Insider Tip
Some air purifiers certainly can help reduce or eliminate toxic gas.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted, making it extremely difficult to test for. This radioactive gas is a leading cause of lung cancer deaths for nonsmokers in the United States and many homes have it present at dangerous levels. Other than Radon, CO can also be very harmful. You can clear CO from the air with your air purifier if the leak is not substantial. However, always call a professional or 911 every time you suspect there is a CO leak.
Do Air Purifiers Reduce or Eliminate Radon?
If you suspect there is radon in your home, your first step should be to contact a professional gas inspector or a related contractor. Once they have confirmed the existence of radon, it is important to note that some air purifiers certainly can help reduce or eliminate toxic gas.
What Kind of Air Purifier is Best for Radon?
When it comes to the elimination of noxious radon fumes, go for an air purifier that has been equipped with an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon, otherwise known as charcoal, has a long history with the reduction and elimination of dangerous chemical gasses, including radon.
Benefits of Activated Carbon Filters
Insider Tip
When it comes to the elimination of noxious radon fumes, go for an air purifier that has been equipped with an activated carbon filter.
Air purifiers that have been equipped with an activated carbon filter offer some unique benefits in comparison with other types of purifiers.
Reduce Chemical Contaminants
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are the go-to choice for the reduction and elimination of airborne chemical contaminants, including radon and similar noxious gasses. It is for this reason you can typically find activated carbon filters in scientific laboratories, medical clinics, and other locations that could use the speedy elimination of potentially dangerous compounds.
Great for Odor Reduction
The same technology that makes these filters so great with chemical contaminants makes them excel in reducing and eliminating foul odors. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are one of the best options for reducing household odors, such as smoke, mold, mildew, pet urine, and more. Only air purifiers equipped with a genuine HEPA filter can compare.
There is always this debate about whether the air purifier is harmful or helpful. Most air purifiers are harmless except the ones that use ozone technology.
Cost-Effective
Generally speaking, air purifiers with activated carbon filters tend to be on the cheaper side, as this type of air purifier has been in use for decades. You can typically find a budget-friendly model quickly while searching online.
F.A.Q.S
What are the health risks of being exposed to radon?
In addition to increasing the chances of catching lung cancer, radon exposure can cause wheezing, hoarseness, cough with blood, and related respiratory symptoms.
Is radon gas worse in the summer or winter?
Radon is naturally occurring during both seasons, but it can appear in the home more frequently during the winter, as people tend to keep windows and doors shut throughout the winter. This allows radon to perpetuate throughout the home.
Do new homes have radon mitigation systems?
Yes, some new homes feature radon mitigation systems. These systems can also be installed by contacting a radon mitigation specialist. Air purifiers can also help.
STAT: The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is estimated between 10 to 20 times greater for persons who smoke cigarettes as compared with those who have never smoked. (source)
