Which Air Purifier Best Removes Phenols?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of air purifiers in removing phenols from the air, particularly in the context of concerns related to CFL bulbs and their emissions. Participants explore various types of air cleaning configurations and their relevance to health, especially for individuals with asthma.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about air cleaners that can effectively remove phenols, prompted by concerns over CFL bulb emissions.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the necessity of air purifiers for safety from CFL lamps, suggesting that the risks may be exaggerated.
  • A participant mentions a personal connection to the issue, noting that their asthmatic cousin has had health concerns, which motivates their inquiry.
  • There is a suggestion that asthmatics may be more affected by dust and allergens rather than phenols, unless there is a specific allergy to phenolic compounds.
  • A participant advocates for the use of electrostatic filter systems for dust removal and mentions their personal use of a specific model, while also recommending activated carbon filters for organic molecules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of air purifiers for removing phenols, with some questioning the urgency of the issue and others emphasizing the health needs of asthmatics. No consensus is reached on the best approach to address the concerns raised.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the health impacts of phenols and the effectiveness of different air purification technologies that remain unexamined. The discussion does not resolve the specific efficacy of air purifiers against phenols or the broader implications of CFL bulb emissions.

pokk
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What configuration air cleaner will clean phenols out of the air? Just read where CFL bulbs emit phenols...thanx
 
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Oy.

I googled that and managed not to die laughing at seeing some of the references [/irony]. If one wants to be pedantic, everything can kill you (see companion thread on that subject: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3413462#post3413462 ). Unless you wear a safety harness when walking up and down stairs, you shouldn't be considering buying an air purifier to keep you safe from CFL lamps.
 
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thanx. Cousin is asthmatic & just had a close call so I'm asking.
 
pokk said:
thanx. Cousin is asthmatic & just had a close call so I'm asking.

I would think that asthmatics are much more affected by dust than anything else, which is mostly pieces of clothing, dead skin, etc., unless there is a specific allergy to the molecule in question, perhaps.

A good electrostatic filter system will take care of dust - I use a Hoover Silent Air 4000 in my home office to get rid of dust. Keeps my lungs and my 2 Bearded Dragons happy.

The best way to get rid of organic molecules is to use an activated carbon filter system of some sort.
 

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