Activated carbon is also often combined with other minerals like zeolite, especially in HEPA air purifiers. Zeolite absorbs molecules and ions, acting as a filter for toxin removal, odor control, and a sort of chemical sieve. In some HEPA air purifiers, the carbon may be blended with impregnated active alumina, or may itself be impregnated with potassium iodide. This procedure will increase the substance’s absorbent qualities. Those HEPA air purifiers are especially good for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, otherwise known as MCS, as they absorb the formaldehyde that is often found in furniture upholstery, carpet, and wood paneling, among other things. Chemicals in household cleaning items as well as perfumes are also extracted, leaving the air much more breathable for all those concerned, but especially babies, the elderly, and asthma sufferers.

The amount of activated carbon, as well as the type and other things with which it is blended, as well as how it is used in HEPA air purifiers depends largely on the model and brand of the HEPA air purifiers.

For example, the Austin Air HM400 uses 18 pounds (!) of granular activated carbon impregnated with zeolite. The zeolite enhances the chemical absorption qualities fo the activated carbon.

The Austin Air HM400 SuperBlend also contains 18 pounds of granular activated carbon, but it is impregnated not only with zeolite, but also potassium. This makes it effective at removing formaldehyde.

The Blueair 501 and 601 systems contain three integrated HEPA air filters. Unlike Austin Air, Blueair does not specify the weight of the carbon included. The optional SmokeStop filters have a lot more activated carbon than the standard filters that the unit comes with, though.

The V-5 Cell filter in the HealthPro Plus by IQAir has a five filtration chamber that includes a blend of activated carbon, as well as impregnated active alumina. This provides for enhanced absorption. Like Blueair, IQAir does not tell us the weight of the activated carbon that is in their HEPA air purifiers.

In most cases, pollens and pet dander are the main things that people are concerned about when buying HEPA air purifiers. Odor and chemical absorption are often less important, if they’re important to the consumer at all. Some, though, may be looking for a high degree of both. for those people it is best to look for high caliber HEPA air purifiers that offer outstanding odor, chemical, and particle removal. Volatile organic compounds, known as VOC’s, such as ozone, pets, tobacco, smog, and even cooking can be irritating or downright unhealthy for anyone, not just asthmatics and those with bad allergies.

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