Air purifiers are devices that filter air quality.
They are helpful for people withallergies,asthma, and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Air purifiers do work to filter pollutants from the air, but there are limitations to be aware of.
Olelole / Getty Images
Olelole / Getty Images
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
Types of Air Purifiers
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air filter.
It is one of the most effective and studied air purifiers on the market.
It can capture extremely small particles of 0.3 microns or larger.
Ionic air purifiers work by emitting large amounts of electrically charged negative ions into the air.
Ion generators indirectly produce ozone, which is a lung irritant.
The exact mechanism of how this is done can differ between different brands and types of air purifiers.
In its basic form, an air purifier includes a fan that draws in nearby air.
This air passes through a filter, which can be made from various materials such as paper or fiberglass.
The filter then traps particles above a certain size.
This size will differ between air purifiers.
Finally, the filtrated, clean air is then recirculated to the room through the fan.
Over time, however, the filter will need to be replaced.
Keep in mind that not all air purifiers work in the same way.
Some air purifiers work by neutralization, instead of drawing in and filtering air.
For example, they may send out negative ions that attract particles through static, and neutralize them.
Ultraviolet light (UV) filters are another kind of air purifier.
They work by sending out UV light to kill bacteria and mold.
The theory is that this will lead to health benefits.
Some of the studied health benefits of air purifiers include:
Do They Work?
Yes, air purifiers do work, but with some caveats.
Indoor airborne allergens can include:
Some air purifiers are effective at filtering allergens from the air.
HEPA air purifiers, in particular, have been shown to be effective.
One study found that a HEPA air purifier fan was effective at reducing airborne fungi within homes.
Smoke
Smoke is a big concern regarding indoor air pollution.
It did not change among the infants.
Ultimately, smoking cessation is highly preferred over the use of air purifiers.
Photocatalytic oxidationis another kind of air purification technique that has a role in reducing airborne toxins.
However, it is still in development.
Some types can lead to health benefits for those with allergies, asthma, and other conditions.
However, there are many factors to consider when choosing the most effective air purifier.
HEPA filters have the most research to support them and can filter extremely small particles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ionic air purifiers emit large amounts of negative ions into the air.
Do not place it in a corner blocked by a TV or shelves.
The cost of air purifiers can vary greatly, from $50 to hundreds of dollars.
You should also budget $50-$100 for annual filter replacement.
It is often recommended to run an air purifier for 12-24 hours a day.
You should check the manufacturer guidelines.
Additionally, frequently vacuuming and cleaning can improve the life of your air filter.
An air purifier draws pollutant particlesoutof the air, whereas a humidifieraddsmoisture particles to the air.
However, many air purifiers last a full year before a filter must be replaced.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.Indoor air quality.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.What is a HEPA filter?
Hashimoto K, Kawakami Y.Effectiveness of airborne fungi removal by using a HEPA air purifier fan in houses.Biocontrol Science.
2021;31(1):220-228. doi:10.1111/ina.12728
Environmental Protection Agency.What are ionizers and other ozone-producing air cleaners?
2022;204:112036. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.112036
United States Environmental Protection Agency.What is radon?
