Does using an air purifier make you healthier?

The World Health Organization states that lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can all be brought on by exposure to air pollution in the home.

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Do portable air purifiers really have an impact?

According to the EPA, studies have indicated that portable HEPA air cleaners improve cardiovascular health, as well as symptoms of allergies and asthma. However, the advantage might not be significant, and it could not be entirely attributable to air cleaners.

What is the outcome of the study?

In an analysis of eight trials, the EPA found statistically significant improvements in respiratory health and symptoms related to allergies or asthma.

In an additional EPA study assessment, the usage of air purifiers was associated with a statistically significant improvement in cardiovascular health in 10 out of 11 studies.

The EPA notes that studies have occasionally shown that HEPA air purifiers can lower gaseous pollutants in a household, but it issues a warning that these studies are small and have inconsistent findings.

Advantages of air purifiers

Benefits of air purifiers differ according to almost the same parameters as the air purifiers themselves, such as

the kind and quantity of filters

the rate of CADR

the contaminants that are being addressed

how regularly and suitably the tool is utilized

However, air purifiers can provide advantages for your house when used properly, such as:

allergies. By lowering the amount of allergens in your indoor air, air purifiers can help lessen the symptoms of allergies.

asthma. Air purifiers can reduce the amount of pollutants like smoking, dust, and pollen that can aggravate asthma symptoms and attacks.

Dust. The quantity of dust particles, which are often 5 microns or smaller and fall within the purification range of the majority of HEPA air purifiers, may be reduced by your air purifier.

dander from animals. The dander from your dog, cat, or bird pet may be reduced in your house with the use of an air purifier.

PMs (particulate matter). Indoor PM2.5 (the smaller particles) concentrations can be lowered by an average of 50% or more using HEPA air cleaners that have a high enough CADR.

viruses. Certain air purifiers have the ability to lessen virally-laden airborne particles. According to the EPA, in order to do this, it must be able to remove extremely fine particles, between 0.1 and 1 microns. As an illustration, manufacturers state that their product “removes 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 um [or microns].” One of the earliest reports of the use of UV sterilization and coupled air filtration to remove airborne SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in a hospital setting was in 2022.

What they refuse to labor on

No air purifier can completely remove all contaminants from your house, or even just a particular one hundred percent.

Additionally, portable air purifiers might not be very helpful for:

mold

Among other gaseous contaminants, nicotine

animal dander, particularly from rat infestations that are not voluntary

Allergies from cockroaches

Certain kinds of volatile organic compounds

Dust mites and pollen are examples of bigger, heavier allergens that may descend to the ground faster than air purifiers are able to collect them.

Other methods for purifying the air indoors.

Even while they could be useful, air purifiers might be ineffective if you don’t also take other measures to make your home’s air cleaner. As a third alternative among the three fundamental methods for enhancing household air quality, the EPA advises utilizing air purifiers:

Manage the pollutants’ source.

Upgrade the ventilation in your house.

Make use of efficient air purifiers.

By taking the following actions, you can lessen the quantity of pollutants in your indoor air space:

Regularly clean fabric furniture, carpets, and rugs.

Once a week, wash bedding in hot water.

Give your dogs regular baths.

To help avoid mold and dust mites, maintain the ideal humidity level in your house between 40% and 60%.

Never smoke in a car or residence.

Make the move to non-toxic cleaning supplies.

Open a window and run some fans to let some fresh air into your house.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends changing HVAC air filters every thirty to ninety days.

And what about flora?

The EPA has bad news for anybody who believes houseplants might lower the amount of toxins in the home. There is currently no proof that they do. Make cautious not to overwater as well. You take a chance that the wet soil may encourage the growth of microorganisms.

The last word

Portable air purifiers function best when used in tandem with

letting the air out of your house

maximizing the humidity in your house

limiting the contamination’s source

housekeeping

If you’re having trouble finding an air purifier for your house, try defining your needs first. Be aware of the pollutants you want to remove and the size of the area you wish to clean. Next, compare your needs with the features of a suitable air purifier.

What you should look for in an air purifier is ideal:

according to the dimensions of your space

focuses on the kinds of pollutants in your house

Having a high rate of CADR

possesses a HEPA filter rated MERV 13 or above.

Consult your doctor about how to manage your symptoms if you have any underlying health conditions, such as allergies or asthma, and how to enhance the quality of the air inside. Never discontinue taking any medicine without first consulting your doctor.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has approved air purifiers and filters as asthma and allergy-friendly products. Furthermore, an allergist could have recommendations specifically designed for you.