When used correctly, air purifiers can be a great way to reduce pollutants in the air, including viruses, in the home or in confined spaces. However, on its own, a portable air purifier is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that air purifiers “can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home.” Many manufacturers use the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) rating system to evaluate air filter performance. According to a recent study, the results suggest that air filters could be used to reduce the risk of patients and medical staff contracting SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals.
Using an air purifier at home can be a good idea at any time, to help filter indoor allergens and contaminants, such as fumes from kitchen and cleaning products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend the routine use of DIY air purifiers as a permanent alternative to products of known performance (such as commercially available portable air purifiers). Surprisingly, the team didn't find many viral particles in the ICU room air, even when the filter was turned off. Combined with a manual timer and filter status update lights, this minimalist air purifier pays off for a reason.
In this study, the air in the conference room was well mixed, which helped transport the aerosols to the air purifiers. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet verified these claims, the results suggest that the EnviroKlenz air cartridge could, at a minimum, be an effective way to capture and filter pathogens similar in size to coronavirus, especially with airborne transmission as the main way in which Covid-19 infections occur. In the general room, the team found SARS-CoV-2 particles in the air when the filter was turned off, but not when it was turned on. DIY air purifiers can provide some benefits for reducing concentrations of viruses and other indoor air pollutants, but research is limited and there are several important considerations explained below.
While AeraMax Professional air purifiers are highly effective at removing various viruses and airborne contaminants from enclosed spaces, NO AIR PURIFIER CAN CURRENTLY CLAIM TO CAPTURE AND ELIMINATE COVID-19; it's simply too early to know. The addition of two HEPA air purifiers that met the EPA recommended Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) reduced overall exposure to simulated exhaled aerosol particles by up to 65% without universal masking. Do not touch the air cleaner while in use, and when it comes time to change the filter, put on gloves and a surgical mask (if you have one), take the air cleaner out and clean and disinfect the outside.
