When used correctly, air purifiers can be a great help in reducing pollutants, 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. A recent study conducted in a conference room showed that air purifiers with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) are capable of capturing at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than the size of most airborne pathogens. This suggests that air filters could be used to reduce the risk of patients and medical staff contracting SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all recommend upgrading air filters to the highest possible efficiency that is compatible with the system and verifying filter fit to minimize filter air bypass.
HVAC systems in large buildings typically filter air before it is distributed throughout the building, so it is important to consult an HVAC professional for advice on upgrading HVAC filters as appropriate for your specific building and HVAC system. Portable air filters have become an attractive solution for hospitals when their isolation facilities are full. However, it is important to know if such filters are effective or if they simply provide a false sense of security. The study mentioned earlier provides useful information on the particle dynamics of respiratory aerosols and the effects of HEPA air filters and universal masking, but many other factors are also important for disease transmission, including the amount of virus in the particles, the time the virus survive in the air, and the vaccination status of the occupants of the room.
If you choose to use a device that incorporates bipolar ionization technology, EPA recommends using a device that meets UL 2998 certification (Environmental Claims Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emissions from Air Filters). The 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). Choosing where in your home to place a portable air purifier to help protect yourself from airborne infections depends on the situation. In general rooms, research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 particles can be present in the air when the filter is turned off, but not when it is turned on. Air cleaning can be useful when used in conjunction with source control and ventilation, but it is not a substitute for either method. So which air purifiers are the best to protect your home against COVID-19? Based on rigorous testing by our experts, these are the five best air purifiers you can buy right now: 1.Air Purifier 2.HEPA Filter 3.Bipolar Ionization Technology 4.UL 2998 Certification 5.DIY Air Purifier.
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