Did you know that the combined effects of outdoor air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 6.7 million deaths annually? This means that each year, the air quality in your home plays a vital role in your and your family’s well-being. In an article by the World Health Organization, they stress the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality as it determines the health of our lungs and so many other organs. [1] With dust, bacteria, and airborne contaminants living in our homes and spaces, there are viable solutions for killing these harmful pollutants.

One option for maintaining a clean home while actively fighting off airborne contaminants and bacteria is by using an air purifier. You may have heard of air purifiers but may not know of the revolutionary benefits that come from its filter technology. With HEPA filtration, air purifiers are able to fight off viruses, unpleasant odors, dust, and so much more. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, and airborne pollutants that come from the paints, furniture, and cleaning products you use can cause harm to your family and home.

Utilizing air purifiers not only fights off these dangerous pollutants, but improves the overall air quality in your home, which improves your overall health. Understanding the benefits associated with air purifiers is the first step in taking charge of your health and home. We will touch on just five of the hundreds of benefits that come from using air purifiers so you can elevate your health and overall indoor air quality without lifting a finger!

1. Enhance Overall Air Quality

Air purifiers continuously filter and clean surrounding air, contributing to the overall improvement of the indoor air quality. The most common types of air purifiers include high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, electrostatic precipitators, ionizers, and UV-C light purifiers. A HEPA filter is what physically traps particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Electrostatic precipitators use an electric charge to attract and capture particles in the air. Ionizers release charged ions that attach to particles, causing them to fall out of the air. UV-C light purifiers use ultraviolet light to neutralize and kill bacteria, viruses, and mold.

An air purifier with these features and filters can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), which can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. [2] These filters in an air purifier allow for enhanced air quality in your home, which can lead to increased focus and a generally healthier life.

Researchers have continued to study the positive effects of utilizing air purifiers. Public health experts conducted a study to test the efficacy of portable HEPA purifiers and the improvement of air quality in a space. Their findings showed that the HEPA filters in air purifiers significantly reduce the indoor air quality that was initially at PM2.5 (particle matter), to below 10 µg/m3. [3] This level is considered a healthy indoor air quality according to the Indoor Air Hygiene Institute. [4]

By reducing these airborne allergens, air purifiers reduce the risk of damaged respiratory health, headaches, fatigue, and many other health concerns.

2. Remove Odors

In addition to making your indoor air quality pristine, air purifiers can be equipped with activated carbon or other specialized filters that can eliminate unpleasant odors caused by cooking, pets, or household activities. The activated carbon absorbs and traps odor-causing molecules, leaving your air smelling fresher and cleaner.

Some air purifiers use ionization technology, which releases negatively charged ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles, including odor molecules, causing them to clump together and fall out of the air. This process can help neutralize and remove odors.

In a review and analysis of air purifiers, the GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences found that air purifiers have the ability to fight against “obnoxious odors” and other smells, including smoke. [5] The tobacco smoke odors are eliminated by the carbon filters of the air purifier, leaving your home smelling fresh.

3. Improve Sleep

When choosing an air purifier for sleep, it’s important to note that all indoor pollutants may not be removed from your space, however, with the best air purifiers, you will be able to remove almost all of them. By removing airborne particles such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, air purifiers minimize potential allergen triggers that could lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep for individuals with allergies.

Some air purifiers even operate with a low, consistent noise level, which can create a gentle background or “white” noise. This white noise may help to mask disruptive sounds from outside the bedroom, promoting a quieter and more peaceful sleep environment.

In a randomized-controlled crossover study, researchers observed the quantity and quality of sleep in 30 healthy adults. Two groups were formed; the treatment group slept with the HEPA air filter, and another group slept with a placebo filter. The findings showed indications of a positive improvement for the group who slept with the HEPA air filter. [6] With particles, dust, and allergens being removed, sleep disturbances are lowered and the quality of your sleep is improved.

4. Asthma and Respiratory Management

Air purifiers can help remove respiratory irritants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are caused by household products, paints, and cleaning chemicals. This is crucial for maintaining positive respiratory health and reducing the risk of long-term effects from VOC exposure.

In 2018, researchers conducted a study to observe the effects of air purifiers on 50 people with asthma. A randomized group of participants used air purifiers in their bedrooms, while a control group did not. The findings showed significant improvements in both air quality and respiratory function with the group utilizing air purifiers. [7]

Another study showed the significance of utilizing a HEPA purifier in 38 subjects with asthma. The treatment group used high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers for six consecutive months, and the control group did not use air purifiers. The researchers examined their results with the questionnaire by the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT). After utilizing the air purifier, the concentrations of house dust mite allergens in the samples decreased. The ACT and C-ACT scores in the treatment group maintained a steady significant upward trend. The findings of the study demonstrated an overall improvement for allergic asthma patients using air purifiers. [8]

Whether you suffer from asthma or not, air purifiers help to manage your respiratory system. Exposure to indoor air pollutants like particulate matter, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and tobacco smoke can lead to severe respiratory problems. The HEPA filters found within most air purifiers are effective in trapping these small particles. They can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers with high efficiency, making it suitable for reducing airborne allergens and pollutants that can affect the respiratory system.

Improve Your Air Quality and Health

Integrating air purifiers into your living space can significantly enhance your overall well-being by addressing multiple facets of indoor air quality. From ensuring a cleaner and healthier atmosphere to promoting better sleep and aiding in the management of respiratory conditions like asthma, these devices prove to be invaluable additions to any home or space. It’s time to find the best air purifier for you!