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. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air filters are indoor air filters that can be assembled from box fans and square HVAC (or oven) filters. These filters are designed to improve indoor air quality by physically removing small particles of matter that may be floating, such as dust, pollen and pet dander. Unlike other air filters, they use HEPA filters and UVC bulbs to provide germicidal irradiation while removing bacteria from the air.
Using air filters alone cannot guarantee adequate air quality, especially when there are significant sources of pollutants and insufficient ventilation. Portable air purifiers (also known as air purifiers) can be particularly useful when additional ventilation with outdoor air is not possible without compromising indoor comfort (temperature or humidity) or when outdoor air pollution is high. The French Association for the Prevention of Air Pollution (Association Pour la Prévention de la Pollution Atmosphérique) has published a guide on “the place to be given to mobile indoor air purification devices in the fight against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in enclosed spaces”. The best air purifiers can go a long way in removing and removing dangerous germs and bacteria found in the air from the air.
Many manufacturers use the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR) rating system to evaluate air filter performance. 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. When the filters were turned off, the air in both rooms contained detectable amounts of other pathogens that cause infections in hospitals, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. 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).
In this study, the team didn't find many viral particles in the ICU room air, even when the filter was turned off. If you're looking for an easy way to make your work from the home office a little more comfortable, or breathe a little calmer in the tight spaces of your shared home, then an air purifier is your best option.
