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Infectious diseases caused by airborne bacteria and viruses are a major problem for both social and economic reasons. The significance of this phenomenon is particularly noticeable during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the consequences is the increased interest in the air purifier (AP) market, which resulted in a significant increase in sales of these devices. In this study, we tested the efficiency of APs in removing bacterial air contamination in the educational context in the Upper Silesia region of Poland during the “cold season” of 2018/2019. During the 6 months of measuring microbiological air quality, an 18% decrease in the concentration of microbiological pollutants as a result of the action of the APs was recorded. Additionally, the results of the particle size distribution of the bacterial aerosols showed a reduction in the share of the respirable fraction (particles with an aerodynamic diameter below 3.3 µm) by an average of 20%. The dominance of gram-positive cocci in the indoor environment indicates that humans are the main source of most of the bacteria present in the building. We conclude that the use of APs may significantly decrease the level of concentration of microbiological air pollutants and reduce the negative health effects of indoor bioaerosols; however, further work that documents this phenomenon is needed.

Epidemiologic studies indicate that indoor air pollution is correlated with morbidity caused by allergic diseases. We evaluated the effectiveness of reducing the levels of indoor fine particulate matter <2.5 micrometer diameter (PM2.5) in Fresno, California using air purifiers on health outcomes in children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Methods: The active group (with air purifiers) and the control group consisted of eight houses each. Air purifiers were installed in the living rooms and bedrooms of the subjects in the active group during the entire 12-week study duration. Childhood asthma control test, peak flow rate monitoring, and nasal symptom scores were evaluated at weeks 0, 6, and 12. Results: At 12 weeks, the active group showed a trend toward an improvement of childhood asthma control test scores and mean evening peak flow rates, whereas the control group showed deterioration in the same measures. Total and daytime nasal symptoms scores significantly reduced in the active group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). The average indoor PM2.5 concentrations reduced by 43% (7.42 to 4.28 μg/m3) in the active group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Intervention with electrostatic precipitator air purifier reduces indoor PM2.5 levels with significant improvements in nasal symptoms in children with allergic rhinitis in Fresno.

Finally, the device’s benign operation is key: that is to say the ozone generator air purifier itself does not generate any secondary pollutants.

This official position on air purifiers has evolved since the spring of 2020. Previously, a negative opinion from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) was the accepted reference viewpoint. In November 2020, a publication of the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety) and then in May 2021, a second contribution from the HCSP (High Council for Public Health) set the standard: only equipment with a high efficiency filter against airborne particles were considered effective. Remember that in the case of Covid-19, they play a role in the fight against possible aerosol transmission, in addition to barrier gestures, wearing masks … This is particularly important in enclosed places lacking ventilation. They can be combined with a CO2 sensor which acts as a containment measure and will warn an area’s occupants when the 0.08% threshold limit is exceeded (see the HCSP recommendations on this topic).

For optimal performance, it is essential to install one portable uvc air purifier per room: we are always speaking in terms of partitioned areas.

What are the targets of an air purifier’s pre-filter?

The pre-filter captures macro-particles such as large dust particles, animal hair, etc. Placed directly between the device’s hood and the other filters, it is the initial filtration system: operating as soon as air enters the unit. This filter, which is generally washable, extends the life of the other filters by filtering macro-particles upstream.

The activated carbon filter is primarily used for the elimination of bad odours present in a room. It is a filter containing activated carbon beads which filter and eliminate toxic gases such as benzene, hydrogen sulphide, formaldehyde, ammonia vapours, bleach, bad odours… Activated carbon filters, used by NatéoSanté for its wall mounted uv air purifier, also make it possible to eliminate excessive ozone present in your room’s environment.