When used correctly, air purifiers can help 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. DIY air filters are indoor air filters that can be assembled from box fans and square HVAC (or oven) filters. Even the most efficient air purifiers cannot prevent a few drops from falling on surfaces, where they can live for hours or even days, according to early research by the National Institutes of Health. These filters can capture at least 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most airborne pathogens.
Considering the current pandemic situation, it is important to understand how air purifiers can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Air purifiers are designed to capture and remove airborne particles from the air, including viruses and bacteria. The most effective air purifiers are those that use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most airborne pathogens. When used together with hepa masks, air filters can reduce exposure to respiratory aerosols by up to 90%.
Dyson's latest model of air purifier is designed to capture up to 99.999 percent nanometer sized particles down to 0.001 microns (which is even smaller than most allergens, bacteria and viruses). This means that an air cleaner needs to be able to constantly suck in enough air to reduce the amount of virus particles in the air. So how do the different types of air purifiers work? Are any of them effective against COVID-19? And should you buy one (or more) for your home? The CDC says air purifiers “can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home”. To use a HEPA purifier at home to help prevent transmission of the virus to other family members, Siegel suggests placing the unit three feet away from the person who is sick with COVID-19. Air purifiers are an effective solution for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in enclosed spaces. They can capture and remove airborne particles from the air, including viruses and bacteria.
When used together with hepa masks, these filters can reduce exposure to respiratory aerosols by up to 90%. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it is important to choose an air purifier that is designed for your specific needs and environment. It is also important to make sure that the unit is placed three feet away from anyone who may be infected with COVID-19. Finally, it is important to remember that an air purifier alone cannot protect you from COVID-19; it should be used in conjunction with other measures such as social distancing and wearing a face mask.
