Health effects of air purifiers – Feeling Better Through Prevention

If we read publications by trusted sources about the health effects of air purifiers, one starts to wonder whether there is any point in purchasing an air purifier. The basic problem is that it is very hard to scientifically prove that air purifiers have a positive health effect. The real world is simply to complex for any scientific experiment to emulate it.

The American Lung Association (ALA), for instance, has the following to say about the health effects of air purifiers in it’s air quality study:

“The limited available studies reviewed in this paper do not provide enough information to come to a conclusion about the health benefits of air cleaners. Because of the small number of studies and small sample sizes examined, there is not yet enough scientific evidence on the use of air cleaners as a means of avoiding the adverse effects of indoor air pollution. They do, however, provide some insight into circumstances when air cleaners may be beneficial. Overall, the American Lung Association recommends that proven source control strategies be employed as a primary means of reducing exposure to pollutants. However, physical studies which do not measure health effects do show that certain air cleaners are effective in removing certain indoor air pollutants. Thus, as an adjunct to effective source control and adequate ventilation, highly efficient air cleaners can be useful in further reducing levels of certain indoor air pollutants.”

However, the ALA seems to hedge it’s bets:

“Individuals with severe allergy and asthma symptoms, whose symptoms are not alleviated by other source control and ventilation strategies, may want to try an effective air cleaner in an attempt to aid in further exposure reduction. Although there is no proven health benefit from such a measure, some individuals report that they perceive air cleaners as useful in improving their health status.”

Talking about coming to an inconclusive conclusion about the health effects of air purifiers!

A bit further in it’s paper, the ALA is much more adamant about the negative health effects of ozone air purifiers and suggest that ozone generators should not be used.

So it appears that it’s hard to prove the positive health effects of air purifiers, but what if we turn the question around and ask ourselves “what would the health effects of air purifiers be if they were not used?”

There are several industries - for example the airline industry, and hospitals - that spend significant amounts of money on state of the art purifier systems, so clearly they see air purifiers as a useful preventive measure.

A paper by The Boeing Company, entitled “The Airplane Cabin Environment - Issues Pertaining to Flight Attendant Comfort” is a good example of the reliance that is being placed on air purifiers to prevent negative health effects.

Time to sum up
Although it is hard to prove the positive health effects of air purifiers, it clearly is one important strategy (ventilation and source control are the others) to prevent negative health effects – and for those suffering of hayfever, chronic allergies, or asthma, prevention is the key to help us feel better.

For more information on related products, please choose from the following:

HEPA Air Cleaners |Electrical / Ionic Air Purifiers | Ozone Air Purifiers | Whole House Purifiers | Replacement Filters