Air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the importance of indoor air quality. The COVID-19 pandemic has also sparked interest in air purifiers as people seek ways to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
 
But do air purifiers actually work for viruses? The short answer is yes, but it's important to understand how they work and what their limitations are.

How do air purifiers work?

 
Air purifiers work by removing pollutants and particles from the air. They do this by using a variety of methods, such as filters, UV-C lights, and ionizers.
 
Filters are the most common type of air purifier. They work by trapping particles as air is pulled through them. HEPA filters are the most effective type of filter for removing particles like dust, pollen, and smoke. HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than most viruses.
 
UV-C lights are another type of air purifier. They work by emitting ultraviolet light that kills bacteria and viruses. However, UV-C lights are not as effective as filters for removing larger particles like dust and pollen.
 
Ionizers are another type of air purifier. They work by emitting negative ions that attach to particles in the air, causing them to fall to the ground. Ionizers are less effective than filters for removing particles and have been linked to the production of ozone, which can be harmful to health.

Do air purifiers work for viruses?

 
Air purifiers can be effective for removing viruses from the air, but their effectiveness depends on the type of virus and the type of air purifier.
 
HEPA filters are the most effective type of air purifier for removing viruses. HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than most viruses. However, not all viruses are the same size. For example, the COVID-19 virus is around 0.125 microns in size, which is smaller than the smallest particles that HEPA filters can remove.
 
UV-C lights can be effective for killing viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. However, UV-C lights are less effective than filters for removing larger particles like dust and pollen.
 
Ionizers are not as effective as filters for removing particles, including viruses.
 
It's important to note that air purifiers are not a substitute for other measures to reduce the risk of viral transmission. The most effective way to reduce the risk of viral transmission is to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands regularly.

Conclusion

 
Air purifiers can be effective for removing viruses from the air, but their effectiveness depends on the type of virus and the type of air purifier. HEPA filters are the most effective type of air purifier for removing particles, including viruses, but not all viruses are the same size. UV-C lights can be effective for killing viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, but they are less effective than filters for removing larger particles like dust and pollen. It's important to remember that air purifiers are not a substitute for other measures to reduce the risk of viral transmission.