Protective Measures That Can Eliminate The Need For Air Purifiers

Ever since 2019’s pandemic rattled the world, no doubt we’ve taken a lot of preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus-like wearing face masks, washing hands regularly, social distancing, and whatnot! But the second wave of the virus has proven that these measures are probably not enough. Now that people have started getting back to their normal lifestyle and places like offices, schools, and gyms, each one of us must take extra precautions.

Kelly Sikkema/ Unsplash | Now that people have started getting back to their normal lifestyle and places like offices, schools, and gyms, each one of us must take extra precautions

Experts recommend using air purifiers to maintain safety, especially if your home or office isn’t well ventilated. But how effective are such air purifiers? Stick with us till the end to find out.

Are air purifiers effective against the pandemic?

Some studies have shown that no air purifier vendor has so far been able to test 100% effective against the virus, which is why it’s unsafe to merely rely on them. Air purifiers are somewhat complex because of the structure of the airflow involved. Considering that most are installed at the floor level, their installation to limit the spread of the pandemic seems to have more disadvantages than advantages.

Filter effectiveness, air sterilization capacity, and the rate of transmission of the virus through Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are some important aspects to be researched before jumping to a conclusion whether these purifiers are enough to keep you safe or not. 

iStock | Though several people are buying air purifiers to eliminate toxins in the air, experts say their use is debatable

Using air purifiers without considering the HVAC system of an enclosed space may expose people to new risks. But if we look at the other side, high-efficiency portable air purifiers aren’t always harmful. They can capture 99.97 percent of airborne particles. Air-purification systems help in removing infected smaller aerosols that can remain in the air for 30 minutes or longer.

Are there any alternatives?

• The best way to be safe is by getting vaccinated, but even after that, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing is mandatory. 
• Another alternative is outdoor air dampers, which are one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate air recirculation inside the building’s air system. Installing air purifiers or opening windows are just complementary, but following all the other protocols is equally important. If you’re not comfortable with keeping the windows open for the whole day, exhaust fans can do wonders as it pulls out all the polluted air of the house outside
• Increasing ventilation can act as a natural air purifier. Well ventilated houses are always moisture free which improves air quality inside the house. 
• Activated charcoal acts as a purifier for the indoor air, and they are highly absorbing. They help eliminate toxins from the air

Alistair MacRobert/Unsplash | If you have ample windows in your house, simply opening them for a few hours every day may prove to be better than air purifiers

To wrap it up

Each one of us wants to remain healthy but the pandemic hasn’t allowed us to do so yet. Air purifiers may help you be safe but they’re not completely reliable. Take your precautions and stay safe.