Can an Air Purifier Help With Chemical Sensitivity?

Types of Air Purifiers

• Not all air purifiers are even intended to remove chemicals. Mechanical filters and electrostatic precipitators remove only particles, while ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) purifiers target germs and mold. Gas-phase filters, however, remove some types of chemical pollutants by using a substance that adsorbs them, such as activated carbon. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) cleaners use ultraviolet light with a catalyst in an attempt to change harmful chemical gasses into harmless ones. A third type of purifier generates ozone to combine with chemicals and make them innocuous.

Shortcomings

• The systems that remove chemicals each have disadvantages. Gas-phase filters only remove a limited type of chemical pollutant, and the filters need replacing often. Enzymes available in current PCO purifiers do not work well for indoor pollution. Worse, PCO purifiers can even create new chemical pollutants by oxidation. Ozone generators that create enough ozone to remove harmful chemicals also create harmful levels of ozone.

Health Effects

• Some air purifiers help reduce the amount of particles, pollen or even some chemicals. However, according to the EPA, the health benefits are still largely unproven. Most studies have concentrated on particle-removing filters only. Still, removal alone does not guarantee an improvement in symptoms. Studies on the effectiveness of gas or chemical-removing air purifiers are too few to draw any conclusion for home use. Furthermore, overfull filters can put chemicals back in the air. Other purifiers can produce new toxic chemicals or ozone, actually increasing symptoms. The California Environmental Protection Agency recommends not using ozone generators for homes because ozone causes irritation and problems with breathing.

Recommendations

• The EPA advises using air cleaners only as an adjunct to prevention and ventilation. Prevent pollution by eliminating indoor smoking and avoiding the toxic chemicals in many cleaners, paints, solvents and other products. Vent heaters and stoves properly, and keep them in good repair. Unfortunately, some furniture and permanent construction materials also create ongoing chemical pollution. Dissipate these and other chemicals by improving your home's ventilation through fans, ducts and air movement systems.