In light of global health concerns, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining clean indoor air has become more crucial than ever. Air purifiers have emerged as essential tools in combating the spread of viral infections by effectively filtering out harmful pathogens from the air.
Air purifiers work by circulating indoor air through filters that capture a broad range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The key component in many air purifiers is the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency rate.
HEPA filters are particularly effective for viruses, including the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. These filters capture nanoparticles through mechanisms of diffusion, interception, and impaction, trapping them within the fibrous layering of the filter.
While air purifiers are effective in reducing the presence of viruses in the air, they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures recommended by health authorities, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of masks in public settings.