Air purifiers are devices that remove pollutants from the air and improve air quality. Air purifiers do this either mechanically, using air filters, or using ionizers or chemical reactions. Read more to learn about air purifiers, how to choose the best air purifier, and how they can protect against viruses, wildfire smoke, air pollution and PM2.5.
So you’ve found yourself a city with bad air pollution – perhaps you’re in Beijing, Bangalore or Bangkok? Or try Delhi, Ulaanbaatar or Shanghai? You’ve heard of air pollution, but what is it, how does it affect our health and what guide should you follow to keep air pollution from …
When we think about harms of air pollution, we often think about the health impacts on infants and the elderly. But does air pollution affect the health of young, healthy people? And if so, can air purifiers help reduce the health impacts of air pollution? Do purifiers have real health …
For those who don’t know, an FFU (stands for ‘fan filter unit’) is a type of large size air purifier. Originally created for industrial use, over the past few years FFUs have entered the home market in a big way. They’re a simple and low cost way of getting clean …
Data and Test Details Test Methods: These tests were identical to my previously published tests, details of which can befound here, here, and here. Original Data: The original data for all 13 tests is available as an Excel file here Average Outdoor PM2.5 During Tests It’s important to note the average outdoor PM2.5 during …
I’ve seen people ask if air purifiers depend on the placebo effect or do they actually work. I think this is a good question because we should not confuse the outcomes of (1) objectively reducing pollutants in the air versus (2) health effects. There are two things we know …
This post contains supplemental data for the post “Can I Clean or Wash HEPA filters?“. It includes detailed information about the testing method, and the original data, open-sourced for all to view. Click here to view the original article Open Data Particle Capture Tests For the particle capture tests, CK …
Most air purifier companies hide the fact that outdoor air pollution drastically affects air purifier performance – even when used indoors. When outdoor air pollution is bad, purifiers achieve a smaller percentage reduction. It becomes harder to reach safe levels indoors. Here’s what you can do to ensure you are …
Four years ago, I was coughing through a Beijing winter and wanted some clean air. But all the purifiers I could find cost hundreds of dollars, so I strapped a filter to a fan I had at home and made my first DIY purifier. It wasn’t pretty, but I tested …
After I made my first DIY purifier, a design magazine called me up to interview me. I said, “You realize this has no design in it, right? It’s just a fan and a filter.” Now I actually have a design improvement! I’m calling it the DIY 1.1. The Problem The …
Methods Results were identical to my earlier tests of the Original DIY, Blue Air, IQ Air, Xiaomi, and Philips. Anna conducted the overnight tests in her 15m2 Beijing bedroom. Doors and windows were closed during the test (except for occasional opening during the first couple hours before bed—that random variation …
