Air pollution isn’t just an outdoor problem, it’s a hidden threat inside care homes too. A recent study by Southwark Council uncovered worrying levels of air pollution in three care homes, with PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and CO2 levels frequently exceeding safe limits. But there’s good news: air purifiers proved to be an effective solution, significantly improving air quality.
So, how bad was the air, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.
The shocking reality for indoor air quality inside care homes
- PM2.5 levels way above W.H.O. guidelines
- The study found that indoor PM2.5 levels often exceeded the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of 5 µg/m³.
- Care Home 1 was the worst affected, with PM2.5 peaking at a staggering 223 µg/m³ in the communal lounge - over 40 times the W.H.O. limit!
- CO2 levels at potentially harmful concentrations
- Safe indoor CO2 levels should stay below 1,000 ppm, but some care home spaces exceeded 3,000 ppm.
- High CO2 can lead to drowsiness, headaches, and reduced cognitive function—concerning in care environments where residents already face health challenges.
Did the air purifiers improve the air quality?
Absolutely! The study proved that air purifiers significantly improved indoor air quality:
- Average PM2.5 reduction across all care homes: 38%
- Care Home 1 saw the biggest improvement, with a 62% drop in PM2.5 in the communal lounge
- Care Home 3 had the lowest reduction at 18.5%, possibly due to inconsistent purifier use
The most engaged homes saw the best results, highlighting the importance of staff training and commitment to air quality solutions
Could air quality be improved even further?
Care Home 1 used the IQ Air HealthPro 250, which significantly reduced PM2.5 levels. However, results could be improved with a more powerful air cleaner like the Blast. With a CADR of 950m³/hr at noise levels of just 43dBA, you could almost purchase 2 Blast air purifiers for the same price as 1 HealthPro 250, yet you would need 2 x HealthPro 250 to deliver the same amount of clean air as the Blast! Given that noise and comfort were barriers to purifier use in some care homes, the Blast’s lower sound levels could encourage more consistent use, potentially leading to even greater improvements in indoor air quality.
The unexpected challenge: Human behaviour
While air purifiers were effective, some residents and staff unintentionally undermined their success:
- Noise complaints – Some residents asked for purifiers to be turned off due to the sound or airflow.
- Misuse – In Care Home 2, purifiers were mistakenly used primarily for heating, with little awareness of their air-cleaning benefits.
- Lack of regulation – Without clear government standards, there’s no uniform approach to improving indoor air quality in care homes.
Tips for care homes looking to improve air quality
🔹 Pick the right purifier – Look for models with high Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) at low noise levels.
🔹 Avoid auto mode – Units that adjust automatically based on pollution levels can lull you into a false sense of security as 'good' PM2.5 can be as much as 50 µg/m³, 10 times higher than the W.H.O. guidelines.
🔹 Keep up with maintenance – Dirty filters reduce efficiency. Regular replacement is key to keeping purifiers working at full capacity but check out the lifespan of the filter and the cost of replacement.
🔹 Educate staff and residents – Explain the benefits of air purifiers to encourage their use and reduce complaints about noise or airflow.
🔹 Call for clear air quality standards – Care homes need official guidance on indoor air pollution levels and the best ways to manage them.
Why this study matters
This study is one of the first to track long-term air purifier use in care homes, providing a strong case for investment in better air quality solutions. With PM2.5 and CO2 levels exceeding recommended limits, urgent action is needed to protect residents’ health. Viruses are particles and CO2 levels are a proxy for ventilation. Low PM2.5 and CO2 levels will lower the infection risk in care homes, protecting the health of both staff and vulnerable residents.
By making smart choices, improving awareness, and pushing for government action, care homes can create cleaner, safer spaces for those who need them most.
