Research is abundant on the health benefits of air purifiers and masks. Pollution is everywhere, and using HEPA air purifiers at home to reduce the amount of pollution you breathe in is one of the most underrated health hacks. Masks can also help reduce the amount of air pollution when you go outside.

In this article, we share six benefits of air purifiers and masks that can significantly improve our health. All of these benefits are backed by empirical research, not just some marketing from a purifier company trying to make a buck.

Six Health Benefits of HEPA Air Purifiers and Masks

An air purifier with a HEPA filter is considered the golden standard for air filtration. HEPA filters can remove 99.9% of pollutants from the air on one pass, including viruses, allergens, and PM2.5, which is linked to all sorts of diseases. Studies show even in areas with low levels of air pollution, lowering your intake of PM2.5 can provide massive benefits. Masks provide similar protection against these pollutants, with N95 masks filtering 95% of particles. Here are six of the major benefits HEPA air purifiers and masks can have on our health.

1. Dramatically Decreases Diabetes Risk

Research shows a strong correlation between PM2.5 levels and increased diabetes risk. Lowering your PM2.5 intake through the use of HEPA air purifiers and masks can reduce your odds of getting diabetes drastically.

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

Studies show breathing in less air pollution can help significantly lower blood pressure to healthier levels. Even small decreases in the air pollution you breathe can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. A study showed just reducing PM2.5 from 11 micrograms to 7 micrograms was enough to lower blood pressure.

3. Increases Productivity

The problem of air pollution does not stop at home; it extends to workplaces as well. According to a Harvard study, poor office air quality degrades an employee’s cognitive abilities, productivity, and working efficiency. Reducing an office’s PM2.5 levels with a powerful HEPA air purifier can boost productivity and reduce sick days.

4. Alleviates Asthma Symptoms

HEPA filters and masks remove nearly all allergens from the air, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and more. Studies show concrete evidence of HEPA filters helping alleviate asthma symptoms.

5. Reduces Risk of Catching Viruses

HEPA air purifiers and masks are very effective tools for removing airborne viruses and reducing your risk of catching a virus. CDC research shows HEPA filters reduced COVID-19 spread in schools by 41%.

6. Decreases Inflammation Within 24 Hours

HEPA filters and masks help reduce a variety of inflammation markers in your body. The reduced inflammation from air purifiers can be seen within 48 hours.

WHAT NEXT? Get Your Home PM2.5 Levels to 0.

Without an air purifier, you are likely breathing in PM2.5 particles that are entering your bloodstream with every breath. Luckily, with a strong enough air purifier, you can remove nearly all PM2.5 from your home. Choosing an air purifier can be complicated, so we at Smart Air have created a four-step guide to choosing the best air purifier. Smart Air is a certified B Corp committed to combating the myths big companies use to artificially inflate the price of clean air.