Overview
- Air purifiers are most useful for people with allergies, those with respiratory conditions, households with pets or smokers, and residents in high-pollution urban areas.
- HEPA filters rated H13 or H14 are recommended because they capture very small particles such as pollen, dust and many spores.
- An activated carbon stage is advised to remove odors and gaseous pollutants like cigarette smoke that HEPA alone does not trap.
- Devices cannot fix the root causes of indoor pollution, so purifiers should not replace ventilation or moisture control and will not eliminate mold growth in walls or ceilings.
- Avoid units that generate ozone or use unshielded UV-C technology because ozone can irritate airways and UV-C can harm skin and eyes.