Clean air tech?

January 25, 2009 1:31 AM

Can someone point me to reliable - maybe even scientific - information on the usefulness of HEPA air purifiers (IQAir, Honeywell,...)?

I'm thinking of buying one to help with the maddening bouts of chronic (possibly allergic) rhinitis every month or so, but I don't want to waste a lot of money on a placebo.

posted by NekulturnY to health & fitness (4 comments total)

The EPA has useful information on indoor air quality and types of air cleaners on their site. It's a good starting point.
posted by vers at 5:16 AM on January 25

As the folks at the EPA note: There are no studies to date linking gas-phase filtration, UVGI, and PCO systems in homes to reduced health symptoms in sensitive populations. And there probably never will be. Of course that also doesn't rule out the possibility that you may personally derive some sort of subjective benefit from such devices.
posted by drpynchon at 8:02 AM on January 25

My allergist recommended a HEPA air filter, however, he said to be sure that the one you're buying is a "True HEPA" and not "HEPA-type". "True HEPA" is actually an air filter, while "HEPA-type" is marketing snake oil.

I bought this Honeywell unit from Target. It works well, and I can definitely tell a difference with my allergies. The pre-filter replacement pack costs $10 and you can get 3 sheets out of it (it must be cut down from a single large sheet). You need to replace the pre-filters every 3 months or so, but personally I find that my allergies are sensitive enough that I need to do so about every 2 months. The inner HEPA filter is permanent and can be vacuumed once a year to refresh it.
posted by Fleebnork at 8:21 AM on January 25

There are no studies to date linking gas-phase filtration, UVGI, and PCO systems in homes to reduced health symptoms in sensitive populations.

What is gas-phase, UVGI and PCO? Is that the same as HEPA?
posted by NekulturnY at 12:36 PM on January 25