Are Air Purifiers Effective Against Coronavirus?
April 15, 2020 by Lisa Powers
According to Consumer Reports, there is not yet direct evidence that air filtration works to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus but there is evidence from the SARS virus, which is similar, that air purifiers might help.
HEPA filters have the ability to capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. According to CR, the novel coronavirus is 0.125 microns but the droplets it travels in is around 1 micron. That should be easily captured by the filter. There are many higher-end purifiers that capture much smaller particles which may be even more effective.
Keep in mind that HEPA filters capture the virus but do not necessarily destroy it. Caution is needed when changing filters because it is possible for the virus to live on surfaces for hours or days. There are some other technologies such as PECO or UV light that claim to destroy virus but there is less testing and evidence of results because the technology is less common.
It's worth noting that CR recommends opening a window if there is a sick person in your home to dilute indoor contaminants including virus. While air purifiers may provide additional protection, they are only capable of capturing particles that remain in the air.
Read more about air purifiers in the new Portable Air Purifier Buying Guide .
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