Can COVID-19 Be Avoided Using Air Purifiers?

COVID-19 has rapidly changed our daily lives, most especially its impact on our health. It can cause respiratory problems and death in a short time. 

COVID-19 primarily spreads through contact with respiratory secretions like saliva, mucus or blood from an infected person. This can happen when someone coughs or sneezes, or through close personal contact.

The virus can also be transmitted by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. In some cases, people have also contracted the virus by eating food that is contaminated with the virus.

Although vaccines have been created to help protect people from getting the virus, there is still no sure way to prevent its spread. There is still no specific cure or treatment for COVID-19. However, certain measures can be taken to help prevent its spread.

Air Purifiers for COVID-19: How Can They Help?

One way that has been suggested to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 is by using an air purifier. But how can air purifiers help in avoiding this deadly virus?

Air purifiers work by pulling in air from the surrounding area and passing it through a filter which removes any contaminants from the air. The purified air is subsequently recirculated throughout the space. Several times each hour, the filtration procedure is repeated, continuously improving indoor air quality. 

When it comes to air purifiers, the Rensair HEPA filter can effectively remove 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns and larger, including viruses, germs, pollen, smoke and dust mites.

Different Types of Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can be stand-alone or attached to your HVAC. High heat, UV light, exhaust systems, ionic technology or HEPA filters remove dust, pet dander, mould spores, dust mites, smoke, pollen and volatile organic compounds.

Each type of air purifier serves a unique function. Let’s learn more about them.

Ultraviolet (UV) Air Purifiers

UV air purifiers destroy dangerous viruses, germs and pathogens. UV air purifiers were inspired by hospitals that disinfect with UV light bulbs. Residential UV air purifiers filter your home’s air with a UV light chamber. UV radiation breaks germs’ DNA connections. UV air purifiers range in price from $50 to $800.

HEPA Air Purifiers

HEPA air purifiers eliminate 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns from the air in your house. Pollen, dander, mould and dust are removed effectively by HEPA air purifiers. They cost $30 to $300 depending on the model.

Activated Carbon Air Purifiers

Activated carbon air purifiers remove smoke, smells, fumes and gases. Smoke or natural gas-sensitive people should try an activated carbon air purifier. Most activated carbon air purifiers also feature HEPA filters. Unless the model has a HEPA air filter, activated carbon air purifiers are less effective at removing pollutants.

Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers are quiet and motorless. They send negative ions into the air, which link with positively charged dust particles, making them heavy enough to fall. Some ionic air purifiers use electrostatic precipitators that catch positively charged particles.

Electronic Air Cleaners

A whole-home electronic air cleaner charges and traps airborne particles using static electricity. Electronic air cleaners eliminate allergens using HEPA filters and positively charged ions. 

An electronic air cleaner filters your HVAC system’s air using a HEPA filter that can trap 0.3-micron particles. Positively charged ions from the electronic air cleaner then zap any lingering contaminants.

How Do HEPA Filters and UV Light Air Purifiers Work?

HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air is made of random fibres. Fibreglass fibres have diameters between 0.5 microns and 2.0 microns. HEPA filters remove particles larger than 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency but not gases and odour molecules. They catch pollen, pet dander, dust mites and cigarette smoke by forcing air through a small mesh. 

On the other hand, UV-C light destroys bacteria’s DNA. Photon absorption between neighbouring thymine bases inactivates microbes by forming pyrimidine dimers. UV-C can disinfect the air, water and surfaces, however, micro shadows and absorptive layers limit surface disinfection. 

The problem with a UV-C purifier is that it cannot immediately destroy the DNA as it will take a few minutes of direct exposure to completely inactivate bacteria and viruses. So how do HEPA and UV purifiers protect you?

When bacteria and viruses are trapped in the HEPA filter, the UV-C radiation has enough time to destroy their DNA and prevent them from replicating. The same is true for surfaces and water; the UV-C light will take longer to disinfect if the area is shielded from direct exposure. This is why it’s important to have a HEPA filter in your air purifier, as it will help to capture bacteria and viruses so that the UV-C light can effectively kill them.

Are Any of These Air Purifiers Effective Against COVID-19?

Research shows that the COVID-19 virus is 0.125 microns whilst HEPA filters can only remove particles of 0.3 microns. So, how’s that? Science tells that the virus alone does not float in the air but is attached to something larger when released. Through small droplets of saliva or aerosol that resulted from sneezing, coughing and breathing may contain the virus from someone infected, and that particulate is large enough to be captured by HEPA filters. Meaning, HEPA filters can effectively remove the COVID-19 virus from the air.

What Should You Look for When Shopping for an Air Purifier?

If you determine that an air purifier in Australia can assist reduce risk in your space, you should consider the following when acquiring one:

There is a growth in the use of air purifiers in the home, in part as a result of worries about air quality. Whilst your home is intended to give shelter, many of us spend significantly more time indoors than previous generations. Consequently, you may be exposed to a greater number of indoor particles and contaminants that might cause or exacerbate lung-related disorders. It is really important to put your health first above all else.

Rensair: The World’s Best HEPA Air Purifier

The best HEPA air purifier in Australia, Rensair, can help improve your health and that of your family. This unique portable air purifier was developed for the Australian public and commercial spaces, including schools, hospitality, hospitals, offices, retail and places where people gather.
Rensair traps and destroys more than 99.97% of airborne particles, including allergens, bacteria and viruses. Contact us for more details about this product.