5 Negative Side Effects Of Air Purifiers

Nowadays, air purifiers are considered one of the most marketed items you can find anywhere. The effectiveness of air purifiers increases every year. However, is the air purifier as effective as the manufacturers advertise? In this article, we have presented what we think are the biggest negative side effects of air purifiers and the tips to limit them.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

Unlike air filters, which only remove pollutants from circulation, air purifiers can clean the air and eliminate pollutants, allergies, and toxins. So how exactly do air purifiers operate?

An air purifier primarily consists of two key components: a filter and a fan. These components combine to purify the air by capturing and removing various particles and pollutants. The air purification process involves these key steps:

• Air intake: The fan in the air purifier pulls in the surrounding air, carrying with it particles and pollutants present in the environment.
• Filtration: As the air is drawn through the filter, the particles and pollutants are captured and trapped within the filter. HEPA filters, in particular, are highly effective at capturing small particles, which include allergens and fine dust.
• Release of purified air: Once the air has passed through the filter, the fan releases the purified air back into the room. This purified air is free from the particles and pollutants that were captured by the filter.

Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers

After learning about how air purifiers work, we will help you discover negative side effects of air purifiers that we have filtered out and researched.

Ozone production

One of the negative side effects of air purifiers is related to ozone emission. This is a gas produced during the operation of specific air purification technologies such as electrostatic precipitators or ionizers. As is known, ozone plays a beneficial role in the upper atmosphere by shielding the Earth from harmful UV rays. However, ground-level ozone can pose a health hazard when inhaled in significant amounts.

When exposed to ozone, symptoms may include:

• Chest discomfort
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Throat irritation.

If exposed to ozone for prolonged periods, human lungs can be affected and damaged, with difficulty recovering and long-term health complications. Especially, ozone has an exacerbating effect on asthma and other respiratory diseases.

It’s worth noting that not all air purifiers produce ozone. Some models, such as those with HEPA filters, do not release ozone as a byproduct. If you are considering purchasing an air purifier, research the filtration technology used and make sure it does not emit ozone.

Noise

The noise that can be generated from air purifiers is considered one of the negative side effects of air purifiers. Specifically, some air purifier models can create significant noise, especially at higher settings. Regular exposure to noise over time will lead to:

• Stress
• Irritability 
• Reduced ability to concentrate
• Sleep disorders 
• Health problems later on

To minimize the noise produced by air purifiers, we should:

• Choose models advertised as “quiet” (40-60 dB) or “ultra-quiet” (25-50 dB) 
• Check their decibel levels before purchasing. 
• Use lower settings or limit use when the body is susceptible to noise. 
• Place the purifier on a stable surface.

Energy consumption

Another negative side effect of air purifiers is increased energy consumption, in this case, electricity. To function properly, an air purifier requires electrical power. It can use a significant amount of electricity, depending on the machine and the room size. The consequence is:

• Increased electricity costs
• While also negatively affecting the ecosystem
• Grow greenhouse gas emissions 
• Cause climate change

Choosing an energy-saving model and using it carefully will decrease the amount of electricity consumed by the air purifier. Here are some essential aspects to consider about the energy consumption of air purifiers:

• Energy consumption: The energy consumption from air purifiers is roughly equivalent to that of a standard cell phone charger.
• Annual expenses: Operating an air purifier continuously throughout the day results in an annual cost of approximately $120.
• Power rating: Most air purifiers have a power rating that falls within the range of 40 to 200 watts.
• Efficiency: To promote energy efficiency, seek out air purifiers that bear the ENERGY STAR certification.

Allergic reactions

Besides ozone emission, air purifiers can potentially increase allergic reactions in two other class, which is: 

• Stirring up allergens: Fan that is equipped in air purifiers can stir up allergens that have settled on surfaces in your house, such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. When these allergens are agitated, they can become airborne and potentially trigger allergic reactions .
• Incomplete removal of allergens: While air purifiers can effectively remove many allergens from the air, they may not eliminate all allergens completely. This means that even with an air purifier, some allergens may still be present in the environment and can potentially trigger allergic reactions

Air purifier can cause some allergic reactions

Chemical off-gassing

Chemical off-gassing is one of the negative side effects of air purifiers, which often arises due to various factors. For example:

• Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters may initially capture Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), but when these filters reach saturation point, they release these trapped VOCs into the indoor environment. 
• Some air purifiers incorporate filtration components, such as adhesives or coatings, that can emit VOCs when new or underaged.
• Low-quality or unregulated air purifiers also can release harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, into indoor air. 

To address these concerns, it is important to:

• Choose air purifiers certified by reputable organizations
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, including regular filter replacement.

Prevent Negative Side Effect of Air Purifier

There are many ways to limit and prevent negative side effects of air purifiers. Below are some ways we can synthesize.

Choose the right type of air purifier

Not all air purifiers are created equal. We can pick the one that best suits our needs and specific concerns. You can know more about the kinds of air purifier filters below:

• HEPA filters: If you’re primarily dealing with allergies, a HEPA filter-based purifier is a great choice, while an activated carbon filter is effective for removing odors and chemicals. 
• Activated Carbon filters: Activated carbon filters are excellent for absorbing odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are often used in combination with HEPA filters to tackle both particles and odors.
• UV-C filters: UV-C filters use ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. These filters are often used as an additional layer of protection in air purifiers.
• Ionic filters (Ionizers): Ionic filters release negatively charged ions that attach to airborne particles, making them too heavy to remain airborne. They can be effective but may produce ozone, which can be a concern for some individuals.
• Electrostatic filters: They use an electrostatic charge to attract and capture particles. They can be washable and reusable, reducing ongoing costs.
• Pre-filters: Pre-filters are often used as the first line of defense in air purifiers, capturing larger particles like dust and hair to extend the life of the primary filter (usually a HEPA filter).
• Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) filters: PCO filters leverage a combination of UV light and a catalyst to break down pollutants into harmless byproducts. They are effective against some gases and odors.

Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

The CADR rating indicates a purifier’s effectiveness in removing specific particles from the air. Make sure the air purifier you choose has the appropriate CADR rating for the size of your room and the pollutants you want to remove.

For example, if you have a large living room and are concerned about pollen and allergens, you should look for an air purifier with a high CADR rating for pollen in a size-appropriate range. This way, you can be confident that the air purifier will efficiently tackle the specific pollutants relevant to your environment, leading to cleaner and healthier indoor air.

Use the air purifier properly

Here are some tips for using the air purifier properly: 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filter installation, maintenance, and replacement. 
• Regularly change or clean the filter to prevent contaminant buildup and keep air out of the filter. This practice prevents the buildup of contaminants on the filter, which can hinder its effectiveness. 

Avoid Ozone-generating air purifier

Ozone generators can produce harmful ozone and produce secondary pollutants. You should pick a purifier that does not emit ozone, especially in areas where people have respiratory problems.

Monitor indoor air quality

We may consider investing in an indoor air quality monitoring device. This device can help you monitor pollution levels and ensure your air purifier is effectively reducing pollutants.

Consult a professional

When you suspect or experience serious air quality problems, consult an indoor air quality or HVAC professional. They can assess your specific needs and recommend tailored solutions, which may include air purifiers as part of a comprehensive strategy.

Properly ventilate indoor spaces

Adequate ventilation is essential for decreasing indoor air pollution. You should:

• They are ventilating by opening windows and employing exhaust fans to eliminate contaminants and introducing fresh outdoor air. 
• When preparing meals or using gas-powered devices, it’s advisable to open windows to facilitate the dissipation of fumes and gases. 
• In spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to pollutant accumulation, the use of exhaust fans is recommended.

Negative Side Effect of Air Purifier: FAQs

• Is it OK to sleep in a room with an air purifier?

Yes, it is generally safe and often beneficial to sleep in a room with an air purifier. Air purifiers can aid in improving indoor air quality by removing airborne particles and allergens, leading to better sleep, especially for people with allergies. However, it is essential to choose a quiet air purifier with a “sleep mode” or low noise level to avoid sleep disruptions.

• Do air purifiers cause sinus problems?

Yes, air purifiers are designed to improve air quality by removing airborne pollutants, which can help alleviate sinus problems for many people. They can reduce allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores that can cause sinus congestion and allergies. However, it is important to maintain and clean your air purifier regularly because if not maintained properly, it can become a source of mold or bacteria growth, making sinus problems worse. 

• Is it bad to run an air purifier all day?

Running an air purifier continuously is not necessarily bad, but it is necessary to consider several factors:

• Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model, as some air purifiers are designed for continuous use, while others recommend a runtime. Ongoing use can increase electricity costs and filter replacement frequency, so evaluate long-term costs. 
• Make sure the air purifier is the right size for the room;a smaller-sized device can overwork itself if run continuously. 

Conclusion

Although air purifiers effectively improve indoor air quality, it is essential to be aware of the adverse side effects of air purifiers. Ozone production, increased electricity usage, inadequate filtration, dryness and irritation, and noise pollution are all possible disadvantages of using an air purifier. However, with proper use and maintenance, bad side effects of air purifiers can be minimized.