Do Air Purifiers Have Side Effects? Expert Decodes

Delhi residents are now grappling with the worsening air quality, which is affecting their overall health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR was recorded at 306 on Tuesday, falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Many of the residents are finding their refuge in air purifiers – be it in the office or home. But one question remains: are air purifiers safe or do they have any side effects?

To get the answer to this question, we got in touch with Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon. Read on.

What is an Air Purifier?

An air purifier is also known as an air filtration system. They function as an air purification system. It improves air quality of the indoor environment by removing contaminants and pollutants. They are usually used in homes and offices to make the space healthier and more comfortable. Air purifiers help eliminate dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other harmful particles, as these can cause allergies or respiratory problems. They are made in a way to filter the air and trap pollutants. Purifiers ensure that the air we breathe is pure, clean and free from harmful pollutants.

On this note, let us take a look at some of the harmful pollutants:‌‌

• Combustion byproducts such as tobacco smoke or carbon monoxide. ‌
• Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
• Pet dander.
• Dust.
• Mold.
• Pesticides.
• Lead.
• Asbestos‌.

“Air purifiers are becoming increasingly common in homes, especially in cities where pollution levels are high. They help reduce dust, smoke, and allergens, creating cleaner indoor air. However, like most appliances, they come with certain precautions and potential side effects if not used properly,” shares Dr Tayal.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/how-to-keep-indoor-air-pollution-free-for-kids-12977819974

Are Air Purifiers Safe?

Fans are used in air purifiers to draw air in through one or more filters. These filters trap contaminants. Then they re-circulate cleaner air back into the environment. There are different types of purifiers. Portable ones can usually be moved from room to room. While some others are mounted on the wall. There are even wearable and desktop versions of air purifiers too.

“Most modern air purifiers are safe, but some types — particularly those that generate ozone — can cause more harm than good. Ozone-producing or ionizing purifiers can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma or allergies, and should be avoided. Overuse of purifiers may also make indoor air too dry, leading to throat or skin irritation. Another common problem is poor maintenance—if filters are not replaced or cleaned regularly, they can accumulate bacteria and release them back into the air,” explains Dr Tayal.

Portable air purifiers are of three types:

• Filtered air purifiers - they capture airborne pollutants and trap them in their filters.
• Electrostatic air purifiers - they create charged particles to trap them in a filter.
• UV light air purifiers - they use UV light against contaminants like viruses and bacteria.

Is It Safe to Sleep Near an Air Purifier?

Some people place their air purifiers in their bedroom, just beside their bed or sleeping area. But we often wonder: is it safe? Our expert answers.

“It is generally safe to sleep near a purifier, especially one that uses a HEPA filter, as it works quietly and effectively. However, it’s best to keep the air outlet from blowing directly at your face to prevent dryness or nasal irritation. When choosing a purifier, avoid noisy models or those with bright indicator lights that can disturb your sleep,” shares Dr Tayal.

When to Avoid Air Purifiers?

Dr Tayal warns that people with severe respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before using certain types of air purifiers, especially those that generate ozone or use UV technology. “Infants, elderly individuals, and people with breathing issues should be kept away from ozone-based units,” he shares.

“When using an air purifier, follow a few basic rules. Do use a HEPA filter purifier, clean and replace filters regularly, keep windows closed during high pollution, and position the device centrally for better circulation. Don’t use ozone-based or ionizing models in closed rooms, block air vents, or forget maintenance,” says Dr Tayal.

Can Air Purifiers Improve Health?

“In terms of effectiveness, HEPA filter-based purifiers do improve air quality by removing pollutants, allergens, and fine particles, which can help ease asthma and allergy symptoms and improve sleep quality. However, they are not a complete solution to pollution and must be used along with good ventilation and regular cleaning,” concludes Dr Tayal.

On this note, let us take a look at the benefits of air purifiers:

• Improving indoor air quality.
• Reducing allergy symptoms.
• Eliminating odors and unpleasant smells from the surrounding environment.
• They have positive effects on one’s overall health and well-being.

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/doctors-answer-whether-air-purifiers-work-against-pollution-1702116920

The Final Word

Air purifiers function as an air purification system by improving air quality of the indoor environment. Though most purifiers are safe, some of them – like ozone-producing or ionizing purifiers – can irritate the lungs, worsen asthma or allergies, and should be avoided.