Key Takeaways

• Most air cleaner studies test machines in empty rooms, not on people
• Few devices proven to prevent infections in real life
• Some cleaners use harmful chemicals that can hurt health
• Consumers should check sthe afety and proof before buying

Introduction

People worry about catching viruses indoors. Devices that clean air promise to catch and kill germs. However, most air cleaner makers have not proven that their products work safely. Recent research shows significant gaps in testing both for health benefits and potential harm.

How Air Cleaners Aim to Protect?

First, air cleaners pull in room air. Then they use filters or chemicals to trap or kill viruses and bacteria. Some machines use HEPA filters while others use light or electrical fields. Many models now claim they destroy germs with special chemicals. They hope to lower infection risks in places like schools and clinics.

What the Research Found?

A team of experts reviewed almost 700 studies on these technologies. They looked at research from the 1920s to 2023. They found that most tests happened in empty spaces. Only eight percent of studies watched how the devices worked on real people. The rest were tested on animals or simply sampled the air. They saw that:

Photocatalytic oxidation uses UV light and a coated surface to create molecules that kill germs. More than 40 studies looked at this. Yet only one study tested if it stopped infections in people.

Plasma-based systems create charged particles to destroy microbes. Thirty-five studies tried these, but none included humans.
Filters with tiny particles that both trap and kill germs have drawn attention. However, none of the more than 40 studies tested them on people.

Are There Any Gaps in Real-World Testing?

Most research only measured the number of particles or germs remaining in the air. Experts assume cleaner air means fewer infections. Yet nobody knows how these air tests relate to real risk. Without large human trials, buyers cannot trust marketing claims. People might buy machines that do not protect them.

Are There Any Potential Harmful Byproducts?

Some cleaners use strong chemicals to kill germs. These include ozone, formaldehyde, and hydroxyl radicals. While these chemicals can kill microbes, they can also harm our lungs and bodies. Out of more than a hundred studies on these techs, only 14 looked at harmful chemicals. That is far lower than studies on new drugs, which always test safety first. Thus, users cannot know if cleaners might cause more harm than good.

Why This Matters?

The world saw how fast viruses can spread indoors when COVID struck. Schools and offices closed. Health systems struggled. In future outbreaks, we need tools that protect people without extra effort. Good air cleaners could work quietly in the background. But only if they prove they stop infections without creating new dangers.

What We Still Don’t Know?

Researchers still need clear answers on three fronts
First, we need to see if air sampling methods can predict real infection rates. Next, we must measure harmful byproducts in everyday use. Finally, experts should test devices in real rooms with people. Until then, consumers and organizations lack clear guidance on which machines to trust.

The Way Forward

To fill these gaps, scientists can take these steps: Standardize how tests measure germ levels and byproducts. Run human trials in real indoor spaces like classrooms and clinics. Report both benefits and risks clearly for buyers. Regulators could require proof of safety and effectiveness before sales. This way, schools, hospitals, and workplaces can make informed choices.

Conclusion

Portable air cleaners hold promise to curb indoor infections. Yet most have not proven they deliver on their claims. Worse, some might emit harmful chemicals. Without strong evidence in people, buyers should stay cautious. In the end, we need clear tests for both safety and real health benefits. Only then can air cleaners truly help keep us safe indoors.