Are portable air cleaners an effective way to improve indoor air quality in learning settings?
- Portable air cleaners (either commercial or do-it-yourself/DIY) can be used to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke, residential woodsmoke, traffic-related air pollution, road dust, pollen and other sources.
- When selecting a portable air cleaner, look for the clean air delivery rate (CADR). The higher the CADR, the more particles the air cleaner will remove, and the larger area it can serve. Portable air cleaners using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter are able to achieve a higher CADR. If you choose to make a DIY air cleaner be sure to use a high efficiency filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher.
- Do not use devices that produce ozone. Ozone is a harmful air pollutant. This resource from the California Air Resources Board lists air cleaners that have been tested and meet ozone emissions limits.
- In order to be effective, portable air cleaners must be sized appropriately for the space, properly positioned (i.e., not blowing directly at or between people, and not blocked by walls, furniture or other objects) and used following manufacturers’ instructions.
- You may need more than one air cleaner depending on the size of the room. Learn more about selecting the appropriate portable air cleaner that is adequately sized for your indoor setting and meets the specifications to filter wildfire smoke at Health Canada’s resource, Using a portable air cleaner to improve indoor air.
- Portable air cleaners can be part of a comprehensive indoor air quality plan but they do not replace the need for a well-maintained building ventilation system and measures to reduce the source of air pollutants. No air cleaner or filter will remove all pollutants from the air.
- Instructions for making a DIY air cleaner can be found in this resource from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
- The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH) has more about DIY air cleaners, including limitations and potential safety issues
- Additional helpful information on portable air cleaners (commercial and DIY) can be found here:
Click here for a compilation of the references used in developing this FAQ and additional helpful resources.
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