A Systematic review on the effectiveness of air purifier in reducing microorganisms / Juan Miguel A. Flores, Richelle Mikee B. Nery, Shannen Estrella D. Palomar, Emmanuel M. Robes, Mary Anne I. Valila; Antonio C. Pascua.

Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract: An air purifier, a type of equipment that can be used both indoors and outdoors, filters the air in a home or workplace to remove pollutants and improve and purify air quality. The purpose of this device is to prevent asthma and allergy symptoms among people who are in danger of being exposed to toxic residues or allergens by limiting their spread. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of air purifiers in reducing various bioaerosols by identifying which microorganisms can be reduced, the required contact time until purification takes effect, and the average level of each air pollutant decreased by the device. The said air pollutants consist of Particulate Matter (PM), Black Carbon (BC), Ozone (O3) and Negative Air lons (NAI). The researchers used a descriptive approach as a systematic review, which was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting and Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reporting criteria. A rigorous literature search of PubMed/ MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted, and previous journals and articles that were published from 2016 until 2021 were sorted in order to discuss several topics about the said subject. This implies that the information collated by the researchers is current, efficient and precise. The results of the study revealed that the types of Microorganisms that are categorized as Gram Positive bacteria, Gram Negative bacteria, Fungi were reduced by each mechanism used by the air purifier, specifically the UVC system, non-UVC system, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter system, Negative Ionic AP, and Ionizing AP. The researchers used tables and graphs to present and interpret the percentage of microorganisms being reduced per type of air purifier. Based on the results/collated data, it was found that portable air purifiers have the potential to protect healthcare personnel against exposure to virus-laden aerosols. In addition, air purifiers which have the ability to disinfect may be efficient in battling the virus. Therefore, air purifiers, with different methods applied, reduce the level of both indoor and outdoor air pollutants at varied rates. This can serve as a factor in preventing exposure to toxic residues and improving air quality, which ultimately results in health benefits linked with cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and heart rate in elderly, as well as with the respiratory health associated with nasal symptoms such as asthma and allergic rhinitis in children.

Thesis - School of Medical Technology