The Flawed Promise of Air Filtration Systems: Why They May Not Lower the Risk of Viral Infections

Friday - January 12 2024, 02:05 UTC - 10 months ago

Recent research from the University of East Anglia suggests that air filtration systems may not be effective in lowering the risk of viral infections. Despite promises of improving indoor air quality and reducing infection rates, a review of 32 studies found no strong evidence to support the use of these technologies. This is especially concerning as many governments and organizations have invested in these technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air filtration systems are often marketed as the solution to improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory infections. These technologies, such as germicidal lights and ionizers, promise to effectively remove viruses and other contaminants from the air. However, a recent study from the University of East Anglia suggests that these technologies may not be as effective as previously thought.

The research team examined 32 studies conducted in real-world settings, such as schools and care homes, to determine the effectiveness of air treatment technologies in preventing respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Surprisingly, they found no strong evidence to support the use of these technologies for this purpose. Although some weak evidence pointed towards a potential reduction in infection rates, the researchers suspect this evidence may be biased and imbalanced.

One of the main reasons for the lack of evidence is the fact that none of the studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have been published yet. This is a major concern, as many governments and organizations have invested in air treatment technologies in an attempt to make indoor spaces safer. As lead researcher Dr. Julii Brainard notes, "It is vital that public health decision makers have a full picture of the effectiveness of these technologies. Hopefully, the studies conducted during the pandemic will be published soon, allowing us to make a more informed judgement about their value in this context." .

So why are air filtration systems failing to live up to their promises? According to Prof Paul Hunter, one of the researchers from UEA's Norwich Medical School, "Air cleaners are designed to filter pollutants or contaminants out of the air that passes through them. However, when it comes to viruses, these technologies may not be as effective as we had hoped. And with the high costs of these technologies, it's important to weigh their potential benefits against the costs. We need to understand their current capabilities in practical settings." .

Despite the disappointing findings, there is still evidence to suggest that air treatment technologies can reduce environmental and surface contamination. Germicidal lights and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration have been shown to effectively remove contaminants from the air. However, when it comes to preventing respiratory infections, the evidence is lacking.

In summary, while air filtration systems may help improve overall indoor air quality, they may not be as effective in lowering the risk of viral infections. As we await the publication of studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important for decision-makers to have a full understanding of the effectiveness of these technologies in real-world settings.