Bacteria / virus filtration
#1
02-08-23, 05:11 AM
Bacteria / virus filtration
My wife will most likely be getting a transplant in the coming weeks. Part of that process involves substantially reducing her immunity so her body doesn't reject the transplant. Her body will rebuild its immunity so this is only a short term issue. But, in the interim we need to eliminate risk as much as possible.
I've been looking at air purifiers that claim to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses in one large bedroom but can't figure out whether these claims are accurate. I'd appreciate information on how to verify claims. For example, is there a testing standard or certification process? Also, are there products known to eliminate bacteria and viruses?
Note that I'm interested in stand alone room air purifying products, not something to install on my HVAC.
I've been looking at air purifiers that claim to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses in one large bedroom but can't figure out whether these claims are accurate. I'd appreciate information on how to verify claims. For example, is there a testing standard or certification process? Also, are there products known to eliminate bacteria and viruses?
Note that I'm interested in stand alone room air purifying products, not something to install on my HVAC.
#2
02-08-23, 06:03 AM
Member
Well, you're correct with dedicating a room only type of purifier.
But how does the air purifier co-exist and work with the household HVAC system. It seems to me you will be pumping in "contaminated air" at the same time you're trying to filter that air to be clean and at the same time taking away that filtered air via cold air return. So, does that mean you locate the filter in front of the heat /AC register? Or do you have hot water heat? Do you block off the cold air return? Lots of questions. It seems to me typical forced air HVAC systems do not play well with any type of air filtration. However, with that said here is what I suggest.
One of the things you should look for is the term bacterial filtration. From what I gather the bigger the better. You might want to look at what hospitals use (medical-grade HEPA filter system). "Medical-grade air purifiers remove particles that are much smaller than ordinary purifiers. Ordinary air purifiers may remove PM2. 5, while medical-grade air purifiers target 0.3 particles that are much smaller than 2.5. The purification effect is much better than that of ordinary air purifiers."
I suspect the price will be quite high.
From what I saw in a quick Google the prices will range from $360 to $1000 depending on size, brand and specifications.
PS...Hope all works out well for your wife.
But how does the air purifier co-exist and work with the household HVAC system. It seems to me you will be pumping in "contaminated air" at the same time you're trying to filter that air to be clean and at the same time taking away that filtered air via cold air return. So, does that mean you locate the filter in front of the heat /AC register? Or do you have hot water heat? Do you block off the cold air return? Lots of questions. It seems to me typical forced air HVAC systems do not play well with any type of air filtration. However, with that said here is what I suggest.
One of the things you should look for is the term bacterial filtration. From what I gather the bigger the better. You might want to look at what hospitals use (medical-grade HEPA filter system). "Medical-grade air purifiers remove particles that are much smaller than ordinary purifiers. Ordinary air purifiers may remove PM2. 5, while medical-grade air purifiers target 0.3 particles that are much smaller than 2.5. The purification effect is much better than that of ordinary air purifiers."
I suspect the price will be quite high.
From what I saw in a quick Google the prices will range from $360 to $1000 depending on size, brand and specifications.
PS...Hope all works out well for your wife.
#3
02-08-23, 06:48 AM
Group Moderator
I went through this 6 months ago with a family member. In the end I concluded that you really can't do anything about the air. Yea, you can get an air filter if it makes you feel better but it's mostly psychological. Norm hit a very important point. Your room or home is not air sealed. Contaminants will constantly be getting in. A stand alone filter or two will only have a modest impact. Luckily most virus and bacteria wild in the air are not harmful.
I would focus on the people, especially the ones that come and go every day. They are the real risk. Luckily COVID has taught us a lot about how to stop the spread of a virus. Isolation or quarantining the house is possibly the best solution. Anyone that has gone to work or out shopping needs to thoroughly wash their hands immediately when they get home. The people who left the house should be wearing a mask, even in your own home. They are the source of contamination so it makes sense to contain it right at the source.
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My wife had bought a couple of the Costco large, portable room air filters. We've been using them for a couple years. I've never noticed any difference in our air quality, the amount of dust in the home or how often we get sick. But, it makes my wife happy.
I would focus on the people, especially the ones that come and go every day. They are the real risk. Luckily COVID has taught us a lot about how to stop the spread of a virus. Isolation or quarantining the house is possibly the best solution. Anyone that has gone to work or out shopping needs to thoroughly wash their hands immediately when they get home. The people who left the house should be wearing a mask, even in your own home. They are the source of contamination so it makes sense to contain it right at the source.
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My wife had bought a couple of the Costco large, portable room air filters. We've been using them for a couple years. I've never noticed any difference in our air quality, the amount of dust in the home or how often we get sick. But, it makes my wife happy.
Norm201
voted this post useful.
