Updated 2023
This post lists and compares the 7 best air purifiers to reduce volatile organic compounds VOCs (offgassing from new building materials).
I also focus on which units have the highest amount of sorbent material, the least amount of offgassing, and are best for the chemically sensitive.
I have a separate post for air purifiers that work best for mold, however, the True HEPA filter in these units also helps in capturing mold spores.
This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
What to Look for in a Good Air Purifier:
- Good Amount of Tolerable Sorbent Material – How many lbs, type of material, tolerability of material, does it have potassium permanganate (which may be harder to tolerate but provides better absorption of many VOCs), do they have test kits to try the material.
- Ideally “True HEPA” – 99.97% of particles done to 0.3 microns.
- Around 5 ACH – CFM to tell you the air changes/hour, you want at least 1 ACH, ideally 5.
- Minimal Offgassing – Plastic or glue in the unit? Glue in the filters? Motors “burned in” or encased/sealed?
- Other Comparisons – How loud they are (dB), the cost of replacing filters, and year established (so you can feel certain they will be around to replace filters and parts).
Air Change Per Hour (ACH)
What are Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – This is how many times you are “replacing” the air in the room per hour, this is a key area of comparison with air purifiers. ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) recommends a minimum of 4 ACH for patient rooms in hospitals, 5 for intensive care units, and 25 for operating rooms.
How Many ACH Do We Need – For the purposes of those extremely sensitive to mold and VOCs, we want about 5-10 air exchanges per hour. To maximize how much air in the room the air purifier can process, put it in a central location.
How Do You Calculate the ACH From a Unit’s Specs – You always want to find the CFM of the unit. The CFM is the capacity of the unit to move air – how much air it moves through the machine. CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute. You need the CFM to calculate ACH. I have two calculators here to properly size these units.
If you are interested in PCO technology that is more geared towards filtering mold, see my article on air purifiers that use that technology. This article is about the classic types.
Top Brands of Air Purifiers for MCS and Offgassing
1. AllerAir
AirMedic Pro 5 Ultra
$1049 * 28-30 lbs carbon * “Super HEPA” * 400 CFM * 39-62 dB @ 6 feet * EST 1994
Filter replacement: Carbon Filter 2-5 years $172; Super HEPA 2 years $131;
Pre-filter 3 months $132
Some of the most extremely sensitive folks prefer this brand but not all have tolerated it. All-metal. Filters don’t offgas. No glue on the HEPA like true HEPA has. Option to have true HEPA which has glue.
AirMedic Pro 5 HD MCS is made for MCS – The burn-in motor by running and offgassing it for 6-8 hours. You can choose the carbon blend from an option of 7 blends in a test kit. It has 24 lbs carbon and is dB 35-60 @1ft.
You can buy some models at Walmart or through Amazon.
2. AustinAir
Healthmate Plus
$885 * 250 CFM * 15 lbs of Activated Carbon Impregnated with Potassium Iodide and Zeolite * True HEPA * dB 50-66 3-5ft (they are not sure) * EST early 90s
Filter replacement: HEPA/carbon prefilter 3-5 years (5-year warranty filter warranty) $360
There are different filter options with different types of carbon/absorptive material. Again, reactions are often attributed to Potassium permanganate. You can test out their different filter options.
Steel units, plastic on the wheels, not plastic inside.
Some with extreme MCS have picked up offgassing, but many with MCS prefer this brand.
You can buy them at Green Design Center, and Amazon.
3. EnviroKlenz
$699 * CFM 250 * dB 50 on high @6 ft
EnviroKlenz is a slightly different technology than the others here. I have been using this unit and am happy with it.
Like the others, this unit has a HEPA filter, but instead of charcoal/PP/zeolite it uses minerals including magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide to neutralize VOCs, chemical odors, and smoke.
The EnviroKlenz according to the literature, destroys most pollutants. Contrary to odor masking methods, the nanocrystalline materials contact, adsorb, and then neutralize the odor-causing substances.
It is effective against aldehydes and pollutants and particularly effective against different kinds of smoke and pesticides. Activated carbon does not help that much with formaldehyde and smoke can be difficult to filter as well. My preference for this unit comes from its ability to deal with formaldehyde and smoke.
EnviroKlenz materials will chemically dismantle many VOCs. Hydrocarbons will be absorbed but not chemically modified.
The company has a number of patents and it has been tested you can see that info here (you can search and read patents here), and for a summary of research articles and references on this technology, the company also provides a technical report.
Filter replacement costs: Mineral cartridge 4-5 months 100$, HEPA every 2-3 years $150. Rated the same as true HEPA.
This air purifier has been in production for 8 years.
Buy through their website.
4. E.L. Foust
400 Series Air Purifier
$775 * CFM 380 * 60% Coconut shell carbon / 40% potassium permanganate (Standard Mix) 8 lbs * not true HEPA, 99.97 * dB 22-24 @3ft * EST 1974
Filter replacement: HEPA which can last up to 2-3 years $112. Pre-filter 2-3 months $13. Carbon media tray 6-9 months, up to a year $75
They have a sealed motor – bearings are sealed in. They run the motors outside for 2-3 days first to offgas them.
Metal construction uses no adhesives, and they have HEPA filters without any glue. These are made for the chemically sensitive and some of the most extremely sensitive like this brand.
They sell filter sample kits so that you can check out the different materials used. Generally, for the extremely sensitive, Potassium Permanganate can be difficult to tolerate. The most sensitive should start with their pure Bituminous Coal filters.
Having a sealed motor will be key for the most sensitive. The downside is this one has a lot less carbon than the other models.
Purchase only from their website.
5. IQAir
IQAir Multigas
$1299 * CFM 300 * 12 lbs granular activated carbon & Alumina impregnated with Potassium Permanganate * True HEPA * dB 35-69 at 3 ft. * EST 1963
Their HealthPro is (40 to 300 CFM) (2 air changes/hr in 1125 sq. ft), dB 25 to 59
Filter replacement: Multigas cartilage 2 years $400; Post Filter 2.5 years $129; HEPA about a year (on 10 hours a day on speed 3) $109; optional Filter Pads $79
This might be one of the best-known brand names in air purifiers. Some people with MCS swear by it. But, the most severely sensitive do not always tolerate it.
The unit is made of plastic and the offgassing of the unit itself might be an issue. The potassium insert can be hard to tolerate for many (which is not a unique issue to this brand). Some people have sent back filters that smelt especially sweet or strong and received ones that were more tolerable.
Nevertheless, this is a favorite and well-trusted brand for many with MCS who want a robust top-of-the-line air purifier.
You can buy the Healhpro and Multigas directly through the IQAir website. The Multigas can also be found on Amazon.
6. Amaircare
Amaircare 3000
$759 * 265 CFM (in 1688 sq ft 1 ACH) * Claims no offgassing * Depending on the option you choose it contains up to 30 lbs of carbon * True HEPA * dB 43 to 61 @ 6 ft * EST 1994 * Made in Canada
Filter replacement: Prefilters + VOC media/year (12 lbs) $119; HEPA Filter 2-5 years $200
Made of metal, no plastic or foam. The HEPA is rated at 2-5 years when the prefilter is maintained. One person with moderate MCS said the HEPA filters smelled like chemicals. He requested a new one which was better.
On top of the plain carbon, they also have the following filter options for a wider range of filtration: Formaldesorb option for formaldehyde, Acitisorb for nitric and hydrochloric acid, Multisorb for a mix of VOCs. They don’t say what is in these sorbent mixes but presumably, they are adding to the carbon.
The 3000 is available on Sylvane and on Amazon.
7. Airpura
Airpura C600
$900 * 440 CFM (2 air exchanges an hour 2000 sq. ft. with) * 26 lb Coconut Shell Carbon * dB 28.1 – 62.3 @6ft. * EST 2004
Filter replacement: Carbon filter 2-3 years $350; Post filter 1 year $100; Pre-filter 6-12 months $40; HEPA (not true HEPA) 1-2 years $60
Airpura does not use any silicone, rubber, or plastic in their gaskets or internal parts and the body is made up of non-off gassing powder coated steel. The motor and electrical parts are separated in a sealed chamber that prevents any off-gassing while protecting the components from any of the contaminants.
Other units contain different carbon mixes for specific chemicals. The F600 DLX has 26 lbs of Activated Carbon with Potassium Permanganate for extra help with formaldehyde.
They sell these at Walmart, Sylvane.
Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
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Andrea B Bakacs
Hi again Corinne,
There is a 2 week sale on the Austin HealthMate Junior. Do you think 7lbs of carbon is enough for VOC concerns in a new build apartment building?
https://austinair.com/shop/healthmate-junior/
password = austinjr
Thanks,
Andrea
Corinne
whether it’s enough to make a dent in the new offgassing of a home depends on what materials were used in the home and how sensitive you are. it generally is not going to make a big difference and if youre sensitive you might not be able to notice the difference if it’s a higher offgassing house. increasing ventilation is more likely to make a noticeable difference. But is it doing something and helping, yes. and if that’s the biggest one you can afford you should go with that.
Sarah
If you’re interested in the junior, the company is no longer making that size. What they’re selling now is the inventory they have. Once it’s all sold, that will be it for the juniors. At least that was the state of things last year. I purchased a regular size and a small one. Returned the small one because it made too much noise. I think the problem is that the outer structure is too close to the fan due to the small size of the unit and as a result, a high-pitched noise is produced when the air blows through the metal vents on the side. Tried two small units and both had the same problem, so I assume it’s a design flaw. Bummer because the size is so nice – small and portable. Great for a small room. I kept the regular size one. I find something in the filter antagonizes my eyes, but use it as needed. I think Austin Air makes a really good product, has had extensive third party testing performed, is incredibly transparent about the test results, and provide excellent customer service. Can’t say enough good things about the company.
Andrea
Hi Corinne. Thanks for this post, as well as your one about purifiers for mold. I am finally moving into a brand new apartment in a concrete highrise. There was barely any dust to collect to run an ERMI, so the results were light as far as numbers go, but it did come up with some concerning levels of toxic molds for a concrete construction new build. I am signing the lease as I’ve been looking (and spending so much money testing) for months. Since it’s brand new, there are brand new cabinets, brand new vinyl floors, brand new vinyl window frames, god only knows how awful the paint is, toxic drywall, silicone, grout, etc. not to mention carpets in the hallways. I’d like an air purifier than can keep mold to low levels, and remove a butt load of VOCs from a new build.
I currently have 2 Coways, that I bought for smoke during wildfire season when all the good stuff was sold out. A 200M for a small room, and a 300S for a large room. They have less than a 1lb of carbon each. So not gonna cut it for VOCs. What you would recommend? Anything that produces ozone is a hard no for me. I don’t understand how some ionization does and others don’t, or how some UV does and others don’t. Are we just meant to trust the company’s claims?
AllerAir now has a 6 series, there are multiple new options for Austin, iqAir still going strong, and then there’s new contenders like Medify. I see you post how much carbon is in each one in your reviews, but I can’t find that info online anywhere on the respective brands’ websites. So I know what to look for, but I can’t gather the info myself on the new or updated models.
Thank you!
Corinne
I would go with the highest carbon you an afford and ideally one with a mix of sorbant materials like Austin or IQ Air as those will work on formaldehyde. Other articles cover air purifiers for VOCs and air purifiers for formaldehyde.
Anita Seibert
My problem is severe asthma caused by pine ceilings throughout the interior of our home. We have tried EVERYTHING to limit the smell of wood, from many coats of sealants, to air cleaner and professional air scrubbers and even Ozone treatments; nothing has worked. I spend my nights sleeping on a mattress on the floor in front of the sliding door of my bedroom, so that I can get a constant flow of fresh air onto my face. Even in freezing temperatures. We are doing our best to try to relocate ourselves , but in the meantime I would welcome any suggestions for an appropriate air cleaner, that would work on pine VOC’s. The house is now in its 5th year, and there has been no improvement in the way it smells or how I react to it. I am also extremely chemically sensitive, so moving to a new home is something we have to consider carefully.
Sarah
Anita. I feel for you. And you have surely tried many things. More power to you for all your efforts, but how frustrating that the problem persists. I have a couple of thoughts:
(1) I think an air scrubber would likely not be effective (as you say it wasn’t) since that kind of machine is typically used for an acute remediation, not for long-term, ongoing issues.
(2) I think you might benefit from having an excellent air purifier that you run regularly in the room. Toward that end, I recommend you contact Austin Air to request a list of all the chemicals their air purifier captures. They sent it to me (it’s a looooooooong list via third party testing) and I’d hoped to link to it here, but was unable to. But I did check it and found turpentine on it. Obviously that’s not exactly the same thing as pine wood, but it’s very related. So I think this air purifier might give you some relief. (I have an Austin Air and have a lot of respect for the company. Unfortunately, my eyes and sinuses react to the carbon if I run it constantly, but that’s just me. So I only use the unit for specific needs. My husband and I tested it in a room that had some contractor work done and did before and after testing and the results showed the unit performs in a very impressive way, even on a low setting.)
(2) With spring on the way, will you be able to run a fan in the window exhausting the air so you can move the molecules that are off-gassing out of the room and your home? There are some window units that are very slim so you could run it at night and not have to worry about your window being too far open in terms of security (as long as you put some kind of lock on the window once it was set with the unit in it).
(3) Have you considered doing air quality testing with a reputable IAQ consultant? I understand you’re having symptoms, but the potential benefit from this is that if the results shows the levels were low, psychologically that could be a boost. I mention that because sensitivity to odor and anxiety are inextricably linked, especially for women. Why? Because we’re maternally hard-wired from an evolutionary perspective to pick up on odors that are not normal which signal danger to our limbic system/primitive brain (aka the fight/fight/flee center). So this can fuel very real issues we’re having with VOC’s whereby our stress increases because of the VOC’s which leads to heightened sensitivity to them which leads to more stress and.. (you get the picture). It can be a very nasty cycle. When I deal with VOC issues (and I often am!) I always keep the anxiety aspect of it on my radar, as well.
I’ll continue to give this some thought and will post another reply if anything else comes to mind, but for now these are my ideas. I’ll check back to see if you have any questions about what I wrote and will replay. And no doubt Corrine will hop on and impart her wisdom, as well. Hopefully, then, you’ll have a few more ideas to pursue.
Corinne Segura
-I dont know which air purifier works best on terpenes. There is also formaldehyde and other compounds that come off wood. See article on low odor woods for the list of compounds
-Depending on what type of air scrubber you used, an air purifier may not work any better. It’s not likely that an air purifier will solve this problem for you.
-I would look at sealing with 3 coats shellac, one coat AFM Transitional Primer, two coats acrylic paint, caulking at the perimeter and even at all seams of the boards
-Depending on ceiling design, foil would be a full block of anything but could cause a point of condensation
-Building a room within a room will also help, see other articles on that
-Mold is definitely underlying this, 100% of the time
I recommend doing a consult with Andy Pace
Anita Seibert
Thank you Sarah and Corrine, for you thoughtful and informative advise. As for sealing the ceilings, we have pretty much done all that you have recommended, without any improvement. We have literally thrown thousands of dollars at the problem, without resolution. I suspect that there may be some mold hidden in the ceilings as well, and only removal of them would reveal where that would be. I have had enough of the suffering though, and my decision is made to move on. I appreciate all of the advise you have both offered.
Thank you sincerely,
Anita
Sarah
Anita, I wish you well. The situation you’re in can’t be easy, but I hope there’s some relief in making a decision to stop investing time, energy, and money in this problem that’s been plaguing you for so many years. Hopefully when you find another house, you can hire an excellent Indoor Air Quality professional who can do a walk-through with you to help determine if there are any significant problems. What a journey you’re on. I hope and pray good things await! Rose
Anita Seibert
Thank you so much Sarah!
This website is a great community for people like us, to know there are others who get our sensitivities; that alone has brought me comfort.
I would like to ask your advice for one more thing, if I may? I would like to put up sheeting on my bedroom ceilings, to create a safe room until we have the house ready for the market. Corrine recommended foil, but I’m wondering if plastic sheeting would be an option, or is that too risky from a VOC standpoint? Plastic sheeting I can pick up easily enough, without waiting a few weeks for the Amazon vapour barrier that you recommend on your site.
Thank you again for your help! I do so much appreciate the advice.
Corinne
some people are fine with poly plastic sheets right away, others would need to offgas it first. foil is safer and will work better too.
Lisa
I was wondering if you could tell me if most people tolerate the Air doctor? I have mcs, (mold illness) & mast cell, mast cell 360 recommends this one. I was hoping to get one at this price point, finances are tight. If there are any people tolerate in the $300-$500 range I’d appreciate the input. Corinne, may God bless you for all the help you offer those traveling down similar paths.
Corinne Segura
I would go with vornado, I compare it to air doctor here https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/01/the-best-air-purifiers-for-mould-review.html
I don’t know if people do well with air doctor as it’s never been on my list
Crystal
The Vernado says it has UV, didn’t you say no to UV? I may have misunderstood, can you clarify?
Corinne Segura
Please scroll all the way to the bottom to leave a new comment as it’s confusing to leave new comments on another thread.
UV on its own is not useful in my opinion, UV that shines on a titanium dioxide plate creates OH molecules which can break apart mold and other molecules. That is what I like to go with for mold reduction and why it’s in my article on best air purifiers for mold. It’s not in this article, which is best air purifiers to bring down VOCs.
Carla
I purchased 2 Enviroklenz units after reading the post and carefully weighing options, etc. I have MCS and toxic mold exposure so both were a concern. I waited a bit before opening up the units which arrived safely and packed well. I followed the directions and set it up (the HEPA filter needs to be inserterted by you). I ran the unit and was unable to tolerate it so I moved it into a unused room and closed the door periodically checking my reaction. I ran it for 3 weeks and could still not tolerate it. Note: I would say my MCS is moderate. It was pretty upsetting. I called the company and they stated I could remove the HEPA filter which frankly was not a solution to get the desired results abd was also told that they do have people that react to “a rubber gasket” in the unit some people remove and then use metal tape to reconnect??? I was unable to return them as it was past 30 days. So….that’s that. I mean how long do I need to try to offgas this thing? How disappointing.
Corinne Segura
it’s possible to react to the mineral odor.
Beck
Thank you for your post! I feel like putting a rubber gasket in a machine that is supposed to remove pollutants is so terrible and then that this company won’t take back the machine?!?! I’d be so upset. Sorry this happened.
I have severe MCS and I’m looking to try a different brand of air purifier to go with the ones I already have. I have 2 IQAir Multigas purifiers in my home and they work well for me but we just started renting out an apartment in our house and the renters have used Tide laundry detergent with dryer sheets and the smell is wafting up into the rest of the house. The IQAir machines are not keeping me from feeling sick with this new level of chemicals. We don’t have shared vents but just the smallest amount of chemicals causes a reaction in my body. I think I will try one of the Austin machines and will stay away from Enviroklenz.
As for offgassing with the IQAir, I’ve only had problems with the wheels and the remote control parts. The wheels are done offgassing after 2-3 weeks. The remote controls all take MUCH longer to offgas so I just never keep them in my house. I find that if something hasn’t stopped being toxic after about 3 weeks, then it will just never stop stinking enough for me to tollerate it.
Debbie Miller
Hi Corinne, in addition to my lifelong somatic sensitivity due to being autistic, I’ve learned my mycotoxin reaction relates to mast cell activation syndrome. Have a mycotoxin-safe 18-month-old apartment with very experienced & responsive maintenance to move to tomorrow, but realized after signing the lease that Glade-type air freshener infiltrates from another unit in a way that was not the case when I toured the apartment. I would like to settle on a purifier that serves both mycotoxin and VOC purposes. If I had to choose a current priority, it would be VOCs. Mastcell360 recommends AirDoctor for both mycotoxins & VOCs but I see in one of your comments here that you don’t view the AirDoctors as having enough carbon for VOCs. I see you recommend Austin Air HealthMate Plus for VOCs, as Jennifer Cannon at SurvivingToxicMold does for both mycotoxins & VOCs, but wondering about the Potassium Iodide you mention. Same thing with IQAir Multigas. I need something quiet and would preferably like it to be portable or not too heavy to carry. If I need to choose a purifier with potassium iodide, which provides the best return policy?
Debbie Miller
And I wonder what you think of the Dyson Formaldehyde Cool Air filter, but doesn’t seem like it would serve mycotoxins.
Debbie Miller
I will be in a 550 sqft studio apartment with LPV floors, so don’t need a big purifier.
Corinne Segura
I would not use that one
Corinne Segura
i dont know there return policies but yes those two cover VOCs including formaldehyde and capture spores.
Beck
I have severe chemical sensitivity and I’m not sure I could live in any space where Glade plug-ins have been used. The only thing that I think might work is to run an ozone machine in the apartment for about 8 hours. I know you posted this in ’23, and are probably not in Seattle, but I have an ozone machine I could loan you if you’re in the PNW. If it’s a smell from a neighboring apartment, maybe an air purifier could help. We rent out an apartment in my house and renters are supposed to be fragrance free, but they never really are.
I do well with the IQAir Multigas, there is a potassium iodide smell when the filters are new and I put it on high, but it doesn’t cause any symptoms in me. The IQAir is NOT portable though. For portable, I have an IQAir that is smaller and I keep it in my car. It can run off of a battery or a cigarette lighter. The filter for car exhaust works pretty well. I find that if I stay someplace with a little fragrance and I keep the filter blowing on my face, I do mostly okay.
Amber Wahlquist
Hi, At work people use fragrance warmers and such and the fragrance is just too strong for me. Do you know if there is anything I could put in my office that would help get that out of the air?
Corinne
I would definitely use an air purifier with high carbon like those on this list but I would also try to block it from getting into your office which would depend on how things are set up.
Beck
Is it possible to get them to stop based on Reasonable Accommodation laws? The fragrance you are smelling is likely phthalates and toxic. Just as smoking is no longer allowed indoors in offices, you shouldn’t have to breathe it synthetic chemicals. But I do realize that people get pretty defensive about scented products.
Sarah
I wondered the same thing although whenever I’ve tried to raise this concern with businesses, they never seem to give a hoot. They love them some fake floral smelling formaldehyde! It’s so obnoxious for all the obvious reasons and I see this scent thing growing in popularity such that some dental offices use it. Such a lack of respect for their patients, including those with asthma. And (last thought) once they’ve used these for even a short period of time, everything is infused with the stench: carpet, furniture, curtains, drywall, and if used for long enough penetrating the drywall to the structure behind it.
Pam S.
Thanks for the article! Is it worth spending extra to get the EnvironKlenz Plus which includes a UV-C bulb for mold, bacteria and viruses? I’m more concerned about mold.
Corinne
no I wouldn’t
Parnell
Thanks for this article Corinne! I wanted to ask about AllerAir’s “Super-HEPA” wrap. It doesn’t have polymer, binders, and borosilicate, but we don’t know what it *is* made of. A document that someone from AllerAir shared with me said that the material is proprietary.
Do you think I should be concerned about what material(s) might be used for AllerAir’s Super-HEPA wrap and any potential health effects?
For the more conventional HEPA filters, is there evidence of off-gassing or releasing of particles into the air from their polymers, binders, and borosilicate?
Thanks!
Corinne
Regular HEPA has glues so it definitely off gasses a little. I don’t know what is in the Super HEPA.
Connie Jo Gandy
I find speaking with the folks at AllerAir very helpful. They are kind, professional and knowledgeable. And apparently have no dictated talk time. I have had my AllerAir MCS (I named them R2D2) since 2003. Excellent machine and company. They can send you some material to test out.
Alexandra
Hi Corinne! Wonderful article. Can you recommend which air purifiers would be best for minimizing wildfire smoke in the air? I’m in NJ and it’s been bad here. I’m running 6 Fousts in my home, they all have 7+ pounds charcial media including potsssium permanagante and a hepa filter. They’re doing OK, it’s better indoors than outdoors but I’d love to know what has really good reviews for smoke specifically. And do you think PCO would be helpful for smoke?
Sarah
Not Corrine,but jumping in. My impression is that carbon is the best ingredient to capture/neutralize smoke. But the filter has to have enough carbon to do the job. I think Austin Air’s filters have a lot of carbon, but I’ve found that it antagonizes my eyes and sinuses. But I think it’s an excellent company with an excellent product. I was just very reactive to it. Was actually thinking of checking into Foust again, but they seem to be having serious supply chain problems. If you see this reply, I’d love to hear your experience w/this brand, including how noisy it is.
ellen
You may also want to look at https://jaspr.co/ – I have no affiliation but understand from the inventor that they were created specifically for wildfire remediation.
Corinne
I would not recommend that one over what’s in the article, it has 430 CFM, hepa and what looks like not that much carbon, but I’m not sure as they don’t list how many pounds, 30-58 decibels. So the first and last option on my list are better.
Beck
I’m in Seattle and we have severe wildfire smoke pretty often. I am extremely chemically sensitive and I do very well with the IQAir Multigas units during wildfire season. Even when the air is coded purple outside, I feel fine in my house.
Jemma
Thank you for the article. I purchased a house right next to the freeway. I’m hoping to start a business here and would like to buy the best smog pollution filter I can get. Do you think you can suggest whole house filters as well?
Corinne
I don’t know enough about whole house filters.
Sarah
From what my HVAC and IAQ person has said, a filter might be really great. In theory. But if it’s too powerful, then your HVAC system will be under duress trying to such the air thorugh it. I use an April Air media filter that has a high MERV rating, but not so high as to cause my system to be strained. Then I supplement w/free-standing air purifiers, as needed.
Ella
Hi Corinne,
I just got a Smart Air Blast Mini. More to clean the air of covid and wildfire smoke/VOCs rather than everyday VOCs but I’m chemically sensitive and somehow didn’t factor in that the purifier itself might offgas, which is it quite significantly. Seems to be coming from the motor itself and I see you mention a motor burn off period above. Wonder if you could say a bit more about how common this is and whether some sensitive people end up being okay with a motor offgasses a lot initially.
Thank you!
Corinne
Yes it might be ok after running it for a while. It might not.
Kim S
How do you know it’s off gassing? Is it just by how you feel? We have a Mila unit we just bought with the over reactor filter and I’m wondering if that has any adverse effects?
Lestov
Hi, I am so happy to read this article on your website. I have learned some tips for air purifiers, which will help me to purchase an air purifier for my restaurant. Thanks a lot, keep at it.
Kesan
My husband found something called HiTech Air Solutions. It says they make hydroxyls to kill microbes but it’s not ozone, have you heard of this and do you feel like it’s good or bad?
Corinne
I used to write about them and you can read it here https://web.archive.org/web/20221203144658/https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/01/the-best-air-purifiers-for-mould-review.html
Kesan
I am pregnant and have very bad mood illness, MCS, and a bunch of other things. Haven’t been able to find a HEPA I can tolerate but really need help to find one. Do any of the media filter materials get into the air, like the permanganate or charcoal so would I be breathing that in? Also there’s a HEPA called Aeris, haven’t tried yet and I don’t know if you’ve looked into it? They use Zinc Pyrithione… any thoughts?
Corinne
the smell of the filters gets into the air a bit yeah. and potassium permanganate creates a chemical reaction that has a sweet smell.
Kesan
Thanks for the reply! Does the actual powder particulate get into the air and breathed in?
Sarah
I wonder about the same thing. Hope Corrine hops on and answers…. I guess one way to test would be if, after running it on a regular basis, you noticed the dust on your furniture is black…
Lisa
I have MS and my partner has leukemia. We just moved into new affordable housing which is making us sick from the newness smell. We are looking urgently for a solution. We leave all windows open but at night feel sick from chemicals. This is not a mold or perfume issue— all from new building materials. Can anyone suggest the best air purifier for that?
Corinne
See the post on mitigating new house offgassing first and then this list is about air purifiers for high offgassing levels.
Juliet
had closed cell spray foam installed in my home. installer didn’t have us leave during install and didn’t advise us to not sleep in the house that night. I developed some sort of allergy to product. or maybe it was installed incorrectly. just don’t know for sure until VOC testing comes back from the lab. having a company demo it but nee to know if painting over the odor and or chemicals that’s left behind in the timbers will block in the Vocs? kindly hope you have a suggestion other than I need to take my roof off and install new rafters as this is the area it was installed to. help plz!
Corinne
If they installed it wrong it will have to be removed. If it was installed correctly then you just became sensitized to it, I would not seal, I would leave the house for a few weeks.
Alex
Unfortuantely this happens to some people. I”m in NJ and had a customer with this very problem – they sealed the basement with spray foam and the conditions were not optimal for curing. The spray foam was applied on the wooden parts of the basement upper sill, above the conrete block. My customer requested that I arrange to have professional asbestos remediators set up asbestos level plastic containment and negative air and physically remove the spray foam which of course, had hardened. While the job was performed meticulously, the smell remained, even after running tthe neg air for a week. Subsequently, my customer purchased her own negative air machine, and used a sealant product, which has slowed down the offgassing to a more managable level, but it’s still noticable, but about 50% of the intensity it was at before. This woman has moderate MCS, but everyone can smell the odor and agrees something went wrong with the application. The purpose of using asbestos level containment was knowing VOCs would be released when the hardened foam was broken up.
Sarah
A couple of additional considerations to add to those listed by Corrine when thinking about buying an air purifier:
~ Return policy: Who pays for shipping back to the company? Is there a restocking fee?
~ Warranty: How long is it and what does it cove?
~ Data: Have they conducted third party testing on the unit and filters? If so, are they transparent about the data that was collected?
Sarah
Can anyone recommend a good carbon filter than I could use to create a make-shift air purifier by attaching it to a strong fan? I realize this is less than ideal, but I’m running out of options and was inspired by what Smart Air started doing at the outset.
Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, all the presumably good air purifiers out there use filtration systems that are complex and can’t be used like, for example, a Blue Air filter. However, I’ve lost all faith in Blue Air and don’t want to use their filters to create a make shift set up for now.
And, also unfortunately, these presumably good air purifiers haven’t worked out for me and/or from reading comments here I’m skittish to try one or two alternatives. My experience has been that units arrive damaged, or they off gas horribly, or the decibel level is too loud to have running all day and certainly for a bedroom, or the company has little-to-no third party data, etc.
Any and all ideas would be most welcome.
Elle
Hi Sarah,
It’s been a while since you left this comment, so I hope you have found a solution in
the meantime, but if not, do you know about Corsi Rosenthal boxes? There are
instructions on the wiki page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsi%E2%80%93Rosenthal_Box) or in the video embedded here (https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/science-action-how-build-corsi-rosenthal-box).
I am very chemically sensitive and have built several using Honeywell MERV 13
furnace filters with these FilterBuy activated carbon filters layered on the outside (https://www.amazon.com/FilterBuy-Allergen-Eliminator-20x20x1-Activated/dp/B0725Q5S4Q) without issue.
Sarah
Just saw your reply. Thank you for that. Very interesting, low tech solution you linked to! I may try this set up. So appreciate you sharing and providing links. We wound up buying an Austin Air which is incredibly effective (did pre and post testing and that thing did its job), but the carbon (or I suppose could be the zeolites) antagonize my eyes and sinuses, so I rarely use it, which is such a bummer. Gonna try to make one of these set ups you describe! Thank you!
Beck
You are one of several that have posted that the Austin Air purifiers hurt your eyes. I have severe MCS and was going to try an Austin for the more carbon, but maybe I should just stick with the IQAir machines that have been working for me (up until new renters moved in below us and are very fragrant with Tide and dryer sheets).
Maybe I should also try a CR box or a bunch of CR boxes too. It is a much less expensive alternative for sure.
Jen
Thanks for posting this! Most of us don’t have/want to drop $1000+ on an air filter so this is an inexpensive and highly customizable solution. I can’t wait to make my own. Only concern is duct tape off-gassing.
Sarah
Corrine – The Walmart link for the Amaircare doesn’t apply anymore. It seems they don’t sell this. FYI. I can’t imagine how labor intensive it is for you to maintain all the data you have on your amazing website. Thank you for all that you do and share so generously with the public. Your passion, your smarts, your research, and your personal experience coupled with the stories of others is truly monumental in scope.
Sarah
PS The Amazon link for this same product brings you to a page that says the product is not available. Sorry I didn’t notice that when I posted my comment above. Feel free to delete my comments to save space on your thread.
Sarah
I’m struggling along with many others here trying to find a good air purifier. A couple of things I’ve stumbled upon along the way, should it be of use to anyone:
~ A lot of companies don’t share much data on third party testing of their machines/filters to provide hard evidence they do what they claim, no less, at what speed (what setting for how long to remove how much, etc).
~ If the air purifiers you’ve tried off gas nasty toxins, try taping a filter to a plain old fan. I think Blue Air makes filters with HEPA-like technology and carbon filters all in one that have a shape that fits a box fan pretty well. Another shape fits a window fan. It’s still possible the filter itself will off gas something nasty because who knows all of what they’re made of, but it’s one option that eliminates some of the variables by getting rid of the inner workings of the machine as well as the exterior container should those be made of materials that stink.
Question for Corrine about ozone: If you use too much ozone and it seems to change the smell in the house from one icky odor to another, will that new nasty odor eventually off-gas or is there something about ozone that can change it permanently?
Corinne
I will never touch ozone again. But the byproduct smell has generally gone down in about a month. There are other materials that it permanently destroys though.
Sarah
Thank you for your reply. My concern stems from use of Blue Air purifiers, which I will never use again. I’m glad to hear the smell the over-use produced went down after about a month.
Kara
Can you please explain the issues you had with BlueAir specifically? It sounds like you’re saying their filters are good but their machines are bad? Thanks!
Sarah
After using Blue Air for many years, several concerns emerged.
First, I think they changed where their filters were made and I noticed the filters changed for the worse. They looked like they had plastic material and smelled odd.
I believe the amount of carbon in their filters is not nearly as dense as other manufacturers (such as Austin Air).
The machines I had (don’t know if this is the case with all the lines they now make, but it was for the Classic line I owned) which is that part of the technology to clean the air is ionization which produces ozone. The company claims the amount of ozone produced is trace compared to how much the machines/filter captures, but I got to a place that I just didn’t want anything in my home, no less an air purifier, producing ozone. And when ozone is produced, it can interact w/other chemicals to produce formaldehyde as a by-product, at least the way I understand things. And I didn’t want to have to deal w/that potential unwanted side effect, either.
And lastly, I don’t think they’re particularly transparent w/their testing data nor did I have complete confident in how/where the testing was being conducted.
Lauren Barbour
Curious why you will never touch ozone! I thought I read that it would be good to get your car AC pumped through with ozone – is this okay to do or would you advise against it? Concerned for safety and I am sensitive to smells / want to try and rid my car of mold!
Sarah
Mold must be removed and what can’t be removed, must be cleaned.
Gayle Lopes
Oh no! I moved into a studio with heavy scented candle use and soot… and ozone was used to try to clear it. It backfired and created new chemicals which ran through the hvac system and saturated non- metal parts inside. My trusted hvac man said the only way to completely remove the fragrance AND the added chemicals would be to replace the HVAC but then there would be the offgassing of all of its coatings! I have lined the intake with charcoal bags, use a charcoal hvac filter and added charcoal filters to each of the 5 vents…. After 5 months the fragrance has lessened some but the new chemicals’ odor and irritants have improved only slightly.
Personally, if there are multiple odors and off gassing in the environment, do not use ozone as it will create more.
If you have a single issue like cigarette smoke , it might help. But multiple chemicals like new house off gassing would likely lead to new, stronger smells and definitely formaldehyde (one of my strongest triggers.)
Beck
We use an ozone machine a lot because we have a fragrance-free apartment that we rent out in our house and basically nobody can follow the no-fragrance rules. It’s super hard for most people to understand living in a building with a person who has MCS.
The IMPORTANT key with an ozone machine is to make sure there is always adequate oxygen getting into the room for the ozone machine to work with. If your space runs out of oxygen, a terrible chemical smell is produced and the smell does stick around for sure.
Our ozone machine has an intake hose that we put outside a window. We put it on a timer and set the timer to start after we leave the space. After we are done, we let the space sit for at least 2 hours, but overnight is better. After this, we leave windows open, fans on and the ozone smell goes away pretty fast.
Smells that have soaked deep into furniture, rugs, rug pads etc. might not be killed by ozone because it doesn’t go deep to get mold, spilled cologne, pet urine etc. For things like that we have to scrub them out first and then ozone.
Quianna
Hi! I love your site. you steered us away from two part foam in my basement – thank you! we found mold in our fireplace and a few other spots while doing a huge remodel. my oldest son is having more than usual asthma issues and my daughter skin seems more reactive. I was thinking about renting or buying an air scrubber to run down in the basement for a while and then eventually getting an air purifier for the house. is an air scrubber worth it? it has a merv 10 pre-filter, carbon filter then a hepa that says it’s will remove 99.97% of 0.3 micron. thanks in advance for your reply!
Corinne
Air scrubbers are used temporarily during remediation. The most important thing to do is fully discover the problem that created the mold and properly fix it. You may want to consult with Cheryl Ciecko for advice because it’s not common to properly identify building defects and properly correct them.
Lou
Frustrated with not being able to get Amaircare filters during the pandemic, I called my local filter / air purifier supplier to discuss another unit. . I told him how I don’t like my Amaircare 2500 because of the design – airflow coming from the bottom and that I don’t think it does a good job. I told him that I love my Amaircare Roomaid(s) and I turn them upside down so the airflow comes out the top. I also told him that I have and Oreck that I use in a specific room to help off-gass new things or fragrant items. Bad but it works for me. I air the room out afterwards.
From all that information he recommended Sharp PF-K50UW., He said that the plastic does not smell and it has a plasmacluster. I bought it. The HEPA filter smelled when I opened the package (manual said it would smell and is not dangerous) so I kept it in the bag and put it in the garage for a few days to off-gas. After a few days, I gave it a try and I have it running ever since.
Because my neighbours (townhouse) are using a lot of fragrant products I am unable to run my exhaust fans so I move the unit into the kitchen and run the plasmacluster while cooking and it removes the cooking smells. Other than that I just use it on the regular settings.
We have considered an HRV but it would be difficult to install and there are so many people using fragrant laundry products – it would be sucking it in constantly.
It really pays to speak with your local air purifier dealer because they know their products well and listen to their customers.
I am selling the place and moving to a detached home.
Robby
Do you have any posts on crawl space encapsulation? We renovated an 80 year old house in humid north Georgia. The crawl space is actually very dry but would rather keep it that way with encapsulation. I am however, concerned about the air quality from the polyethylene vapor barrier affecting the interior of the house. It seems like that is something that could offgas for a long time with nowhere to go but up. I am not sure how bad those vapor barriers offgas either. If you have any posts or think that is anything to be concerned with please let me know. THanks!
Regan
Thanks so much for your super helpful site, Corrinne! I wanted to share what I just heard back from Airpura. We live in California where there are lots of wildfires, so we’re looking for something good both for MCS and wildfires. We’re also trying to cover a large open floorplan house. The Airpura looks like the only one that can cover 2000 sq ft, though only 2 exchanges per hour, but that seems better than the Austin or Enviroklenz which are the other two we’ve been considering. Our space is closer to 1600 sq ft. Anyhow, here’s the reply we got when asking which unit we should do if wildfires and MCS are both a concern: “The V700 is in fact the best unit for wildfires however can give off a sweetish scent, especially if in a humid environment. Some like it, some find it offensive, (If they have severe chemical sensitivities,) and some people simply don’t notice it. . . . The HEPA barrier filters 95%, (o.3 microns.) The G700 contains a true HEPA, (99.97% at 0.3 microns,) and the G700DLX contains the HEPA barrier due to the larger amount of carbon. The V700 can contain a True medical grade HEPA, Super HEPA 99.99% at 0.1 microns and ULPA 99.99% at 0.1. We recommend the HEPA barrier for an MCS sufferer as it doesn’t contain the borosilicate, glues and polymers that the True HEPAs contain.” Corrinne (or anyone reading who might have experience with Airpura), I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the G700 or G700DLX (which are marketed for MCS) vs the C600 or now C700 listed for chemicals on their site? We have a Coway Airmega AP-1512HH for smaller rooms and that has a True HEPA and has been fine. If we are okay with a True HEPA in the Coway machine, does that seem like we’d be okay with it in the G700? Thanks for any thoughts!
Sarah
Since no one replied, if you see this, my suggestion is to call the company directly and speak w/someone in customer service who may be able to help you sort out. Of course, they work for the company, but my limited experience with this company is that they’re pretty straightforward. Just an idea…
sandy
Is this one of the toxic air fresheners?
Heaven Fresh XJ-2100UV Ionic Air Purifier
http://www.heavenfresh.ca/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/121/?osCsid=0efb950f0fb02289755d96ae4d3c9777
it looks like this
sandy
I tried a couple of times it won’t post the picture
unless it does some magic on send it won’t post a pict
sandy
is it ozone creating? sorry for so many posts my brain is a bit messy today… too many chemicals in my life… still.
E. H.
I, too, would like to know your thoughts on the AirDoctor brand, and particular units they offer, if you have reviewed them.
WellnessMama gives AirDoctor a verygood review.
Thanks very much.
Char
Hi! We’re building a new house and I want to get an air purifier for when we move in. Do you know anything about the Air Doctor or Alen?
Corinne
The air purifiers in this post are the only ones I have seen with really high carbon which is what you need for VOCs in a new house. Also I don’t promote anything with an ionizer as I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Char
Ok thanks. I read on your post on new house offgassing about air exchangers which we do have. Will an air purifier be pointless if we have an air exchanger?
miriam
Anything less costly? for a smallish room?
BTW I’d like to donate, but do not use Paypal. Any alternative?
Corinne
Less costly will equal less carbon (or other sorbent material).
Beth Baron
Hi Corrine! I’m trying to source an MCS-safer MERV-13 HVAC filter. Do you have any ideas?
I’ve got plenty of good quality MCS-type filtration. But, for diluting the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, they don’t move enough air through quickly enough, and I need to work closely with my clients. The best way I’ve seen to do that is with a simple DIY 4 filters taped in a cube to a box fan: https://encycla.com/Corsi-Rosenthal_Cube. Problem is, the HVAC filters stink. I’ll contribute to your “buy me a cup of coffee” now, in hopes you’ll have an idea!
Thanks.
Beth
Corinne
I don’t know brands of those and their different odor. I don’t work with HVAC equipment.
Amy
Hi Corrine – I am thinking of buying the MCI22K air purifier – I bought a sofa and it’s made our house smell horrible and is causing all sorts of symptoms. I had it taken away a month ago but the smell and symptoms persist! Where are the VOCs hiding now that the sofa is gone? Is this purifier a good unit to combat VOC:s?
Corinne
I have not reviewed that air purifier. But this blog post is all about non-ionzer air purifiers. The post on best air purifiers for mold covers ion-producing types that I like.
Amy
Thank you so much for your response. So would a non-ionizer type of purifier be best to deal with VOCs?
Corinne
Yes, in my opinion.
Amy
Corrine my friend used an ozone generator in my house now the whole house seems toxic and we can’t even go in the house anymore. I am beside myself. I tried to sign up for an email consultation with you but no appointment times are available. Can I book with you?
Corinne
I’m off work for a while. Ozone is highly risky for that reason. It has happened to me as well.
Amy
What can I do to get the house normal again? I was in for five minutes today to gather clothing and my tongue is still tingling and I feel like I need to spit. I have a little boy and a dog and I don’t know what to do.
Corinne
I don’t know of any remedy. I had to wait a month when I overdid it once.
Amy
Oh my God. I ordered two of the air purifiers you recommend – is there any reason to believe that they might help now? Also it’s super cold outside – should I leave the windows open or closed? Will it help to clean walls and floors or am I beyond that now?
Emma
Amy, how’s your house doing now?
Elizabeth
Hi, I’m a non-consenting host to TILT (toxic-induced loss of tolerance aka MCS) & I’ve had Foust 160R2 Air Purifier for abt 1.5 years. I’ve been having a LOT more laundry fragrance smells coming into my 817sq ft condo in the last 10 or so months—I put the Foust in my bathroom w/door closed due
to INTENSE/cut-it-w/a-knife laundry-soap/dryer-fragrance/gases and NO CHANGE/just as intense. So I figured I was due for new filter/outer sock, but no improvement w/the replacements-it used to clear air in abt 20min after I closed windows/patio-slider. I live in a neighborhood full of 3 deckers/can be hard to tell where VOCs’ coming from, but I finally realized it was coming from somewhere IN our 3-decker (I wish you could photograph off-gas-ing smells!!), Today realized it’s coming from bath-laundry-room below me downstairs neighbor who said she has changed to “Tide Original.” Think Kryptonite. Despite knowing it makes me really ill, she refuses to reconsider switching brands (even if I agree to pay for an unscented/safe one). I feel so controlled by this condition/stupid-unnecesary chems so much of the time & today I felt powerless/trapped—b/c you can’t even think –‘oh ok, I’ll move’ b/c you not only get joint pains/migraines, etc, but also the chems make it so you can’t-focus/think-clearly/get foggy-weird brain so trying to organize a move feels impossible/overwhelming & you already have a lot on your plate trying to manage CFS, et al…Then I remembered reading your info re: most filters don’t do much for fragrances or creosote (wood-burning stoves/barbeque swhich can also be painful), but that you found one that does. So, I came back here to look at that one, but now see the comment about it off-gassing & smelling weird & maybe it is ozone producing…do you think they might run it to off-gas it the way Foust does? Or maybe I can use it to get rid of the TideDetergent’s VOCs & the simultaneously run my Foust to eliminate any of it’s initial off-gassing? Thanks for reading all of this & for having this helpful info/site.
Elizabeth
Hi, I’m a non-consenting host to TILT (toxic-induced loss of tolerance aka MCS) & I’ve had Foust 160R2 Air Purifier for abt 1.5 years. I’ve been having a LOT more laundry fragrance smells coming into my 817sq ft condo in the last 10 or so months—I put the Foust in my bathroom w/door closed due
to INTENSE/cut-it-w/a-knife laundry-soap/dryer-fragrance/gases and NO CHANGE/just as intense. So I figured I was due for new filter/outer sock, but no improvement w/the replacements-it used to clear air in abt 20min after I closed windows/patio-slider. I live in a neighborhood full of 3 deckers/can be hard to tell where VOCs’ coming from, but I finally realized it was coming from somewhere IN our 3-decker (I wish you could photograph off-gas-ing smells!!), Today realized it’s coming from bath-laundry-room below me downstairs neighbor who said she has changed to “Tide Original.” Think Kryptonite. Despite knowing it makes me really ill, she refuses to reconsider switching brands (even if I agree to pay for an unscented/safe one). I feel so controlled by this condition/stupid-unnecesary chems so much of the time & today I felt powerless/trapped—b/c you can’t even think –‘oh ok, I’ll move’ b/c you not only get joint pains/migraines, etc, but also the chems make it so you can’t-focus/think-clearly/get foggy-weird brain so trying to organize a move feels impossible/overwhelming & you already have a lot on your plate trying to manage CFS, et al…Then I remembered reading your info re: most filters don’t do much for fragrances or creosote (wood-burning stoves/barbequeswhich can also be painful), but that you found one that does (EnviroKlenz).So, I stopped crying & came back here to look at that one, but now see the comment about it off-gassing & smelling weird & maybe it is ozone producing…do you think they might run it to off-gas it the way Foust does before sending it out? Or maybe I can use it to get rid of the TideDetergent’s VOCs & then simultaneously run my Foust to eliminate any of it’s initial off-gassing? Also, it’s listed here as $699.00, but their page says $799.00—do they give a promo code thru your site? Thanks for reading all of this & for having this helpful info/site.
Corinne
I would read the post on keeping out fragrances and smoke from neighbors. It’s listed at 699 now.
Elizabeth
Thanks, Sorry abt double post—when I checked back for a reply, my post wasn’t’ there so re-posted it. Put ‘keeping out fragrances and smoke from neighbors’ in search space–but got message there is no such topic…(I’m assuming it isn’t the same as the cleaning post under “healthy Interiors”?) can you direct me, please, if you meant a different post. Also, am I trying to access the calculators for air filter machines wrong? When I click on the space it seems to bring me to a site for people who want to add calculators to their websites. Lastly, I see for MCS you suggest at least 5-ACH so I was surprised the Enviroklenz lists only 2 & it is one you use–so, is that b/c it clears smoke & fragrances, where as the others w/higher ACHs don’t & the trade-off is worth it? If this is too many questions & you prefer I email you, pls say so. Thanks very much. Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Put the “keeping out fragrances…”topic in regular google–found it! https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/06/how-to-stop-fragrance-smoke-coming-in-from-neighbours.html.
So, if can spare the time/energy to address the other questions, I appreciate it.
Elizabeth
THANK YOU SO MUCH for that post & YIKES/Stripes–uhm…uh… guess who has been turning on her dryer & kitchen-stove exhausts to try to get rid of the toxic Tide fumes?!! I do the same when dryer vent fumes come in from outside–I’ve just made it worse, didn’t I? Friend is coming to help w/caulking later in week–tho I’m a bit fearful that will make me ill, too-had bad reaction to AFM paint years ago…(wish I’d addressed this in summer w/windows open vs now & heat on). Need to re-read post to try to get the science down better–but if I get a box fan, open a window on the opposite wall of bathroom & put the box fan in the bathroom doorway/aimed at the open bathroom window (it’s only a small louver ~12″wide x ~3 long), so you think that might help get me thru next few days/tilI can get better air filter? Thanks again. Elizabeth
elizabeth
meant bathroom vent not dryer…
Corinne
I didn’t understand this and what you were hoping to do with the box fans.
Elizabeth
The fumes from my neighbor downstair ‘s “Tide Original Scent” laundry detergent inundate my livingroom, hallway, bedroom, & bathroom. Her W & D face are behind louvered door; separated from her bathroom by drywall & face her hallway & livingroom (which are in same location as mine). My W/D do not open to hallway-opening was closed years ago & drywall installed. The fragrance-VOCs are especially bad in the bathroom & bedroom–lasting for 3-4 days–1st 2 days are at about same intensity (scale 1-10–10/10). I’d been putting the bathroom & kitchen exhaust fans on, w/out much success in alleviation; also no help from cross ventilating front slider & back sliders…so I thought (based on your article) I should stop using the exhausts–they probably just draw-in the fumes– & instead put a box fan in my living room window, which is on outside wall opposite bathroom wall– to draw outside air in (tho LR door’s isn’t exactly aligned with bathroom’s doorway) & then place another box fan at bathroom doorway pointed to bathroom’s small (13″x6″)-jalosie window to push the detergent’s VOCs outside. ‘Know how this probably isn’t a winter option–but hopefully will buy me time til I get the $$ for the Enviroklenz. If this description is still as clear as mud–pls let me know & I will email you for a consult. AGAIN–thank you so much for your time & energy & good brain:) Elizabeth
Cynthia Lewis
Can you tell me are there any office desktop units for MCS, I need VOC and formaldehyde removal.. They spray chemicals for disinfection, bug spray and just got all new office furniture, I have been working from home due to my reactions to all this, however they want me to return to the office with the new renovations. The last few times I have tried I continue to get major reactions. Thanks
Corinne
The desktop units wouldn’t be big enough to make an impact, I would use one of these in your office.
Helen
When my neighbors do laundry, my house and yard are basically enveloped in a heavy cloud of fragrance. My ventilation system was pulling the scent in, so, after getting some professional advice, I installed an IQ Air whole home filtration system that is combined with an Amaircare filter — all the air that comes into the house passes through both systems and they also filter the air that’s already in the house. I was expecting great things… and then my neighbors started their laundry and my house filled up with the scent cloud. These might be great filters, but they are no match for modern fragrance chemicals.
I also have a portable IQ Air multigas and this unit eliminates fragrance chemicals in just a few minutes. I LOVE this unit. I just wish they made a whole house system using this filter.
A while ago, we finished some floors in our house with something that was supposed to be totally non-toxic, but turned out to be beyond awful. The fumes were horrendous. When we went to sleep, we locked ourselves in one room with the Austin air filter and put our animals in another with the IQ Air multigas. In the morning, the room with the IQ multigas filter smelled like a forest. Having slept with the Austin filter, I felt completely poisoned. It hadn’t worked at all.
Just sharing my experience in case it’s of help to anyone doing research.
Helen
I should also add that for general day-to-day filtration, I’ve been happy with all of my filters. It’s just when it comes down to really heavy-duty air cleaning, most of them completely fail.
Sarah
Very interesting to read your post. I’ve been looking into the IQ Air, but the company has no data, or at least none they’re willing to share w/prospective customers. And that’s a red flag for me. If they did rigorous third party testing and the data was strong, they should be willing, and even happy, to share it. But your post makes me wonder if the unit might be ok. On the other hand, there are a lot of complaints at Amazon that perhaps it’s good for particle filtration but not much else. Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience. It was helpful to read your post…
Jillian
I have MCS and am so so sensitive to odors. I started using an AirDoctor air purifier some months ago and found out it emitted and odor and scrambled my brain, nervous system, and hurt my lungs to the same extent that an ozonator did years ago. It has an ionizer option and I wondered if it was giving off ozone. I stopped using it and did research and purchased in Austin Air Healthmate Plus purifier specifically to remove ozone odor. It did not remove the odor I was reacting to and actually seemed to emit the same odor. I now am left wondering if I’m reacting to potassium iodide, activated carbon, or residual ozone. Whatever the smell is, it is now stuck in my hotel air conditioning unit, my safe space. Making my life hell. I have a small Germ Guardian that uses activated carbon but I don’t seem to react to that. Any thoughts? Tips?
Corinne
There are a number of odors from air purifiers, the motor when new, the plastics and other components, the filter materials – people can react to the charcoal, potassium permanganate, it’s possible to react to one brand and not another, and then the ionizer yes, almost all ionizers give off ozone. Some UV lights give off ozone as well.
Helen
The IQ Air multigas removes ozone — I checked with the company just a little while ago. I can’t recall the percentage of the ozone it takes out, but it was very high. If this is indeed what you’re reacting to, it might help, but it’s an expensive experiment. I’ve tried a few filters and, in my experience, this is by far the best one.
Mandy
The only thing I care about is how well it will filter out VOCs because of a brand new house. I’m not allergic to anything else, but I am concerned about my health/toxicity. However, I’m worried Austin Air will filter out all the HARMLESS bacteria and viruses and therefore my immune system won’t have any work to do, and I won’t build immunity to bacteria and viruses in the real world. Any comments or recommendations on which would be best given my situation? Best VOC protection.
Corinne
I wouldn’t worry about that with these air purifiers, they are *that* good at filtering out viruses and bacteria to the point of sterilizing the space. There are lots of other sources of exposure as well other than the air – food, hands, other people, etc
John
I saw your reply to Anon regarding returns. I would like to caution that I’ve contacted Amaircare’s office in Mississauga, ON, Canada. The sales rep there said that no returns are allowed for any of their products.
Tad
Dust is a big nemesis for me. How do you think the Enviroklenz and the other units do with dust particles?
Corinne
For dust I definitely think it’s all about the HEPA and the fan size. Enviroklenze has that covered.
Katie Pollock
I tried Enviroklenz but it was awful loud and I felt like I was in a wind tunnel! Also didn’t react well to the mineral components—
Very hard to return…
Robyn
I have mc MCS and bought the Enviroklenz. It made me sooo sick. I swear it produces ozone. The air smelled like after a rain and my chest got super tight and a lot of other issues. By the time I had finally dared to use it, it was too late to return. I am really struggling with dust and mold allergies and finding something I can tolerate even just for that.
Anna
I tried enviroklenz; for three days , inside and outside . My husband who can’t smell well even smelled a chemical smell . I was so sick for hours after minutes of exposure. They let me return it since I contacted them day 2 of having the product. I didn’t even want to get a new one , felt like a Guine pig (sorry spelling!) with figuring out which part was making me feel nauseous.
Amanda
Thank you for this post. We have recently moved into a home and we are having trouble getting rid of a chemical smell that I believe is causing migraines. My doctor recommended Triad Aer. Can you tell me if you think this would help? Do you think the ionic types are not effective and/or not safe?
Thank you!
Mary
Thanks for this post Corinne. Do you know of HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) that have appropriate filtering of incoming air for chemically sensitive people?
Corinne
On the ones I have seen it’s very minimal but on some whole house units it can be a lot more.
Helen
If you find a good hvac technician, they may be able to install a whole house filter that connects to the HRV so all the air that comes into your house is filtered. I don’t have an HRV, but I did have a whole house filter install and the techs completely rebuilt my furnace like a maze so that it goes through a couple of different filters more than once
.
Robert
One thing I want to add here; so far no one can tell me in real terms, and I’ve talked to enough researchers and scientist about UV-C, At this time, I don’t believe it’s safe… EPA says that a UV-C air purifier does not seem effective as a stand-alone unit because it cannot trap or remove particles.
And, it is the production of ozone from these ionic air cleaners that pose a risk to human health.
Robert
I see a lot of no name filters listed or talked about…make sure they are real hepa’s or true hepa filtration? Just because it says HEPA, doesn’t mean it is a true HEPA filtration. Right now I only recommend two filtration units, IQAir and Air Doctor units, no gimmicks!
Corinne
IQ Air is good but is absolutely overpriced compared to other quality brands. All of the brands here are good quality known brands. These are definitely not no name. If you are using comments to promote the products you sell that’s not what the discussion is for. Especially if you are going to put down the competition without good reason.
Lauren
Thank you for sharing this, Corinne. Your site has been very helpful in our remodel decisions. Good indoor air has helped out family so much. Especially living in a moldy city with high PM2.5. We like the Air Doctor for portable options. The Reme Halo has been a great whole house option with minimal off gassing. We use it in conjunction with an Aprilaire ozone free filtration system on our HVAC. The combo was a lifesaver during the west coast wildfires we had a few months ago. I also get a lot of information for the California Air Resources Board website.
Corinne
Great to hear some good news!
Lesley Davis
Do you have any knowledge on systems air purifying systems installed in the HVAC system? Two products that I am interested in are the APCO-UV and the iWave system (R or C).
Raven
You don’t have filter list for the most common problem of actual fragrances….? Pthlates, fabric softener, “vape” which is killing random babies, cleaners etc….
nicole
is “air doctor” a good unit?
Anon
We got a 160R2 from E. L. Foust (cheaper than the 400 series you review above, though with less airflow and no UV lamp).
It is somewhat noisier than we expected (and at a varying pitch than can trigger my wife’s tinnitus), and it was a little messy coming out of the box (they warn about bits of carbon coming out of the cylinder, and some of this carbon also got into the fan which then blew out after starting it up). But once it was wiped down with a cloth it was fine.
After turning it one the longer it ran the more relaxed my wife said she was feeling. It was not only clearing the air of the scented candle smell from our neighbors but my wife thinks it may have been clearing the air of pollutants she wasn’t smelling.
We bought the standard mix. The only smell coming from the machine seems to be that of the carbon/purapel mix itself. And this is a smell that reminded my wife of a place she enjoyed, so not bad at all, and anyone else could try out the various other mixes Foustco provides in their sample pack.
It’s not 100%, and doesn’t compare to fresh air from the outside, but this is a purchase we are definitely happy with.. It’s small size is a bonus, as unlike the Enviroklenz or the E. L. Foust 400 series it fits under our table. https://imgur.com/a/QyUXAa7
Anon
A URL that works: https://imgur.com/a/OROlCzR
Anon
I recently bought and received an EnviroKlenz and it immediately started off-gassing a noxious rubber/plastic smell. Based on BBB reviews (mentioned in a one-star review on Amazon with a similar problem) this has happened to other people.
Perhaps running it for the two-day “acclimate the system to your environment” period would fully off-gas, but I live in a small place where this is not possible.
Beware if you don’t have a garage or similar room in which you can isolate it while off-gassing it (presuming this smell does off-gas).
And no, I don’t have MCS, so this isn’t me being overly sensitive.
Anon
And not to be critical or cast blame, but your review and personal testimonial is one of the primary reasons I chose EnviroKlenz. That’s why I’m posting my personal experience here.
Anna
Yes this happened to me ; so encouraging to hear I wasn’t the only one . It made me sick for days (nausea , head fog, overall sick feeling hard to describe.
Corinne
I tried this one too and I did pick up what seemed to me to be a mineral smell and like with all new appliances a bit of a new appliance motor smell. The only other one I have tried is Vornado which also had a new appliance odor. There are a couple brands in the post on air purifiers for MCS that try and offgas the motor first or have it more sealed in.
No dont worry about it sounding critical. All feedback is welcome.
Anon
Thanks Corinne.
My wife said the odor most closely reminded her of new car scent.
Over the years we’ve also bought Hamilton (box-fan sized) and Holmes (HAP9415) HEPA air purifiers and despite them being made from plastic they did not generate an odor out of the box. (The Hamilton motor seized within the warranty period and was returned to us smelling strongly, but did not smell out of the box.) So I don’t think all new appliances smell.
I emailed some questions to E. L. Foust. If they get back to me we’ll probably try one of their purifiers next.
Anon
My god I just hung up on a customer service representative. I have never, ever been treated so rudely. Fortunately the rep said I would be fully refunded and could keep the unit (which I will have to dispose of).
Rude customer service agents ad deceptive marketing practices.
Anon
Last comment, hopefully 🙂
I just received a polite email from another customer support person saying the full refund has been initiated, and that they are scheduling a pickup to ship the product back to them. This polite customer support person also stated to contact him directly if I need to for any other reason.
Hooray, now I can go about my day without seething in anger!
Corinne
That’s good. Yes I think all are returnable or refundable.
anna
Please continue to post and keep me in your data base. Appreciate the information. Need safe housing and researching best locale-problem is I need to be near major medical centers for family members health concerns, Thank you-Anna Heltzer [email protected]