Air purifiers with activated carbon plus additional sorbent materials targeted to formaldehyde are the best option for removing formaldehyde from your indoor air. You generally need a lot of carbon (and other sorbent material) to make a significant dent in the problem.
This list of air purifiers looks at those with the highest amount of sorbent material – starting at 30 lbs and going down to 12 lbs.
Activated carbon is the base material used to combat volatile organic compounds VOCs, but in order to deal with formaldehyde and acetaldehyde you want to look for options that include Zeolite, Potassium Iodide, or Potassium Permanganate.
This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Which Technologies Are Best for Formaldehyde Removal
Activated Carbon
Air filters with activated charcoal will remove most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. Carbon is especially effective against organic compounds like benzene as well as chemical gasses like chlorine (CARB, HSW). Activated carbon does adsorb (bind to) formaldehyde in the air (source) but it’s not the best solution on its own.
The adsorptive performance of activated carbon can be enhanced by surface modification which some air filters might be utilizing.
Zeolite and Potassium Iodide
Zeolite can adsorb formaldehyde (source).
Austin Air with Zeolite and Potassium Iodide showed much better reduction in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and dichloromethane in an independent test compared to carbon and other filter types. In that same test, activated carbon alone was not effective against these three light compounds.
Alumina and Potassium Permanganate
Potassium Permanganate-based filters are commonly used to target strong odors, smoke, and some VOCs. When formaldehyde molecules come into contact with the Potassium Permanganate on the activated carbon, they undergo a chemical reaction that converts formaldehyde into less harmful byproducts, such as formic acid. Alumina, like activated carbon, is also used for adsorption purposes, and when impregnated with Potassium Permanganate, it gains additional capabilities for oxidation. The combination creates a chemical filter media that can effectively adsorb and oxidize formaldehyde molecules.
Companies claim that Potassium Permanganate can help increase the filter’s ability to break down formaldehyde. It will also remove most mercaptans (the ‘smell’ of natural gas) and other odorous gases related to gas, such as hydrogen sulfide. (CARB)
Lower your Humidity and Temperature
Activated carbon in an air purifier works best at removing formaldehyde if your humidity is low inside your house and when the temperature is not too high. (source)
What to Look for in a Good Air Purifier:
- High Amount of Sorbent Material – If you want activated carbon to bind chemicals, the number of pounds of carbon is key. Zeolite, Potassium Iodide, and Potassium Permanganate extend the ability to remove formaldehyde.
- Ideally “True HEPA” – which filters 99.97% of particles done to 0.3 microns. While this isn’t related to formaldehyde removal, HEPA air filters can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, particulates from smoke, bacteria, some viruses, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns or larger (EPA, PudMed).
- Around 5 ACH (air changes per hour) – The CFM (cubic feet per minute) is how much air the air purifier can move through the filters. This will tell us how many air changes we can get in a space. Air change per hour is how many times you are “replacing” the air in the room per hour, this is a key area of comparison with air purifiers. You want at least 1 ACH, and up to 5 ACH for sensitive folks or highly polluted areas.
- 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).
Note on Air Changes Per Hour (ACH):
How Do You Calculate the ACH From a Unit’s Specs – You need the CFM to calculate ACH. CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute, this is the capacity of the unit to move air – how much air it moves through the machine. I have two calculators here to properly size these units based on CFM.
Top Brands of Air Purifiers for Formaldehyde Removal
1. AustinAir
This is my top pick. It has the best value for comprehensive filtration: True HEPA, 15 lbs of Carbon, plus Potassium Iodide and Zeolite for the best chemical coverage of formaldehyde.
Healthmate Plus $885
- 15 lbs of Activated Carbon impregnated with Potassium Iodide and Zeolite
- 250 CFM
- True HEPA (Removes 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns and 99% of all particles larger than 0.1 microns)
- dB 50-66 3-5ft
- EST early 90s
This is one of the most well-trusted brands in air purifiers. The high level of sorbent material eliminates a wide range of gases, chemicals, VOCs, and formaldehyde (the Potassium Iodide + Zeolite works best on formaldehyde). The unit itself is all metal (apart from the wheels).
Coverage: In 400 sq ft you get 5 air changes per hour (running on high). In 2000 sq ft you get 1 air change per hour. Great for high turnover in small and medium-sized rooms with still a 1 ACH in large rooms.
Colors: Black, Dark Blue, White, Tan. The Baby’s Breathe Model comes in Pink and Baby Blue (but does not have pounds of carbon).
Filter replacement: HEPA/carbon pre-filter 3-5 years $360. A more realistic life expectancy for the filters is 2 to 4 years, with the carbon likely becoming saturated before the HEPA filter. Still, the filters are protected by a 5-year pro-rated guarantee.
Cons: Not the quietest air purifier on the list. There is no concrete way to tell when the filters are actually saturated and should be changed other than when you start to smell the carbon off-gassing. Both carbon and HEPA filters are attached so if one is maxed out you need to replace both.
Less Expensive Option: The Healthmate Jr Plus for $465 has 6.5 lbs of granular carbon/zeolite with Potassium Iodide. It has 125 CFM.
You can buy them on Amazon and Green Design Center
2. IQAir
While this has less carbon than some of the other models, it has Alumina impregnated with Potassium Permanganate so we would expect it to remove more formaldehyde than carbon-only filters.
IQAir Multigas $1299
- 12 lbs granular activated carbon & Alumina impregnated with Potassium Permanganate
- CFM 300
- True HEPA
- dB 35-69 (at 3 ft)
- EST 1963
This might be one of the best-known brand names in air purifiers. Lots of people swear by it even though the amount of carbon is lower than the others; the additives make it efficient.
The addition of Alumina impregnated with Potassium Permanganate to the Carbon adds protection against chemical contaminants such as formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide.
Coverage: In 500 sq ft you get 5 air changes per hour (running on high). In 2500 sq ft you get 1 air change per hour. Good for small, medium, and large rooms.
Colors: MultiGas comes in white with a blue stripe; HealthPro (pictured above) in white or wood look.
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. Color-coded lights indicate when a filter change is needed.
Cons: It’s large and not particularly aesthetic. The filter costs are somewhat high.
Their HealthPro Plus, $899, comes with 5 lbs of carbon, is 40 to 300 CFM, and that gets you 2 air changes/hr in 1125 sq. ft, dB 25 to 59
You can buy the HealhPro and Multigas directly through the IQAir website or on Amazon
3. Airpura
This has a higher amount of carbon + Potassium Iodide than the first two, and a high CFM for large areas, but no True HEPA filter. If formaldehyde removal is a higher priority than True HEPA, this is the one to go with.
Airpura C600 DLX $950
- 26 lbs of Coconut Shell Carbon with Potassium Iodide
- 440 CFM
- No True HEPA filter, the HEPA filter captures 1 micron and greater
- dB 28.1 – 62.3 @6ft.
- EST 2004
This little unit has a very high CFM (second highest on the list) so it’s good for large spaces. The C600 DLX is for chemicals and gas abatement. It contains 26 lbs of an impregnated Carbon Filter with Potassium Iodide for maximum formaldehyde abatement.
It removes more than 4,000 chemicals, including formaldehyde, VOCs from new construction, ammonia, benzene, toluene, radon, glues, pesticides, methylene chloride, mold mycotoxins, perchloroethylene, hydrogen sulfide, mercury vapors, hydrogen bromide, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and more. It’s good for new homes and it’s good for homes/workplaces that are in proximity to manufacturers that release chemicals from their manufacturing processes.
It has all metal housing and can work well for chemically sensitive folks.
Coverage: In 700 sq ft you get 5 air changes per hour (running on high). In 2500 sq ft you get 1 air change per hour. Good for small, medium, and large rooms.
Colors: Black, Cream, White.
Filter replacement: Carbon filter 2-3 years $350; Post filter 1 year $100; Pre-filter 6-12 months $40; filter 1-2 years $60
Cons: No True HEPA filter. It will capture airborne particulates 1 micron and greater but does not have the ability to capture sub-micron particles. No filter change indicators. Replacing the filters requires some work – the C600 needs to be turned upside down and the unit weighs 49 lbs.
They sell these at Walmart and Sylvane
4. Amaircare
This is the lowest-cost option with the highest level of carbon (alongside Allerair) for medium-sized rooms. However, we don’t know what is in the carbon mixes.
Amaircare 3000 $759
- Up to 30 lbs of carbon, depending on the option you choose
- 265 CFM
- True HEPA
- dB 43 to 61 @ 6 ft
- EST 1994, Made in Canada
This all-metal construction is well-liked by those with chemical sensitivities. It’s the lowest-cost option with a very high level of carbon.
They also have the following filter options for a wider range of filtration: Formaldesorb option for formaldehyde, and Multisorb for a mix of VOCs. They don’t say what is in these sorbent mixes.
Coverage: In 400 sq ft you get 5 air changes per hour (running on high). In 2000 sq ft you get 1 air change per hour. Good for small and medium-sized rooms, though you still get 1 ACH in large rooms.
Colors: Black or White.
Filter replacement: Pre-filters + VOC media/year (12 lbs) $119; HEPA Filter 2-5 years $200. The HEPA is rated at 2-5 years when the prefilter is maintained. Touch pad control panel indicates when each filter needs to be replaced.
Cons: You need a screwdriver to change the filter.
The 3000 is available on Sylvane and on Amazon
5. AllerAir
Alongside Amaircare, this has the highest amount of carbon mix with a very high CFM (the highest on the list) to move air through so much carbon. However, it’s a carbon-only mix.
AirMedic Pro 5 $1399
- 28-30 lbs carbon
- Super HEPA or True HEPA
- 560 CFM (and you can upgrade to 730 CFM)
- dB 39-62 dB @ 6 feet
- EST 1994
AllerAir is a very hefty home air filter with the highest amount of carbon on the market (alongside Amaircare).
The Vocarb sorbent mix is the best for higher pollution levels, VOCs, chemicals (formaldehyde, etc.), fumes, and odors. The Vocarb mix is a mix of two types of carbon. (They have over 40 blends of carbon for specific pollutants).
This is also the highest CFM option on the list so the fan can pull through so much carbon.
Coverage: In 900 sq ft you get 5 air changes per hour running on high. In 2700 sq ft you get 1 air change per hour. Good for small, medium and large rooms.
Colors: It comes in White, Black and Tan. Special order: Pewter, Copper
Filter replacement costs: Carbon Filter 2-5 years $172; Super HEPA 2 years $131; Pre-filter 3 months $132
Cons: No change filter indicator. You need to undo screws at the bottom to change the main filters. We don’t know what’s in the carbon mixes so we can’t fully evaluate its effectiveness.
AirMedic Pro 5 MCS is made for people with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) – They burn in the motor by running and off-gassing it for 6-8 hours. It has 24 lbs carbon and is dB 35-60 @1ft.
You can buy Allerair on Amazon or at Walmart
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Ingrid
Hi Corinne. Thank you so much. I’ve studied your article. So helpful!! And what do you think of wirecutter’s (new york times) article. Especially the cigarette smoke filters discussed here (neighbor smokes …) https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/
Renee Gresham
Is potassium permagante carcenogic? I see some people recommending you stay away from filters with that.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Potassium permanganate is not classified as a carcinogen by regulatory agencies
Renee Gresham
Gotcha, so it’s not necessarily toxic, but some people may not be able to tolerate it if they are sensitive?
Thomas
Hello Corinne,
I have been dealing with formaldehyde polluted in my newly renovated small 500 sqft apartment that cannot be able to open window much.
I had Dyson Big&Quiet. It brings down the level to a range of 0.200 -0.300 BUT still indicates yellow level.
After I have read your article, I went out bought an IQAir GC Multigas.
Together these 2 machines at max level bring down formaldehyde level to a range of 0.050 – 0.200 . But overnight, the level move up and down varying from 0.040 – 0.180 and alternately indicates green and yellow light. It has never become solid green
Now, it is time to replace an IQair filter. To make it works better with Formaldehyde removal, my question is should I replace it with a same default GC Multigas Cartridges which weighs 12 lb
Link:
https://www.iqair.com/us/products/replacement-filters/gc-multigas-cartridges-f2
OR should I switch to a ChemiSorber Cartridges (F2) which is heavier(32 lb)?
Link:
https://www.iqair.com/us/products/replacement-filters/gc-chemisorber-cartridges-f2
Thank you very much for your article. I hope this question shines some lights to others who may have a same question.
Best Regards,
Thomas M
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would ask IQ Air which they think will help more. Also you can pull a lot of air through a window that only opens an inch if you run your bathroom and or kitchen exhaust fans. So if your outdoor air quality is good I would run that for 30 min – an hour at least twice a day. Don’t use air purifiers while running that fresh air through as that is pretty pointless. When you close it you can run it again.
Thomas
Thank you for your quick reply. I actually called them but did not seem to get any more info much. Also, cannot find any online review on this Chemisorber filter at all too.
MichaelV
I’ve owned the IQAir Health Pro Plus. The V-5 Cell (activated carbon + KMnO4 on impregnated aluminum) has been a source of trouble, off-gassing a sweet odor. I used an Aeroqual Ranger with an HCHO head and also did air testing (Hantzsch reaction) on the unit. My findings are the V-5 Cell off-gases formaldehyde, and this is very unsettling to me. I had an IAQ firm do indoor testing for lab analysis. Have you heard of this before? The V-5 cell did not yet reach breakthrough (saturation). I realize %RH can lead to chemical release from the activated carbon pores, but with my family having breathed this, I am worried. Indoor HCHO levels were 10-50 ppb. The HealthPro Plus does not use PCO technology, so it should not produce HCHO or free radicals. I am perplexed. Thank you, Corrine. Keep up the excellent articles.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I’m not sure what’s going on there
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
How did you conduct the Hantzsch test on the unit? (The handheld units are not accurate). Then with the indoor testing lab analysis was there testing with and without the air purifier?
MichaelV
Corinne,
I had an IAQ firm come to my house. They collected air samples in two rooms and the samples were sent to an offsite lab.
Yes, handheld instruments vary widely and fluctuate with %RH and indoor temperature. Air samples are more accurate than handheld devices. The latter are good VOC screening tools.
Thank you,
Michael
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Thanks for sharing. Did they test the air with and without the filters? Outdoor levels can be 20 ppb, and a little higher indoors is quite normal.
Potassium permanganate is an oxidizing agent, and when it reacts with certain organic materials, it can produce aldehydes and ketones I believe – something to look into (and gives off a sweet smell). So if the levels are definitely higher with the filter and the filter is not saturated maybe that is what is going on.
MichaelV
Good points, Corrine.
They tested one room (a double room on the 1st floor) without the Health Pro Plus, and it showed 29 ppb formaldehyde.
The IQAir machine was running upstairs in a room with the door closed. It showed 36 ppb, or about 25% higher than the 1st floor room.
The 2nd floor room was about one-third the size of the downstairs room.
The HVAC was turned off. All windows were closed. The air samples were collected for, as I recall, 60-90 minutes to obtain representative conditions.
The IAQ firm did not do a trip sample that would have accounted for outdoor (ambient) levels or any lab interferences.
With the filter not saturated, your explanation makes the most sense, i.e., the KMnO4 is oxidizing VOCs into aldehydes. That could account for the higher formaldehyde with the unit running in the 2nd floor room vs. the 1st floor room.
IQAir was/is aware of the odd, sweet smell. They do not argue and will replace the V-5 Cell.
Perhaps, if I were to purchase another air purifier, I would stay solely with activated carbon and forego anything with potassium permanganate.
And you are correct, indoor levels of formaldehyde can be over 20 ppb, and this is especially so with new construction homes or renovations involving laminate flooring, painting and new carpeting. That is why “bakeoffs”, which you discuss in another article, are necessary and helpful.
I’m glad I found your page, Corinne. I’ve been looking for someone who understands these indoor air quality concerns.
Renee Gresham
Curious if this “sweet smell” you are referencing is dangerous to breathe in? I’ve been noticing this recently in my daughters room when opening the door in the morning it’s epically strong ( she has a very small room) and the charcoal filter does have potassium permagante.
Thomas
Hello Corinne,
I have been dealing with formaldehyde polluted in my newly renovated small 500 sqft apartment that cannot be able to open window much.
I had Dyson Big&Quiet. It brings down the level to a range of 0.200 -0.300 BUT still indicates yellow level.
After I have read your article, I went out bought an IQAir GC Multigas.
Together these 2 machines at max level bring down formaldehyde level to a range of 0.050 – 0.200 . But overnight, the level move up and down varying from 0.040 – 0.180 and alternately indicates green and yellow light. It has never become solid green
Now, it is time to replace an IQair filter. To make it works better with Formaldehyde removal, my question is should I replace it with a same default GC Multigas Cartridges which weighs 12 lb
Link:
https://www.iqair.com/us/products/replacement-filters/gc-multigas-cartridges-f2
OR should I switch to a ChemiSorber Cartridges (F2) which is heavier(32 lb)?
Link:
https://www.iqair.com/us/products/replacement-filters/gc-chemisorber-cartridges-f2
Thank you very much for your article. I hope this question shines some lights to others who may have a same question.
Best Regards,
Thomas M
Sarah
Austin Air update: They no longer manufacture the “junior” and are (or were) selling their inventory until it sells out. But I just noticed they have a new very tiny product called the “It” that’s a desktop size. FYI to anyone interested.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I wish they had continued the junior it was really the best small option
Sarah
Yeah. The size was ideal, though in my experience the noise level was bad which I think was/is a design flaw: the fan motor is too close to the exhaust section and creates a high-pitched noise. Tried two small units and they both had the same issue.
chantal
Sarah have you tried the ”it”. wondering if might do the trick for bedrooms. looking for something that is less noisy than the 3 Austin healtmate pluses I have (which I love but too noisy for my noise sensitive kids to endure)
Sarah
I have an Austin Air Plus unit. It’s extremey effective but emits a smell that I find annoying. It also antagonizes my eyes. I don’t know if it’s the carbon or the zeolites. In your experience, which is the more likely culprit? Can you also weigh in on cocounut shell and potassium permanganate as primary ingredients? I’d like to buy a unit that doesn’t antagonize my upper respiratory or eyes and that doesn’t give off a smell that’s a bit icky.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
PP more likely to aggracate than all the others, but very individual, have to test options. can get samples from some of them.
Sarah
Thank you so much, Corrine. I thought I’d read that somewhere on your site, but couldn’t find it. This is quite an extraordinary repository of info!!!
MichaelV
Sarah,
My unit, which I no longer use, has potassium permanganate. I believe the Austin Air unit has potassium iodide.
I am more sensitive to odors than others around me, and the PP seemed to irritate and dry out my eyes. The potassium iodide may have a similar effect.
I also seem to have a low odor threshold, and I was able to smell things coming off my unit before other people.
Michael
Michele M.
Hi Corinne, thanks for this great article. I had read this when I was deciding which purifier to purchase for our new home and found it very helpful. Do you have any suggestions for air purifiers for extremely sensitive people?? We’ve had multiple other lower price point air purifiers over the years and I’ve never had a reaction to them. We recently moved into a new home because of health issues I was having – I have two autoimmune disorders, chemical sensitivities, allergy, asthma, MCAS, mold toxicity, and multiple other diagnoses. I took the plunge and ordered the Health Mate Plus and was so excited when it arrived. But it wasn’t long after using it, I had noticed strange symptoms, facial pain, ears were red, teeth hurting, headaches, legs were hurting more. I started to remove items from the living room that we recently brought in to see if it would help. It had no effect. When I left the house, my symptoms would go away, upon return they would come back. Then I tried turning off the purifier. Ta-da! Relief! I reached out to support, they sent another filter for me to try. Even with the different filter, the Allergy filter, I experienced the symptoms. It was so disappointing to not be able to use the Austin Air, that everyone touts as the best for removal of formaldehyde, vocs, gases, etc. Do you have a suggestion on an air purifier? I seem to do ok with the Intellipure. Though I know those don’t check all the boxes. Just for reference our home is a new build, has gas heat, gas stove. Also, we are bringing in furniture sparingly, so I know if I’m ok with it or not. I had reactions to a Ruggable rug, Ikea Christmas tree, and a fireplace mantel.
Corinne Segura
yes there is an article for air purifiers for chemically sensitive folks which not only looks at their capacity to clean the air but the offgassing of the unit itself
MichaelV
Corinne,
Is the article you refer to (air purifiers for chemically sensitive people) on this website?
Consumers should be aware of the potential for offgassing, as this is a real issue. Are you aware of independent third party testing of purifiers that quantify VOCs, formaldehyde, etc. that are offgassed?
Thank you.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
no, for most people the offgassing from the unit itself is so minimal and also goes down soon
MichaelV
Just to follow up, is off-gassing something that is transitory? Will units release VOCs from the carbon and then as more pore space is available, adsorb chemicals and then repeat the cycle?
When indoor humidity gets very high, carbon can release VOCs, especially the smaller, lower molecular weight species. Then, when the air is drier, the carbon removes VOCs from the air.
If the filter is spent, then any VOC drawn into the filter by the fan will pass through uncaptured.
Sarah
I purchased this same unit last year based on good reviews and recommendations, excellent customer service, and a impressive level of third party testing and transparency by the company regarding the various chemicals it addresses and level of effectiveness for each one. However, I noticed after running it for a while, that my eyes and sinuses were very irritated and deduced it was likely from the carbon in the filter (which is loaded w/carbon which is part of why it’s very effective). So I can’t use it and just have it for those situations when contractors may be working in the house or some other situation when I need to run it, but unfortunately, cannot tolerate having it running constantly. I tried a couple of other brands but found customer service lacking, transparency of data almost non-existent, and/or poor construction of the unit. In other words: sigh.
Corinne Segura
thank you for all your reviews sarah!
Suzie
How is the Turonic Air Purifier?
Paul
Have you compared to Dyson’s formaldehyde catalytic converter based purifier?
Corinne Segura
I wouldn’t use photocatalytic oxidation on formaldehdye, as it breaks it down into smaller aldehydes first, and that can increase VOCs. That’s not a brand I have a lot of trust in based on some claims from their other units. But I’m not going to do a negative review of any brand here, as air purifier brands in general are very litigious. If there is an independent study that can replicate real life conditions that could be something to look at.
Paul
The claim is “Destroys formaldehyde, continuously
The Dyson catalytic filter continuously traps and breaks down formaldehyde1 molecules into water and CO2. And it never needs replacing.”
Corinne Segura
yes i saw that
Alexandra
Hi Corinne, recently I have been aware of some rumblings among MCS discussion communities – there are reports that well-known air purifer brands are no longer as effective at removing odors. I have experienced this myself with a company that did tell they had supply problems during Covid. This company said they have returned to their normal suppliers but the product is completley different and no longer works for me, in fact, the filters actually make me feel worse, which is so odd. Do you have any insight into this? It appears I will need to switch air purifiers brands, but I do want to be sure that my new one is effective. I own 9 of the particular manufacturer that is causing a problem for me specifically so this will be an investment, and I’m thinking of getting several different manufacturers as a hedge. The brand I’ve been using is one of the brands you recommended in another air purifer article.
Corinne Segura
it sounds like there was problems with gettting potassium permanganate during covid and I’m not sure what there new supply is. Just because it doesnt have the same smell might not mean it’s not working. And that additive is especially for formaldehdye so if there isn’t formaldehyde offgassing you might not need it. Also some people do react to potassium permangante itself (whether it’s working or not). But if it seems that those filtes with potassium permangante are not working then you might want to sample other companies filters before buying the air purifier, even sniffing them might help. But I don’t have any insider information on that or which companies have been able to keep the same source of PP.
Karen Franks
How well does the Hi Tech compare to the air purifiers you reviewed above?
Corinne Segura
PCO does particularly poorly with formaldehyde.
MM Porter
Hi Corinne – Thanks for all of the helpful info. I finished up a renovation of an interior bathroom with a vent fan (no window in bathroom or window you can open in bedroom as building is high-rise condo with re-circulated air, no fresh air intake in HVAC ). I have not been able to move back in without getting sick (sore throat) – No history of allergies or chemical sensitivities until this. It’s been 3.5 months. I’ve done professional air testing and through remediation/aggressive ventilation, gotten VOCs down to less than 200 ng/L (and they used oil-based paint on cabinetry and trim in July). My formaldehyde is at 35 ng/L or 28 ppb which I’ve read is a safe range, but I believe it’s not low enough for my sensitivity. I’ve used hydroponic filters with high carbon to try to get it lower. Would one of these systems above take it down more quickly? I want to get settled back home (and hope getting formaldehyde lower is the trick)!
Corinne Segura
It’s not clear that formaldehyde is a problem from offgassing, I would need a lot more info. It’s possible to have that much formaldehyde in urban outdoor air. Would one of these air purifiers help, yes, would it be enough to get rid of your symptoms, that is not certain. Continue with ventilation and “bake outs” see other articles on that.
Julie
I’m doing a major remodel on our house. Which air purifier do you think is the best for post construction out of the list? Thanks
Corinne
Any of the high carbon ones would be good.
Marty
The enviroklenz is another viable unit. https://enviroklenz.com/enviroklenz-mobile-air-system-vs-formaldehyde/
It has a cartridge with the following elements:
– Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
– Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
– Aluminum Oxide (Al2o3)
Emily
We have the Intellipure based on reviews from a few sources. How does it compare? Any concerns about the DFS technology it uses?
Corinne
it sounds like an electrostatic filter, so it’s good for particulates. There’s a little carbon on their pre filter but that won’t do much and not against formaldehyde. This air purifier is mainly for particulates.
Scott
Thank you for your hard work producing this important article, Corinne!
1. How does AirDoctor compare? (scroll to near the end of this page for their filter details: https://airdoctorpro.com)
2. And do original charcoal briquettes absorb VOCs? https://www.amazon.com/Kingsford-Briquets-16lb/dp/B07NNZJ2V6
Corinne
Air doctor has very little carbon and carbo isn’t even really working on formaldehyde. Charcoal bags can absorb some VOCs passively, but not as well as an air purifier.
Amanda Wikan
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