IMPACT OF PORTABLE HEPA AIR PURIFIERS ON HEALTH: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

Zuzanna Drewniak; Agnieszka Dobrowolska; Karolina Rycman; Marta Rząsa; Adam Skrobarczyk; Izabella Sośniak; Martyna Sternik; Kamil Wendrychowicz; Filip Wróbel

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5144

Authors

Zuzanna Drewniak Praski Hospital in Warsaw, aleja Solidarności 67, 03-401 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0426-4312
Agnieszka Dobrowolska M. Sklodowska-Curie Provincial Hospital in Zgierz, 95-100 Zgierz, ul. Parzeczewska 35, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5645-7518
Karolina Rycman Clinical Hospital of the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8144-6339
Marta Rząsa M. Sklodowska-Curie Provincial Hospital in Zgierz, 95-100 Zgierz, Parzeczewska 35, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6817-6940
Adam Skrobarczyk 4th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Wroclaw, Rudolfa Weigla 5, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6391-2666
Izabella Sośniak Brothers Hospitallers Hospital in Kraków, Trynitarska 11, 31-061 Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9438-6175
Martyna Sternik 4th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Wroclaw, Rudolfa Weigla 5, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2235-7932
Kamil Wendrychowicz Central Teaching Hospital of The Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5452-5384
Filip Wróbel Norbert Barlicki Memorial Teaching Hospital No. 1 of the Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, 90-153 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7572-9451

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5144

Keywords:

Portable Air Cleaners, Particulate Matter, Indoor Air Quality, Environmental Health

Abstract

Background: Ambient and indoor air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), represents a primary risk factor for global morbidity, contributing significantly to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers are a widely available intervention, typically reducing indoor particulate matter by 50-60%.

Objective: This review aims to analyze recent evidence regarding the impact of personal air purifiers on various human health markers.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar (2015–2025) identified 13 relevant studies, prioritizing randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses conducted on adult populations.

Results: Cardiovascular outcomes were the most consistent, with meta-analyses demonstrating a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of approximately 2.35 mmHg. Significant improvements were also observed in biomarkers of systemic inflammation and coagulation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). In contrast, respiratory findings were inconsistent; while airway inflammation (FeNO) and asthma quality of life showed improvement, most studies reported no significant changes in spirometry parameters such as FEV1 or FVC. Emerging evidence also suggests benefits for sleep duration and the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol.

Conclusion: Indoor air purifiers serve as a scientifically supported "proof of concept" for acute health protection, particularly for cardiovascular risk factors. However, the field is currently limited by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and challenges in maintaining blinding. Future research should prioritize long-term longitudinal studies and affordable, sustainable filtration options for low-income settings.

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