Air purifiers are devices designed to improve indoor air quality by removing or reducing airborne pollutants and allergens. They work by drawing in indoor air and passing it through filters that capture contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, odors, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles. The cleaned air is then released back into the room

. Common pollutants that air purifiers target include tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust, mold, pesticides, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde in some advanced models

. Many air purifiers use HEPA filters, which can trap very fine particles, and activated carbon filters that absorb gases and odors. Some also use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses

. The benefits of using an air purifier include:

• Reducing symptoms for people with allergies or asthma by removing allergens from the air
• Filtering out smoke and unpleasant odors
• Lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses and potentially even some cancers
• Improving overall air quality, which can help with better breathing and possibly better sleep
• Reducing indoor humidity and airborne contaminants that can cause infections

While air purifiers cannot eliminate all indoor air pollutants, they are effective tools to significantly reduce many common airborne contaminants, making indoor environments healthier and more comfortable