What to Look For in an Air Purifier For Smoke

A quality air purifier for smoke removes the microscopic particles and smells that can negatively impact health. Look for a high smoke CADR rating (like the 450+ max from Blueair Classic 680i or the top-rated Medify MA-112) and advanced smart features.

A 3-stage filtration system is ideal, cutting smoke particles and odors with a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter

HEPA filters are mechanical air filters that trap microscopic particles of matter. They are used in a wide variety of applications including hospitals and health care facilities to protect patients from exposure to viruses, bacteria, airborne fungi, dust mites, pet dander and smoke. They are also used in high technology industries such as aerospace, computer manufacturing and integrated circuit fabrication to prevent the spread of radioactive contamination.

HEPA filter media is typically comprised of randomly arranged wet laid fiberglass fibres. This creates the arresting properties of the filter. During operation, an electric motor drives air through the filter. Depending on the model, this process may occur over a period of time or a pre-filter may be used to entrap larger particles that would otherwise clog the HEPA filter and shorten its lifespan.

Smaller particulates are captured by the diffusion mechanism of the HEPA filter. This occurs when SMOKE PURIFIER gas molecules that are smaller than the particles collide with them and slow their passage through the filter, making it more likely for the particles to collide with and stick to a filter fiber. The other two mechanisms of particle capture in a HEPA filter are interception and impaction.

The interception and impaction processes work best for particle sizes up to 0.3 microns. As such, it is often referred to as the “weak spot” of HEPA filtration.

Activated Carbon Filter

Activated carbon is used in air and water filters to remove odors, pollutants and harmful chemicals. Its natural material makes it an ideal choice for purifying contaminated water. In fact, it was successfully used in Fountain Colorado to remove PFAS chemicals from drinking water. It also is effective at removing naturally occurring organic chemicals that affect smell and taste, as well as synthetic chemicals.

The technology behind activated carbon filtration is based on adsorption, which is the process of adhering atoms, molecules and ions to surfaces. The extreme micro-porosity of activated carbon gives it a huge surface area, and this is why it can adsorb exponentially more contaminants than traditional filters.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is generally used in fixed carbon filter beds, whereas powdered activated carbon (PAC) is usually SMOKE PURIFIER used in movable units such as portable air purifiers. Both types are produced by thermal activation using steam or other hot gases, which cause the carbonized material to be oxidised, creating thousands of tiny pores.

The size of these pores is critical for activated carbon to effectively adsorb odours, fumes and chemicals. The bigger the pores, the more gaseous chemicals it can adsorb. To create the right pore structure, the raw materials and activation conditions need to be chosen carefully. In addition to the pore size, the contact time of air or water with the activated carbon must be long enough for the chemicals to adsorb. This is known as the dwell time.

Odor Eliminator

For those who want to help remove the odor of secondhand smoke from their home or workplace, it can be very helpful to invest in an air purifier for cigarette smoke. These units can be very effective in eliminating odors associated with smoking and can also aid in reducing particulates in the air. They are able to do this by using a combination of a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.

Activated carbon is one of the most porous materials on earth, making it an ideal material for absorbing odors. When combined with the powerful particle-destroying abilities of a HEPA filter, it can be very effective at helping to eliminate odors from cigarette and cigar smoke. In addition to these filters, it is important to keep in mind that it is also important to clean out your vents as this can often be a source of smoky odors.

The Honeywell Blast Mini is a great choice for those who need an air purifier to help eliminate secondhand smoke. This unit is able to effectively purify the air in rooms up to 915 square feet and comes with three different settings and a turbo clean mode that can increase speed. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Levoit Core 300 is another excellent choice for those who need an air purifier for smoke. This unit is able to provide five complete air changes per hour and includes a pre-filter and HEPA filter for the removal of particles and odors from smoke.