Even if you don’t smoke, you may be surprised to learn that secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.
That’s why it’s important to ensure your home is free of tobacco smoke and other harmful airborne pollutants like VOCs. And the best way to do that is by investing in a quality air purifier.
But with so many different air purifiers on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Based on our extensive research, we’ve put together this list of the best air purifiers for VOCs.
Here is The List of the 6 Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air as gases from certain solids or liquids.
VOCs can be found in various household products, such as cleaning supplies, paint, and pesticides.
They can also be released from burning wood, gasoline, and tobacco. At low levels, VOCs are generally not harmful to human health.
However, long-term exposure to high VOC levels can cause various health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Health Effects Of VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released into the air as gases. They are found in many common household products, including cleaning supplies, paint, and personal care products.
VOCs can also be released from burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline and natural gas. Although VOCs are not harmful, they can react with other chemicals in the air to form ozone and other pollutants.
However, long-term exposure to high VOC levels can cause various health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
These pollutants can have various health effects, including respiratory problems and eye irritation.
Some VOCs have also been linked to cancer. To protect human health, it is important to limit exposure to VOCs by using products that contain them in well-ventilated areas.
How Are VOCs Released Into The Air?
VOCs, volatile organic compounds, are released into the air through various means. Many VOCs are released from common household products, such as cleaning supplies, paint, and personal care products.
VOCs can also be released from cooking and burning food. In addition, VOCs can come from various industrial processes, such as dry cleaning and manufacturing.
Once released into the air, VOCs can quickly spread and cause health problems. Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
6 Best Air Purifiers For VOCs
1. IQAir HealthPro Plus
Pros
- An expert team tests every unit in Switzerland
- Hyper HEPA is of high quality and has plenty of real activated charcoal pellets
Cons
- No auto-mode or app support but does have a remote
- Filter costs are high as are electricity costs
The IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier is the perfect solution for anyone looking for superior air quality.
This medical-grade air purifier features a HyperHEPA filter that has been proven and certified by a third-party testing lab to remove and trap 99.95% of all airborne particles down to 0.003 microns.
The HealthPro Plus can effectively remove bacteria, dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, smoke from wildfires, odors, harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, and more.
Additionally, the three different filters in this unit clean the air in four ways: prefilter traps coarse particles, activated carbon adsorption, and pelletized chemisorption filters odors and gasses. In contrast, the HyperHEPA filter removes ultrafine particles.
2. Coway Airmega 400
Pros
- Good timer function with four options
- Detects air quality changes fast and adapts immediately
- User-friendly design so it’s simple to operate
- Can automatically shut down when the air is completely clean
Cons
- Frequent cleaning of the pre-filter
- All the lights don’t disappear if used at night
This mighty machine captures and reduces up to 99.99 percent of particles 0.01 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens.
It also reduces more than 99 percent of volatile organic compounds and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO.
It comes with a pollution sensor that communicates indoor air quality testing in real-time, so you can always be in the know about the air around you.
And if that wasn’t enough, the brightly colored LED ring lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is every minute of the day.
3. Alen 75i
Pros
- Quiet even at the highest speed Trusted brand that has been going for a long time
- Auto-mode allows it to come on automatically as the unit detects VOCs or other pollutants
- Energy efficient – 45W is great for this CADR of 347
Cons
- Some issues getting filter replacements
- Less effective when comes to eliminating odors
Its powerful filters can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and airborne particles, and it comes with a True HEPA filter that lasts up to 3-5 months longer than standard filters.
The 5 air quality colors let you know how well the purifier is working, and the quiet operation means you won’t even know it’s there – unless you’re sleeping better.
With the ability to clean 1300 square feet every 30 minutes, the Alen 75i is the perfect choice for clean, fresh air in any home.
4. Rabbit Air MinusA2
Pros
- A 5-year warranty is not common with air purifiers
- Offers an app for on-the-go control
- Looks good when wall-mounted and has customizable images
Cons
- High price
This ultra-quiet HEPA air purifier is designed to stand alone or be mounted on the wall, making it perfect for any room in your home.
The MinusA2 features advanced HEPA filtration with six stages of purification and deodorization, providing you with the cleanest air possible.
The Germ Defense customized filter also traps and reduces airborne bacteria, mold spores, and particles that carry viruses, giving you peace of mind knowing your family is protected.
5. IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier
Pros
- The best air purifier for chemical sensitivity.
- 12 lbs (5.4 kg) V5-Cell MG granular activated carbon & impregnated alumina (AC/4 + IA/4).
- GC MultiGas Cartridges can last up to 2.5 years.
- PreMax pre-filter + HyperHEPA filter covers up to 1125 sq. ft. of room size.
- Certified performance with a 6-speed airflow delivery up to 510 CFM.
Cons
- The most expensive VOC air purifier to own and maintain.
- No Auto mode or air quality indicator.
- Not suitable for small spaces.
This powerful, medical-grade air purifier is 100x more effective than traditional HEPA air purifiers, making it the ideal choice for those with chemical sensitivities or other health concerns.
The HyperHEPA filters can capture ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns, ensuring that your air is as clean and fresh as possible.
The GC MultiGas also covers a room size of up to 1,125 sq ft, making it perfect for large rooms or families.
6. Coway Airmega 300S Air Purifier
Pros
- 260 CFM CADR with a wide 1256 square feet coverage.
- Max 2 filtration includes a Pre-filter and True HEPA filter.
- Wi-Fi enabled that supports the IoCare app and Amazon Alexa.
- Smart mode with real-time air quality display indicator and adjustable sensitivity.
Cons
- Expensive to own and maintain.
- Most functions are only available through the apps.
- No built-in light sensor or ionizer.
This nifty little device is equipped with a combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter, which makes it super effective at capturing and reducing tiny particles in the air.
It also does a great job of reducing volatile organic compounds, fumes, and odors. The built-in pollution sensor lets you monitor your indoor air quality in real-time.
And if that’s not enough, the Airmega 300S also comes with a washable and permanent prefilter to catch larger dust particles.
Can Electrostatic or Ozone Technology Remove VOCs?
Can electrostatic or ozone technology remove VOCs? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.
Can electrostatic or ozone technology remove volatile organic compounds? Yes, they can.
Ozone generators create ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, by passing oxygen gas through an electrical discharge.
Ozone oxidizes VOCs, converting them into harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. Ozone is effective at removing VOCs but is also corrosive and can damage materials such as fabrics and paints. In addition, ozone generators produce nitrogen oxides, which are also pollutants.
Electrostatic air cleaners use an electrical charge to remove particles from the air. They can be used to remove both particulate matter (PM) and VOCs.
Electrostatic air cleaners work by drawing air into the unit, where it passes through a series of electrically charged plates or needles.
The electrical charge attracts particles to the plates or needles, which are then collected. Electrostatic air cleaners effectively remove both PM and VOCs, but they can be expensive to operate and maintain.
Both ozone generators and electrostatic air cleaners can effectively remove VOCs from the air. However, it is essential to note that ozone generators can also produce pollutants and that electrostatic air cleaners can be expensive.
As a result, it is important to consider all the factors involved before deciding which technology is right for your home or office.
Can HEPA Filters Remove VOCs?
HEPA filters are designed to remove particulates from the air and are very effective. However, they are not designed to remove gaseous contaminants like VOCs.
VOCs are highly volatile and can easily pass through the pores of a HEPA filter. As a result, HEPA filters will not remove VOCs from the air.
If you want to remove VOCs from your indoor air, you will need to use a different air purifier. Some air purifiers use activated carbon filters designed to remove gaseous contaminants like VOCs.
Can Photochemical Oxidation (PCO) Filters Remove VOCs?
Can Photochemical Oxidation (PCO) filters remove VOCs? The answer may surprise you. Photochemical oxidation is a process that uses light energy to break down pollutants into harmless byproducts.
This technology has been used for years to purify air and water and is now being used to filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are emitted by various sources, including paint fumes, cleaning products, and office equipment.
They can cause various health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.
PCO filters are highly effective at removing VOCs from the air, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality.
Can Active Carbon Filters Remove VOCs Effectively?
Carbon filters are a popular choice for air purification, but their ability to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) is often questioned.
VOCs are gases released from various sources, including cleaning products, paint fumes, and cigarette smoke.
These gases can have harmful effects on the respiratory system, so it’s important to remove them from indoor air.
Carbon filters are effective at trapping VOC molecules and can significantly reduce the levels of these pollutants in the air.
However, it’s important to note that VOCs can eventually break down the carbon filter material, so these filters need to be replaced regularly.
Overall, carbon filters effectively remove VOCs from the air, but they must be properly maintained to be most effective.
FAQ
Do air purifiers remove VOCs?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. While all air purifiers remove some level of VOCs, some are better at it than others. If you are looking for an air purifier that specifically removes VOCs, you will want to look for one with an activated carbon filter.