10 Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers 2024 Updated

Even though right air purifier can provide health benefits, particularly if you have asthma, or have another respiratory condition, it also has its disadvantages. Ionizers are a type of indoor air quality air purifier that uses ionizers.


There are many advantages of portable air purifiers but we should not ignore some concerning negative side effects of air purifiers. Every year, indoor air quality purifier claims seem to rise in popularity.

Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers

Advertisers make air purifiers works sound more fake or phony than actual appliances that perform a functional function. Let,s take a look on some negative side effects of air purifiers.

10 Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers

1. Hepa filters side effects

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is a popular term in purifiers. HEPA filters were initially very effective. A variety of purifiers were developed with similar technologies and designs to clean air pollution. Only a handful of these works well as hepa air purifiers.


HEPA filters trap bacteria, viruses, and particulate matter larger than 0.3 microns. They are invisible to the naked eye. When this feature works, it is certainly useful. The HEPA filter has changed a lot. True HEPA filters exist. True HEPA filters are able to capture these particulate matter.

2. Side effects from activated carbon filters

Since its inception, activated carbon filter has been used for purification. Activated carbon filter comes from carbon-rich sources, such as wood and coconut. coal, wood, coconut, etc.


Many air purifiers use activated carbon filters to remove odor, smoke, or chemical smell. Activated carbon filters are great for asthma sufferers. It can absorb pollutants.


This filter is really great. This filter isn’t enough to make a purifier more efficient. Combining activated carbon and HEPA filters makes this a package well worth the investment.

3. Side Effects of Ionizers

They are also known as ionizers air purifiers or negative ion generators. Their purpose is to remove airborne particles such as dust and pollen. Air Ionizers are designed to target dust and pollen and remove them from the air.


They don’t have to destroy the particles, they can just move them. The particles and the ions stick to the walls, furniture, and ground once they have been removed from the atmosphere.
The particles that were being removed from the air will eventually return, but that’s not all. The furniture, walls, and ground will be damaged by the ions that get stuck.


What’s this? most ionic Air purifiers won’t make you sick since they cleanse the air. Air purifiers won’t cause sore throat. Some air purifiers with ionic technology may cause irritation to the throat in patients with respiratory ailments however, it won’t cause coughing.

4. Allergies can be made worse by air purifiers

Because they pull airborne allergens from the room towards the purifier, air purifiers can worsen allergies. The filter can cause a concentrated area of airborne allergens around it.


In addition to reducing the impact on allergies, filters are able to help eliminate odors in the air and improve clean air delivery rate allow you to sleep more comfortably. Effectiveness will differ based on the kind of filter you’re employing.

For instance activated carbon filters are likely to be more effective in eliminating odors, but aren’t as effective in removing dust from your air. The most expensive air purifiers will have various types of filters that ensure that all bases are covered.


Air Filters maintenance can be just one of many things that requires regular focus. HVAC servicing is an additional method to ensure the quality of your indoor air.

Cleaning around and inside the HVAC system, checking and cleaning the ducts and the ventilation as well as ensuring your system is functioning in the right way are essential to ensure that your home is allergy-free.

Don’t miss: HEPA air purifier side effects

5. Ozone

Ozone gas is a byproduct of air purifiers that remove negative ions from the air filters. No matter whether you believe ozone air purifiers is evil or not, too much of it can cause a number of health problems.


Ozone gas has a strong odor similar to bleach. One more is better than the other. You don’t want an air purifier that creates a new odor if it’s being used to reduce odors.

Can air purifiers make you cough

Don’t miss: Best Air Purifier for Sinus Problems

6. Dust the Room

The air purifier tends to make the surrounding area dustier. They can also cause dust to settle in the surrounding area if they use negative ions. The air purifier can make the surrounding area dustier. They can also cause dust to settle in the surrounding area if they use negative ions.


Air purifiers are able to eliminate airborne particles. They aren’t designed to soak off dust from surfaces, or remove them from carpet fibres. Therefore, even if a True HEPA filter does eliminate the 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants however, be aware that there’ll remain a significant amount of dust in any item which is not airborne within your home.

7. Noisy

Air purifiers work in a similar way to fans. They pull dirty air quality from the air and then exhaust it. They can be set to run at different speeds, just like a fan. Hepa filter purifiers with larger capacities advertise white noise as one of their many benefits.

8. Concentrate germs and bacterias

The air purifier work in reverse and attempts to remove allergens from the atmosphere. Because the air quality flows towards the purifier, this makes the area surrounding the purifier more cluttered with local debris. This is why it is not a good idea to sleep next to an air purifier.

9. UV Radiation Side Effects

All of us know that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be harmful to our bodies. What about UV sanitizers? The UV filters found in air purifiers can be used to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses.


It sounds great that all the bad stuff is being destroyed. It is the worst thing for us! Ozone generators is released by some UV sanitizers. It can be fatal to us. It is dangerous, regardless of the Ozone content. If it only has a UV filter, UV sanitizer air purifiers should not be purchased.


Safe to use purifiers with a combination of a UV filter and a True HEPA filter or activated carbon filter are safe. The UV sanitizer should never be left on.

10. It’s useless for smoking

Similar to strong cooking smells, it is unlikely that you will be able to quickly remove the lingering smoke smell. If you’re talking about a house with a history of smoking cigarettes, the lingering odor is something that an air purifier won’t be able to remove. Sticky residue from tobacco and cigarette smoke can stick to furniture, walls, and floors.

Related: Air purifier windows open

Can Air purifiers make you sick?

Can Air purifiers make you sick

Air purifiers aren’t a new technology. However, they have seen a surge in popularity over the past few years.
They wonder if purifiers can cause common health problems like sore throats, headaches, nosebleeds, sinusitis, and coughs. They do the exact opposite. HEPA filter air purifiers can prevent sore throats by removing bacteria from the air.


High quality air purifier’s purpose is to make your air healthier. The air purifiers can also reduce the number of particles in the air quality that could cause allergies. High-quality air purifier that is well maintained and used in the right way will not only improve your health but also prevent you from getting sick.

If you do feel that you are having symptoms related to your best air purifier, there are some things you can do to check if your purifier is working properly.

How Air Purifiers can be harmful and aggravate health conditions?

Although purifiers claim to improve air quality and reduce dust, they can actually cause more harm than good. Air purifiers are used to make breathing easier for people suffering from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. These devices can, however, make symptoms worse in some cases.

You’re probably aware of all the benefits of having a good air purifier in your home and have likely scoured dozens of buying guides to find the right purifier for your home.


If you didn’t know it, air purifiers can help improve the quality of life of people with pulmonary fibrosis. These filters trap small particles and other air pollutants like pollen and dust. Patients with lung problems can be further damaged by air pollutants if they are not controlled.


Air purifiers can also trap indoor pollutants and allergens. The buildup of allergens in an air purifier can cause a blockage of good bacteria that helps to eliminate contaminants.

Are air purifiers bad for you?

Although it may surprise you, not all air purifiers work the same. The mere mention of “pure” in the product name does not necessarily mean that it improves air quality. Many popular air purifiers do not improve air quality.


There are many ways that air purifiers can pose danger. According to my research, air purifiers can pose a danger in two ways. The dangers are directly triggered by the purifier’s day-to-day operation, while the indirect dangers arise from improper purifier use.


My experience has shown me that HEPA and PCO air purifiers do not produce harmful by-products or ozone generators. True HEPA purifiers are the best choice if you opt for this route. Personally, I avoid using ionic air purifiers.


Today we are going to dispel the myths and show that an air purifier can be safe and beneficial for your physical and mental health.

Can air purifiers make you cough?

You may experience a mild cough if you have an air purifier installed in your home. Although certain ionic purifiers can cause irritation to your throat, they won’t make it worse.

Other elements in your home could be triggering a severe cough. An air purifier will help you, regardless of whether you are coughing up dust, bacteria, or any other allergens.

As it circulates your air through the multilayer filter system, this will reduce particles in your home. This will result in less coughing. If you have uncontrollable, but not sickly, coughing, a dust purifier is an excellent choice.


An air purifier can be a home appliance that cleans the air. It won’t make you feel sick, worsen your cough, dry out the air, or cause sore throats. A purifier can relieve cough by filtering out allergens from the air.

Related: Do Air Purifiers Work in Multiple Rooms

Can an air purifier give you a Headache?

Can an air purifier give you a Headache

These problems are not common with all air purifiers, and many work as they claim. How do you tell the difference? Let’s look at why some types of purifiers are so beneficial for your health and safety, while others may be dangerous.


The majority of headaches caused by air purifiers are not common and rarely affect anyone. You can avoid triggers and substances that may cause your headaches by avoiding antihistamines, anti-migraine medication, and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

A mixed-use air purifier is a good option for those without a particular trigger or condition. These purifiers come with both a HEPA filter as well as an absorbent material. You can learn more about how an air purifier can reduce your headaches with our articles and buying advice.


It is unlikely that you will experience headaches from an air purifier. An air purifier can be a great option for headache relief. These devices can provide relief for allergy sufferers and reduce the chance of recurring headaches.

Dry throat with an air purifier?

Dry throats are not something you want to experience. It can be especially frustrating when you are sleeping well and feel a hacking sensation. You may be suffering from thirst. A dry throat can be caused by many things, but the most common reason is that your air supply is poor.


No. Dry throats are usually a sign of dry air. This has nothing to do with the air purifier. Only Air purifiers works to clean the air. They don’t add or remove moisture.


Air purifiers can cause moisture levels to drop, which could lead to sore throats if the purifier is used for a prolonged period. The good news about air purifiers is that they have very little effect on indoor humidity levels, so it’s unlikely that they will cause sore throats.

Related: Air purifier and humidifier in same room

Can air purifiers help with Headaches?

Headaches can be caused by many things. Headaches can be caused by stress, alcohol, poor sleep, or certain foods. Usually, you can get relief by taking ibuprofen, resting, or even getting some sleep. Headaches can also be caused by environmental allergies, particularly migraines and sinus headaches.

Headaches can be worse than the usual ones caused by allergies to dust, pollen, or pet dander.
An air purifier can be used to prevent or relieve allergy headaches. True HEPA filters are able to quickly trap 99.97% of allergens in the air.

You can prevent headaches by avoiding airborne pollutants. This may be difficult for those who work or live in an area with a lot of pollutants. However, a high-performing purification system can remove potentially harmful irritants from your air pollution.


If you purchase the right model and use it in the right manner, they can. First, you need to make sure your allergy levels are low in your home. This will involve doing laundry frequently, cleaning soft furnishings,

Ventilating areas, and so forth. You will also need to get rid of perfumes and colognes from your home and reduce the number of chemicals used.

Final Words

The Right Air Purifiers work to improve our indoor air quality and health. Some can cause negative side effects of air purifiers. Be sure to read the entire description before you buy a purifier. You have control over your health. Some people will try to sell poison to you for their own gain. You should ensure that you only buy reliable and thoroughly researched products.


We hope you have read this entire article and are now aware of the negative side effects of air purifiers. Keep reading and we’ll help you to distinguish the good from the ugly. Air purifiers can have many side effects.

However, the benefits outweigh the negatives. If you live in an area with polluted air, don’t hesitate to purchase one.

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