Effectiveness of portable indoor air cleaners: Sensory testing results

Shaughnessy, RJ; Levetin, E; Blocker, J; Sublette, KL

HERO ID

22070

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1994

Language

English

HERO ID 22070
In Press No
Year 1994
Title Effectiveness of portable indoor air cleaners: Sensory testing results
Authors Shaughnessy, RJ; Levetin, E; Blocker, J; Sublette, KL
Journal Indoor Air
Volume 4
Issue 3
Page Numbers 179-188
Abstract The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of individual commercially available portable indoor air cleaning units in removing dust particulates, tobacco smoke particulate and vapor phase constituents (nicotine and vinylpyridine), viable and total fungal spores, pollen, and gaseous contaminants (carbon monoxide[CO], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and formaldehyde [HCHO]), in a clean air test chamber. The air cleaner chamber results presented here represent initial-use results. In general, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and electrostatic precipitator systems demonstrated the highest efficiencies with respect to particulate contaminants, followed closely by electret filter systems. Ionizers and ozone generators were least effective in particulate removal. Systems which included sufficient sorbent material (i.e. activated carbon or potassium permanganate) were marginally effective at gaseous contaminant removal. None of the systems tested were effective at carbon monoxide removal. Sensory testing was conducted to discern potential correlation between human perceptive response and measured air cleaner performance (with respect to tobacco smoke removal). An electret filter (EF) loaded with carbon sorbent received the best ratings with respect to odor strength, nasal irritation, eye irritation, and overall air acceptability
Doi 10.1111/j.1600-0668.1994.t01-1-00006.x
Wosid WOS:A1994PV82700006
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:A1994PV82700006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword tobacco smoke; dust; spores; pollen; carbon monoxide; nitrogen dioxide; formaldehyde; nicotine; sensory testing; air cleaners; filters