Brain Development Benefits of Air Purifiers

There are many benefits to improving indoor air. For example, better IAQ reduces the symptoms of allergies and asthma sufferers. Improved air quality lowers the risk of building related illness as well. Now researchers believe better IAQ benefits brain development in children.

Boosting Brain Benefits

Researchers at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia worked with US and Mongolian scientists to study the benefits of air filters on the intelligence of children. It is the first randomized controlled trial of its kind. Over 500 pregnant women participated in the study that began in 2014. The women all live in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which is an area with perhaps the most unhealthy air quality on the planet. The Ulaanbaatar Gestation and Air Pollution Research (UGAAR) study assigned the women to either an intervention group or a control group. All of the participants were nonsmokers who had never before used air filtering devices in their homes.  

The intervention group received air cleaning devices and was told to run them for the duration of their pregnancies. After the birth of the child, the air cleaners were removed. The control group did not use air purifiers. At four years of age, the researchers measured the child’s full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). 

The researchers found that the children born to mothers who used the air-cleaning devices in their homes had a higher average FSIQ score. In fact, it was 2.8-points higher than the control group. The bottom line is that air pollution affects brain development in children. Therefore, using technology to improve the air in the indoor environment, boosts brain development. 

For our part, WTI EDLab has tested many of these air-cleaning devices and finds them highly effective in improving IAQ. Of course, proper use ensures the best results. 

Air Purifiers Benefit Brain Development

Some considerations when choosing air-cleaning devices include the type of filter, room size, ACH rate, and placement.

HEPA Filtration – Look for a device with a True HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter.

ACH Rate – ACH stands for Air Changes Per Hour. It’s a measure of how many complete air changes the device performs within that period. For example, 20 ACHs is enough for a school classroom to get benefits for brain development. On the other hand, a smaller room in the home may require half that number to provide clean fresh air. 

Placement – The correct placement of the device also matters. For example, it’s best to place the machine off the floor, out of corners, and away from furniture that blocks airflow. 

Smart Technology – An added benefit is a model with smart technology, such as AeraMax Air Purifiers. These devices use sensors to detect motion, sound, and odors. It uses these indicators to gauge room occupancy and adjusts its operation accordingly.

Additional Brain Benefits

While air purifiers improve the air quality in the indoor environment, they are only as effective as the existing baseline conditions. In other words, failure to address issues impacting air quality cancels out the positive effects of air cleaners. WTI – Pure Air Control Services’ Healthy Building Program identifies and corrects IAQ issues to boost brain benefits.

Healthy Building Program. Etc.

This Certified Pure Air Indoor Environment program utilizes six holistic steps for better IAQ and brain development benefits.

1. IAQ & HVAC Baseline Evaluation

An HVAC Assessment includes a visual inspection of the system, performance testing, and the recording of data. While a Building Health Check looks at indoor environmental conditions in the occupied space. These studies allow Building Sciences and EDLab to generate detailed reports that includes recommendations for improvement.

2. HVAC Cleaned and Restored

Brain development benefits begin with a clean HVAC system. Therefore, cleaning and restoration begin with the PURE-Steam™ method using 350° F steam. After steam cleaning comes the HVAC New Life™ process to protect components from moisture and bacteria.

3. Particles Reduced

Our PURE-Duct service gets deep inside the ductwork to knock out dust and debris with high-pressure air turbulence then an industrial-strength vacuum system with a HEPA filter removes these particles.

4. Pathogens Neutralized

The PURE-Decon building disinfection method uses EPA-registered disinfectants to destroy pathogens such as mold, bacteria, but also viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

5. Air Purification Technology

The use of air purifiers in the indoor environment improves IAQ as well as brain development in children. We provide air cleaning devices with EnviroSmart™ as well as multistage HEPA filtration to remove allergens, microbes, and odors and improve IAQ.

6. Conditions Monitored

The long-term benefits of brain development require that IAQ is maintained. Around-the-clock monitoring allows this to happen. A system such as the IAQ Guard tracks indoor conditions 24/7 and alerts a remote team about changes to the indoor environment.

Get Cleaner Air Today

Pure Air Control Services improves IAQ and provides air cleaning technology that is shown to provide brain development benefits in children. To learn more, contact WTI – Pure Air Control today.