Not all air purifiers are the same

There are a variety of air purification systems available on the market. These devices use different techniques to combat indoor air pollution, with different levels of effectiveness. Depending on the situation, some systems are more appropriate than others.

Among the pollutants potentially present in indoor air, aerosolised viruses are of particular concern. This is especially true since the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat airborne viruses, the Supiriour Health Counsil (SHC) mainly recommends the use of systems based on (H)EPA filters or electrostatic precipitators with collection systems. These techniques are reliable, effective and frequently used. They eliminate particles and/or aerosols from the air, depending on their size, so they are also effective against other pollutants.
 
Based on the opinion of the SHC, the FPS has set up a process for recognising air purification systems. This process guarantees the effectiveness of these systems against aerosol viruses, as well as verifying that their use is safe (i.e. that they do not release harmful by-products, for example). This verification is based on the analysis of a dossier and various items of evidence submitted by the manufacturer.

We therefore recommend that you buy and use purification systems recognised by the FPS. You can recognise them by the following label:

Where can you find this recognition label?

The recognition label is displayed on the boxes of recognised appliances and/or on online sales sites.
Online, you may only find the following pictogram:

By choosing a purification system with this label, you can be sure of buying a quality product.

What information does the recognition label contain?

The main information is shown in the green box:

  • ​The type of pollutant against which the system has been shown to be effective: viruses;
  • System performance at minimum and maximum power ;

It is determined by the quantity of air that the system is capable of purifying per hour (Clean Air Delivery Rate, CADR, expressed in m3/h).

  • The noise generated by the system when operating at minimum and maximum power.

Most of the time, the more powerful the system, the noisier it is. Noise is expressed in decibels (dB). This is a logarithmic scale, meaning that every 3dB increase means a 2-for-1 increase in noise intensity.

How do I choose an air purification system?

The choice of a purification system depends in particular on the volume of the room, the number of people in it, the activity carried out there, and the specific sources of pollution present.

In practice, to choose an air purification system that suits your situation, start by determining the CADR you need. The recommended CADR varies according to the quality of the air in the room, the activities that take place there and the number of people present. This practical guide [FR, NL] explains how to determine the recommended CADR for your situation.

  • Choose a system that covers the CADR value recommended for your location.

Using a purification system generates noise (some more than others), depending on the technique used and the power level engaged. To avoid having your appliance switched off because of noise pollution, check the noise it generates. This practical guide [FR, NL] gives you more information on this subject.

  • Choose a system whose noise level does not exceed the ambient noise in your room.

Once you have targeted the systems that meet your needs in terms of efficiency and ease of use, other criteria can be taken into account to refine your choice. For example, take maintenance costs into account. All systems need regular servicing to prevent their efficiency from declining or even becoming harmful (cleaning, filter replacement, etc.). If maintenance costs are too high, you run the risk of neglecting the upkeep of your system, and reducing its efficiency.

Finally, if you want to fight specifically against viruses, or particles of a similar size , we advise you in all cases to choose an air purification system recognised by the FPS.

Is there a list of all the air purification systems recognised by the FPS?

Yes! All the air purification systems recognised by the FPS for their high effectiveness against aerosol viruses, and their safety for users, are listed here.
This list is updated as new systems are recognised. Manufacturers can submit their applications for recognition from 5 June 2024. Each recognised system is automatically added to the list.

This list provides a series of details on each recognised system: the purification technique used, the CADR levels achievable, the noise levels generated, etc.

  • Do you have a purification system in mind?

 Use the model name on the label to find out more about the appliance you're interested in.

  • Want to know which purification system to buy?

 Find the system that meets your needs, based on the features shown in the list (CADR, noise, technology used, etc.). The purchase and use of systems not on this list is not prohibited, but you will not benefit from the guarantees provided by the FPS. 

  • Where can I find more information?

The practical guide to choosing an air purification system [FR, NL] is the best tool for choosing a system that meets your needs.