How effective are portable air scrubbers at removing different pollutants?

Portable air scrubbers effectively remove a variety of air pollutants, including particulate matter, odors, harmful gases, bacteria and viruses, through a series of complex filtering and purification systems. Its effectiveness mainly depends on the filtering technology and design of the equipment. The following will detail the removal effect of portable air purifiers on different pollutants.
Particles
Particles include dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and other tiny particles. The pre-filter and HEPA filter that portable air purifiers are usually equipped with are key components for removing particulate matter.
Pre-filter: The pre-filter is usually located in the layer of the purifier and is used to capture larger particles such as dust and hair. The main function of this layer of filter is to protect the subsequent more delicate filters and extend their service life while reducing large particle pollutants in the air.
HEPA filter: HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are able to capture particles as small as microns in diameter with a removal rate of up to %. This means that tiny particles including pollen, smoke particles, pet dander, and some bacteria and viruses can be captured efficiently. This makes HEPA filters the core technology for air purifiers to remove particulate matter.
Odors and harmful gases Odors and harmful gases such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, smoke, and kitchen and pet odors are usually removed by activated carbon filters.
Activated carbon filter: Activated carbon has a highly porous structure that can adsorb and capture gaseous pollutants. Its strong adsorption capacity enables it to effectively remove odors and harmful gases from the air. Activated carbon filters are particularly effective in removing VOCs, formaldehyde, ammonia, and other chemical pollutants. This is especially important for newly renovated rooms, smoking homes, and homes with pets, because these environments have more odors and harmful gases.
Microbial contaminants Microbial contaminants include bacteria, viruses, mold spores, etc. Portable air purifiers mainly rely on HEPA filters and certain technologies with antibacterial functions when removing these pollutants.
HEPA filter: As mentioned earlier, HEPA filters are able to capture particles as small as microns, including bacteria and some viruses. Although HEPA filters cannot directly kill bacteria and viruses, they can effectively capture them and reduce the concentration of microorganisms in the air.
Antimicrobial coating and UV light: Some high-end portable air purifiers are equipped with antimicrobial coating or UVC light, which can destroy the DNA of bacteria and viruses, rendering them inactive. UVC light kills microorganisms by emitting short-wave ultraviolet light, providing an additional disinfecting effect.
Allergens
Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are major problems for people with allergies and asthma. Portable air purifiers are able to effectively capture and remove these allergens through a combination of pre-filters and HEPA filters.
Combination of pre-filters and HEPA filters: The pre-filter captures larger allergens such as pet hair and large dust particles, while the HEPA filter captures smaller allergens such as pollen and dust mites. With this dual filtration system, the concentration of allergens in the air can be significantly reduced, improving the quality of life for people with allergies and asthma.
Smoke
Smoke, especially cigarette smoke, contains a large number of harmful substances and tiny particles. Portable air purifiers are able to effectively remove particles and gaseous pollutants in smoke through the synergistic effect of HEPA filters and activated carbon filters.
HEPA filter: Captures tiny particles in smoke, including tar particles and other particulate matter.
Activated carbon filter: absorbs harmful gases and odors in smoke, such as carbon monoxide, nicotine and other volatile organic compounds. Through the combined effect of the two filters, smoke pollution can be significantly reduced to provide fresh indoor air.
Pet pollutants
Pet pollutants such as hair, dander and odors are also treated by portable air purifiers. Pre-filters and activated carbon filters play an important role in this regard.
Pre-filter: effectively captures pet hair and large particles of dander to protect subsequent filters.
Activated carbon filter: absorbs pet odors and provides a fresh and odor-free indoor air environment.
Portable air purifiers can efficiently remove various pollutants in the air, including particulate matter, odors, harmful gases, microorganisms and allergens through a multi-level filtration system. The synergistic effect of the pre-filter, activated carbon filter and HEPA filter ensures the comprehensive purification effect of the air purifier and provides fresh and healthy indoor air. The removal effect of different pollutants depends on the type and quality of the filter, so when choosing a portable air purifier, you should pay attention to the configuration and performance of its filtration system to meet specific air purification needs.