All articles tagged with #hepa
In a randomized crossover study of 119 adults aged 30–74, those 40+ completed tests of executive function and mental flexibility about 12% faster after using a real HEPA purifier for one month compared with a sham unit, suggesting cleaner indoor air may modestly boost brain function and help shield cognition from traffic-related pollution.
A randomized crossover study of 119 people aged 30–74 in Somerville, MA found that using a real HEPA purifier for one month improved executive function/mental flexibility by about 12% in participants 40 and older compared with a sham purifier, after accounting for indoor time and stress. The small but consistent cognitive boost is similar to gains from daily exercise and highlights potential brain health benefits of reducing particulate exposure, especially for those near highways. Limitations include the short duration, modest older-subject representation, and unknown long-term effects or mechanisms; further research is planned to explore brain white matter and metabolite changes.
As wildfire smoke descends, officials have issued Code Maroon warning in many parts of the northeastern United States. In addition to wearing a mask, staying indoors, and upgrading your home’s HVAC filters, you can try a portable air purifier to reduce hazardous pollutants inside your home. The best purifiers have a HEPA filter and a large fan that can push air through a fine mesh to trap particles. Look at the air purifier’s clean-air delivery rate, or CADR, to choose the correct size for your space. You can also make your own air purifier with four 20-by-20-by-2-inch MERV-13 air filters, a 20-inch box fan, good scissors, duct tape, pen, measuring tape, and strings.