Health Benefits of Air Purification: A Systematic Review

Air pollution is a critical global public health challenge that poses a wide range of health threats. As people spend most of their time indoors, household air pollution is a significant yet often overlooked source of exposure. Existing evidence suggests that air purification is a promising intervention to mitigate these risks. This systematic review synthesized evidence from studies published between January 1990 and August 2025 on the effectiveness of air purifiers for improving the indoor air quality and mitigating health impacts. We also assess the cost-effectiveness and identify major limitations in current research. The findings demonstrate that air purifiers significantly reduce indoor pollution levels, leading to substantial respiratory and cardiovascular benefits, particularly in high-risk populations. However, evidence of neurocognitive outcomes remains limited. Despite heterogeneity in study designs, air purifiers represent a potentially cost-effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects from air pollution. Standardized device certification, supportive policies to improve access, and continued research to optimize intervention strategies are warranted for the future.