ConsumerLab.com uses JavaScript to provide the best possible experience for our content, but your browser has it disabled. Learn how to enable it here.

About ConsumerLab.com

Air Purifiers

HEPA air purifier on bedroom floor

Which air purifiers are best for reducing microbial and smoke particles from room air?

Air Purifiers

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

Clinical Update

12/28/2021

Air Purifiers for Odor Removal?

Can air purifiers that remove virus particles from the air also eliminate odors? Find out in the Technologies for Removing Odors section of our answer to the question: Which air purifiers are best for reducing the spread of COVID-19?

Also see our Top Picks among air purifiers.

Clinical Update

11/21/2024

Best Portable Air Purifiers?

Portable air purifiers can reduce microbes and smoke particles from room air. We’ve updated our Top Picks and Runners Up for large, medium and small room air purifiers.

CL Answer

Do UV light sanitizing wands and boxes kill coronavirus (COVID-19)?

UV light is promoted as an effective and convenient alternative to chemical disinfectants, but can it work against the coronavirus? Learn the the pros and cons and see our reviews and comparisons of popular UV devices on the market.

UV Light to Kill Coronavirus (COVID-10)? -- UV Light, Medical Mask and Stethoscope

Clinical Update

11/30/2021

Air Purifier Reviews

We've added reviews of two air purifiers, from Blueair and Airfree, to our existing reviews of 58 air purifiers. Find out what we recommend and which we don't and which are our Top Picks based on room size.

Clinical Update

1/18/2022

Colzer 142C Air Purifier Review

We’ve added a review of the Colzer 142C Air Purifier to our reviews of 60 air purifiers. See which devices we recommend and which we don't, and our Top Picks for air purifiers based on room size.

Clinical Update

1/25/2022

Air Purifiers

We’ve added a review of the Smart Health S air purifier (also called the Sqair Air Purifier) to our list of more than 60 devices. See which we recommend, which we don't, and our Top Picks for air purifiers based on room size.

Clinical Update

9/11/2021

Hunter HP800 Air Purifier Review

See our review of the Hunter HP800 Multi-Room Large Console Air Purifier, as well as our Top Picks among air purifiers, in our article about the Best Air Purifiers for Reducing the Spread of COVID.

Clinical Update

9/11/2021

LG PuriCare Mini Air Purifier Review

See our review of the LG PuriCare Mini Air Purifier, as well as our Top Picks among air purifiers, in our article about the Best Air Purifiers for Reducing the Spread of COVID.

CL Answer

Is it safe to fly and how can I avoid getting COVID when flying?

How to fly safely and avoid COVID-19. Tips to help you stay safe and protect others while flying during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is it safe to fly and how can I avoid getting COVID-19? -- Man on Airplane With Mask and Hand sanitizer

Clinical Update

2/01/2022

Air Purifier for Cars?

We reviewed the PuraShield Mini Air Purifier, which is promoted to purify the air inside cars, SUVs, and minivans. Find out how we rated this device, learn which others recommend, which we don't, and our Top Picks for air purifiers based on room size.

Clinical Update

7/05/2023

Change in Air Purifier Top Pick

We have removed a brand of air purifier as a Top Pick, as it no longer carries a certification that we value. For details, see our article about air purifiers.

Clinical Update

7/21/2023

Air Purifier Reviewed

We reviewed the Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier. See how it compared to the Winix C535 and 50 other products in our article about air purifiers. Also see our Top Pick and Runners Up for use in medium and large rooms.

Clinical Update

1/07/2022

Airocide APS-200 Air Purifier Review

We’ve added a review of the Airocide APS-200 Air Purifier to our reviews of nearly 60 air purifiers. See which devices we recommend and which we don’t as well as our Top Picks based on room size.

CL Answer

Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?

See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.

Four masks shown for comparison

Clinical Update

11/26/2021

Fiberglass HEPA Filters

Are HEPA filters made out of fiberglass safe to use inside a home? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which air purifiers are best for reducing the spread of COVID-19?

Clinical Update

9/23/2022

Humidifiers & Heavy Metal Exposure

Using the wrong kind of water in some humidifiers can cause exposure to heavy metals, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Potential problems with humidifiers section of our CL Answer about air purifiers.

CL Answer

How are you staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic?

Tips for staying healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tips from ConsumerLab members for maintaining physical health, mental health and social well-being during COVID-19.

Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic -- Couple at Home, Looking Out the Window

Recalls & Warnings

April 14, 2020

FTC Warns Companies Selling Immune "Boosters," Vitamin C and More for Coronavirus Claims

On April 14, 2020, the FTC announced that it has sent warning letters to ten companies for selling products such as immune boosters, silicone facial brushes, air purifiers, and intravenous vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

CL Answer

Is it true that fish oil may help protect the body against air pollution?

Find out if fish oil and olive oil can help protect the body against air pollution.

Fish Oil and Air Pollution

CL Answer

Tablets I purchased are becoming "crumbly" after a few weeks and are easy to break. Is there a problem with this supplement?

Should you be concerned if your supplement tablets have started to crumble? Learn more including the best way to keep pills from getting soft.

Are Broken Tablets Safe? -- broken tablets on table

CL Answer

Do any supplements or lifestyle changes reduce the symptoms of tinnitus? Is it true that some supplements can cause tinnitus?

Learn which supplements can ease tinnitus, including melatonin and pine bark extract. Understand which may actually cause tinnitus.

Word blocks spelling out “tinnitus”

CL Answer

What is acrylamide? Is it true that coffee and cocoa contain this toxin?

Find out what acrylamide is, how much is found in coffee and cocoa, and how you can minimize your intake of acrylamide.

Acrylamide in Coffee, French Fries & Cookies

CL Answer

Contamination of Dry Shampoos with Benzene — What You Need to Know

Benzene, a carcinogen, has been detected in several dry shampoo aerosol sprays. Find out which dry shampoos were found to contain benzene and how much was in each one, plus how tips for reducing your exposure to benzene.

Dry Shampoo

Clinical Update

6/09/2023

Best Air Cleaners for Wildfire Smoke

If wildfire smoke is affecting your indoor air, see our recommended air cleaners, some of which have recently dropped by more than 50% in price.

Clinical Update

8/24/2021

Air Cleaners for Wildfire Smoke

Find out which types of portable air cleaners are best for wildfire smoke. Also see our top picks among air cleaners (including for use in reducing viral exposure).

Clinical Update

4/26/2022

Acrylamide in Popcorn; Air Frying

We’ve answered more questions about acrylamide, a toxin and potential carcinogen, from readers:

  • Is there more acrylamide in popcorn that is microwaved or conventionally heated?
  • Does air frying produce less acrylamide than conventional frying?

Clinical Update

5/03/2022

Acrylamide In Air Popped Popcorn

Readers asked how much acrylamide is in air popped popcorn, and how this compares to corn popped other ways. Find out in the popcorn section of our answer about acrylamide.

CL Answer

Is it okay to crush or break vitamin pills to lower the dose or mix into food?

Learn about the safety of crushing vitamin pills, tablets, capsules or enteric-coated tablets and ingesting the powder with food, as opposed to taking a whole pill.

Is it okay to crush or cut supplement pills? -- Large, broken vitamin pill

CL Answer

Do vitamins, minerals or other supplements lose effectiveness with exposure to high temperatures?

Are vitamins and supplements susceptible to heat? Find out if mail ordering during the summer is safe.

Heat's Effect on Supplements in the Mail -- Woman receiving a package

Recalls & Warnings

May 09, 2020

FTC Warns 45 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On May 7, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 45 companies for selling products such as herbal products, immune system boosters, and vitamin C with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Clinical Update

6/09/2023

Best Masks for Wildfire Smoke

With smoky air over parts of the U.S., find out which masks do or don't protect against wildfire smoke. See our Top Picks among N95 and KN95 masks, and a recommended N95 with an exhalation valve.

Clinical Update

3/18/2022

Iodine Pills for Radiation Protection

Due to concerns relating to the safety of nuclear reactors and potential use of nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine, demand for radioprotective iodine products has jumped.

Potassium iodide and potassium iodate can help protect the thyroid from the effects of radioactive iodine from the air, water, and foods after a nuclear event. But who should be taking these products, when should they be taken, and how much should be taken?

Find out in our review of Potassium Iodide and Iodate Radioprotective Pills, and see our Top Picks among products (and where to currently get them).

Clinical Update

4/15/2022

Humidifiers & PFAS

Some types of humidifiers can add potentially dangerous PFAS to the air. Get the details in our updated answer about PFAS and how to avoid them.

Recalls & Warnings

November 17, 2021

Mountain Meadow Herbs "Cleanse" Recalled, Risk of Injury from Exploding Bottle

On November 17, 2021, Mountain Meadow Herbs issued a recall of 54 bottles of Mountain Meadow Herbs brand Candida Flush due to the bottles becoming pressurized over time in storage.

Recalls & Warnings

March 16, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of Essential Oils

On March 12, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Ravenscroft Apothecary, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

December 12, 2014

Seller of Omega-3 "Syrup" Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On October 16, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Mr.

Recalls & Warnings

September 14, 2016

Seller of Aloe, Prostate and Joint Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations

On April 8, 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter to Salud Natural Entrepreneurs, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Acai, Garcinia & More for Drug Claims

On July 25, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Absonutrix, following a review of the company's website, www.absonutrix.com, which found statements made about some of its products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

March 19, 2009

QVC Settles Charges of False Claims for Supplements

On March 19, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that QVC, Inc., a TV home shopping channel and one of the world’s largest multimedia retailers, has agreed to pay $7.

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2011

DMAA Supplements Pulled from Military Stores After 2 Deaths

On December 5, 2011 Stars and Stripes reported that, according to the Defense Logistics Agency, bodybuilding supplements containing DMAA were recently pulled off the shelves at Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores due to concerns they could be related to soldier deaths.

Recalls & Warnings

October 06, 2004

False Claims Made by Marketer of Cortisol-related Weight-Loss Supplements According to FTC

On October 6, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)charged marketers of two dietary supplements with claiming, falsely and without substantiation, that their products can cause weight loss and reduce the risk of, or prevent, serious health conditions.

Recalls & Warnings

January 13, 2018

Seller of Depression, Prostate Supplements & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On August 21, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Irmo-Vita, LLC, following a facility inspection which found that several of the company's products, including Hysta-Min, Man-Affirm, Phung-EX, and Bacto- EX to be adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held ...

Recalls & Warnings

June 04, 2004

FTC Charges Marketers of Two Supplements with False Claims to Cure Range of Diseases

On June 3, 2004 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged marketers of two dietary supplements with falsely claiming that their products can prevent and cure cancer and other diseases. According to the FTC’s complaint, Boston-area marketers Direct Marketing Concepts, Inc. (DMC), ITV Direct, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

January 10, 2017

FTC Charges Marketers of Prevagen With Making False Claims

On January 9, 2017, the FTC charged the marketers of Prevagen with making false and unsubstantiated claims that the supplement improves memory, provides cognitive benefits, and is "clinically shown" to work. 

Recalls & Warnings

June 21, 2005

FTC Settles Claims with Marketers of FiberThin and Propolene

On June 20, 2005, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the marketers of the dietary supplements FiberThin and Propolene have settled FTC charges that their misleading weight-loss claims violated federal laws.