Do Air Purifiers Help With Smoke?

Whether your wanting to remove tobacco cigarette smoke, or concerned about summer bushfire smoke – air purifiers can be an effective means of reducing both the harmful microscopic particles of smoke along with the nasty odour causing gases. Read on to learn more about how air purifiers remove smoke particles from the air, the dangers of inhalation of smoke and our recommendations for the best air purifiers for smoke available to buy in Australia. 

How Air Purifiers Help With Smoke

Air purifiers for smoke work by drawing in the contaminated air in your home via an integrated fan which is then pushed through a filtration process. In order to effectively remove smoke from the air, air purifiers must use a combination of HEPA and activated carbon filters.

HEPA filters are extremely finely woven strands of fiberglass or other materials which capture particles right down to 0.3 microns in size.  With the particles found in smoke typically falling in the 0.1 to 0.5 micron size range – HEPA filters can remove many of the microscopic solid compounds found in bushfire & tobacco smoke. 

Activated carbon filters, sometimes called ‘charcoal filters’ are responsible for removing the odours and volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in smoke via a process known as adsorption. 

Beyond looking for an air purifier which features a HEPA filter in conjunction with an activated carbon filter, you’ll also need to pay attention to their Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating. 

CADR Rating For Smoke

CADR ratings are a voluntary testing process overseen by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers that most quality air purifier manufactures submit their products to. 

Essentially, an air purifiers’ CADR rating indicates how effective it is at removing pollutants, including smoke, from the air based on a standardised testing procedure. 

The best possible CADR rating for removing smoke is 450 so look an air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 450 to ensure maximum protection. 

It’s important to remember that your air purifier’s CADR rating is based on a brand new unit and its effectiveness can diminish over time if the manufacturers recommended filter replacement schedule isn’t adhered to. 

air purifier removing dust

The Dangers of Smoke

Whether from cigarettes, bush fires or a poorly vented open fireplace, smoke is incredibly dangerous to your health.

All types of smoke are known to contain carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter in addition to a long list of potential additional components including aldehydes, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, metals and dioxins.

The ultra fine particles within smoke can bypass your lungs natural defences and cause a wide range of healthy problems including aggravated chronic heart and lung conditions – most notably cancer. 

Our Recommended Air Cleaners For Smokers

Here’s our recommendations for some of the best air purifiers for removing smoke that are available in Australia or view our full air purifier range. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes – providing the air purifier features a combination of a HEPA and activated carbon filter, they have been shown to be effective at reducing smoke from the air. However, air purifiers can’t remove 100% of smoke particles nor residue on furniture and other surfaces around the home unless they become airborne. 

Any air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 450 has been proven to be effective at removing smoke from the air. We recommend consulting the manufacturer’s specifications in conjunction with your room size to find the best air purifier for removing smoke for you.