Optimizing Portable HEPA Purifier Use in BC Long-Term Care Homes

Portable air purifier use in long-term care homes (LTCHs) can significantly improve indoor air quality, protecting residents and staff from infectious airborne pathogens. Many LTCHs in British Columbia are older buildings, with dated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure, and as a result experience a high proportion of viral respiratory infection (VRI) outbreaks. Portable air purifiers have been shown previously to improve indoor air quality, but results from previous studies have been mixed, as the local environment and activities can significantly impact air purifier effectiveness. Our study focused on assessing factors contributing to the effectiveness of air purifiers in reducing viable bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in a LTCH.
The Cyclo UV 510C air purifier model was assessed for its effectiveness in reducing bacterial and fungal biological aerosols in a mix of resident and communal rooms. Use of the air purifier significantly reduced both bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in resident rooms across different distances from the purifier and different fan speeds (p<0.05). Additional key variables which directly impacted air purifier effectiveness included opening of windows and doors and number of room occupants. Results also showed that air purifiers with adjunct ultraviolet C germicidal irradiation provided no additional benefit compared with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration alone. These clinically relevant findings will directly inform recommendations regarding air purifier implementation in Vancouver Coastal Health LTCHs. Next steps include assessing the current number of air changes per hour (ACH) in LTCH resident rooms to see where the implementation of portable air purifiers would be most beneficial.