Research Projects

Portable air cleaners using new technologies can generate primary and secondary emissions such as formaldehyde, fine and ultrafine particles, and highly reactive chemical species, including hydroxyl radicals, which may lead to poor indoor air quality and associated health effects for consumers. In this study, principal investigators (PI) will measure pollutant emissions from new technology air cleaners in a test chamber under realistic indoor operating conditions and assess the implications of those emissions for indoor air quality and health. The PIs will test six air cleaner models, with a focus on those using photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). The proposed research will help ARB determine whether there are any indoor air quality or health concerns that need to be addressed and help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing and using these devices. In addition, this research may prompt the development of appropriate engineering controls to reduce the emissions of these pollutants.