BY RAMAN SENGHERA | APRIL 21, 2025 | INDOOR AIR : The Hidden Threat
Clean air isn’t just a comfort—it’s essential. Yet, for many people worldwide, finding it is a daily struggle. Whether it’s smog-filled cityscapes or the unseen dangers lurking indoors, poor air quality is a growing problem with profound implications.
But something interesting is happening. Once seen as a personal health solution or a techy home gadget, air purification is stepping onto a bigger stage. It’s becoming part of the climate conversation—and might play a surprising role in our path toward a greener, healthier future.
In this article, we explore how air purification is evolving—from cleaning living rooms to capturing carbon—and why its role in climate resilience is only beginning to take shape.
Why Air Purification Matters More Than Ever
Air pollution is no longer a distant environmental issue—it’s a present and personal health crisis. According to the World Health Organisation, it’s responsible for around 7 million premature deaths each year. The culprits? A mix of delicate particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone—all linked to everything from asthma to cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
The Indoor Air Dilemma
Here’s the twist—indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Due to poor ventilation and synthetic materials, modern buildings often trap pollutants inside.
Common indoor pollutants include:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning sprays, paints, and furniture
- Mould spores, pollen, and other allergens
- Pet dander and dust mites
- Smoke, cooking fumes, and gas emissions
As we now spend up to 90% of our time indoors, improving indoor air quality is no longer optional—it’s a key part of a healthier lifestyle, particularly for families, vulnerable individuals, and workplaces focused on well-being.
The Evolution of Air Purification Technology
Air purifiers have come a long way from noisy boxes with clunky filters. Today’s technologies are sleek, innovative, and surprisingly sophisticated. Let’s look at what’s cleaning the air in 2025 and beyond:
- HEPA & Activated Carbon Filters
Still the cornerstone of modern air purifiers, HEPA filters trap 99.97% of tiny particles. Pair them with activated carbon to absorb VOCs, smells, and gases; you have a robust system for most environments.
- UV-C Sterilisation
UV-C light is a natural disinfectant that destroys bacteria, viruses, and mould. These systems are now standard in hospitals, airports, and even gyms.
- Ionisers & Plasma
Ionisers release charged ions that attach to airborne particles, making them easier to filter. More advanced models use plasma to break down molecular pollutants—no filters are needed.
- Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
Using UV light and a catalyst like titanium dioxide, PCO transforms toxic pollutants into harmless by-products like CO₂ and water. High-end commercial systems often use this to maintain pristine air without chemicals.
- Smart Sensors & AI
From real-time air quality readings to automatic performance adjustments, smart purifiers are now part of the wider “clean tech” revolution. App-based controls, voice assistants, and integration with HVAC systems make them as functional as they are futuristic.
Air Purification Meets Climate Innovation
While personal health remains a key motivator, there’s a growing awareness of air purification as a climate tool. Let’s unpack how it’s already contributing to sustainability efforts.
- Tackling Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
Despite their short atmospheric lifespan, pollutants like black carbon (soot), methane, and ground-level ozone have a huge warming potential. Removing these through targeted air purification can lead to immediate climate wins, especially in urban environments.
- Capturing Carbon from the Air
Enter Direct Air Capture (DAC)—a groundbreaking tech that pulls CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. These machines don’t just purify air; they store or repurpose captured carbon, offering a pathway to harmful emissions. While expensive, DAC is rapidly gaining traction as part of global net-zero strategies.
- Building for Better Air
Green architecture is getting smarter. New buildings now have integrated purifiers, living walls, and air-cleaning surfaces. These features support wellness and lower the energy footprint of heating, cooling, and air circulation.
Cleaner Cities, Smarter Solutions
Cities are now experimenting with urban-scale air purification—turning infrastructure into clean-air champions.
Some standout innovations include:
- The Smog Free Tower (Netherlands): A 7-metre-high ionising tower that purifies 30,000 m³ of air per hour.
- CityTree (Germany/UK): A moss-based outdoor purifier that absorbs pollutants, doubling as urban seating or signage.
- Green Corridors (Singapore, Seoul): Vertical gardens, air-cleaning pavement, and roadside greenery that tackle pollution while boosting biodiversity.
These aren’t just eye-catching installations—they’re blueprints for the clean cities of tomorrow.
What Consumers Want Now
Demand for air purification is booming, especially post-pandemic. But today’s buyers are looking beyond basic functionality.
What’s driving the trend?
- Health consciousness, particularly among families and asthma sufferers
- Pandemic-era habits, with a focus on air hygiene in shared spaces
- Climate anxiety, especially among Millennials and Gen Z
- Smart home integration, making air quality part of daily routines
Top brands like Dyson, Molekule, and IQAir are joining nimble startups experimenting with biotech filtration, recyclable materials, and modular systems.
The Catch: Challenges to Overcome
Even with all the promise, the air purification industry still faces some hurdles:
- Energy consumption, especially for active purifiers with UV, fans, or DAC systems
- Filter waste, which needs safe and sustainable disposal
- Overhyped claims, making certifications and lab-tested data crucial
- Affordability, particularly in regions with high pollution and lower income levels
The sector must balance innovation with equity, efficiency, and transparency to scale.
A Cleaner Tomorrow, One Breath at a Time
Air purification could play a much more significant role than we ever imagined. It’s not just about eliminating odours or catching dust—it’s about enabling healthier lives, resilient cities, and even climate action.
What’s next?
- Carbon credit schemes for devices that capture SLCPs or CO₂
- Government–industry partnerships to fund clean air infrastructure
- AI-based adaptive systems that adjust airflow based on human presence or pollution spikes
- Hybrid purifiers that generate energy while cleaning the air
Final Thoughts
Clean air isn’t just a product feature—it’s a public good. With the right technology and vision, air purification can become a bridge between personal well-being and planetary health.
As we face a future shaped by climate change, pandemics, and urbanisation, let’s breathe easy knowing that innovation is in the air.