Ah, air purifiers—the latest gadget people bought in droves to “save the world” during the pandemic. Now, it seems they’re doing double duty to keep dust bunnies and allergens at bay while politicians try to prove they’re on top of indoor air pollution. Never mind the media pushing panic about wildfires and COVID; the real story here is how a little machine might actually do some good despite all the bureaucratic bumbling.

The demand for air purifiers exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic as people scrambled for anything that might keep airborne virus particles out of their homes. But these handy devices didn’t stop being useful once lockdowns ended. Experts now highlight air purifiers as a helpful tool for improving indoor air quality—a problem that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. Sure, they won’t solve everything, but they’re a good step toward healthier living spaces.

Indoor air quality has been overshadowed by outdoor pollution in both research and regulation. Yet, considering that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, maybe it’s time for a reality check. The air inside our homes, schools, and offices often harbors more pollutants than what’s outside. From allergens to tobacco smoke to fine particles, the quality of the air we breathe indoors affects respiratory health in ways many don’t realize.

Scientists have found that air purifiers, while not a magic bullet, can significantly reduce pollutants. For example, a study from China showed that children in classrooms with air purifiers were exposed to 50% less particulate matter and saw improvements in lung function. Closer to home, research involving kids with asthma and smoker parents showed similar benefits, cutting indoor air pollution by up to 50%.

Of course, the experts are quick to remind us that air purifiers can’t do it all. Ventilation—bringing fresh outdoor air inside and removing pollution sources—directly impacts air quality. Federal agencies like the EPA have started catching on, updating ventilation guidance and throwing money, up to $34 million, into improving air systems in schools. It’s progress, but let’s not pretend it’s enough.

The government’s target of “five air changes per hour” for ventilation is a good start, but it reminds us how far behind we are in addressing indoor air pollution. Unlike outdoor air quality, which is regulated and monitored, indoor air gets little oversight. Consumers are left to fend for themselves with no clear industry standards for air purifiers and shady marketing claims running rampant.

So, what should you look for in an air purifier? The EPA suggests focusing on a device’s clean air delivery rate (CADR). Higher CADR ratings mean the purifier can handle larger spaces and more pollutants like smoke, dust, and pollen. Activated carbon filters can tackle gases but avoid ionizers—they can release harmful ozone, which is definitely not the vibe you’re going for when improving air quality.

Then there’s the issue of human behavior. Buying a purifier is only half the battle; using it properly is the other. Many people set them on low or don’t turn them on at all, making the investment a waste. Noise and appearance also play a role—if it’s ugly or loud, it’s more likely to gather dust than clean it.

The bottom line? Air purifiers won’t fix everything, but they’re a practical tool to reduce indoor air pollution. Combined with better ventilation and smarter policies, they can help us breathe easier, both literally and figuratively. As usual, the science is catching up, and the bureaucracy is lagging behind. In the meantime, investing in a high-quality air purifier is one step you can take to protect yourself and your family from the invisible pollutants lurking in your home.

Maybe we’d be in a better place if the media spent less time fueling fear and more time educating people on practical solutions like this. But hey, that’s asking a lot.