The Quick Answer

  • Viruses aerosolize, meaning they float in the indoor air for hours after a cough. To protect your family, do not use chemical aerosol sprays (Lysol) which trigger asthma. Instead, dramatically increase your home's Air Changes per Hour (ACH) by cracking windows, and run an oversized True HEPA Air Purifier (like the Coway Airmega or Levoit) continuously on high in the main living space to physically scrub the viruses from the air.
Editor's NoteFocuses on mechanical filtration over chemical fumigation for pathogen control.

Mechanical vs Chemical Scrubbing

Lysol kills viruses on surfaces, but it does virtually nothing to clean the air you are breathing, and the chemical fallout from the spray is disastrous for infant lungs.

True HEPA filters are mechanically dense enough to trap microscopic viral droplets (down to 0.1 microns). By physically pulling the air through the filter, you subtract the viral load from the room dynamically.

Section Summary

  • HEPA filters physically trap aerosolized viruses.
  • Aerosol disinfectants are asthma triggers, not air purifiers.

The Bottom Line

  • Ventilation is your deepest defense against respiratory viruses. Crack a window, turn your HVAC fan to "ON," and deploy a HEPA purifier in the playroom.

What We Recommend

Evidence-based alternatives that address the concerns above.

1

Coway Airmega 400

Moves a massive volume of air, making it ideal for clearing viral droplets from large open-concept living rooms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about seasonal: winter wellness answered by our research team.

QDo UV light sanitizers work?

Yes, but only if the air moves slowly enough across the bulb. Most consumer air purifiers with tiny UV bulbs are just marketing gimmicks.

R

Renee, R3 Founder

Environmental Toxins Analyst

Renee is the founder of R3 and a lead researcher in environmental toxins. She specializes in translating complex toxicology reports into actionable advice for families.

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