What is the best air purifier for chemical sensitivity in Canada? Are you keen on purifying the indoor air in your home or office? You have just landed on the right page, especially if you are looking for the best air purifiers for chemical sensitivity.
This guide gives you an in-depth and expert review of the air purifiers for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Our top picks can purify your indoor air by removing chemical elements, perfumes, smoke, and even volatile organic compounds (VOC).
By choosing any product from this review, you are assured of getting not just an air purifier but a proven 5-star product that is currently among the market leaders.
Best Air Purifiers for Chemical Sensitivity Canada – Comparison Chart
Before we go further, below is a breakdown of the best options for you to choose from. At a glance, you can see what each has in its arsenal to fight off chemicals that cause undue stress to you or any other occupant of your home:
| Name | Filtration | Max coverage area | Fan speeds | Air Changes per Hour (ACH) | Weight | Dimensions (HxWxD inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. IQAir GC MultiGas (Editor's Choice) | HyperHEPA filter, activated carbon, ChemiSorber, post-filter | 1,240 sq. ft. | 6 | 5 | 44 lbs. | 28 x 15 x 16 |
| 2. Levoit LV-PUR131 | H13 True HEPA filter, activated carbon | 360 sq. ft. | 3 | n/s | 11.49 lbs. | 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 |
| 3. Airpura C600 DLX | HEPA filter, activated carbon, potassium iodide | 2,000 sq. ft. | n/s | 2 | 49 lbs. | 23 x 15 x 15 |
| 4. Bissell air320 Max | HEPA filter, activated carbon | 1,000 sq. ft. | 5 | 1 | 18.25 lbs. | 25 x 14.75 x 8.8 |
| 5. Hathaspace HSP002 | H13 True HEPA filter, polypropylene filter, activated carbon, cold catalyst filter | 1,500 sq. ft. | 4 | 1 | 26 lbs. | 27 x 16.5 x 9 |
| 6. Winix 5500-2 | True HEPA filter, activated carbon, PlasmaWave | 360 sq. ft. | 5 | 5 | 14.8 lbs. | 23.6 x 15 x 8.2 |
Why Do You Need Air Purifiers for Chemical Sensitivity?
You may be wondering whether you need an air purifier. You see, we take 20,000 breaths on average daily.
Chemical exposure in the air is not something that we can’t ignore. In essence, the indoor air at your home could be more polluted than outside air.
It could be the innocent air freshener in your home or the chemical release in the factories nearby, but pollutants always find their way into the air and inside our bodies.
Low-level chemical exposure is enough to make your body susceptible to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). So, what is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and how does air purification help? Let’s take a look…
Prevention of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity through Air Purification
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance, is a syndrome whereby your body experiences multiple symptoms caused by prolonged, low-level chemical exposure.
Some of the symptoms are headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Some patients also suffer from depression and anxiety.
All the low-level chemicals are eliminated when you clean the air with one of the best air purifiers for chemical sensitivity. What’s more, our top choice for best air purifiers for MCS also neutralizes and filters concentrated gaseous chemicals giving you fresh bouts of clean air.
Now, let’s dive in and discuss our six top picks of best air purifiers for chemical sensitivity in Canada today.
Reviews of the Best Air Purifiers for Chemical Sensitivity Canada 2024
If you’ve been shopping around for an air purifier, you know that there are dozens if not hundreds of options. But not all air purifiers can remove chemicals from the air. Most will get rid of common pollutants such as dust and pollen, but you need a special unit for chemicals.
After thorough research, we have narrowed it down to six options that will meet your expectations. These are the best air purifiers for chemical sensitivity in Canada 2024:
1. IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier – best air purifier for chemical sensitivity Canada
IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier is the best air purifier for chemical sensitivity in Canada. So, if you’re looking for a high-end air purifier with a high-quality air filtration system, this is the right option for you. The unit is a brand of IQ Air systems, a leader in air purification systems.
The air purifier boasts a 3-stage filtration system, featuring a HyperHEPA filter, MultiGas cartridges, and post silver sleeves. With an impressive 12 pounds of granular activated carbon and impregnated ammonia, the MultiGas cartridges wipe out smoke, volatile organic compounds, and absorb odours.
Besides that, IQAir’s cartridge-based chemisorption uses oxidation to remove harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde from the air.
Moreover, the IQ Air system comes with a classy handheld remote control that allows you to control the timers and fans from anywhere within the room. It also has sturdy inbuilt casters that make it easy to move around.
Therefore, you can place it in the living room during the day then move it to the bedroom at night. Most air purifiers do not offer this flexibility and convenience.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: activated carbon, HyperHEPA filter, ChemiSorber, post-filter sleeves
- Maximum coverage area: 1,240 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): 5 (every 12 minutes)
- CADR: 40-300 CFM
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Fan speeds: 6
- Power consumption: 27 to 215 Watts
- Noise range: 25 dBA to 59dBA
- 3-stage filtration system
- Air inlet: Dual arches at the base of the system
- Air outlet: 320 degrees at the top
- Filter life monitor
- Filter life: pre-filter: 1 year, gas cartridges 2 years 5 months, post-filter sleeves: 2 years 4 months
- Air quality monitoring
- Has a timer
- Remote control
- Main housing material: UV stabilized ABS
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 28 x 15 x 16 inches
Pros
- Excellent chemical absorption
- Removes almost all allergens from the air
- Easy to use
- It has high amounts of activated carbon
- It is sturdy
- No ozone emission
- Conserves energy
- The filters last long
- It’s easy to move because it has casters
- Has a long 10-year warranty
Cons
- It is bulky
- It’s pricey when compared to other options
Click here to see its current price.
2. Levoit LV-PUR131 Air Purifier
We have also picked Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier as one of the best air purifiers for MCS, especially if you have small to medium-sized rooms. This air purifier has an impressive Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and also cleans all the air in the room up to 5 times an hour.
Not only is it compact, stylish, and easy to use, it is one of the best Levoit air purifiers in Canada. The performance level can only be matched by a few air purifiers in its class.
It has a three-stage filtration system that captures up to 99.97% of particles (as small as 0.3 microns). Besides, it assures you a 360-degree elimination of allergens such as fine dust and pollen.
Most importantly, when it comes to chemicals, the activated carbon has a unique honeycomb design that absorbs and traps all chemicals, smoke, and odours leaving your home clean and fresh. A real-time air quality monitoring system also guarantees clean air throughout the day.
Moreover, the Levoit LV-PUR131 air purifier is ideal for night use, with Sleep Mode noise levels as low as 24dB. You can also switch off the display in case it affects you while sleeping.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: H13 True HEPA filter, activated carbon
- Maximum coverage area: 360 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): not specified
- CADR: 135 CFM
- Weight: 11.49 pounds
- 3 fan speeds
- Power consumption: 40W
- Voltage: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Filter life: 6 to 8 months
- Filter check indicator
- Noise range: 27 to 52dB
- 3-stage filtration system
- Air quality monitoring (AirSight technology)
- Timer: 2 to 8 hours
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 inches
Pros
- Efficiently removes chemicals from the air
- Super quiet especially on Sleep Mode
- Fast air purification
- It’s inexpensive
- Filters out pollen, dust and other allergens
- Easy to set up and use
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- A bit noisy at high fan speeds
- Not ideal for large rooms
Click here to see its current price.
3. Airpura C600 DLX
Another perfect choice for anyone looking for the best air purifier for chemical sensitivity is Airpura C600 DLX. With the combination of the extremely effective activated carbon and HEPA filter, you can rest assured of maximum air purification of your indoor air.
The air purifier is ideal for places with high chemical emissions, such as salons and labs, because of the high level of activated carbon. The activated carbon filter is made from eco-friendly coconut shells and guarantees you 0% ozone emissions.
So, you can be sure that chemicals floating around in your home are no match for this powerful machine. Chemicals from common home products and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are swiftly absorbed by the activated carbon.
Besides, it is incredibly efficient and also helps to remove all dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other allergens.
Potassium iodide is used to bolster its filtration efficiency, so if you are sensitive you need to look elsewhere.
Also, the Airpura C600 DLX air purifier is beautifully designed to blend in with your home décor. To top it all, Airpura C600 DLX conserves energy. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about burgeoning electricity bills.
Lastly, despite being heavy, it has casters that make relocation from one room to the other a breeze.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: HEPA filter, activated carbon
- Maximum coverage area: 2,000 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): 2 (every 30 minutes)
- CADR: 560 CFM
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Fan speed: variable
- Voltage: 115 or 220 volts
- Power consumption: 40 to 120 Watts
- Filter life: poly pre-filter 12 months, carbon 12 months, HEPA 12 months
- Noise range: 28.1 to 62.3 dB
- Housing materials: Powder coat steel
- 360-degree clean air distribution
- Powder coat steel housing
- Has casters
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 23 x 15 x 15 inches
Pros
- Durable build
- One of the best at removing chemicals, VOCs, and odours
- Has long-lasting filters
- Easy to move from one point to the next
- Sleek design
- Powerful enough to cover medium to very large rooms
- Has a 5-year warranty
Cons
- It’s bulky
- More expensive than most air purifiers on the market
- High energy consumption
Click here to see its current price.
4. Bissell Smart Air Purifier (air320 Max)
If you love combining efficiency with class, Bissell air320 Max Smart Air Purifier fits the bill perfectly. The smart Wi-Fi air purifier has a classy and sophisticated look that blends in your home with ease.
In addition, it has a three-stage purification system giving you maximum protection against chemicals and other pollutants.
The washable fabric cover is more than just an aesthetic feature. It also adds up as a pre-filter that protects the HEPA filter giving it a long life. The HEPA filter can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of over 99%.
The filtration process is then maximized by an activated carbon filter, which removes all the chemicals, odours, VOCs, and pet smells.
To top it all, the Bissell Smart Air purifier (air max 320) has an impressive clean air delivery rate of 206 CFM for dust, 241 CFM for pollen, and 198 CFM for smoke. Besides, it is ideal for large rooms measuring up to 1000 square feet.
Lastly, being a smart air purifier, expect extra convenience. It can connect to your home Wi-Fi thus enabling you to control it from anywhere using an app.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: HEPA filter, activated carbon
- Maximum coverage area: 1000 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): 1 (once every 60 minutes)
- CADR: pollen 241 CFM, dust 206 CFM, smoke 198 CFM (measured in a 308sq. ft. room)
- Weight: 18.25 pounds
- 5 fan speeds
- Power rating: 0.97 Amps
- Power cord length: 6 feet
- Filter change indicator
- Noise range: 37 to 59 dBA
- 3-stage filtration system
- Air inlet: front
- Air outlet: top
- Wi-Fi connectivity (app control)
- Air quality monitoring (CirQulate System)
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 25 x 14.75 x 8.8 inches
Pros
- Expertly removes chemicals, odours, and VOCs
- Good built quality
- Ozone-free
- It has a digital display
- CARB certified
- Eye-catching design
- Quiet at low fan speeds
- Helps to eliminate pet smells and dander
- You can operate it using the BISSELL Connect app
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Noisy at high fans speeds
Click here to see its current price.
5. Hathaspace HSP002 Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0
Another air purifier for chemical sensitivity is Hathaspace HSP002 which is superior to its predecessor Hathaspace HSP001.
This air cleaner has an impressive 5-stage purification system that guarantees the efficient elimination of chemicals and pollutants from your indoor air. A True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of particles such as dust, pet dander, mould spores, and pollen.
It also features a unique honeycomb filter that absorbs odours, gases, and smoke. Then, a cold catalyst filter takes care of more harmful substances – VOCs, and household chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and benzene among others.
If any stubborn chemicals escape the HEPA filtration and the honeycomb, they are trapped by the cold catalyst before the air is released to your home.
This beautifully designed air purifier takes air from the front and releases it at the top, which means you have many options when it comes to where to place it.
And you do not have to stress about ease of use. The LCD will show you all the information you need at a glance, such as temperature readings and timers. Also, you can switch to low fan speeds and turn off the display for better sleep at night.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: H13 True HEPA filter, polypropylene filter, activated carbon, cold catalyst filter
- Maximum coverage area: 1500 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): 1 (once every 60 minutes)
- CADR: 450 CFM
- Weight: 26 pounds
- 4 fan speeds
- Power consumption: 40 Watts
- Filter replacement reminder
- Noise range: 30 dBA to 60 dBA
- Air quality monitoring
- Real-time PM2.5 monitor
- 5-stage filtration system
- Smart Auto mode
- Sleep timer
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 27 x 16.5 x 9 inches
Pros
- Has smart features
- An amazing filtration system that removes chemicals like formaldehyde
- Its 5-stage filtration system eliminates other allergens such as dust and pollen
- Quality customer service
- Has a filter change indicator
- Easy to operate
- Powerful enough for large rooms
- 5-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- It’s a bit pricey
Click here to see its current price.
6. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is a top-notch air purifier that features a four-stage air purification process. So, it is perfect for anyone who wants to eradicate chemicals and other airborne pollutants from the indoors.
On the outermost part of the purifier, you’ll find a washable mesh filter that acts as the first defence against impurities, filtering all the large particles. Then, a washable activated carbon filter protects the HEPA filter, prolongs its life, and traps VOCs, smoke, gases, and odours.
The True HEPA filter is responsible for removing up to 99.99 percent of ultrafine particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, including pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and dust.
The final stage of the purification process is the Winix PlasmaWave air cleaning technology. It creates electrical currents that have an ionizing effect, thus eliminating microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
It is important to note that Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier emits low amounts of Ozone. The emissions are not at dangerous levels. Otherwise, it would not be CARB certified.
Features and specs summary
- Filtration: True HEPA filter, activated carbon, PlasmaWave
- Maximum coverage area: 360 sq. ft.
- Air Changes per Hour (ACH): 5 (every 12 minutes)
- CADR: pollen 246 CFM, dust 243 CFM, smoke 232 CFM
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
- 5 fan speeds
- Power consumption: 70 Watts
- Filter life: 12 months
- Filter change indicator
- Noise level: minimum 27 dB
- Air quality monitoring
- 4-stage filtration system
- Remote control
- Timer
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.6 x 15 x 8.2 inches
Pros
- Removes all chemicals and other pollutants from the air
- Very quiet at the lowest fan speed
- It monitors air quality in real-time
- Strongly built
- Easy to set up and use
- It’s affordable
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Noisy at high fan speeds
Click here to see its current price.
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Chemical Sensitivity – Buyer’s Guide
Before confidently clicking the ‘add to cart’ or ‘buy now’ button, confirm that the air purifier meets the basic requirements. Also, there is a very important feature that an air purifier must have to be able to eliminate chemicals. If the product checks all the boxes, you can go ahead and add them to your cart.
Filtration system
We recommend an air purifier that has a multi-stage purification system because each type of filter has a unique function and capability.
The must-have filter type for air purifiers that target chemicals is activated carbon. Activated carbon captures chemicals, smoke, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and other gaseous pollutants. Also, it absorbs odours such as the ones coming from the kitchen or household products like detergents.
While some manufacturers indicate the amount of carbon in their products, most do not. However, if you can access this information, choose one with a high amount of activated carbon/charcoal.
To remove other airborne pollutants and allergens such as dust, pet dander, and pollen, the air purifier must also have a HEPA or True HEPA filter. Such filters remove tiny particles and have over 99 percent efficiency.
Off-gassing
An air purifier may have the right filter, but if it emits chemicals back into the air, it can result in more harm than good. When a product is brand new, the plastic parts and glue that is used to put it together may produce a weird smell that can actually make your condition worsen.
The good news is that most manufacturers off-gas air purifiers before they hit the market. The best way to avoid this issue is to read through feedback from existing customers who are chemically sensitive. How is their experience with the air purifier?
If you see good feedback especially regarding off-gassing (or lack of it), it means that the particular unit is okay for people who suffer from MCS.
Recommended room size
When buying an air purifier, always consider how much space you want to clean and confirm that the manufacturer’s specifications meet your requirements. For enhanced performance, choose a brand with wider coverage than what fits perfectly.
Product efficiency
An air purifier’s efficiency is rated by the ACH (Air Changes per Hour) and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Air changes per hour represent how many times the air purifier can purify a specified room in one hour.
Clean Air Delivery Rate means how fast your air purifier cleans a particular room. Some air purifiers have different CADR ratings for dust, pollen, and smoke. So, if you have to choose between two or more options, pick the one with the highest CADR rating.
Noise level
You also need to check the noise level of the air purifier. Air purifiers produce varying noise depending on the fan speed. Noise level is measured by dB or dBA. If you need to use the air purifier at night, consider buying one that has a Sleep Mode.
Sleep mode engages the lowest fan speed so that the air purifier can continue working while you get the rest you deserve.
Ozone emissions
Nowadays, some air purifiers have ionizers that cleanse airborne bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, these ionizers may discharge some emissions that could affect your health. Always confirm the emission levels of an air purifier before buying it. In this respect, it is advisable to pick a brand that is CARB certified.
Other considerations
After confirming that the product meets the minimum parameters, it is important to check other factors that could affect your buying decision. These include:
- The price of the product
- How long do the filters last?
- Power consumption
- Size, weight, and portability
- Design
- Maintenance cost
Related: Best Air Purifiers in Canada
FAQs
Before we wrap up, below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the best air purifiers for chemical sensitivity:
- Is activated carbon safe for breathing?
Yes, it is. Activated carbon is the number one filter for gaseous chemical substances and possesses excellent filtration capabilities. However, activated carbon is harmless also has medicinal purposes.
- What is the best air purifier for people who have MCS?
After careful consideration of various models, we settled on IQAir GC MultiGas as the best air purifier for chemical sensitivity. It is powerful and has a high amount of activated carbon that absorbs chemicals, VOCs, smoke, gases, and odours.
- Will an air purifier cure my allergies?
An air purifier will not cure your allergies. However, they filter allergens such as pet dander and dust, making your indoor air pollutant-free. Therefore, you can use air purifiers to prevent allergic reactions to airborne particles by removing allergens from the air.
- Do air purifiers remove chemicals?
Yes, air purifiers remove chemicals. If your preferred air purifier has the right filtration system with activated carbon, you can rest assured that your indoor space will be free of chemicals, gases, odours, and other pollutants.
- Can I open my windows when running an air purifier?
The air cleaner will clean the air whether you keep the doors and windows open or shut. However, closing them maximizes the efficiency of air purifiers because extra pollutants will not flow into the house.
My Top Pick
IQAir GC MultiGas is the best air purifier for chemical sensitivity in 2024. The HyperHEPA and MultiGas packs work together to filter particles as small as 0.003 microns which are 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns. These include chemicals, VOCs, dust, and pet dander.
The air purifier comes in a classic but professional design, has a sturdy structure, and is easy to move around. So, it is ideal for indoor air purification. The other options in this article also work pretty well, and will not disappoint you.
In summary, these are the best air purifiers for multiple chemical sensitivity in Canada 2024:
- IQAir GC MultiGas Air Purifier
- Levoit LV-PUR131 Air Purifier
- Airpura C600 DLX
- Bissell Smart Air Purifier (air320 Max)
- Hathaspace HSP002 Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0
- Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
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