Buying an air purifier for gyms and fitness centres

Based on the nature of the activities performed there, fitness centres typically offer environments that are damp and smelly with little, if any, ventilation. These indoor spaces are hotbeds for poor indoor air quality and disease spread if they are not managed carefully. What are the air quality problems faced inside a fitness centre? Can an air purifier for gyms and fitness centres help? Read on to learn more.

Indoor air quality in gyms

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in fitness centres is a subject that should be taken seriously in order to ensure the health and well-being of the users of the space. Performing vigorous physical activity makes individuals more susceptible to the dangers of indoor air pollution due to heavy breathing, typically by mouth (breathing from the nose does protect from larger air pollution particles – read more here). Heavy breathing causes individuals to inhale more air than they would under normal circumstances. Heavy human presence means that air pollutant levels are high.

The role of ventilation in gyms

Ventilation is essential in fitness centres, but it is certainly not common. Air quality in gyms is plagued by stale air and indoor air pollutants ranging from gaseous chemical pollution (volatile organic compounds or VOCs), fine particle pollution, and biological pollution (bacteria and viruses, allergens, etc.). Proper ventilation helps reduce exposure to dangerous particles and aerosols that may cause illness. A 2021 study performed during the COVID-19 pandemic found that air cleaning and ventilation, when used in tandem, reduce aerosol particle concentrations in gyms and fitness centres by 80 to 90%¹. The study performed by Octopus Labs on Eoleaf products yielded similar results.

Unfortunately, with many fitness centres being located in urbanised locations, allowing fresh air from outside may pose even more problems: outdoor air quality is often poor in these areas. Many gymsare obliged to look towards air purification solutions.

Common airborne contaminants in gyms

Indoor air in gyms and fitness centres contains airborne contaminants of all three types of air pollution (chemical pollution, fine particle pollution, and biological pollution). The following pollutants are commonly found in gyms:

• Dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, mould spores, and other allergic contaminants
• Particulate matter
• Elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Bacteria and viruses
• Airborne odours

Chemical pollution

Gym equipment releases chemical pollution like VOCs on a near consistent basis. Flooring, support mats and cushioning, anti-slip materials, personal care, and disinfectants and cleaning products are some of the sources of VOCs in a fitness centre. Some of the health-relevant VOCs detected in a gym environment include TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds), CH2O, NO2, SO2, O3, CO, and CO2^2,3. Furthermore, equipment in gyms emits formaldehyde and benzene, two carcinogenic VOCs commonly found in furniture. New furniture may release formaldehyde for up to two years!

A 2021 study found that cleaning products used in gyms release N-chloramines3. This is a substance often created through disinfection processes in water and on surfaces. Chloramines have been shown to have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in humans⁴.

Fine particle pollution

Gyms have high levels of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and ultrafine particles like PM0.1) present in their indoor air. A 2018 study conducted in Portugal found that fine particle levels in fitness centres far exceeded the limit set by Portuguese legislation. PM10 was measured between 5 and 1080 μg m-3, exceeding the limit of 50 μg m-3. PM2.5 levels were measured between 5 and 777 μg m-3, exceeding the limit of 25 μg m-3. The gyms analysed in the study had no ventilation systems in place.

The above-mentioned study also highlighted the dangers caused by inhalation of these fine particles, stating that ‘even short-term physical activity strongly influences the daily inhalation dose’ with women experiencing an intake 1.2 higher than men, on average⁵.

Biological pollution

As many of us know as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many bacteria and viruses are spread by aerosol droplets emitted into the air. These aerosols are released by humans when we talk, cough, laugh, sneeze, sing, and even eat or breathe, and they enter the body through the eyes and nose. Aerosol particles remain in the air for hours after they have been expelled and measure between 0.1 micrometres to 1 mm in size¹. On average, the following activities produce the following quantity of droplets:

• Sneezing (one sneeze): 10,000 droplets⁶
• Coughing: 100 to 1000 droplets
• Talking: 50 droplets per second⁷

Sweat, saliva, and other bodily fluids are commonly emitted by gym users. As a result, gyms and fitness centres are environments that experience heightened respiratory aerosol particle production and inhalation due to heavy breathing and intense workouts. This makes them prime environments for disease transmission and spread, even having been linked to superspreading events during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, elevated CO2 concentrations in gyms have also been associated with the spread of other diseases like the flu, common colds, and tuberculosis⁸.

Human presence also leads to heightened risk of exposure to allergens like pollen and pet hair and dander that are tracked in by fitness centre users. Poor maintenance of a gym may also lead to other allergen exposure like mould spores and dust and dust mites.

Health implications of poor air quality in gyms

Poor air quality in gyms has a varied list of health implications. Gym-goers and staff alike are at high risk of contracting respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, COPD, and pulmonary embolism. Allergic reactions to allergens present in the space may negatively impact sensitive individuals, causing decreased physical/workout performance and cognitive function. Exposure to air pollutants may also trigger and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma. Indoor air pollution exposure is also responsible for the exacerbation of skin conditions like eczema and similar health issues.

Benefits of using an air purifier for gyms

Promote a healthier exercise environment

Investing in powerful air purifiers for gyms helps reduce airborne contaminants, safeguarding the health of gym-goers and staff in all rooms of a gym. Air purifiers equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters remove dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and other fine and ultrafine particles from a gym setting. Reducing the concentration of harmful airborne particles during high-intensity activities helps ward off health issues.

An air purifier containing additional technologies, especially activated carbon filtration, helps remove airborne chemical pollution emitted by cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and equipment. Activated carbon filtration also combats odours found in a gym environment, even those caused by sweat released by other members during their workouts. Commercial air purifiers, like Eoleaf’s AEROPRO 150, are ideal for this type of indoor environment.

Enhance member satisfaction and retention

Improved indoor air in gyms as a result of air purification solutions encourages a positive workout atmosphere and experience. Clean, fresh air free of airborne pollutants and odours thanks to an air purifier helps protect gym-goers from the negative effects of polluted indoor air. A gym’s commitment to health encourages improved member well-being in a gym environment, leading to augmented client retention, satisfaction, loyalty, and safety.

Support respiratory health

The presence of asthma and allergy triggers may significantly impede a gym-goer’s experience in a fitness centre. Gym air is rife with irritants like dust, allergens, germs, and chemical vapours that may aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Powerful air purifiers help support respiratory health for gym-goers that are more vulnerable, all whilst protecting the entire gym clientele from airborne pathogen spread. Protection from airborne viruses and other pathogens in a gym environment reduces illness transmission for members and staff.

Boost workout performance

Poor indoor air quality hinders workout performance. Breathing in clean, purified air oxygen uptake and encourages efficient breathing. It also improves endurance and concentration and reduces fatigue and headaches. Thanks to an air purifier, inhaling air that is free of pollutants reduces symptoms caused by poor air quality experienced by all gym members.

Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier for gyms

Type of filter(s)

It is crucial to purchase a powerful air purifier for gyms that is equipped with a HEPA-certified filter. These are the only filters that are third-party tested for their efficiency in removing fine particles. HEPA-certified air purifiers are capable of removing 99.97% of air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass, including particles emitted by dust, pollen, mould spores, and pathogens (bacteria and viruses).

HEPA filters do have their limits: although they are considered to be the gold standard of air filtration, they are unable to remove gaseous chemical pollution like VOCs. This is why it is also highly recommended that the air purifier contain supplementary filtration technologies, particularly activated carbon filters. These filters remove odours and toxic gases like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cleaning agents and sweat.

Whilst many air purifiers on the market contain the two aforementioned technologies, Eoleaf takes it a step further. Our devices contain 8 different air purification technologies, ensuring the most thorough purification of your indoor air available on the air purification market.

Gym size compatibility

Air purifier effectiveness will be determined by the size of your gym space (coverage area). Commercial air purifiers are ideal for gyms, and larger spaces will require multiple units in order to achieve optimal air purification. Eoleaf’s devices are available in three different models, catering to gym spaces of all sizes:

• AEROPRO 40: 0 to 40 m2 (450 ft²)
• AEROPRO 100: 0 to 80 m2 (850 ft²)
• AEROPRO 150: 0 to 120 m2 (1300 ft²)

It is essential that your air purifier be properly sized to your space!

Noise level

Members come to gyms to focus on their fitness. Air purifiers with low operational noise are important in supporting gym-goer motivation and avoiding distraction. An air purifier for gyms should never disturb gym members or staff.

Durability and ease of maintenance

Air purifiers for gyms typically experience heavy usage due to the high levels of air pollutants present in the space. Durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance are, thus, paramount. Investing in an air purifier that is built to last will provide continual performance, keeping the air in the rooms of your gym clean for years to come.

Gyms are busy, so replacing filters should be an easy task. Eoleaf devices contain high-quality filters and only require filter replacements once per year. All of Eoleaf’s 8 air purification technologies are found within one filter block, so there is no need to replace multiple filters that may have different changing requirements. The process of replacing an Eoleaf filter takes only minutes and can be performed by anyone.

Energy efficiency and smart features

Air purifiers for gyms should offer low operational costs and energy efficiency. More modern devices contain energy-saving modes (like Automatic mode in Eoleaf devices which keeps the device running on its lowest fan speed and automatically increases its fan speed when new pollutants are detected). Smart features are also useful in rooms of a gym. Some smart features may include programmable timers, automatic air quality sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity, capability with smartphone apps that allows you to adjust settings right from your phone, gesture control, and voice commands. These features add a level of convenience and control that gym owners appreciate greatly, allowing them to monitor settings remotely in order to guarantee optimal air quality. Eoleaf’s devices come equipped with all of these smart features, providing a seamless user experience.

Eoleaf air purifiers: the perfect addition to your gym

Here at Eoleaf, we offer the most advanced air purification technologies on the air purification market. Our medical-grade technologies certify that your gym users will breathe the healthiest indoor air, all whilst improving their fitness. Reach out to our team of air purification experts anytime for help in choosing the right device for you.

Frequently asked questions

What size air purifier do I need for my gym?

This answer depends upon the size of your gym. Air purifiers are designed to filter the air of spaces of a maximum size. Keep in mind that if your gym is very large, you will likely require multiple devices. Eoleaf devices are sized as follows:

• AEROPRO 40: 0 to 40 m2 (450 ft²)
• AEROPRO 100: 0 to 80 m2 (850 ft²)
• AEROPRO 150: 0 to 120 m2 (1300 ft²)

How many air purifiers are necessary for a large gym space?

If your gym space is larger than 120 m2 (1300 ft²), you will likely need multiple devices. Please reach out to our team for guidance with proper sizing.

Do air purifiers help reduce odours in gyms?

Air purifiers that are equipped with activated carbon filters help reduce airborne odours as well as gaseous chemical pollution like VOCs.

How often should the filters in a gym's air purifier be replaced?

Eoleaf devices are equipped with high-quality filters and only require filter changes once per year. However, other air purifiers may require filter changes more often: some Dyson air purifiers require filter changes every three or four months. A general rule of thumb is that the more an air purifier is used, the more often a filter needs to be changed.

Can air purifiers in gyms help reduce the spread of airborne diseases?

Absolutely. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA-certified filters remove 99.97% of all air pollution down to a size of 0.01 microns, including germs like bacteria and viruses, in a single pass.

What are the energy costs associated with running an air purifier in a gym?

Energy costs will vary significantly depending upon how often your device is used and at what fan speed. It is very important to purchase a device that is energy efficient. Read more about budgeting for an air purifier here.

Can air purifiers handle the dust and particulates from gym equipment and flooring?

Powerful air purifiers have no trouble removing dust and particulates from gym equipment and flooring. Eoleaf devices are extremely powerful, boasting impressive CADR ratings compared to other devices on the market.

What features should I look for in an air purifier for a 24/7 gym?

Air purifiers that are durable and are designed with high-quality filters and components are ideal for a 24/7 gym. One way to determine this is by looking at your device’s warranty. The longer the warranty, the more the company trusts the product’s quality. Eoleaf devices are covered under its warranty for three years!

How loud are air purifiers, and will they disturb gym members?

Air purifiers should never be loud enough that they disturb gym members. Eoleaf devices never exceed 60 dB, even when running at their fastest fan speed.

Resources

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² Peixoto C, Pereira MDC, Morais S, Slezakova K. Assessment of indoor air quality in health clubs: insights into (ultra)fine and coarse particles and gaseous pollutants. Front Public Health. 2023 Nov 28;11:1310215. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1310215. PMID: 38089025; PMCID: PMC10715262.

³ Finewax Z, Pagonis D, Claflin MS, Handschy AV, Brown WL, Jenks O, Nault BA, Day DA, Lerner BM, Jimenez JL, Ziemann PJ, de Gouw JA. Quantification and source characterization of volatile organic compounds from exercising and application of chlorine-based cleaning products in a university athletic center. Indoor Air. 2021 Sep;31(5):1323-1339. doi: 10.1111/ina.12781. Epub 2020 Dec 18. PMID: 33337567.

⁴ How, Z. T., Kristiana, I., Busetti, F., Linge, K. L., & Joll, C. A. (2017). Organic chloramines in chlorine-based disinfected water systems: A critical review. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 58, 2–18. doi:10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.025

⁵ Slezakova K, Peixoto C, Oliveira M, Delerue-Matos C, Pereira MDC, Morais S. Indoor particulate pollution in fitness centres with emphasis on ultrafine particles. Environ Pollut. 2018 Feb;233:180-193. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.050. Epub 2017 Oct 23. PMID: 29073525.

⁶ Han ZY, Weng WG, Huang QY. Characterizations of particle size distribution of the droplets exhaled by sneeze. J R Soc Interface. 2013 Sep 11;10(88):20130560. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2013.0560. PMID: 24026469; PMCID: PMC3785820.

⁷ Asadi S, Wexler AS, Cappa CD, Barreda S, Bouvier NM, Ristenpart WD. Aerosol emission and superemission during human speech increase with voice loudness. Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 20;9(1):2348. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-38808-z. PMID: 30787335; PMCID: PMC6382806.

⁸ Andrade A, Dominski FH, Pereira ML, de Liz CM, Buonanno G. Infection risk in gyms during physical exercise. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018 Jul;25(20):19675-19686. doi: 10.1007/s11356-018-1822-8. Epub 2018 May 7. PMID: 29736645.