Buying an air purifier for immunosuppressed/chemotherapy patients

For decades, chemotherapy has been established as one of the most trusted ways to treat many different types of cancer. However, despite being a life-saving treatment for countless cancer sufferers, it does significantly reduce your immune system’s defences, making it harder to fight off disease. How, specifically, does chemotherapy impact the immune system? Why is poor air quality problematic for those who are immunosuppressed or undergoing chemotherapy? Can an Eoleaf air purifier help? Read on to learn more.

Understanding the risks for immunosuppressed patients

Understanding the state of immunocompromised/immunosuppressed patients

Simply put, when someone is immunocompromised, their immune defences are low. This means that these individuals are less capable of fighting off disease. In using the analogy of the immune system as an army, the immune system fights off both foreign and domestic invaders: foreign referring to viruses and bacteria, and domestic referring to cancer.

What causes a person to be immunocompromised? Some reasons may include:

• Chronic autoimmune disease like HIV/AIDS, lupus, and type I diabetes
• Having recently had an organ or bone marrow transplant
• Older age
• Smoking
• Medical treatments like corticosteroids, DMARDS, and chemotherapy¹

How chemotherapy impacts the immune system

It is estimated that the average human body experiences 10 quadrillion (!) cell divisions in a lifetime². Most of these cell divisions occur during childhood and adolescence, but cell divisions do continue to occur well into adulthood, mainly to repair damaged cells. Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably, creating a mass of cells, or tumour. Cancer cells divide at a much faster rate than regular cells, so the goal of chemotherapy drugs is to target and kill cells that are dividing. Chemotherapy may do this in multiple ways:

• Damage a cell’s nucleus (its control centre that gives a cell instructions to divide)
• Interrupt the process of cell division
• Damage a cell before it has a chance to divide
• Damage cells whilst they are just about to start dividing³

Some cancer patients may be prescribed a combination of different chemotherapy drugs that will target and damage cells at various stages of division. Unfortunately, chemotherapy is not without side effects. It also kills healthy cells in parts of the body that experience constant cell growth and division including the blood, hair, skin, nose, bone marrow, mouth, nails, and the lining of the digestive system. The damage to the bone marrow is typically what leads to immunosuppression by reducing marrow’s ability to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells (also called neutrophils) are impacted the most, and these are the cells that protect our bodies from infection. A reduced white blood cell count, or neutropenia, results in increased vulnerability to disease⁴.

Common infections include those caused by bacteria and viruses, but environmental dangers like air pollution (fine particle pollution, chemical pollution like VOCs, mould spores, and allergens) all pose an increased risk to immunosuppressed individuals. With indoor air being 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, extra care must be taken to protect the body from these risks.

Airborne threats to indoor environments

For cancer patients and survivors, the presence of indoor air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of premature mortality. For individuals who have received chemotherapy or radiation treatment and have reduced immune responses as a result, exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 specifically) contributes to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Studies are still trying to determine whether or not air pollution exposure increases general cancer mortality risk, but reduced survival rates have been observed for those with cancers that typically have relatively higher survival rates as a result of PM2.5 exposure. Increased PM2.5-mortality of certain cancers has been noted in the following cancers specifically: oral and oropharyngeal, breast, rectal, and skin⁵.

Another 2021 study notes that extrinsic, environmental factors contribute to anywhere from 70 to 90% of cancers. It further mentions that cancer patients are particularly susceptible to air pollution-related mortality, particularly if they have had treatment involving pulmonary and/or cardiotoxic therapies⁶. The following graphic shows some examples of how environmental factors may lead to cancer.

Source 6

Why indoor air quality is critical for recovery

Clean air is essential for not only the health of immunosuppressed individuals but for everyone. Studies have found a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and increased mortality from influenza and pneumonia amongst cancer patients, especially if they had undergone radiation or chemotherapy. Exposure to PM2.5 is problematic for cancer patients in both the short- and long-term: even short-term exposure to PM2.5 in cancer patients leads to an increase in healthcare visits for acute lower respiratory infection⁵.

Even in healthy individuals, exposure to particulate matter (PM) of any size and chemical pollution (VOCs) has a negative impact on health. Studies have linked air pollution exposure to a vast array of health conditions including respiratory disease (like COPD, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis), heart disease, mental health conditions (depression and anxiety), fatigue, and multiple types of cancer. Some studies in particular have found evidence that reducing air pollution would reduce the incidence of 12 different types of cancer.

Breathing unpolluted air is the best thing we can do to protect our health. Since we spend more than 90% of our time indoors on average, improving indoor air quality is one of the easiest ways to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our co-workers safe from the dangers of air pollution.

How air purifiers help protect immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients

Removing airborne pathogens

HEPA filters

A high-end air purifier, particularly those that are High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-certified, remove even the smallest of particles from your indoor air. Eoleaf devices are medical-grade HEPA H13-certified, meaning that they remove 99.97% of all particles down to a size of 0.01 microns. This includes airborne pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and other germs that may endanger the health of someone who is immunocompromised and highly vulnerable.

UVC sterilisation

A HEPA filter alone is not sufficient in reducing airborne pathogen spread. It is equally essential for an air purifier to contain UVC sterilisation technologies. Once those germs are pulled into an air purifier, where do they go? They do not simply disappear, indicating that the filter ultimately becomes a hotbed for germs and other pollutants that it has collected. When an air purifier is equipped with UVC sterilisation technologies, those germs are either destroyed or deactivated, making them harmless in the case of reexposure.

These measures of protection serve as excellent ways to protect vulnerable chemotherapy patients or other immunocompromised individuals from exposure to pathogens that may put their health at further risk.

Eliminating harmful chemicals and VOCs

It is also crucial to combat airborne chemical pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are found in nearly every indoor space. These chemicals are emitted by everyday products like cleaning agents, deodorising sprays and air fresheners, paints and other DIY products, new furniture and home furnishings, and more. Some VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene are even carcinogenic. When you purchase new furniture, it may release formaldehyde into your space for up to two years!

This is why, in addition to the technologies mentioned above, an air purifier should always be equipped with an activated carbon filter. HEPA filters are incapable of capturing VOCs, but an activated carbon filter is highly efficient at absorbing and removing them from your indoor air. Activated carbon also neutralises unpleasant odours found in your space!

A HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter work well in tandem to fight against these common air pollutants that may irritate sensitive individuals like those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation.

Managing allergens and irritants

For many, allergens like pollen, dust and dust mites, and mould spores pose problems for those with a compromised immune system. Allergy symptoms are triggered when the immune system mistakenly identifies a substance as dangerous, placing the body in fight mode. Studies have shown that allergies make individuals more susceptible to contracting certain viruses and bacteria, particularly sinus infections⁸. This may be problematic for those who are already immunocompromised, increasing the likelihood of developing life-threatening infections and further putting an immunosuppressed person’s health at risk.

Supporting mental well-being

Mental health is an important topic for those undergoing cancer treatment. Cancer diagnosis and treatment may cause cancer sufferers to feel anxiety, depression, frustration, and a host of other emotions that may impact their ability to heal efficiently. In fact, studies have found that improved mental health may support increased cancer survival⁹.

In recent years, there has been a focus on analysing the link between air pollution exposure and its effects on mental health. Research is still preliminary, but studies agree that exposure to air pollution - specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), and particulate matter (PM2.5) - increase the risk of developing anxiety and/or depression¹⁰.

For those recovering from cancer and chemotherapy, it is essential to invest in clean air to protect your mental health. Improved indoor air quality also improves sleep quality and duration, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.

Choosing the right air purifier for immunocompromised patients and immunosuppressed patients

Key features to look for

Not all air purifiers are created equal. As mentioned above, one of the most important factors to consider when seeking out an air purifier is the technologies with which the device is equipped. A device containing a HEPA-certified filter (certified is essential because “HEPA-type” filters are not third-party tested for efficacy), an activated carbon filter, and UVC technologies are crucial. More technologies are even better: Eoleaf devices offer 8 different  technologies, each of which target a different type of pollutant. This is an excellent way to protect those who are undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Additionally, for those who are recovering, seek out a device that makes minimal noise. A quiet device that will not disturb those who are resting is critical for those hoping to make a full and easy recovery.

Coverage area and placement

Air purifiers are all designed to cover spaces of a maximum size. When choosing a device, be sure to select one that is properly sized to your space. To provide an example, Eoleaf devices are sized as follows:

• AEROPRO 40: for spaces up to 40 m2 (450 sq ft)
• AEROPRO 100: for spaces up to 80 m2 (850 sq ft)
• AEROPRO 150: for spaces up to 120 m2 (1300 sq ft)

Additionally, there are certain practices that should be respected when placing your device within your space. For example, an air purifier should never be placed in an area where it will be obstructed: avoid placing it behind furniture or fixtures. It should be installed as close to the source of pollution as possible where there is good air flow and where it has proper clearance on the top and sides. High-use areas where people spend the most amount of time are ideal. Read more about our placement suggestions here.

Maintenance and filter replacement

An essential part of owning an air purifier is to perform regular maintenance. This means changing the filter at regular intervals to ensure that you are not operating the device with a saturated filter. Using a device with a filter that requires changing risks releasing the pollutants it has trapped over the past year back into your space, running the risk of recontamination. For those undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from it, this should be avoided.

Every model of air purifier has different filter change requirements. The general rule is that higher-quality filters require changing less often. The opposite is equally true: lower-quality filters require more frequent changes. Eoleaf devices contain high-end, multi-layer filters that only require changing once per year. Compared to many of our competitors, all of our technologies are contained within one filter block, so there is no need to worry about multiple filter change schedules and having to purchase two or more filter types. Setting up a maintenance schedule for an Eoleaf air purifier is easy: just switch it out every 12 months! Our devices even come with a filter change indicator which tells you when it’s time to change your filter.

Why choose Eoleaf air purifiers for immunocompromised patients and immunosuppressed patients?

Advanced technologies tailored for health needs

Eoleaf devices are medical-grade devices designed for use in medical practices, including in hospital patient rooms, where people are in vulnerable health. Our devices offer some of the most advanced air filtration technologies on the market: an 8-step filtration method that targets all types of air pollution including fine particles, chemical pollution (like VOCs), and biological pollution (germs and allergens). An Eoleaf air purifier is an indispensable device for those undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from other cancer treatments.

With their HEPA H13-certified filter layer, our devices remove 99.97% of all pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass. The activated carbon layers in our devices efficiently trap harmful gases like ozone, carbon monoxide, and VOCs like formaldehyde, as well as unpleasant odours that may be emitted in the house or workplace. Our UVC layer provides an essential layer of protection from germs to avoid recontamination, and our photocatalysis and ionisation layers are effective at neutralising additional fine particles and VOCs. Our devices have a proven performance, having been tested by third-party laboratories (Octopus Labs) for efficiency against germs and harmful fine particles that may impact your health.

Trusted by families around the world

Eoleaf has been entrusted by families and workplaces. With more than 14,000 customers throughout Europe, our devices have served as an important method of protecting people from the dangers of indoor air pollution (remember: indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air!). Furthermore, Eoleaf is expanding fast, and we are looking forward to helping new customers undergoing chemotherapy to breathe cleaner air during their recovery journey.

Refer to our Judge.me reviews for first-hand impressions of our devices and how they perform.

Peace of mind guaranteed

When you are recovering from cancer and cancer treatments, the last thing you want to deal with is sub-par customer support. Here at Eoleaf, we pride ourselves on having personal, knowledgeable, human (never AI!) customer service representatives that answer any questions you may have about our devices and how to better improve your indoor air quality. Feel at ease knowing that you are choosing an air purifier that will help you through your healing journey and that the team behind it has kept your health in mind at every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

Which air purifier features are most important for immunocompromised patients?

The most important aspect to consider when purchasing an air purifier for immunocompromised patients is the technologies it offers. An air purifier for those undergoing or recovering from treatments that decrease their immune function should always contain a medical-grade HEPA-certified filter, an activated carbon filter, and UVC sterilisation technologies to protect that individual from any potential pathogens or irritants.

Are air purifiers effective in protecting immunocompromised individuals?

Yes. Eoleaf’s medical-grade HEPA-certified air purifiers remove 99.97% of all air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass. This includes airborne pathogens, fine particles, and VOCs, each of which may contribute to a further reduction in immune function.

Are air purifiers safe to use around chemotherapy equipment?

Yes. Eoleaf air purifiers are completely safe to use around chemotherapy equipment. It is recommended, however, to avoid placing the air purifier directly next to another electronic device to avoid electronic interference.

Can air purifiers remove viruses and bacteria from the air?

Absolutely. An air purifier that is HEPA-certified is guaranteed to remove at least 99.97% of air pollutants, including viruses and bacteria, down to a size of 0.3 microns. Eoleaf devices are extremely efficient, removing 99.97% of all air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass. Do keep in mind that devices that are not HEPA-certified are not guaranteed or third-party tested for their removal of viruses or bacteria.

Resources

¹ What You Need to Know About Being Immunocompromised During COVID-19. Pennmedicine.org. (2022, February 21). https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/may/what-it-means-to-be-immunocompromised

² Boyle C, Lansdorp PM, Edelstein-Keshet L. Predicting the number of lifetime divisions for hematopoietic stem cells from telomere length measurements. iScience. 2023 Jun 8;26(7):107053. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107053. PMID: 37360685; PMCID: PMC10285640.

³ How chemotherapy works. Cancer Research UK. (2024, May 16). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/how-chemotherapy-works

⁴ Breastcancer.org. (2022, January 27). How chemotherapy affects the immune system. Breastcancer.org - Breast Cancer Information and Support. https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/immune-system/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy

⁵ Coleman NC, Ezzati M, Marshall JD, Robinson AL, Burnett RT, Pope CA 3rd. Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Mortality Risk Among US Cancer Patients and Survivors. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2021 Feb 21;5(1):pkab001. doi: 10.1093/jncics/pkab001. PMID: 33644681; PMCID: PMC7898081.

⁶ Ou JY, Kirchhoff AC, Hanson HA. Air Pollution across the Cancer Continuum: Extending Our Understanding of the Relationship between Environmental Exposures and Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2020 Oct;29(10):1876-1879. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-19-1588. PMID: 33004409; PMCID: PMC8170704.

⁷ Zhu, W, Al-Kindi, S, Rajagopalan, S. et al. Air Pollution in Cardio-Oncology and Unraveling the Environmental Nexus: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol CardioOnc. 2024 Jun, 6 (3) 347–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaccao.2024.04.003

⁸ Paulsen, E. (2024, March 2). Allergies and immune system function: Are they connected?. HCA Houston Healthcare. https://www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/allergies-and-immune-system-function-are-they-connected-

⁹ Mental health treatment linked to improved cancer survival. Mental Health Treatment Linked to Improved Cancer Survival - NCI. (2020, July 10). https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/lung-cancer-treating-mental-health-longer-survival

¹⁰ Carrington, D. (2021, August 27). Air pollution linked to more severe mental illness – study. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/27/air-pollution-linked-to-more-severe-mental-illness-study