PECO has also shown promise as a means of air purification. For people with severe allergies, air purifiers are important to protect them from allergens within their own homes. However, some allergens are too small to be removed by normal purification methods. Air purifiers using PECO filters are able to remove particles as small as 0.1 nm.
These filters work as photons excite a photocatalyst, creating hydroxyl free radicals, which are extremely reactive and oxidize organic material and microorganisms that cause allergy symptoms, forming harmless products like carbon dioxide and water. Researchers testing this technology with patients suffering from allergies drew promising conclusions from their studies, observing significant reductions in total symptom scores (TSS) for both nasal (TNSS) and ocular (TOSS) allergies after just 4 weeks of using the PECO filter. This research demonstrates strong potential for impactful health improvements who suffer from severe allergies and asthma.