Probiotic Air Purifiers
Interior Medicine is a big believer in Probiotic Design, and I can’t wait to see new ways to incorporate it into our homes in the future.
Some companies are marketing “probiotic air purifiers,” and while I want to jump on board in the name of making home’s microbiomes healthier, I am still skeptical and cautious for three reasons:
First: The most popular of these products has engaged in just 2 small case studies. One was done in a test tube (not a house), and the other involved a sample collection in a living room taken on day 1, with another sample taken one month later. We have no idea what else was going on in the living room during this month. In both situations, a reduction in dust mite allergens when exposed to the probiotic mist was seen. This is cool, but until a third party tester does more comprehensive, controlled tests, it's misleading to claim this probiotic mist would work to reduce all allergens in a typical home.
Second, there is exciting research being done on how bacteria in the outdoor environment can help with pollution, but that research is in its infancy. It's unlikely that a probiotic mist could capture or break down indoor Particulate Matter --an air quality irritant associated with eye irritation, asthma, cancer, and heart disease--to a meaningful degree in your home. Again, no third-party testing has been done on this. So, it's misleading and dangerous to claim that this product is purifying your air.
Last, the probiotic mists are proprietary, which for something you're spraying into your home, is a red flag. What bacteria does it contain, in what quantities, and what are the other ingredients? Reassuringly, the spray does have MADE SAFE certification, but for a $300 product, I'd certainly want to know more.
So if you do use one, you can enjoy increasing the number of healthy microbes in your home. But, opening a window or using a regular, third-party -certified and tested air purifier are the only meaningful ways to remove harmful air pollutants for now. And, opening windows or having indoor plants (and pets!) are much more cost-effective and safe ways to improve your home's microbiome.